Where to start with chimneys? Probably here: A chimney is not just an elongated window, not just a portal from inside to outside with deep, brick sills. A chimney, in fact, is a machine for generating ...

Q:I have a 50-year-old one-story freestanding brick chimney with one flue (see photo). A chimney sweep recently did an inspection and noted the part of the chimney extending above the roofline could ...

What sits quietly on top of a chimney yet carries a big job in keeping a home safe, dry, and comfortable? A small metal guard called a chimney cap works harder than it looks. When that little ...

There are best practices when it comes to chimney caps or crowns. Unfortunately, most roofers, masons and chimney sweeps are either unaware of them or don’t use them. I estimate that fewer than 1 in ...

Jeff Somers is a freelancer who has been writing about writing, books, personal finance, and home maintenance since 2012. When not writing, Jeff spends his free time fixing up his old house. He has ...