FAQ

Sometimes a factory built fireplace is easy identify because of louvers. Sometimes they are designed with no louvers. Facing material can run the full gamut, making what you see in the living space similar to other fireplaces. The exterior is sometimes coated with stucco, but most often they have siding on them. The easiest way to determine if yours is factory built is to look in the firebox. If it is made of panels with a brick pattern it is factory built.

Not to be confused with gas log accessories that happen to be placed within a masonry or factory built fireplace, gas fireplaces are discreet appliances that are either built into the wall or inserted into a fireplace. They often do not have a chimney in the traditional sense. Most modern ones have a semi-permanent glass front.

Gas, Pellet, and Wood Burning.
These appliances may be inserted into masonry or factory built fireplace. They may be free standing units. Sometimes they have their own chimney or vent; sometimes they use a flue within the chimney.

A fireplace and chimney might seem simple on the outside, but it’s not just a big pipe for smoke. There are many parts starting from the ash pit door to the crown. Not all parts last forever and some need service more than others. Get to know the different parts to better understand how it works. We want to educate you to ask informed questions about your fire appliances and the service they need.

Not all chimneys are the same. Some are built right into the buildings structure and some are built in a factory and installed post construction. While similar there are some differences including material and safety.

Chimney caps protect your chimney from external elements such as weather, leaves, and animals. Rain, snow, and ice can enter into the flue if you do not have a cap installed. This can lead to other hazards including water leaking into your ceilings, walls, and basements.  

A chase cover fits over the top of the chimney. This helps direct water off of the top of the chimney rather than gathering on it. This protects the life of the chimney as well as from external elements.

Some chase covers, as shown, come with a cap built into their design to fit onto the chimney case in one unit.

A chase cover fits over the top of the chimney. This helps direct water off of the top of the chimney rather than gathering on it. This protects the life of the chimney as well as from external elements.

The Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) and the NFPA recommend that all chimneys, fireplaces, and vents be inspected at least once a year. Cleaning should be performed whenever measurable soot or creosote buildup is present to prevent chimney fires and ensure the structural integrity of the flue.

A Level 1 inspection is a visual check of the readily accessible parts of the chimney and fireplace during routine maintenance. A Level 2 inspection is more detailed, required during real estate transfers or after a chimney fire, and includes a video scan of the internal flue liner.

Bad odors are usually caused by creosote deposits—a natural byproduct of wood burning—reacting with high Florida humidity. As air is drawn down the chimney (downdraft), it carries the “campfire” or “asphalt” smell into your home. A professional cleaning and a top-sealing damper can eliminate these odors.

No. Cracks in the firebox (the area where the fire burns) or the flue liner are serious safety hazards. They allow extreme heat to reach combustible house framing and can leak carbon monoxide into your living space. You should have a certified technician inspect and repair masonry before further use.

Creosote is a highly flammable, dark, crusty, or tar-like substance that builds up inside your chimney flue from burning wood. If left uncleaned, creosote can ignite, causing a chimney fire that can reach temperatures over 2,000°F, potentially destroying the chimney and spreading to the rest of the home.

Yes. While gas fireplaces don’t produce creosote, they require annual inspections to check for gas leaks, ensure proper venting, clean the glass and burners, and verify that the pilot light and thermocouple are functioning correctly. This prevents carbon monoxide buildup and ensures the system remains reliable.

Smoking is often caused by a “downdraft” or poor “draft.” This can result from a closed damper, a chimney blockage (like a bird’s nest), or the house being too tightly sealed (negative pressure). A professional assessment can determine if you need a chimney cap, a cleaning, or a structural adjustment.

Yes. A chimney cap is a critical safety component that prevents rain, debris, and animals (like birds or squirrels) from entering your flue. It also acts as a spark arrestor, preventing hot embers from landing on your roof and potentially starting a fire.

To prepare for a “Zero Mess” service, stop using your fireplace 24 hours before the appointment so it is cool. Move any fragile items or furniture about 3 to 5 feet away from the hearth to give the technicians a clear workspace for their HEPA-filtered equipment and tarps.

The “Zero Mess” guarantee means the service will not leave any soot or dust in your home. Technicians use heavy-duty tarps, specialized “soot-sweeper” vacuums with triple HEPA filtration, and internal dust-containment methods to ensure your living room stays cleaner than it was before the service began.