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You’re getting the kids ready for school. Don’t forget to get your chimney ready for winter. August is a busy month — school supplies, schedules, and a thousand other things competing for your attention. Chimney maintenance is the last thing on your list. But here’s the reality: every fall, we get a surge of frantic…

Most homeowners know the basics of a chimney. There’s the fireplace. There’s the brick. There’s the part Santa allegedly uses once a year. But sitting at the very top of your chimney is one of the most important protective components of the entire system: the chimney crown. It usually looks like a giant piece of…

There’s something charming about wildlife… when it’s outside. A squirrel leaping through the trees? Adorable. Birds chirping in the morning? Peaceful. Raccoons? Well… debatable. But the moment those furry little tenants decide your chimney is now their new condo, things can go downhill quickly. Animal intrusion is one of the most common chimney issues homeowners…

At Brickhaus Chimney, we believe that inviting a contractor into your home should never feel uncertain or uncomfortable. Too often, homeowners experience situations where work isn’t clearly explained or the job site isn’t properly cleaned. That’s not how we operate. Our mission is simple: provide a complete, transparent, and high-quality experience from start to finish.…

SPRING IS HERE! How to keep the water it brings OUT!    As a community we are transitioning into a very sporadic wet weather season, your chimney may become victim to the harsh rains and wind that come along. As a whole your masonry chimney acts as a large sponge sitting on the side of…

Winter Is Hard on Masonry, Spring Reveals the Damage!   Chicagoland winters are brutal on masonry chimneys. Freezing temperatures, snow, ice, and moisture all take a toll on your masonry chimney, especially systems that are not waterproofed. Once spring arrives, hidden damage starts to show. Cracks appear out of nowhere, bricks are no longer uniform,…

The Hidden Risk When Replacing a Gas Appliance   Upgrading a gas furnace, boiler, or water heater feels like a smart move. With better efficiency, lower energy bills, and improved comfort what is there to lose? But what many homeowners don’t realize is that changing a gas appliance can create serious chimney and venting hazards…

Thinking about upgrading your fireplace or converting from wood to gas? You’re not alone. Many homeowners are looking for the perfect balance between comfort, efficiency, and ambiance. At Brickhaus Chimney, we walk clients through this decision every week. Here’s a simple breakdown to help you choose the fireplace setup that fits your lifestyle. Wood-Burning Fireplaces…

When homeowners think about chimney dangers, they usually picture something obvious like smoke backing up, falling bricks, or a feisty raccoon squatting in the flue. But the real threat is quieter: creosote.   At Brickhaus Chimney, we consider creosote the “silent troublemaker” hiding inside thousands of chimneys across Chicagoland. Here’s what you should know to…

Your fireplace may look fine from the living room — but up on the roof, your chimney might be telling a different story. As temperatures drop, moisture, heat, and freeze-thaw cycles take a toll on brick, mortar, and flue liners. Ignoring those small issues now could mean big repair bills (and chilly nights) later.  …