Burlington Fireplace & Solar Blog

A fire-burning campout experience in the backyard is a great way to enjoy being under the stars. Safe backyard recreational fires are possible when you have a firepit. Even with quality recreational fire appliances, however, a fun outdoor wood fire can quickly become a mild-to-dreadful disaster. To ensure safety, there are precautions to take, especially […]

As solar energy continues its expansion through America and the rest of the world, new innovations that enhance the solar experience continue rolling out. This year will see several cutting-edge advances in the areas of solar panel aesthetics and product improvements. Frameless panels The frames in which solar panels sit are considered by many homeowners […]

Unattractive discoloration on your chimney isn’t just an eyesore. It may be the symptom of a serious chimney issue. If it is, you will need to address the underlying problem to restore your chimney. Ignoring the root cause could lead to expensive repairs or dangerous risks. Different issues cause different types of discoloration. We have […]

You know it’s time for fireplace spring cleaning in Wisconsin when you see tulips pushing up through un-melted snow or a robin back from winter migration. It feels great to be outdoors in milder temperatures, but chores need doing in the home. A great place to start with spring cleaning is with the wood-burning fireplace, since it’s the dirtiest chore of them all. […]

If you’re planning to install solar panels this year and tap into the full 30% of the federal Solar Investment Tax Credit  (ITC), the springtime is the perfect time to do it. Here’s why. Winter isn’t ideal for solar panel installation Anyone who’s spent a winter in southeast Wisconsin knows how difficult it is to […]

Warm weather is on the horizon. The approach of spring means that the burning season for your fireplace is coming to an end for the year. Your fireplace can continue to be the heart of your home even when there is not a fire crackling in the hearth. Creating a beautiful mantel display is a wonderful way to take advantage of this natural focal […]

You may enjoy cozy fireside warmth all winter, but have you ever thought about how cold outdoor conditions affect your chimney? Even as heated combustion gases from blazing fires are exiting the home through the chimney, the exterior of the chimney masonry could be damaged by icy temperatures. Chimneys are exposed to the harshest outdoor elements, and porous masonry materials are vulnerable to moisture. If water […]

It’s a misconception that because gas is a clean-burning fuel that the chimneys connected to a gas-burning insert or fireplace need little if any routine maintenance.  The fact is, all chimneys need annual inspection and some degree of cleaning. If you have a gas insert or fireplace The biggest concern with chimneys that serve gas-driven appliances is structural damage. Even the sturdiest chimney can begin showing signs of wear as […]

The words “chimney” and “flue” are often used interchangeably but there is an important distinction between them. If you have a fireplace and a furnace, you should schedule an annual chimney sweeping and flue cleaning. How is a chimney different from a flue? A flue is an exhaust pipe or channel that smoke or gas […]

A fireplace in your home is an asset that can be capitalized on in many appealing ways. If your fireplace hasn’t provided the level of enjoyment you had hoped for, it’s possible to turn things around. Whether you have had difficulty getting hearty fires going, lack essential accessories, or need some inspiration, the following tips can help. 1- Schedule Chimney Cleaning If […]