Burlington Fireplace & Solar Blog

Does your home have a brick, block, or stone chimney? If it does, you may not realize the maintenance it requires. Many homeowners neglect their chimneys because masonry seems so resilient. Unfortunately, masonry chimneys are vulnerable to serious damage from moisture, storms, and regular wear ‘n tear. There are three crucial chimney maintenance tasks that […]

Wisconsin is known for its extreme weather. Powerful storms often leave behind chimney damage. High winds, heavy rain, and sleet batter chimney components like the cap, crown, and flashing. It’s a good idea to look over your chimney for problems after bad weather passes through. If you aren’t proactive, common issues, like a missing chimney […]

Repairing a damaged chimney can be a huge expense if you don’t catch the problem early. Your chimney isn’t just a vent for your fireplace; it is a part of your home’s architecture. Structural or water damage to the chimney can impact the rest of your house. In addition, using your fireplace when the chimney […]

So you just got home from your friend’s fancy outdoor wedding where you spent the last two hours of the night cuddling up next to a cozy fire. You also spent the first of those two hours wondering how in the world they didn’t have any smoke blowing around before you realized – A-Ha! – […]

Our fireplaces get a lot of use here in Southeastern Wisconsin. An efficient prefabricated fireplace or fireplace insert can reduce your energy costs and keep you cozy during our long winters. A professional cleaning once a year is the most important maintenance you can schedule to reduce severe fireplace risks like carbon monoxide poisoning and […]

Outdoor gatherings are always better with a crackling fire to sit around sharing stories or making s’mores. However, open flames can be dangerous! So, if you are planning on installing or building a fire pit, keep these safety tips in mind. #1. Choose a level spot a safe distance from your home and landscaping. Set […]

The glowing ambiance of a fire is attractive anytime, even during the hottest months of the year. It is a pleasure to relax beside a crackling fire after a long summer day hiking or swimming. With an electric fireplace in summer, you don’t have to worry about overheating. Here in the Midwest–where it can seem […]

Chimney cleanings are a vital part of fireplace maintenance. Even if you don’t use your fireplace, a poorly maintained chimney can become a safety hazard. There are many common myths about chimney cleaning. Buying into some of these myths can put you at risk. Have you heard these? Myth 1 – Annual Chimney Cleanings and […]

When homebuyers are asked what they are looking for in their new home, a fireplace is often at the top of the list. More than 75 percent of homebuyers told the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) that they are looking for a house with a fireplace in the living room. A working fireplace can […]

It’s spring cleaning season! One thing you definitely shouldn’t overlook this year, or any year, is your chimney cleaning. Chimney experts like to joke that no one thinks about cleaning their chimney until they are holding a match on the first cold, autumn evening. It is an exaggeration that’s not far from the truth. There […]