Do Chimney Sweeps Bring Good Luck?

The question of whether or not an encounter with a chimney sweep brings good luck might seem like a whimsical, if not a little silly, tradition from a bygone era. To this day, however, cultures around the world attribute good luck and good fortune to the humble...

When Is the Best Time for Chimney Masonry Repairs?

Spring is in the air, and for many homeowners the longer daylight hours mean increased energy for home repairs that were set aside during the winter months. We get it! This is an excellent time to attend to many systems in your home – and that includes your...

Do Not Wait to Book Chimney Leak Repairs

With over 40 years of experience in the chimney business, Madewell Masonry & Chimney has seen our fair share of chimney leaks and the damage they can cause. Because of this, we always aim to emphasize the importance of noting the signs of chimney leaks, so that...

How to Start a Fire in a Cold Chimney

Cold days call for crackling fires. Nothing brings warmth to this time of year, when the winter days stretch on, like a welcoming blaze in the fireplace. Unfortunately, starting a fire in a cold chimney can be a difficult task. What Makes Starting a Fire in a Cold...

What Is Chimney Tuckpointing?

Masonry chimneys have reputations for standing the test of time, but as the years go by the mortar between the bricks can deteriorate and invite in water. Chimney tuckpointing is the process of repairing this mortar and providing a long-term solution to keep your...

Have You Experienced a Chimney Fire?

A chimney fire is not always a loud and fast-paced event. In fact, it’s typically a slow and gradual fire that moves slowly and quietly up your flue. In most cases, it can be hard to know that you’ve even experienced one! …which means, you could be using...