Plain answers about chimneys and fireplaces.
Written for homeowners in New Bedford and the South Coast, with the sources listed at the bottom of each piece. Every article ends with a sensible next step, and sometimes that step is “keep an eye on it.”
6 articles
Three-Decker and Two-Family Chimneys in New Bedford: What Owners Should Know
Several flues in one stack, gas boilers in old coal flues, tall tops in the harbor wind: how to look after a multifamily chimney.
Salt Air, Wind and Coastal Chimneys: What the South Coast Does to Masonry and Metal
Wind off the water drives rain into masonry and salt into metal. What that means for caps, flashing, crowns and mortar near the coast.
Oil Heat and the Chimney: Why Oil Flues Need Regular Attention
Oil soot and moisture wear flues from the inside. What to watch for, and what changes when the oil boiler is replaced.
Chimneys on Old Capes and Federal Houses Around New Bedford
Center chimneys, end chimneys, lime mortar and no liners: how to look after the oldest chimneys on the South Coast.
Before You Light a Wood Stove This Winter: A Checklist
The flue, the wood, the clearances and the permit: what to check before the first stove fire of the season, or before installing a new one.
After a Coastal Storm: How to Check Your Chimney Safely
After a nor’easter or hurricane: what to look for from the ground, what not to do, and when a chimney needs inspecting before the next fire.
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