"Mind Your Chimney" Monday!

At the Ohio Chimney Co., we know firsthand how quickly a small chimney issue can turn into a major headache—especially with Ohio’s ever-changing weather. Whether you’re in Warren, Canton, Hermitage, or anywhere in between, keeping an eye on your chimney can save you from costly repairs and help keep your home safe. Here are the top 5 signs your chimney needs professional attention: 1. Cracked Masonry or Chimney Crown Ohio winters are tough on chimneys. Freeze-thaw cycles can cause bricks and mortar joints to crack, and a damaged crown lets water seep into your chimney system. Left unchecked, this can lead to serious structural damage—or even collapse. Ohio Chimney Co. Tip: If you spot cracks, call us right away. Our skilled masons can repair and waterproof your chimney before the damage spreads. 2. White Staining (Efflorescence) on Brick Notice a white, chalky substance on your chimney? That’s called efflorescence, and it’s a clear sign that water is penetrating the masonry. Moisture is the #1 enemy of chimneys—especially here in Ohio where damp conditions are common. What to do: Schedule an inspection. We’ll track down the moisture source and recommend a solution—like a new chimney cap or a fresh sealant treatment. 3. Rusty or Damaged Fireplace Components Rust on your damper, firebox, or other metal parts is a sign that water is getting into your chimney. This is often due to a missing or damaged cap, cracked crown, or leaking flashing. Why it matters: Rust can lead to stuck dampers and unsafe burning conditions. Ohio Chimney Co. can repair or replace affected parts and stop the leak at its source. 4. Foul Odors from the Fireplace If your fireplace smells like wet ash, mildew, or even a campfire, something's off. It could be creosote buildup, animal nesting, drafting issues, or trapped moisture—any of which can lead to bigger problems down the line. Get it checked: We offer thorough chimney sweeps that will leave your system clean, safe, and smelling fresh. 5. Smoke Entering Your Home A properly functioning chimney should direct smoke outside. If smoke is coming back into your living space, you might have a flue obstruction, poor draft, or a damaged liner. Don’t ignore this: Smoke and carbon monoxide backflow are serious health risks. Give us a call immediately, and our techs will diagnose the issue and restore proper ventilation. Chimney problems don’t fix themselves—and they can be especially risky when left unnoticed. At Ohio Chimney Co., we recommend an annual inspection and sweep to keep your home safe and your fireplace ready for every cozy night in. 👉 Need service or an inspection? Call or text Ohio Chimney Co. at (330) CHIMNEY or fill out our online form today. We proudly serve homeowners across Northeast Ohio and Western Pennsylvania, delivering trusted, certified chimney care—rain, snow, or shine.

There’s something timeless and cozy about a crackling fire on a chilly day. But building a fire isn’t just about tossing in some logs and lighting a match — a good fire starts with the right setup. Whether you’re using a fireplace or a wood stove, here’s a simple guide to get it right every time. 1. Start with Dry, Seasoned Wood Good firewood is key. Use hardwood like oak, maple, or hickory that’s been split and dried for at least 6–12 months. Avoid using green (fresh) wood or anything damp — it won’t burn well and creates more smoke and creosote buildup. 2. Clean the Firebox First Before each fire, make sure the firebox (where you build the fire) is clean. Remove old ashes, but leave about an inch of ash for insulation if you’ve had recent fires. Also, make sure the damper is fully open to allow airflow. 3. Use the Top-Down Method Instead of the traditional bottom-up stack, try building your fire top-down — it burns cleaner and requires less tending. Step 1: Place the large logs on the bottom. Step 2: Stack smaller logs or split pieces on top of the large logs. Step 3: Add kindling (small sticks or wood slivers) on top of that. Step 4: Place crumpled newspaper or a firestarter at the very top. Light the newspaper or firestarter. The fire will burn downward, igniting the kindling and then the logs below. 4. Keep the Airflow Going Once the fire is lit, make sure air can flow freely. Keep the glass door slightly open or use vents (if your stove has them) to control the burn rate. More air = hotter fire. Less air = slower, longer burn. 5. Stay Safe Never leave a fire unattended. Use a fire screen to catch sparks. Keep flammable items away. Install and regularly check smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. A properly built fire burns hotter, cleaner, and safer. With a little care and the right technique, you’ll enjoy a warm, relaxing fire that your chimney — and your home — will thank you for. 🔥 Stay warm and burn smart! At the end of the burning season, give Ohio Chimney Co. a call to get your chimney inspected and swept for next season - (330) CHIMNEY!

After a storm, it’s important to inspect your chimney for damage. High winds, rain, and debris can cause significant issues that may not be immediately visible. Here’s why you should schedule a chimney inspection: 1. Missing Chimney Cap Strong winds can blow off your chimney cap, leaving your chimney exposed to debris, animals, and water. This can lead to blockages or water damage. 2. Water Damage Heavy rain or snow can seep into cracks, causing rust, mold, or weakening the chimney’s structure. This moisture can erode masonry and lead to expensive repairs. 3. Cracked Chimney Crown Cracks in the chimney crown allow water to enter, causing further damage to the structure. Fixing these cracks early can save you from costly repairs later. 4. Missing or Loose Bricks Storms can loosen or knock off bricks, weakening the chimney and creating safety hazards. Missing bricks could also block proper venting, increasing the risk of a fire. 5. Hidden Safety Hazards Damage to the chimney liner or flue can be hard to spot but may cause carbon monoxide leaks or chimney fires. A professional inspection ensures your chimney is safe. Act Fast! Don’t wait—delaying an inspection can worsen any hidden damage. A quick inspection after a storm can keep your chimney safe and working properly. A chimney inspection after a storm ensures your chimney is secure and ready for use. Call us today at (330) CHIMNEY or (330) 244-6639 to schedule your inspection and keep your home safe!

Ohio Chimney Co. is a family owned, third generation business that has been around since 1981. Pictured above is all three generations to have owned and operated the business, bottom center is the man who started it all Dave Taylor, top left is second generation owner David Taylor, top right is current owner and third generation operater Corey Taylor Flowers. We are proud to be family owned for over 40 years and thankful for each and every customer who has supported us along the way! From the Ohio Chimney Co. family to yours, here is to 40 more years of keeping our valley residents safe! Feel free to check out our awesome customer Google reviews from over the years! Thank you all for the continuous support!

We promise we aren't the chimney police *but* the National Fire Protection Agency states that each flue "shall be inspected annually". If you have gone more than a year without an inspection of your chimney, you are officially overdue! Thankfully, you have us here at Ohio Chimney Co to help you out with that! All of our inspection technicians are certified chimney sweeps and are ready to inspect your chimney. Whether the chimney services a fireplace, multiple fireplaces, or a hot water tank/furnace, we are the company for you! We find all sorts of issues with chimney systems including blockages creating a venting issue (this means CO in your home!), major creosote buildup (which can cause a chimney fire!), water intrusion from the chimney into the home, even animals like birds, bats, squirrels, and raccoons! Be diligent with your inspection schedule and ensure that it becomes one of your routine home maintenance tasks.