Chimney Reviews | ChimneyInsight.com

Chimney Reviews, Fireplace Guides & Home Heating Tips

Find the best chimney products, troubleshoot fireplace issues, and keep your home safe, warm, and efficient.

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Best Chimney Products & Accessories

Top-rated reviews and buying guides for chimney maintenance, kitchen setups, and fireplace tools.

Kitchen Chimney

Best Chimney for Kitchen

Keep your kitchen smoke-free with these top-rated ventilation chimneys.

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Flashing Sealant

Best Chimney Flashing Sealant

Stop leaks instantly with the most durable waterproofing sealants.

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Brick Paint

Best Paint for Chimney Brick

Revitalize your chimney’s look with heat-resistant, breathable paints.

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Mortar

Best Mortar for Chimney Repair

The strongest mortar mixes for repointing and fixing cracks.

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Antenna Mount

Best Chimney Antenna Mount

Secure your antenna safely without damaging your masonry.

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Chimney Brush

Best Brush for Stainless Steel Liner

Avoid damage to your liner by using the correct sweeping tools.

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Rain Caps

Best Chimney Caps for Rain

Keep moisture and animals out with these top-rated caps.

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Ash Vacuum

Best Chimney Sweep Vacuum

Manage ash and soot cleanup easily with these specialized vacuums.

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Services

Best Chimney Services

What to look for when hiring a professional sweep or repair service.

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Starter

Best Chimney Starters

Get your charcoal or wood fire going quickly and safely.

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Maintenance, Repair & Waterproofing

DIY guides to fixing leaks, waterproofing brick, and preventing chimney fires.

Cleaning
Maintenance

How Often Should You Clean a Chimney?

Don’t guess—know exactly when to sweep based on your usage.

See Schedule
Cleaning Logs
Tips

What to Burn to Clean a Chimney?

Do creosote sweeping logs really work? We explain the details.

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Waterproofing
Repair

How to Waterproof a Chimney

Protect your masonry from water damage and freeze-thaw cycles.

Learn How
Leaks
Repair

How to Fix a Leaky Chimney

Diagnose the source of the leak and fix it before it causes rot.

Fix Leaks
Insulation
Efficiency

How to Insulate a Chimney

Improve draft and reduce creosote buildup by insulating your liner.

Read More
Fire Signs
Safety

Chimney Fire Signs

Loud popping? Dense smoke? Learn the warning signs immediately.

Check Signs
Put Out Fire
Safety

How to Put Out a Chimney Fire

Critical steps to take if you suspect a fire in your flue.

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Insurance
Finance

Does Insurance Cover Repair?

Understanding when homeowners insurance pays for chimney damage.

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Gas Fireplace
Installation

Does a Gas Fireplace Need a Chimney?

Venting requirements for different types of gas fireplaces.

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Fireplace & Stove Comparisons

Detailed “Versus” articles to help you choose the most efficient heating for your home.

VS

Electric Fireplace vs Wood Fireplace

Compare installation costs, heat output, and maintenance needs.

Compare
VS

Wood Stove vs Fireplace Heating

Which one actually heats a room better? The answer might surprise you.

Compare
VS

Wood Stove vs Pellet Stove

A look at fuel availability, automation, and burn efficiency.

Compare
VS

Fireplace vs Insert

Upgrade your drafty masonry fireplace with a high-efficiency insert.

Compare
VS

Direct Vent vs Ventless Gas Fireplace

Safety concerns and installation flexibility compared.

Compare
VS

Masonry Fireplace vs Prefabricated

Understanding the lifespan and costs of brick vs factory-built.

Compare
Venting

Gas Fireplace Venting Options

Top vent, rear vent, or coaxial? Choosing the right pipe system.

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Smoke

Fireplace Smoke Coming Into House

Troubleshoot why your fireplace is back-puffing smoke.

Fix Smoke
Draft

Fireplace Draft Problems

How to establish a strong updraft for a clean burn.

Fix Draft

Firewood, Storage & Burning Tips

Choosing the right wood and storing it correctly maximizes heat and minimizes smoke.

Firewood

Best Firewood for Fireplace

Oak, Hickory, or Maple? We rank the best burning woods.

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Warning

What Wood NOT to Burn

Avoid pine, treated lumber, and wet wood to prevent dangerous buildup.

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Seasoning

Seasoned vs Unseasoned Firewood

How to tell if your wood is dry enough to burn safely.

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Wood Types

Hardwood vs Softwood

Which type of wood provides the longest, hottest burn?

Compare
Storage

Firewood Storage Ideas

Creative racks and sheds to keep your fuel dry all winter.

See Ideas
Comfort

Winter Home Comfort Tips

Staying warm efficiently during the coldest months.

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Animals, FAQs & Chimney Questions

Humane solutions for wildlife and answers to common chimney questions.

Raccoon

How to Get a Raccoon Out

Humane ways to encourage raccoons to leave your chimney.

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Bird

Get a Bird Out of Your Chimney

Steps to take if a bird flies down your flue.

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Call

Bird Stuck: Who to Call?

Chimney sweep or animal control? Who handles this best?

Find Out
Time

How Long for a Stuck Bird?

Understanding the urgency when wildlife is trapped.

Read More
History

Why Call it a “Chimney” in 911?

A look into the terminology used by emergency services.

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Santa

How Does Santa Get In?

A fun look at the physics (or magic) of Santa and chimneys.

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