Causes of a chimney fire can be a traumatic event in the life of a homeowner or it can even occur without the knowledge of the homeowner.  Either way, it happens, a chimney fire can cause extensive, (and sometimes, deadly) damage to a chimney or a home. Each year, there are many fires causing structural damage or loss of life that originated in or around the chimney, which is why it’s important to understand what causes chimney fires. Helping homeowners use their wood stoves and fireplaces safely is the main reason Black Goose Chimney and Duct began serving the Twin Ports...Continue Reading

There is an area of your home that you may not think much about . . . but maybe it would be a good idea.  (No, I’m not talking about your chimney, although that’s another area to which little attention is paid.) Lint inside your dryer vent: Most folks clean out their lint filter occasionally and think that’s good enough.  Maybe not. Have you ever looked at the area beneath the dry vent filter?  With many models of dryers, you can lift the dryer filter screen out of the dryer and see how much lint and other debris has made...Continue Reading

A wonderful serenity has taken possession of my entire soul, like these sweet mornings of spring which I enjoy with my whole heart. I am alone, and feel the charm of existence in this spot, which was created for the bliss of souls like mine. I am so happy, my dear friend, so absorbed in the exquisite sense of mere tranquil existence, that I neglect my talents. I should be incapable of drawing a single stroke at the present moment; and yet I feel that I never was a greater artist than now. When, while the lovely valley teems with...Continue Reading

What causes Creosote and what is it? Simply put, when you burn wood and you have a smoky fire, black creosote can form inside your wood burning appliance and chimney system. Tar particles in the smoke condense on a cool surface and cause creosote. Why is Creosote a Concern? Why should creosote accumulation be of concern to you and is Creosote flammable? Creosote stinks and is corrosive. Creosote can block your chimney. That blockage can cause also smoke back-ups. Additionally, Creosote is flammable and can cause a chimney fire. The Chimney Safety Institute of America recommends that creosote thicker than % inch...Continue Reading

Dryer vents are a commonly overlooked fire hazard in the home. When they are not cleaned regularly the risk of a fire increases substantially. Lint can easily build up inside the vent blocking airflow, plus, the dryer will work less efficiently. Damage Caused By Unclean Dryer Vents This is such a problem that the National Fire Prevention Association reported that a clothes dryer is responsible for nearly 17,000 house fires in North America each year. That’s approximately 4.5 percent of all house fires. Furthermore, these home fires caused by clothes dryers are costing upwards of $236 million in damaged property. They are...Continue Reading