There are best practices when it comes to chimney caps or crowns. Unfortunately, most roofers, masons and chimney sweeps are either unaware of them or don’t use them. I estimate that fewer than 1 in ...

What sits quietly on top of a chimney yet carries a big job in keeping a home safe, dry, and comfortable? A small metal guard called a chimney cap works harder than it looks. When that little ...

Chimney caps are the workhorse of the rooftop: They help exhaust smoke and prevent downdrafts; they keep water at bay; they protect the chimney's brickwork and they ward off critters like birds, ...

Rosanne is an interior design and home improvement writer with 8 years of experience. During that time she has worked with numerous businesses and publications. Rosanne has been with Forbes Home for ...

If you burn wood routinely in your home, whether in a wood stove or a conventional fireplace, it’s critical to perform routine cleanings and maintenance in order to ensure a cozy and safe hearth. What ...

Rust on a chimney comes from its metal components, not from the bricks. Metal parts like the cap and flashing rust with moisture, staining the brick. To prevent chimney rust, clean the brick, maintain ...

Our house has an unusual chimney made with irregular stones. The existing cap is in poor shape and I’m worried about damage. Each contractor I talk with has a different solution and none of them are ...