"I have been using Ashes Away for 12 years to clean my 60 yr. old, iron Earth Stove and 12 ft. tall roof chimney. They do a great job. They are always on time (a rariety in Durango), clean and vacuum the inside, and inspect the stove for unseen damage. I couldn't be more pleased. That is why I always have them clean the chimney each year after year. 10-07-26 by Elizabeth Johns, Durango"
Leuthold Sandblasting provides mobile sand and other media blasting from Durango on the Western Slope and from Longmont in the Denver and Boulder area. We work in industrial, commercial and residential settings. Leuthold Sandblasting began in Boulder in 1975 and has been in the sandblasting business ever since. Over the years we've moved from cleaning buildings, inside and out, to everything from bicycles to hotels. We've blasted stone, wood, concrete, and metal. Leuthold Sandblasting works in mainly in Colorado, but does occasional jobs in Utah, Arizona, New Mexico, and Wyoming. Leuthold Sandblasting text and graphic signs on natural and milled stone, as well as blasting on softer media, wood, beadboard and glass as Written in Stone. Leuthold Sandblasting and Written in Stone have completed projects of heroic size: from playgrounds, parks to massive monolithic signage. Please examine our photo gallery. We welcome inquiries.
The Brick Doctor is here to make house calls for all of your concrete, brick and stone needs. We take pride in the quality of our work and offer excellent customer service with superior work ethics.
At Virgil Morgan we pride our company on reliability, great communication, integrity, and quality work. We are experts in our trade and will do our best to keep you as educated as we can on your particular task or project. We look forward to earning your business!
You should never block both the top and bottom of your chimney. Proper airflow is essential because the temperature inside the chimney will still fluctuate as your house warms and cools. Moisture can build up without ventilation, leading to dampness in your walls over time. Blocking the top prevents debris and animals from entering, but the chimney still needs air circulation to avoid condensation issues. Allowing the chimney to breathe maintains the health of your home and prevents long-term damage.
Creosote logs can help to reduce new creosote build-up by about 60%, however they don’t replace regular cleaning. While creosote logs can help to prevent build-up of creosote in your chimney, they won’t remove build-up that’s already there. Creosote logs can be used as a preventative measure in conjunction with regular cleaning, but you will still need to clean your chimney about once per year.
A chimney requires both a cover and a cap, but these parts often get confused with one another. A chimney cover seals the top of the chimney around the flue pipe to prevent water from entering the chimney. A chimney cap is a piece that sits above the flue to prevent animals, debris, and water from entering the flue.
The best time to clean your chimney is before you need to use it, which for most people is during the spring, summer, or early fall. Spring and summer are often ideal because the chimney is not in use, and chimney sweeps can access the roof more easily without snow and ice. The warmer months are also better for making any necessary repairs. To avoid the rush when chimney sweeps get booked up in early spring and late fall, scheduling your cleaning for the summer can be a safe bet. It's recommended to book your annual chimney sweep during these warmer months to maintain a yearly schedule.
Shiplap can be safe for a gas fireplace, but you should consult with a fireplace installation pro before proceeding. You need to make sure your project meets building and safety codes since shiplap is made from flammable wood. You may need to install another non-combustible material, like stone or brick, around the fireplace for a certain amount of space before you can add shiplap.
The Cortez, CO homeowners’ guide to fireplace services
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
With a gas fireplace, it’s important to stay up-to-date on your inspections. Learn more about how much gas fireplace inspections cost before you book one.
Find out if you really need a chimney to install a fireplace in your home. This guide helps you understand your options, such as a ventless fireplace, when choosing the right fireplace for your home if you don't have a chimney.