Journal
View from the Rooftop
Straight talk about fireplaces, chimneys and gas logs from a Cary, Illinois chimney sweep — a new entry most weeks.
Before & after
Smoke chamber restoration with Ahrens Chamber-Tech
Cracked, gapped masonry above the damper lets heat and gases escape and upsets the draft. We seal it with a smooth, airtight Ahrens Chamber-Tech coating so the fireplace drafts properly again.
Before
Before
After
After
November 2, 2026 · 3 min read
Featured in the Daily Herald - May 29, 1990
Christopher Aumiller brings over 36 years of hands-on chimney and fireplace experience to helping homeowners. A 1990 Daily Herald feature tells the story of his early days in the chimney trade—and the focus on service and safety that still matters today.
Read it →October 27, 2026 · 5 min read
Burn Drier, Burn Better! Use Dry Wood for a Cleaner Fire, More Heat, and Less Smoke
Seasoned, dry firewood burns hotter, makes less smoke and leaves less creosote in your chimney. Here's how to tell if your wood is dry enough, and the four steps to get it there.
Read it →October 18, 2026 · 3 min read
How much does chimney cleaning cost in Illinois?
Our standard single-flue open fireplace cleaning and inspection is $290. Here is what that means—and why not every chimney appointment has the same scope.
Read it →October 18, 2026 · 3 min read
How much does a chimney liner cost, and do I need one?
A liner is part of the venting system, not a cosmetic upgrade. The right material, size and repair plan depend on what the chimney serves.
Read it →October 18, 2026 · 3 min read
Do I need a chimney cap? What it keeps out
A cap is a small component with an important job: helping keep rain, animals and debris out without interfering with the venting system.
Read it →October 18, 2026 · 3 min read
What is tuckpointing, and when does a chimney need it?
Repairing worn mortar joints can protect sound brickwork, but it is not a cure for every cracked chimney or roof leak.
Read it →October 18, 2026 · 3 min read
What are the signs your fireplace damper needs replacing?
A damper that sticks or will not close deserves attention—but replacement is not the answer to every draft or smoke problem.
Read it →October 18, 2026 · 3 min read
How often should a wood stove chimney be cleaned?
Start with a yearly professional inspection, then adjust cleaning to the deposits, your burning habits and the stove manufacturer's instructions.
Read it →October 18, 2026 · 3 min read
Should I convert my wood fireplace to gas? Cost and options
Gas can make a fireplace more convenient, but the best choice depends on whether you mainly want a flame view, useful heat or to keep burning wood.
Read it →October 10, 2026 · 3 min read
How We Clean a Prefab Steel Fireplace Chimney, From the Bottom Up
A soft rotary brush, working from inside the fireplace up through the chimney, cleans a factory-built fireplace without scratching it or spreading dust. Here's how it works.
Read it →October 3, 2026 · 3 min read
How is my chimney cleaned?
Rotating soft-bristle brushes, working from the bottom up, and a look at the top — here's what happens when we sweep your chimney.
Read it →October 2, 2026 · 4 min read
Is my fireplace safe to use this winter? A pre-season checklist
Ten minutes of looking before the first fire tells you whether to light it or call a sweep first.
Read it →September 26, 2026 · 4 min read
What is creosote, and why does it cause chimney fires?
The black build-up inside every wood-burning chimney, how it forms, and how to keep it from catching fire.
Read it →September 19, 2026 · 3 min read
Why does my fireplace smell — especially in summer or when it rains?
That campfire smell in a warm, damp house is common. Here are the usual causes and how each one gets fixed.
Read it →September 1, 2026 · 4 min read
How often should a chimney be swept in Illinois?
Once a year, before burn season — and here is what that yearly visit actually catches in a northern Illinois home.
Read it →August 18, 2026 · 5 min read
What a smoke chamber repair actually fixes
The rough, stepped space above your damper is where most smoky fireplaces go wrong — and where most code failures hide.
Read it →August 4, 2026 · 4 min read
Gas logs vs. gas insert — which one fits your fireplace?
Both burn gas, both look like a fire. One is about the view, the other is about the heating bill.
Read it →