Where to start with chimneys? Probably here: A chimney is not just an elongated window, not just a portal from inside to outside with deep, brick sills. A chimney, in fact, is a machine for generating ...

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 ...

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 ...

Jeff Somers is a freelancer who has been writing about writing, books, personal finance, and home maintenance since 2012. When not writing, Jeff spends his free time fixing up his old house. He has ...

Lee Wallender is a home improvement writer of nearly 20 years and specializes in home remodeling, repair and maintenance. Sami Allen is the managing editor at Forbes Home, with over seven years of ...

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 ...