by Caleb Martinez | Apr 30, 2019 | Custom Masonry Projects
Leonard & Sons is well known for being Chicago’s top chimney and ventilation specialist. However, did you know that we didn’t start out in the chimney business? In fact, we started out as a tuckpointing company. Nowadays, most of our business deals with chimney...
by Caleb Martinez | Apr 15, 2019 | HeatShield
Your chimney was constructed to be able to withstand extreme heat, smoke, and other byproducts that are produced from your fireplace. However, overtime, exposure to corrosive gases and creosote will eventually take its toll on your chimney flue. If your chimney is...
by Caleb Martinez | Mar 31, 2019 | Rain Pan
If you’ve ever had a leaky chimney, you know what a disastrous effect moisture can have on your home. Moisture in your chimney system can cause a variety of problems including damper corrosion, disintegration of flue tile, and water intrusion into your masonry....
by Caleb Martinez | Mar 17, 2019 | Masonry Damage
When you think of Leonard & Sons you probably associate us with being Chicagoland’s top chimney expert. But did you know that we didn’t start out as a chimney company? We started out as a tuckpointing business back in 1966. Throughout the years we’ve added...
by Caleb Martinez | Feb 27, 2019 | Chimney Inspections
Annual inspections are critical to the health of your chimney. Chimney inspections catch issues related to your chimney health that need to be addressed before they become a larger issue. In fact, some issues caught during a chimney inspection could save you from an...
by Caleb Martinez | Feb 15, 2019 | Chimney Sweep
Did you know that there are three stages of creosote buildup? First is the level 1 creosote buildup, this is when creosote dust starts to form. Then, there is level 2 creosote buildup, this occurs when creosote starts to turn into shiny black flakes. Level 3 creosote,...
by Caleb Martinez | Jan 31, 2019 | Chimney Maintenance
Have you ever noticed water stains on the walls adjacent to your chimney? These types of stains can be unsightly and even create mold or mildew issues. You may be wondering, how do these stains on your wall appear? Well, the most likely scenario is that you might be...
by Caleb Martinez | Jan 15, 2019 | Dryer Vent Cleaning
The new year is upon us, so now is the time to resolve to keep up on you home appliance inspections and maintenance. Appliances make our lives so much easier. However, convenience can sometimes come with a little risk as well. When you use your clothes dryer, you are...
by Caleb Martinez | Dec 28, 2018 | Chimney Maintenance, Creosote
With fuel and gas prices on the rise, it’s no wonder that the use of alternative heating fuel sources are also on the rise. Wood burning appliances (e.g. wood burning stoves and prefabricated fireplaces) are more efficient and easy to use than ever. Plus, the home...
by Caleb Martinez | Dec 14, 2018 | Chimney Crown
Moisture causes a lot of chimney issues including cracked bricks, crumbling mortar, masonry stains, and unpleasant smells, just to name a few. Fortunately, when your chimney was first constructed, there were mechanisms put in place to help prevent water from intruding...
