Roof tips from intelligent people for home renovation and repair - hiring, working, managing - for women, children and pets

Sometimes when the fireplace is smoking, if a window is opened a few inches, the smoking stops. The open window is not an option in the dead of winter. If your fireplace is on an outside wall, add an outside combustion air intake unit. They are available in kits and would not only solve the problem, but also will save energy because the fireplace will not be drawing as much of your expensive heated air.

Because flames from a chimney fire are not usually visible within the house, the first sign may be a call from a neighbor. Other possible tip offs are a loud roaring noise or extreme heat from the fireplace area.

Use roofing membrane whenever two dissimilar surfaces meet. It gives tar the flexibility it needs to last more than one season.

When doing roof repairs in damp or wet weather, use 'wet stick' roofing tar that adheres to a wet surface.