Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ'S
Have your chimney checked every year, as recommended by the National Fire Protection Agency, to make sure the chimney can do its job to properly vent hot, toxic gases and carbon monoxide from the heating system to the outdoors. Temperatures inside the chimney often exceed 2000 degrees.
Our inspections do require a level of experience and education. They also require us to use other equipment and are more time consuming. Therefore we do charge for inspections. A detailed inspection can determine damage, furnace venting issues, flashing problems, repointing needs, house pressure problems, etc. Our inspections are done by a Chimney Technician who is trained in codes and procedures. We will provide you with a better understanding of your chimney and help you make educated decisions on any future repairs.
Level 1 – This is the most basic and least comprehensive inspection. This is a visual inspection of the readily accessible parts of your chimney system. These areas include the fireplace, firebox, damper, flue opening, and exterior of the chimney that protrudes from your roof. During this inspection, no part of your chimney system needs to be removed. This is a common inspection when conducting seasonal cleaning that is repeated every year.
Level 2 – A level 2 inspection is similar to a level 1 inspection, only it is more thorough. It covers everything that is covered in a level 1 inspection, but examines the interior more closely. A level 2 inspection involves the use of a camera, which is run up the entirety of the inside of the chimney. Level 2 inspections are recommended before making any changes to your chimney system, when you have experienced a chimney issue, and before you buy a property with a chimney system.
Level 3 – A level 3 inspection is the most thorough of the chimney inspections. This covers everything that is involved in a level 1 and level 2 inspection, but also involves the removal of parts of the chimney system in order to access concealed areas of the chimney. This is usually the result of something found during a level 1 or level 2 inspection and is rare. Only around 1% of chimney inspections performed fall into this.
A chimney cap on top of your flue can save you money in the long run. They keep out moisture which can damage and erode masonry and steel chimneys. A long lasting chimney cap also keeps out debris and helps prevent birds, animals, and insects from nesting in your chimney.
Tuckpointing is grinding out old crumbling and cracked mortar joints (mortar in between brick) and then replacing it with new mortar.
Creosote is a highly flammable, tar-like deposit that sticks to the sides of your chimney flue. Creosote forms as combustion gases from your wood-burning fireplace travel up the flue and cool down. If creosote continues to build up without regular sweeps and inspections, it could ignite and cause a dangerous chimney fire.
No. We use a powerful vacuum that prevents soot and dust from entering the home, and we are careful to take precautions in order to prevent any mess.
When you burn you should always fully open your damper to allow the gases and smoke to leave the chimney as quickly as possible. After burning you should close your flue all the way to keep the warm air inside your home from escaping.
We can sometimes repair dampers that appear to be “stuck” or have been lifted off their brackets. Often, they have been warped from excessive heat or rusted from moisture and need to be replaced. Your best solution is to install a top mount damper. The damper is located at the top of the chimney and it is operated by a cable using a spring-loaded system.
We do ask that someone over the age of 18 be present as we do need to enter the home. Please do not light your woodstove, fireplace, gas fireplace, or heating stove 24 hours prior to a chimney technician coming to clean your flue. For a furnace flue, you do not need to do anything.
This depends a little on what level of inspection you want , but most visits take about 60 minutes.
