Chimney & Fireplace FAQ
Straight answers to the questions homeowners in Queens and Long Island ask us most.
Common questions
How often should my chimney be swept?+
NFPA 211 recommends an inspection at least once a year, with cleaning when needed. CSIA guidance commonly points to about 1/8 inch of buildup as the time to clean. For regular wood burners, that's usually about once a year.
What happens during a chimney inspection?+
We check the masonry, crown, cap and flashing outside, and the firebox, damper, smoke chamber and visible flue inside. A Level 2 inspection adds a camera scan of the whole flue. Everything is photographed.
What are the inspection levels?+
NFPA 211 describes three: Level 1 (visual check of accessible parts), Level 2 (adds a camera scan and accessible attics/crawl spaces — for sales, fuel changes and after chimney fires or storms) and Level 3 (removing parts of the structure, only when a serious hidden problem is suspected).
What are the signs of a chimney leak?+
Stains on ceilings or walls near the chimney, water in the firebox, white efflorescence on brick, peeling paint on the chimney breast and a musty smell from the fireplace.
What's the difference between a chimney crown and a cap?+
The crown is the masonry slab sealing the top of the chimney. The cap is the metal cover over the flue openings that keeps out rain, debris and animals.
What types of chimney liners are there?+
Clay tile, cast-in-place and metal (usually stainless steel). We install stainless steel liners, sized to the appliance they serve.
What are the stages of creosote?+
First-stage is light, flaky soot that sweeps out easily. Second-stage is crunchy, tar-like flakes. Third-stage is a hard, shiny glaze that's highly flammable and needs specialized removal.
My home heats with oil — does the chimney need cleaning?+
Yes. Oil burners leave soot and scale in the flue every season. An annual heating flue cleaning, separate from your burner service, is a common recommendation.
Do I need a new liner if I switch from oil to gas?+
Often. Gas exhaust is cooler and more acidic and can damage old clay flues. NFPA 211 calls for a Level 2 inspection when you change fuel.
There's an animal in my chimney. What should I do?+
Don't light a fire — it can harm the animal and ignite the nest. Call us for humane removal, then a cap to keep them out.
Why does smoke come into the room?+
Common causes are a blockage, a closed or broken damper, a flue too small for the fireplace, a short chimney or negative pressure in the house. We diagnose before recommending a fix.
Is a cracked firebox dangerous?+
Gaps in the firebox can let heat reach the wood framing behind it. Have it checked before using the fireplace.
What is spalling?+
When water soaks into brick and freezes, the face of the brick flakes or pops off. It's a sign moisture is getting into the masonry.
What should I do after a chimney fire?+
Once the fire department has cleared the scene, don't use the fireplace until it has had a Level 2 inspection.
Should I waterproof my chimney?+
A breathable masonry water repellent can help after repairs. Avoid paint or non-breathable sealers, which trap moisture.
Do you install gas fireplaces or inserts?+
We install wood and pellet inserts and stoves. We don't do gas-line work.
What areas do you serve?+
We serve Queens & Long Island (Nassau and Suffolk).
Are you available for emergencies?+
Yes, 24/7. Call (934) 271-0372. If there's active fire, call 911 first.