Our Company Blog

Keep a Clean Chimney for Santa

Your fireplace may be the most popular aspect of your home this season. The adults can relax by the fire after the kids go to bed, use it as a backdrop for countless festivities and photographs, and even save on utility costs by lighting a fire for zone heating. The real moment for the fireplace to shine is Christmas morning, though. Stocking stuffers, gift exchanges, and family photos are just the beginning. The Jolly Elf himself makes his entrance by way of the fireplace! If you have a fireplace, you are one step ahead of everyone else, but it’s more important than ever to make the experience great for everyone (including Santa Clause), by keeping the chimney clean.Keep a Clean Chimney for Santa - Suffolk NY - Chief Chimney Services

Routine Maintenance

You might have your dream fireplace, but the best way for it to work like a dream is to keep it well-maintained. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) both recommend regular chimney sweeps and annual chimney inspections to keep your chimney system working safely and efficiently. Keeping up with this maintenance will make your chimney system work well year after year. The damaged, broken, and forgotten chimney is one that has been neglected. Make sure your fireplace is in tip-top shape for Christmas and all year-round by scheduling your chimney sweep now. Chief Chimney Services offers chimney sweeps and inspections year-round, to best serve our customers in Suffolk County area.

Why Clean Your Chimney

A clean chimney is a chimney that works well. When you schedule a chimney sweep with Chief Chimney Services, a certified technician will come into your home, and clean your chimney from top to bottom, removing all creosote, ash, and soot from the fireplace and flue.
While we’re there, we’ll also:

  • Check the flue for cracks or obstructions that can affect airflow and cause a drop in efficiency
  • Check the cap and crown for damage that can cause water damage and allow animals into the flue
  • Check that the damper is functioning properly so that drafts don’t affect your chimney, waste your central heat, or cause smoke to push into your house
  • Check the masonry for water damage, cracks, or gaps that can cause a drop in efficiency, raise the risk of fire, and put your family at risk for carbon monoxide intrusion
  • Check the firebox for damage

Besides checking traditional wood-burning masonry fireplaces and appliances, we also specialize in gas and oil-burning appliances.

Contact Us

It’s not that Santa needs the cleanest chimneys possible. It’s that he, like Chief Chimney Services, wants every boy and girl and family to be safe and warm this holiday season. When you hire a professional to clean your chimney system, you will be your safest. You will have less issues with your fireplace, and you will need less services in general. Give yourself a Christmas gift this year, and hire Chief Chimney Services to clean your chimney.

Call 631-863-2460 or schedule online.

By John Pilger on December 7th, 2017 | Tagged with: Tags: , , , , | Comments Off on Keep a Clean Chimney for Santa

Avoiding Holiday Chimney Fires

During the holidays, homeowners take pride in their homes more than ever. Decorating, hosting parties, and relaxing in a clean, beautiful home is the best way to spend the holidays. If you have a fireplace, you are a step ahead of many who wish they had a crackling fire to open gifts by and to hang stockings above. Your fireplace is a great asset, and a coveted one, so make sure it stays that way and does not become a liability.Avoiding Holiday Chimney Fires - Suffolk NY - Chief Chimney Services

Chimney Fires

A Dirty Chimney

When your fire is burning, byproducts are released that need venting. Your chimney vents smoke, soot, particles, and tar fog up the flue and out of the house. As these materials rise up the chimney, some amount of it is left on the flue walls—this is called creosote. Creosote is not a major issue if your chimney system is cleaned regularly. It’s easily cleaned away, but can become a problem if allowed to buildup into what’s called “glazed creosote”. Creosote consists of mostly tar, making it flammable. When left in the flue it heats and melts, and moisture evaporates out of it leaving behind a concentrated mass of fuel. Glazed creosote is not only highly flammable, but also more difficult to remove than a regular layer of soot and creosote.

What You Can Do

The easiest way to avoid chimney fires, malfunction, and damage in general is to take care of the chimney.

–Schedule Routine Sweeps
During a chimney sweep, the flammable creosote is cleared away before it can ignite. Soot and debris is also cleared away before it can buildup and obstruct airflow. When the flue is dirty, airflow slows and the smoke, hot gases, and sparks can slow down in the flue, raising risk of fire as well as lowering efficiency of the system.

–Schedule Annual Inspections
CSIA inspections may be the only time a professional gets a look at your chimney from top to bottom. Recommended annually and required by many homeowners insurance policies, the inspection is the most important measure you can take to prevent a chimney fire. Most homeowners don’t know what to look for and will not notice damage until it is too late. During an inspection, a chimney expert assesses the entire system, and reports their findings, big or small. When you schedule your annual inspection in the fall, rest assured that your chimney is ready for fires all winter. If you haven’t scheduled yet, there is still time.

–Practice Fire Safety
You should always practice fire safety and teach your family to do likewise. Never burn trash, clothes, or paper in your fireplace. Many man-made materials will burn incompletely, bringing down efficiency and raising fire risk. Even some organic materials are not appropriate for burning. Paper and leaves are so light, they can rise up the flue while ignited! It’s best to only burn properly seasoned firewood in your fireplace for a safe and efficient fire.

For all of your questions about chimney maintenance, fire safety, and preventing chimney damage this winter, call Chief Chimney Services at 631-863-2460!

By John Pilger on November 23rd, 2017 | Tagged with: Tags: , , | Comments Off on Avoiding Holiday Chimney Fires

The Function of a Chimney Damper

There’s debate about the most important part of the chimney. What keeps it the safest? What makes it work efficiently? What can be improved? The fact is that every single part of the chimney is necessary for safe and efficient function. From top to bottom, the chimney system is designed exactly so that it vents the chimney in the most efficient way possible, changing with industrial andThe Function of a Chimney Damper - Suffolk NY - Chief Chimney Services technological advancements. One of these advancements is to the damper. No more are homeowners stuck with an old throat damper. There is a better option, safer, more efficient, and affordable.

The Damper

The damper is a necessity. It closes or opens the flue to allow smoke to escape and air to flow. Your fire needs oxygen to burn, and also needs to vent smoke. When the damper becomes worn out or damaged, it can stop opening or closing, putting your family at risk when smoke cannot escape. It can also make it difficult to light a fire or keep one burning. If you have been troubleshooting to figure out why your fireplace is smoky, and cannot figure out the issue, you may have a damper problem and should call a professional.

Damper Replacement

Chief Chimney Services recommends top sealing dampers, which do the job of the chimney cap and the damper. They are affordable and have a tight-sealing close that closes firmly, keeping water, air, and wildlife out. Most of all, these dampers are functional. They do everything the throat damper did, but better. They should be open while the fire is burning and closed when it is out, allowing airflow when needed, and closing easily when necessary. The top sealing damper is installed at the top of the chimney opening but is engaged by a cord that reaches to the hearth, so you can open and close it with an easy tug.

Save Money

The top sealing damper is also called the energy saving damper, or energy top damper because it saves you money year-round. The traditional throat dampers do not have a tight seal, so they still continue to let air out of the chimney when closed. During the summer, you can lose conditioned air through the chimney. During the winter you may experience cold drafts when the fire isn’t lit. This costs you money! Save money year-round by sealing the chimney from the top to bottom.
Top energy dampers also prevent water damage by keeping water out of the flue completely, in addition to animals, insects, and debris.

This damper will start protecting your chimney as soon as it’s installed, and save you money just as fast! Make sure when you’re discussing your damper or cap with your trusted chimney sweep, you ask about energy saving tips as well! Chief Chimney Services is Long Island’s choice for comprehensive chimney maintenance. We keep our customers safe, and we want to save you money this year. Call Chief Chimney today and ask about a new damper for your chimney top.

By John Pilger on November 9th, 2017 | Tagged with: Tags: , , , | Comments Off on The Function of a Chimney Damper

The Different Levels of Chimney Inspections

Like every working part of a home, the chimney system is one that must be maintained properly in order to work properly. It should have the correct fuel, should be used properly, and should be assessed regularly.Chimney Inspection Levels - Suffolk NY - Chief Chimney Services

CSIA Inspections

The Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) along with the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommend routine maintenance for a safe and efficient chimney system. This includes regular chimney sweeps as needed to keep an individual chimney system clean, and annual inspections to assess safety and function. CSIA inspections are the national standard to which chimneys are held. Officials will look for the CSIA signature for insurance claims, code enforcement, and home sales.

Three Levels for a Thorough Inspection

Because of the varied use of chimneys and fireplaces, not every chimney will need the same inspection. A chimney that has just endured a flue fire will need a more thorough assessment than a chimney that is used periodically and has never had a problem or change. This is why CSIA has three levels of inspections.

  • Level One – This inspection is required annually when there have been no changes to the chimney system and it has been and will be used in the same way. The technician will assess all readily accessible portions of the system and needs no tools for this level of inspection. If a problem is recognized, there will need to be a more thorough examination.
  • Level Two – This inspection is recommended when a hazard is discovered in a level one inspection. It is also required upon the sale or transfer of property, following a natural disaster that affects the home, or when a change is made to the chimney system. The level two inspection includes all that found in a level one inspection, in addition to an assessment of hidden portions of the system (attics, crawlspaces).
  • Level Three – The most thorough inspection is recommended when a serious hazard is suspected and may include the removal of components to access those hazards. During this inspection the technician may use special tools to remove interior walls or components of the chimney in order to access the hazard, but only if required to reach the hazard. This inspection will determine what repairs must be made in order to use your chimney without putting your home and family in danger.

There are many hidden damages when you use a chimney and fireplace for home heating, but these dangers are decreased when the chimney system is properly maintained. Schedule an inspection today so that you don’t have to worry about a dangerous health emergency or accidental fire this winter.

Chief Chimney Services offers chimney inspections that include video scanning for added visibility. Our sweeps are CSIA certified, and experienced to catch even the slightest weakness in your chimney system. Call and speak to one of our sweeps today at 631-863-2460.

By John Pilger on October 26th, 2017 | Tagged with: Tags: , , , | Comments Off on The Different Levels of Chimney Inspections

Operating Your Fireplace this Autumn

October for many simply means new decorations, Halloween parties, and pumpkin spice treats. For some, though, it is time to think about your fireplace. When you’re ready to light your first fire of the season, you want to know your chimney is ready, and that your fire will be safe and warm.Using Your Fireplace this Fall - Suffolk NY - Chief Chimney Services

A Fire-Ready Fireplace

Both the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) recommends routine maintenance for a safe and efficient fire. You may schedule annual chimney inspections and base your chimney sweeps on your inspector’s recommendations. You may schedule your sweep for spring, and your inspection for fall. Maybe you just want to do them both together, and that is fine, too. The important thing is that your chimney is safe and has been assessed by a certified chimney sweep before burn season.

Preparing for Winter

Your chimney may be in good shape, but you’d like some added protection. You can schedule waterproofing services with Chief Chimney Services before winter. This vapor-soluble sealant keeps water molecules out, while allowing gases to escape.

Proper Fuel Store

When you have a wood-burning fireplace, insert, or stove, you should have a supply of properly seasoned wood to burn in your fire. Burning green/fresh wood or any other material including trash and cloth, it can burn incompletely, increasing the smoke, creosote, and pollution produced by your fire. Burning seasoned wood will decrease the amount of wood you have to burn during one season, saving you in resources and utilities. You will also need chimney sweep services less often when you have an efficient fire, saving you money in maintenance and repairs.

Fireplace Safety

Burn season is long, and during cold weather, families often spend an increased time indoors. Additionally, through fall and winter there are many reasons to have guests and host get-togethers, and it’s important that everyone stays safe.

  • Never leave children unattended with a fire. You can add a barrier by installing a screen or custom glass doors.
  • Keep the damper open while the fire is burning to allow the smoke, gas, and particulate pollution up the flue.
  • Keep decorations, furniture, and drapes away from the hearth.
  • Use only proper fireplace tools and accessories when stirring the fire or adjusting logs. For added protection, use leather gloves to prevent burns.
  • Check the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. If you do not have these installed, do so before lighting a fire.
  • Plan a fire escape with your family and make sure to practice at least monthly so that everyone knows how to best leave the house during a fire.
  • Keep a first aid kit and fire extinguisher in the house. First aid kits should only be used for minor injuries, not to replace emergency care. A fire extinguisher should be used only to escape or to put out a small fire, not to attempt to put out a house fire.

When Autumn arrives in full swing, you won’t want to wait to light your fire. Make sure it’s safe so it’s ready when you are.

By John Pilger on October 8th, 2017 | Tagged with: Tags: , , , | Comments Off on Operating Your Fireplace this Autumn

Enhance Fireplace Efficiency and Style

Did you know that if you have a problem with your fire, it may not be a problem with your fireplace or chimney? If you have trouble with your chimney system, and it has been checked for safety, cleanliness, and function, there is probably another issue.Enhancing Your Fireplace - Suffolk NY - Chief Chimney Services

Burning Properly Seasoned Wood

Your wood-burning fireplace, stove, or insert is designed to burn properly seasoned wood only. When you use the wrong fuel, the fire doesn’t burn properly and the chimney won’t work properly.
Signs you’re burning the wrong wood:

  • The system requires frequent cleaning
  • An excess of ash due to incomplete burning
  • Dark blue/gray smoke from the chimney
  • Small flame
  • Blackened glass/window on stove or fireplace
  • Smoky fireplace even while damper is fully open
  • More wood required to reach a desired temperature

When you burn the correct wood, you should see a hotter fire, a bigger flame, and thinner smoke. It will take less wood to reach the same temperature, saving you resources, time, and energy (hauling, cutting, stacking wood). When you burn properly seasoned wood, you will find there is less creosote and soot buildup inside the chimney flue, because the air is hot enough to drive it up and out of the chimney system. There will be less particulate pollution to pollute the environment and less necessary cutting from the environment. In all, you will save big when you burn the right fuel in your wood-burning fireplace.

Choosing the Right Wood

Not all woods are created equal. Some trees are much harder than others, and how hard they are will determine how long your wood should sit and season before it’s burned. Trees live and grow using water, and their trunks and branches are filled with tiny vein-like tubes that hold water. When you cut the tree down, or when your supplier cuts it down, these tubes are still filled with water. If you let the whole tree sit, it may take years for tubes to dry, if ever. But if you cut the wood and let it sit, it will dry in a matter of months, and will be ready to burn efficiently.

Hard woods have a higher heat output than soft woods, but require longer to season (6-12 months). Softer species of wood can season in a shorter amount of time (3-6 months), but will burn faster and with less heat output. Which you use will depend on availability and personal need. If you use a fireplace occasionally, you may not be picky about the type of wood you use, but you should be picky about the quality of wood you choose.

Check Your Wood Before You Burn!

Even if you buy your wood, you can make sure it’s seasoned by looking it over before you buy. It should be dull in color, light in weight, the bark should pull away from the wood with cracks along the edges of the wood, and produce a hollow noise when hit together.

The wood you burn plays a big part in how your chimney functions! Revitalize your fire by burning the correct fuel! If you still have chimney problems, ask a professional at Chief Chimney Services. Call 631-863-2460 today.

By John Pilger on September 27th, 2017 | Tagged with: Tags: , , , | Comments Off on Enhance Fireplace Efficiency and Style

Elements Of A Perfect Chimney System

Your chimney is designed to last a lifetime. Ideally, it will last as long as your house stands. However, this is only possible if it is properly constructed, maintained, and used.Perfect Chimney System Elements - Suffolk NY - Chief Chimney Services

Your Chimney System

Your chimney has one job: to vent your fire. A fire, no matter what type of fuel it burns, will release byproducts as it burns. These need to be vented out of the home. This protects the house from smoke saturation, added moisture, and health risks. In order for all of the many parts of the chimney system to work correctly, there are factors that need to be in place.

Proper Construction

Your chimney should have been constructed by a CSIA certified chimney sweep. A general contractor doesn’t have the training or knowledge of chimney science to design and build a chimney. Especially one that will vent properly, stand as long as it should, and withstand high heat.

  • Design and Function
    In order for your chimney to vent properly, it should be built specifically for the size of the fireplace. A chimney that is too tall or wide will not vent properly because the air will cool before it escapes through the opening, leaving the soot, creosote, and unburned wood particles on the flue walls.
  • Chimney Liner
    Your flue liner should be properly fitted for your fireplace or fire appliance. In many older chimneys, clay tile liners were installed, and are now damaged or not appropriate for the fuel type that is used in the fireplace. The best liner available is a stainless steel one, appropriate for all fuel types, affordable, and long-lasting. Another option, and one available at Chief Chimney Services, is a relining with HeatShield® Cerfractory® Flue Sealant, which repairs and relines the flue from top to bottom at a low cost, transforming an old clay tile liner into a durable, long-lasting one, and safe for all fuel types.

Properly Maintained

Even a well-constructed chimney system can become deteriorated prematurely, when it isn’t properly maintained. The ideal chimney system is swept and inspected regularly. This is to identify any weaknesses or hazards. In addition, to maintain the highest level of safety and efficiency. When the chimney is inspected, all parts are assessed, and should be replaced if damaged.

  • Chimney Cap
    Prevents damage caused from water and animals.
  • Chimney Crown
    Protects against water from the flue liner to the outer edge of the chimney opening.
  • Flashing
    Protects the intersection of the chimney and roof, the weakest part of the chimney system, and most susceptible to water penetration.
  • Waterproofing
    An industrial sealant that prevents water from penetrating the masonry, while still allowing vapors to escape.

Proper Use

Your chimney system is designed for one fuel. Also, it should only be used appropriately. Wood-burning systems should burn only properly seasoned wood. Gas systems should only burn natural gas, and should be checked and connected by your gas company. Proper fire safety protocol should be remembered. Plus, municipal codes and manufacturers instructions should be followed at every turn.

The chimney is a large system with many parts. Having said that, when built properly, maintained properly, and used properly – it can be the perfect addition to your dream home!

 

By John Pilger on September 7th, 2017 | Tagged with: Tags: , , , | Comments Off on Elements Of A Perfect Chimney System

Basics of Chimney Flues and Flue Sealant

The flue system is a combination of many parts that work together to vent a fire. In order to do the job correctly, the parts should be installed correctly and maintained regularly. This means that homeowners should schedule routine chimney sweeps, and annual inspections to have the safest and most efficient chimney system.Basics of Chimney Flues & Flue Sealant - Suffolk NY - Chief Chimney Services

The Flue

The flue is the actual vent that the byproducts from the fire flow through. It goes from the fireplace to the top of the chimney where it’s protected by a chimney cap. The flue should be lined with a flue liner that protects the masonry from corrosion, protects the home from hazardous gases, and prevents heat transfer. The flue liner’s surface should be smooth, and joints should be strengthened with a high heat sealant.

HeatShield® Cerfractory® Flue Sealant

Cerfractory® technology is a hybrid ceramic/refractory material, developed over 20 years ago. It’s a combination of high-fired ceramic with the heat resistance of high-temperature refractory cement. The sealant is a powder, that is mixed with water right before use. This sealant should be applied only by a qualified professional. Once mixed and applied correctly, it air cures to a hard, ceramic material that is moisture resistant, and corrosion resistant. This smooth surface keeps its strength and shape despite high temperatures and chemical abuse.

HeatShield® Repair Systems

At Chief Chimney Services, we know the importance of an appropriate flue liner and offer services to keep your flue working for you. We use HeatShield® Cerfractory® systems for chimney restoration, joint repair, resurfacing, and relining.

  • Joint Repair System – For chimneys with defective mortar joints, to repair and strength mortar joints to restore the flue to full function. The sealant is applied with a special applicator that fills cracks, gaps, and voids, smoothing the surface as it goes.
  • Resurfacing System – To repair mortar joints and minor defects in tile lined flues, specifically. The sealant fills gaps, cracks, strengthens, and smooths surfaces. The resurfacing system covers the entire flue interior from top to bottom, restoring a damaged flue that is structurally sound.
  • CeCure® Sleeve Relining System – To restore the chimney liner when serious defects are present, or to line an unlined chimney. HeatShield® is used in combination with a liner sleeve and then sealed with the sealant, for a smooth surface for the interior. The technician checks the work with a video surveillance system.

Call Now

When your flue is damaged, dirty, or inappropriate for your fuel type, you should get it looked at as soon as possible. If your flue isn’t working properly, neither will your chimney system. Voids, gaps, and cracks in the liner or flue will lead to water damage in the chimney, hazardous gases in the home, inefficient chimney, and increased fire risk. Just as it’s important to have a professional sweep and inspect your system regularly, it’s important to have a professional apply a sealant. An amateur may use sealants that aren’t appropriate for high heat. When you trust Chief Chimney Services to repair your flue, you know we’re putting your safety and comfort first.

Call Chief Chimney Services today and talk to a flue expert about flue sealant.

By John Pilger on August 22nd, 2017 | Tagged with: Tags: , , , | Comments Off on Basics of Chimney Flues and Flue Sealant

The Function Of A Chimney Cap

Did summer storms dislodge your cap? Maybe you’re not convinced it was installed correctly in the first place, or you’re unimpressed with it’s design and function. If you had a chimney cap installed, but your fire is affected by wind gusts, wildlife, or it’s allowing rainwater into your chimney, you need a new cap!How A Chimney Cap Functions - Suffolk NY - Chief Chimney Services

Protection from the Top-Down

The chimney cap is often overlooked, especially by older generations, but it has never been more important. Chimneys are constructed to withstand time and chemical abuse, but they can be destroyed on the inside, from outside influences.

Chimney Caps Keep Water Out

Rain, sleet, snow, and wind can affect your chimney. Without a cap, precipitation falls directly into the flue, and begins affecting the chimney system right away. Water penetration is the worst thing that can happen to your masonry chimney. Masonry is constructed of many different materials, and all of them are adversely affected by water. Water in the chimney can cause:

  • Rust of doors, hinges, attachments, damper assemblies and firebox assemblies
  • Deterioration of masonry, flue lining system, and building materials.
  • Ruined floors, walls, ceilings, wall coverings, carpeting, and duct systems.
  • Spalling, shifting, and settlement of masonry.

(Note: The affect of water on your masonry is far-reaching. It can even cause a leak in another part of your home, due to water running unseen through walls and ceilings. Chimney leaks can also lead to mold and mildew which leads to chronic respiratory illness.)

Chimney Caps Keep Wind Out

During the summer, gusts of wind can lead to drafts in your house, raising the cost of cooling. During the winter, wind in the flue can lead to difficulty lighting or controlling a fire, as well as leading to drafts when the fire isn’t in use. Chimney caps come with wind deflectors.

Chimney Caps Keep Wildlife Out

Any small critter that can get onto your roof can also get into your chimney. Small animals such as squirrels and chipmunks as well as larger raccoons and opossums have been known to climb into chimneys. When they do, they bring debris, bedding, droppings, and fur that can decompose or ignite. If they get out again, they likely damage the lining with claw marks or holes. If they don’t escape, they can suffocate and die, causing a dangerous obstruction. Chief Chimney Services often sees animal intrusion and specializes in humane animal removal as well as chimney sweep services to return the chimney back to safe function.

Chimney Caps Suppress Unruly Sparks

Many chimney caps are equipped with spark suppressors that extinguish sparks that might have escaped the flue. This function prevents sparks from leaving the chimney and igniting debris on the roof or below, in the yard or landscaping.

All functions of the chimney cap are essential to the proper function of your chimney system. If you’re looking to replace your chimney cap, consider a top-sealing damper. The top-sealing damper, often called the energy-saving damper, attaches to the top of the chimney flue, working as a cap AND damper, saving you money, and providing more protection for the chimney from top to bottom, year-round. Discuss top-sealing dampers and chimney caps with a chimney expert now. Call 631-863-2460.

By John Pilger on August 8th, 2017 | Tagged with: Tags: , , | Comments Off on The Function Of A Chimney Cap

The Benefits Of Refractory Mortar

Did you know your fireplace and chimney may be constructed using only standard bricks and mortar? However, today’s chimney professionals know that there are benefits to choosing refractory materials for fireplaces and chimneys. More than that, it’s required by the International Residential Code (IRC) and the International Building Code (IBC).Benefits Of Refractory Mortar - Suffolk NY - Chief Chimney Services

Safety First

If you choose an amateur to build or repair your firebox, he may cut corners and costs by failing to use the right materials! This is a dangerous hazard and will result in damage to the masonry and heat transfer to the structural materials of the home. It also lowers efficiency and increases fire risk. Whats else happens if refractory mortar isn’t used, along with fire bricks? There will be recurring damage, which an amateur or con artist may repeatedly repair. This can end up costing you a fortune. A certified chimney sweep who is trained in masonry construction and repair knows the necessary materials to help keep customers safe this winter.

Choosing the Right Professional

When you choose a professional to complete your chimney and fireplace rebuilds and repairs, you can rest assured that they know what they’re doing. A CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep® (CCS) will use the proper materials that will offer the safest and most efficient fireplace and chimney system. Chief Chimney Services has been operating in Suffolk County for over 20 years! We are aware of municipal codes and industry standards. In addition, we’ve acquainted with general contractors in the area who often work with us.

Using the Wrong Mortar

Using the wrong materials when building or repairing a chimney can mean a devastating fire. Don’t hire a chimney sweep who is inexperienced and uses incorrect materials! Doing so may result in your homeowners insurance having grounds to deny your claim in the event of a fire. Some professionals may cut corners by adding fire-clay to regular mortar. This is not recommended and does not get the same result. Only a refractory mortar, designed to be as strong as fire brick and flue tiles, can withstand the regular high temperatures and abuse of a fireplace and chimney.

Some professionals and homeowners alike think it’s okay to use standard mortar mix, if you only use the fireplace occasionally. This is precisely why it is against residential and building codes! If the home is sold or property is otherwise transferred, the new owner is stuck with the unsafe chimney. Perhaps they will want to light a fire every night, instead of only occasionally. This puts people at risk that can be avoided.

Do you think your fireplace or chimney was constructed or repaired improperly? There is still time to have it inspected by a CSIA certified professional before winter! A Chief Chimney technician can quickly assess your chimney system for problems and plan accordingly. Our sweeps are standing by to talk to you about refractory mortar and more. Call 631-863-2460 or request an appointment online.

By John Pilger on July 24th, 2017 | Tagged with: Tags: , , | Comments Off on The Benefits Of Refractory Mortar