Our Company Blog

Start Your Year Off Right With an Inspection

So you’ve put all of your holiday decorations away. You’re in the thick of winter hibernation but not quite ready for spring cleaning. If you’re a home or business owner with a fireplace, it is worth your safety and investment to schedule an inspection now. Don’t wait until spring for necessary and life-saving maintenance. Chief Chimney Services offers inspections year-round, but if your system hasn’t been inspected in the last year, a winter appointment will keep your home and family safe.

Chimney Inspections for Safety

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) states that chimney systems that are inspected annually and cleaned regularly are the safest and most efficient. We are in the business of chimney safety and that is why we offer NFPA level 1 and level 2 chimney and fireplace inspections. Your chimney exterior, fireplace or appliance, and interior flue should be inspected annually under the best of circumstances, but there are other reasons to schedule an inspection.

• After a serious storm, earthquake, or tornado. Any situation that can affect the soundness of your chimney system is a reason to schedule an inspection. Even a situation that doesn’t seem to change anything noticeable can create hidden dangers.
• After a fire. Whether you have experienced a flue fire that affected the rest of your house or a fire that went unnoticed, it likely caused damage. An inspection by a professional will catch cracks, gaps, voids, and other damage.
• When a change has been made to the system, including repairs or installations. An inspection must be completed to determine the correct installation and proper chimney function.
• Before the sale or transfer of property. Because a standard home inspection only includes a general overview of the chimney system, a chimney inspection by a certified professional is the only way to properly determine the state of the chimney system.

If your chimney hasn’t been inspected in the last twelve months, since last burn season, or ever, it’s time to schedule the basic level one inspection to determine safety before use. If you’re already using your fireplace this winter without an inspection, every time you light the fire it puts your home and family at risk. Schedule a basic level one inspection today.

Chimney Inspections in Suffolk County

If you reside in or around Suffolk County and need a chimney inspection, you can join the countless homeowners in Long Island who put their trust in Chief Chimney Services year after year. When your system has been used in the same way with no problems, a level one inspection should be scheduled. This basic level one inspection includes a thorough examination of the readily-accessible portions of the chimney and appliance. It determines basic structural soundness, checks for flue obstructions and creosote levels, and evaluates the condition and installation of the entire system. Scheduling your level one inspection annually prevents problems that lead to a level two inspection—requiring more money, more time, and possible repairs.
In the event of a necessary level two inspection, your technician will do everything included in a level one inspection in addition to all accessible parts of the system, inside and outside. Your technicians may need access to basements or attics and will use video equipment to get an up-close look at the interior of the flue.

Safer Homes in Suffolk County

Winter is made dangerous by dangerous chimneys. House fires are at their peak in January, and the majority of these fires are preventable. Don’t put your home or your property at risk by waiting. Start the New Year off on the right foot by ensuring your home is safe and sound with an annual chimney inspection.

Chief Chimney Services is a family-run company that strives to put families first. Chimney safety is so important to us and the families we serve that all of our technicians are CSIA Certified Chimney Sweeps. That means that each of us undergoes training and testing outside of our ongoing work with our customers. In fact, we complete and pass a thorough examination over national fire safety codes and chimney science—a certification that we repeat every three years to stay up to date on the best technologies, advancements, and code changes in the industry.

Do you reside in Suffolk County and need an inspection this year? Once your system is inspected, it is good to go until next year. A clean report from your chimney expert will mean a safer fire this winter, less likelihood of winter damage during these months, and prevent chimney leaks and animal intrusions this spring. Don’t put it off any longer. Schedule your chimney inspection today and save money tomorrow.

While you’re making plans to complete chimney maintenance this winter and spring, don’t forget the other service we provide at Chief Chimney Services. Clean up the chimney after a winter of fires with a chimney sweep. Protect the masonry from water penetration by scheduling waterproofing services before the spring. Planning a spring or summer wedding? You can even schedule a lucky chimney sweep to attend!

Not sure exactly what you need? If you have a chimney system, call Chief Chimney Services and we can help.

Buying or Selling a Home? You Need a Level Two Inspection

There is a lot that goes into owning a home with a chimney. Homeowners desire the comfort and convenience of a crackling fire and enjoy the benefits of having supplemental heat. If you’re selling or seeking a new house with a fireplace, think of it as an asset and risk. Whether you’re buying or selling, it’s in everyone’s best interest to have the chimney inspected.

Chimney Inspections

Chimney inspections are offered in three levels of thoroughness according to need. A level one inspection is required annually in order to ensure safety when the system hasn’t been changed and hasn’t presented any noticeable problems. Level three inspections are thorough and somewhat invasive diagnostic inspection required when a hazard is suspected. A level two inspection is required on several occasions; when changes have been made to the system, when natural occurrences have affected the system, when a fire has occurred in the system, or when the property is sold or transferred. Make sure you have a level two chimney inspection before the sale is final!

Home Inspections V. Chimney Inspections

During the home buying/home selling process, the buyer is presented with the opportunity to schedule a home inspection to ensure the value of the property following a financial offer and before closing. The whole process has a rigid schedule, and there may be only a small window of opportunity to schedule this inspection. While scheduling it, make sure you also schedule a chimney inspection. A level two inspection will offer a detailed report highlighting hazards, damage, and recommended repairs for the buyer or for the seller’s disclosure report. Your home inspector will assess the general soundness of the chimney, but a chimney professional will assess the interior and exterior of the chimney during a level two inspection. This assessment includes all accessible portions of the chimney, including basement, attic, or crawlspaces. It even includes video surveillance, providing a look at the hidden portions of the system.

Common Level Two Findings

We complete level two inspections regularly at Chief Chimney Services. This inspection helps us to identify common wear and tear as well as serious damage that might have otherwise continued unseen. With video surveillance, we are able to diagnose liner issues, creosote buildup, water damage and more. When you schedule a chimney inspection with Chief Chimney Services, it includes a basic chimney sweep for good measure. Don’t leave your chimney up to chance; leave it up to the professionals.

Call 631-863-2460 or schedule online to have your level two inspection completed today.

The Importance of a Clean Chimney in the New Year

Every twelve months your chimney system needs a good diagnostic appointment. Scheduling annual chimney inspections will keep your chimney at the highest efficiency and safety possible. The Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) and National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) agree that annual inspections and routine sweeps prevent fires and help your chimney last longer. Scheduling in January means a safer chimney for the coldest weeks of winter and a waterproof chimney this spring.

Chief Chimney Inspections

At Chief Chimney Services we see chimneys that may be multiple stories high, may be historical, and even very basic. No matter the age or the size, these chimneys need to be inspected annually and brought up to code compliance. Your municipal authorities require it, your homeowners insurance insists upon it, and your safety depends on it. We specialize in thorough inspections of all chimney types, and we utilize NFPA inspections in order to best serve every home and every customer.
Level One – This basic inspection is required annually when there are no changes made to the system or the use of the system. It includes all readily accessible portions of the system, including a visual inspection of the masonry exterior. This inspection assesses basic structural soundness, obstruction, creosote levels, and evaluates the condition and installation of the overall system.
Level Two – When there have been changes made to the system, including new installations or repairs, suspected damage, or natural occurrence which may affect the chimney, a more thorough inspection is required. A level two includes all that in a level one, in addition to a video scan of the interior of the system and accessible portions by attics, crawlspaces, and basements. Special attention is paid in a level two inspection to ensure clearance of combustible materials. Following your level two inspection, you’ll receive a written report and video footage for your records and to reinforce any recommendations from your chimney professional.

Schedule Now

When you schedule now, your chimney can be inspected before your fireplace usage is at its peak. January is the coldest time in many regions, especially here in our service area, and the fireplace is used the most. This means fire risk is higher, but it doesn’t have to be. Schedule a chimney inspection with Chief Chimney Services today. We’ll let you know if there is a problem with any part, component, or a portion of your chimney. We’ll make sure it is in good shape so you’re safe and warm this winter. We’ll determine if your system is properly safe from water penetration and animal intrusion, and we’ll offer a repair plan onsite if it isn’t.

Don’t let your chimney system up to chance. Start the new year with a new inspection that gives you peace of mind and saves you money in accidents and damage.

Call Chief Chimney Services today at 631-863-2460 or request an appointment online.

Schedule an Early Chimney Inspection

Your chimney may be the last thing on your mind this summer. However, it may be a great idea to schedule chimney maintenance now! When you schedule now, you will avoid the “fall rush.” Chimney professionals are busiest between October and January with installations, repairs, and emergency calls. Schedule now, and get your appointment on our books. Waiting to schedule means you may not get your preferred technician, appointment time, or an appointment at all. There are other perks to scheduling early, and an early inspection prepares your chimney for the upcoming winter.

Summer Service Appointments

We encourage homeowners to schedule fall services now, but we also offer chimney services year-round. You can schedule a chimney sweep this summer and rest assured knowing it is clean of soot, creosote, and ashes that will make it stink all summer. You won’t have to have it cleaned this fall, and it will be ready when you need it. If you haven’t had your chimney inspected in the last 12 months, you should schedule one this summer and give yourself several weeks to complete any necessary repairs before fall.

Schedule with Chief Chimney Services and trust a CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep to assess the system and identify hazards. We offer Level 1, 2, and 3 CSIA inspections in the Suffolk County area.

CSIA Inspections Explained

Your annual level 1 inspection is performed during a routine sweep. They are required if the fuel source remained constant, the system underwent no new installations or repairs, or there has been no severe damage. The level one inspection is an assessment of all readily accessible portions of the chimney exterior and interior. The technician looks for basic structural soundness and checks installations, connections, and airflow. In addition, they check the system for obstruction or debris.

Hazards or prior concerns require a level two inspection. A level two is also required before the sale or transfer of a property, after changes have been made to the system, or if the home has been affected by fire, earthquake, or severe storm. It includes everything in a level one in addition to the accessible portions of the interior and exterior. This includes the attics and crawl spaces.

Hidden hazards in your chimney require level three inspections. Tools are used to remove components of the building or chimney to gain access to the hazard.

We will handle any necessary repairs following a level three inspection. Call 631-863-2460 today or make an appointment online!

Benefits of a Chimney Video Inspection

If you own a home or business with a fireplace and chimney system, there are a few things you need to know. First, the maintenance of the chimney system is of top priority and ensures the safety of your family or customers. Second, proper maintenance of your chimney system protects your property. Basically, this preventative maintenance is essential for buildings with chimney systems.

The Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) recommends regular chimney sweeps and annual chimney inspections by a CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep® (CCS). It’s during these important inspections that problems are discovered, and can be addressed and repairs can be made before burning season.

Routinely, the three types of inspections are done various ways. A level 1 inspection is an inspection of everything readily accessible to the inspector and should be performed yearly if no changes occur with chimney use. A level 2 inspection is required if changes have been made to the system or if property has been sold or transferred. A level 2 inspection includes everything readily accessible as well as everything that is accessible around chimney interior and exterior, including attics, crawl spaces, and basements. A level 3 inspection is required if there are concerns in a level 1 or 2 inspection, and may require removal of components of the building or chimney to gain access to worrisome areas of the chimney system.

Video Technology and Chimney Inspections

Because the chimney is a closed system, and a large portion of it is hidden from the naked eye, only a professional should assess them. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) states that all Level 2 inspections are to include a video surveillance of the inside and outside of the chimney system and Chief Chimney Services is equipped to do just that.

Chief Chimney Sweeps are CSIA certified and trained in NFPA protocols. Our CCTV (closed-circuit television) video camera system records in real-time and provides a professional-grade surveillance picture. This allows our chimney sweeps to see a detailed picture of the entire interior and exterior of the chimney, and since it’s in real time, they can assess problem areas thoroughly as soon as they see them. Homeowners also receive video footage to assist in real estate or insurance reports.

Other Benefits to Video Surveillance

In addition to video footage, when you hire Chief Chimney Services to perform your inspection, you will receive a detailed report. Our reports are thorough and accurate with the help of our video inspection, and make it possible for our chimney sweeps to provide a repair plan, detailing each crack, gap, obstruction, deterioration, creosote buildup, or other damage.

We at Chief Chimney Services put customers above all else and understand the importance of a safe and functional chimney system. With our video inspection system, we will provide the answers you’re looking for and get your chimney back to work in no time! Call and schedule your video inspection or make an online appointment today!

Plan Your Masonry Repairs Now

Spring is a great time to jump into annual cleaning: carpets, garages, yards, and more. While you are in spring cleaning mode, don’t forget about your chimney. The Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA)  recommends periodic chimney sweeps and annual inspections. It’s at these appointments that a CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep® will be able to detect a problem before it becomes a bigger problem.

There are a couple of reasons why spring is the perfect time for your masonry repairs.

Season Changes and Weather

The weather is finally warm enough to light your last fire. This is a great time to have your chimney cleaned, so that your fireplace or furnace doesn’t stink in the heat and humidity of summer. Having your chimney swept and inspected in the spring also leaves you the summer to make extensive repairs if damage is detected.

Spring also starts the off-season for chimney sweep companies. You can schedule routine maintenance and repairs easily, as chimney sweeps have less emergency calls at this time. Some masonry repairs can be completed in as little as a day, and others may take more, but scheduling during the off-season allow homeowners more freedom in availability.

Common masonry damage includes:

• Water damage which leaves holes and gaps in the masonry, causing internal deterioration and discoloration of the bricks
• Poor design and improper installation causes smoke problems in the home, as well as fire hazard
• Age causes regular wear-and-tear on masonry chimneys
• Environmental changes such as storms, natural disasters including tornadoes and earthquakes, and drastic temperature changes can dramatically reduce the life of your chimney
• Chimney crown damage or improper seal can cause a leaky chimney, which wreaks havoc on masonry

If your chimney has damage that needs to be addressed, this is the time to repair it. A wet spring is not a good combination with a damaged or leaky chimney. Scheduling your repairs today will save you money in the long run because damage only gets worse with time.

Common Masonry Repairs

Some masonry repairs may be more cosmetic than anything—repairs you’d consider before putting your home on the market or renovating. These repairs are also best scheduled at this time of year. The weather and temperature make it possible for the chimney sweep to work easily, and the chimney to remain cool during the repair. Cosmetic repairs can range from mortar repairs, brickwork, and restorative stonework, to minor cleaning and water proofing.

Other repairs can include tuckpointing, which is needed when the mortar between the bricks is cracked or damaged. The mortar is carefully removed and new mortar is packed in. The chimney sweep works meticulously to match the color, composition, and strength of the existing mortar so the finished product looks seamlessly matched. Brick re-facing is a masonry repair in which bricks are removed and replaced one-by-one because they have begun to spall or lose its facing.

No matter your masonry repair needs, there is no better time than spring, and with chimney repairs, sooner is better than later. Schedule an appointment with Chief Chimney Services today.

Chimney Inspections: A Job for the Professionals

There are D-I-Y pallet projects, and there are serious property safety precautions and maintenance. When you’re talking about your chimney system it is too important to cut corners. While some things affect the comfort and aesthetics of your chimney system, there are other things that affect the safety, efficiency, and life of your chimney system.

If you use a furnace or fireplace in your home or business, there is almost nothing more important than your regular chimney sweeps and annual inspections. If your appliance or chimney has not changed, and you plan to continue use in the same way you have, then a level 1 inspection should be appropriate. However, there are three levels of inspections offered by certified chimney sweeps, and it’s important to learn which one you need!

Because Chief Chimney Services places our clients’ safety as top priority, we recommend regular chimney sweepings and annual inspections. There are reasons to schedule a level 2 and 3 inspection as well, and home owners who make safety a priority, make chimney inspections a priority.

When to Schedule Your Inspection

A level 1 inspection is a routine inspection recommended annually, and required by many home owners insurance providers. In a level 1 inspection a Certified Chimney Sweep will assess all working parts of the chimney system that are readily-accessible. This inspection is recommended if there are no changes to the system or the fuel, and is to assess the structural soundness, check for flue obstructions, creosote levels, and the overall condition of the chimney system.

A level 2 inspection is recommended if you have made any changes to your chimney system or if it’s suffered any damage: if you’ve changed fuel types, had your chimney relined, experienced a change in efficiency or function, or experienced a fire or earthquake, you need a level 2 inspection. In a level 2 inspection an experienced technician will perform all the parts of a level 1 inspection with a more thorough eye, assessing all accessible parts of the chimney. Because it is a more thorough assessment the technician may need access to basement or attic areas in order to inspect the areas around the chimney system.

Chief Chimney Services utilizes a CCTV (closed-circuit television) video camera as part of a level 2 inspection, along with a detailed report for the benefit of the home owner, future buyers, and insurance providers.

A level 3 inspection may be recommended by your inspector if a problem is discovered in a routine inspection. A level 3 is the most in-depth inspection and includes removal of parts in or around the chimney system to gain access to the problem. During a level 3 inspection Chief Chimney Services has removed a small section of plaster around the chimney system, and has had to remove the crown of the chimney for example.

A trained professional will access the problem areas of your chimney system in the most efficient way possible. Safety is of the utmost importance to us, and we want to ensure your safety and proper use of your chimney system while limiting the inconvenience to your home or business.

When it’s time for your inspection look no further than Chief Chimney Services, whose professionalism and experience knows no comparison in and around Suffolk County, New York. Schedule your inspection today.

Should You Start a Fire With a Cold Chimney?

The end of the summer is a fantastic time to begin planning for winter weather and the use of your fireplace or stove. It’s also a great time to schedule a fireplace and chimney inspection.

You should never light a fire in your fireplace or appliance unless you have had an annual inspection and cleaning. During the several months of summer animals can crawl into your flue causing obstruction, water can seep into your lining causing damage, and numerous other things can happen in your chimney system. For this reason the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA)  recommends regular chimney sweeps, and annual inspections.

Once your fireplace is clean, safe, and you have properly-seasoned wood on hand you are ready to light a fire! However, a roaring fire and a cold chimney do not make a good combination.

The Problem With a Cold Chimney

When lighting your first fire of the season it’s important to remember that the chimney is cold. It’s filled with cold air that will fall into your house as soon as you open the damper. If the chimney isn’t primed before you build the fire, that cold will block the warm air from rising up, causing “air sink”, which will push smoke into your house.

Fortunately, there are a couple of things you can do to warm your chimney before you light that first fire.

• Open the damper and you will usually feel the cold draft fall into your fireplace or stove. Some people decide to leave the damper open and let the heat in your house warm the chimney. Not only can this take several minutes or hours, if your fireplace is your method of home heating this won’t work for you. Also, if your chimney is on the outside of your house, this method most likely won’t work as the winter temperatures continue to cool the chimney.
• Roll a newspaper and light it, holding it direction under the damper for three to four minutes. This allows for direct heat to move into the chimney and force it’s way up. If it is very cold, you may need to repeat this method with a second newspaper. During this process you can usually feel the exchange of warm and cold air. Once this happens, your chimney is primed.
  Build a top-down burn in the fireplace or appliance. A top-down burn, sometimes called an upside-down fire, allows for a cleaner burn, and makes the best use of the fireplace, producing less smoke in the process. Instead of placing tinder at the bottom and building on top of the struggling fire, you build in the opposite way: placing large logs at the bottom, then medium logs, then tender and kindling, adding a bit of paper to the top to light. This fire burns from the top, lighting the larger wood as the fire and ash falls. A top-down fire will also burn hotter, ensuring your chimney flue is thoroughly primed.

Avoid the headache of a smoky house and a struggling fire by following these simple tips before starting a cold fireplace. At Chief Chimney Services we urge you to take all precautions to have a safe and warm winter season.