Our Company Blog

What is Glazed Creosote?

Your chimney system works all season long to vent the fires that heat your home. The chimney system endures high temperatures and corrosive materials that coat the inside. If you burn wood in your fireplace, your fire produces more than just smoke and soot, but also creosote. This material is made of mostly tar that can become quite the problem if not routinely removed from the chimney.

What is Creosote

Creosote is produced when organic materials such as wood are burned inside the fireplace. Burning unseasoned wood that often burns incompletely will contribute to even more creosote buildup. Creosote itself is as harmless as soot when removed from the chimney on a regular basis. However, when the fire is smoldered and improper wood is burned continuously, or the chimney system isn’t cleaned regularly, the creosote can become a problem.

The Problem with Creosote

Because creosote is sticky in nature, it builds up easily inside the chimney system. During the offseason, it may not do anything but cause nasty odors in the fireplace opening. During burn season, creosote can become quite dangerous. As the material builds on itself, it can obstruct the chimney flue, slowing the airflow and cause even more creosote to deposit.

As the air slows, the heated air in the chimney heats up the creosote, causing the water inside to vaporize and the material to transform. What’s left when the creosote cools is a hardened glazed mass that is made up mostly of condensed fuel (tar). This brittle material is highly flammable and very difficult to remove.

Removing Glazed Creosote

Regular creosote can be removed from the chimney system in the same way as soot and ash, with brushes and a vacuuming system. Glazed creosote is more difficult to remove. Many amateurs attempt to remove glazed creosote with chisels, chains, and heavy-duty tools—all of these things can damage the lining of the chimney. At Chief Chimney Services, we remove glazed creosote by using an industrial creosote remover that is sprayed or brushed onto the material. As it absorbs the remover, the creosote flakes away and can be brushed off and vacuumed out of the system.

You Can Prevent Glazed Creosote

1. Schedule routine services such as sweeps and inspections. You may not notice a creosote buildup, but your chimney professional will. We will clean it out of the system, and troubleshoot with you to determine the cause.
2. Burn only properly seasoned wood in your fireplace. Avoid burning paper, trash, clothing, or any other material that is NOT wood. The wood-burning fireplace is designed to only burn wood and vent smoke produced by wood fires.
3. Let your fire burn and avoid smoldering hot coals. Smoldering causes wood to burn incompletely, contributing to more creosote buildup.

In order to use your fireplace more efficiently, ask the professionals for recommendations to avoid creosote buildup. When you schedule your service with Chief Chimney Services, you will have the benefit of an expert in the home. Call Chief Chimney Services today at 631-863-2460.

Schedule a New Year’s Chimney Inspection

Although the Bomb Cyclone is bringing freezing temperatures now and throughout January, you have likely been using your fireplace for several weeks. In fact, your fireplace and chimney may be in need of a little maintenance before you spend the rest of the season burning fires. Don’t wait until spring to schedule a chimney sweep or inspection. Schedule services now so that you can prevent damage, carbon monoxide intrusion, fire, and more. 

Why Schedule an Inspection?

Both the National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) and the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) recommend routine chimney sweeps and annual inspections for a safe and efficient chimney and fireplace. Neglecting this type of maintenance is exactly what causes a chimney to fall into disrepair, become unsafe, and can lead to leaks, fire, and damage to the home, but also to the family’s health. Schedule an inspection now and rest assured that your chimney is ready for the second half of winter. When your certified chimney sweep gives you the A-okay, it means all the parts of your chimney are installed and working properly, there are no visible hazards, and it’s safe for regular use.

When Do You Need an Inspection?

Homeowners have some freedom to decide when to schedule a chimney inspection. They are recommended annually, but if you haven’t had yours inspected this fall or winter, do it now. Don’t wait! Every fire you light in your fireplace puts your family at risk when you haven’t had it inspected in the last 12 months.
Other reasons to schedule an inspection include:

• Before selling or transferring property ownership
• After a change is made to the system (repair, installation, change in fuel-type)
• After a natural disaster such as tornado, hurricane, or earthquake
• After a flue fire

Who Can Do Your Inspection?

Only a certified chimney sweep should complete a chimney inspection. The home inspector before a real estate sale does not know how to properly assess a chimney system, nor does a general contractor. A CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep can complete a CSIA inspection, offer a professional report, and sign it with authority. Your realtor, lawyer, and homeowners insurance provider will look for the CSIA signature, which is the industry standard for chimney care. If you hire an amateur, their work will not be insured, their business may not be licensed, and your homeowner’s insurance may not pay-out if you have to file a claim.

Choose the best chimney sweep company to work on your chimney so that you know the work is done correctly. When you choose Chief Chimney Services, you can depend on us for all of your comprehensive chimney needs. We offer chimney sweeps, inspections, repairs, installations, and more. Schedule with Chief

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.

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.

The Dangers of Creosote and How to Reduce Fire Risk

If you are new to fireplaces and chimneys, the mysterious creosote may be intimidating. The truth is that creosote is bothersome and can be quite dangerous, but it is manageable.

What is Creosote?

When organic fuel like oil, gas, and wood are burned byproducts are released into the chimney. As vapor and soot is pulled up the chimney, the soot clings to the flue liner and coats it. As this soot builds up, it becomes a substance known as creosote. Through a process of high heat melting the creosote followed by cooling, glazed creosote is created. Glazed creosote is not only highly flammable, but it can obstruct the flue completely if left to build.

How to Reduce Fire Risk

In order to avoid creosote buildup and increased risk of fire, keep these things in mind while enjoying your fire this winter.

1. Chimney Sweeps and Inspections
   It is recommended by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) to schedule regular chimney sweeps and annual chimney inspections to avoid increased risk of fire.
2. Choosing Proper Wood
   Wood should be properly seasoned, or dried, in order for it to burn completely, and more cleanly, with less byproduct. Choosing the right wood for your appliance or fireplace will make it easier to burn a high-temperature fire, thereby decreasing creosote left behind after burning.
3. Monitor Your Chimney System
   Monitor your firebox and flue for signs of creosote buildup and schedule a chimney sweep before your creosote becomes a problem. This makes it easier and cheaper to remove, while also lowering fire risk.

Hiring a Professional

There are chemical cleaning products on the market that promise creosote removal, but these products cannot replace regular chimney maintenance by a CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep® (CCS). Chief Chimney Services is experienced in glazed creosote removal and can do so using brushes and tools as well as chemicals that are safe for use inside the home and will not affect your family. A Chief Chimney sweep will assess the creosote before forming a removal plan. If the creosote is moist, a chemical will be applied in order to allow the tools and brushes to work. The creosote is removed with the use of tools, brushes, and a high-powered vacuum. A professional knows the importance of safety and comfort. Our services will be as timely as possible, and with as little disruption to your home as possible. Hiring a professional is a necessity, and here at Chief Chimney Services we aim to offer the best services in Suffolk County, Long Island.

If you have questions or concerns about creosote, or want to schedule services for your chimney, call Chief Chimney Services at 631-863-2460 or request an appointment online today.

Your Stinky Chimney: Chimney Odors and What to Do About Them

You want your fireplace to offer the ambiance you expected when it was installed, along with efficiency and safety to boot. That isn’t too much to ask. When your chimney stinks it’s not only inconvenient, but it also points to a bigger problem that should be dealt with right away.

What a Stinky Chimney Means for You

A chimney that is working properly shouldn’t stink–if it does, there is an issue inside. By identifying the type of smell, it can be easy to diagnose.

• A musty, dank odor means there is moisture in the chimney. When moisture gets into the chimney it mixes with soot, resulting in an unpleasant odor. This is a common cause of a stinky chimney, and homeowners should be aware of this and call a professional right away because water can wreak havoc on your chimney .

• A singed, smokey odor means there is a draft problem, or some bad burning habits on the part of the homeowner. If there is a draft problem it might be as simple as opening a window in another part of the house to replace air in the house. However, it can be a bigger problem, like a liner that is the wrong size, or a chimney that is the wrong height. If this is the case, the odor will persist until the problem is fixed, and these repairs should be done by a professional. If the odor is the result of poor burning practices, it is the easiest fix. The only fuel that should be burned in your fireplace or appliance is exactly the fuel it is designed for.

If you burn cord wood, you should only burn seasoned wood that has been cut, set aside, and dried for a number of months before burning. Burning wood that is not dried properly can cause incomplete burning which can contribute to draft problems as well as soot buildup. Also, trash and other items should never be burned in the fireplace. These items do not burn completely and pose a threat to the chimney system and the home.

What You Can Do For a Stinky Chimney

1. Call a Professional

Even if you are able to correct the problem by cracking a window to improve the draft, or by using the proper wood, you should call a professional and have your chimney checked out. Depending on how long the odor has been present, there may have been damage caused to the chimney. For instance, both a draft problem and improper fuel can cause creosote buildup on the flue lining. This will continue to stink, as well as may cause flue blockage, and threat of fire.

If the odor was caused by moisture in the chimney a CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep® (CCS)  can assess the cause and the damage. The chimney may need to be relined, resurfaced, or waterproofed to prevent further damage.

2. Remember Maintenance

The Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) recommends regular chimney sweeps and annual chimney inspections to insure the chimney system is operating at it’s best efficiency and safety. These are preventative steps that you can take as a homeowner to prevent costly damage later.

To learn more about how your chimney works and reasons why your chimney isn’t working, visit with a professional today. Chief Chimney Services is available for consultation, chimney sweeps , and inspections. Schedule your appointment online today.

FAQ: Smoke and Draft Problems

As a homeowner you want your fireplace or stove to be an efficient heating system. If you have noticed a smoke or draft problem, then your heat system is probably not working correctly. This means the gases aren’t rising fast enough through the chimney. The Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) mentions 100 reasons your fireplace doesn’t work and most of them could be brought back to smoke and draft problems.

What Causes Smoke and Draft Problems?

The cause of a smokey chimney can be as simple as a household appliance competing with the chimney’s ventilation or the house being too tight for the gases to vent. It can be more tricky than this sometimes, however.

For instance, if a chimney is leaky or dirty, the smoke can be obstructed and won’t rise as fast. This can be a fire hazard, because the debris left on the walls of an unclean chimney is highly flammable. When the gases and smoke from the fire rise too slowly, the heat can ignite this debris called creosote.

This can also be a problem if proper wood isn’t being burned in the fireplace or appliance. If wood isn’t properly seasoned it won’t burn completely, causing more debris buildup, and causing the smoke to rise too slowly.

What Does it Mean?

If your chimney is releasing smoke into your home you may experience health hazards such as a range of asthmatic symptoms, cough, itchy eyes, and even hospitalization. It also means your chimney is less efficient, and a possible fire hazard.

What Can I do if I Suspect a Problem?

If your chimney system is less efficient or if you have a smoke problem, it’s a good idea to schedule an appointment with a CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep® (CCS). An experienced chimney sweep should be able to diagnose a problem and recommend a fix. As a homeowner you should remember to schedule regular cleanings and annual inspections of your chimney. Having your chimney swept is an important factor in chimney safety and efficiency.

How Can We Fix it?

A professional not only can diagnose your chimney smoke and draft problems, but can also make the necessary repairs to get your system back to highest safety and efficiency. At Chief Chimney Services we are experienced in repairing smokey chimneys for problems ranging from: flue obstructions, creosote buildup, improperly-functioning damper, poorly-designed fireplace, airtight homes, and competing appliances.

The most important thing a homeowner can do is to schedule an appointment with a certified professional who will offer professional services and expert advice. When you depend on your fireplace for home heat during the winter, you want it to be efficient and safe. Don’t wait to make an appointment to have your smokey chimney diagnosed 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.

FAQ: Why Fix a Leaky Chimney?

You wouldn’t second-guess a roof repair when you find a leak. Rain buckets are never a compliment to home decor, and there is the urgency of water damage to worry about.

A chimney leak is just as urgent as a roof leak, if not more. Your chimney works in a very specific way and is built to properly ventilate the home and protect from life-threatening gas accumulation. Even if your chimney doesn’t have a visible leak, a CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep® (CCS) should discover it during your regular chimney sweep or annual chimney inspection. An experienced and certified chimney sweep will not only find the leak, but detect the damage and provide a detailed report and recommendations.

Why a Leaky Chimney is a Big Deal

Water intrusion not only wreaks havoc on a masonry chimney, but also can cause unpleasant odors in your home, and raise the risk of flue fire. Fixing a leaky chimney now can prevent a high-cost repair later.

Masonry does not withstand water penetration. A small crack leads to a larger crack, and more damage follows when water continually freezes and thaws, expanding the spaces in the masonry. When this water enters the chimney’s interior it has access to the working parts of the chimney system, constructed of steel and cast iron. The water causes rust damage, destroying the metal parts.

The Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) warns homeowners that water penetration can cause interior and exterior damage to your home and masonry chimney including:

•  Rusted damper assemblies
•  Deteriorated metal or masonry firebox assemblies
•  Rusted fireplace accessories and glass doors
•  Rotting adjacent wood and ruined wall coverings
•  Water stained walls and ceiling
•  Clogged clean out area
•  Deteriorated central heating system
•  Stained chimney exterior
•  Decayed exterior mortar
• Cracked or deteriorated flue lining system
• Collapsed hearth support
• Tilted or collapsed chimney structure
• Chimney settlement

An Ounce of Prevention

The famed Benjamin Franklin quote applies to your chimney: “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”

We at Chief Chimney Services are experienced and able to repair your leaky chimney. We can repair, replace, and rebuild any part of your chimney if needed. However, we believe that preventing water damage is an essential part of chimney maintenance, and we proudly offer chimney waterproofing services.

ChimneySaver water-repellant products  are designed and tested for chimney application. It is no ordinary sealant, and should only be applied by a professional. ChimneySaver water-repellent products are designed specifically to keep water out, while allowing vapors and air molecules to escape.

Other products that Chief Chimney Services recommends, installs, and services are chimney caps and chimney flashing. The chimney cap keeps water from entering the chimney opening, while allowing smoke and gases to escape. Flashing directs rain water away from the chimney and down the roof.

As a homeowner you don’t want to find out you have a leaky chimney after the damage is done. Hire a professional to waterproof your chimney now, and remember to schedule your routine chimney sweepings and inspections. Contact 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.

Keep Your Home or Business Safe by Scheduling Your Level II Inspection and Chimney Sweep

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 and chimney has not changed, and you plan to continue use in the same way you have, then a level I 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!

What is a Level II Inspection?

In a level II chimney inspection the chimney sweep will examine the readily accessible portions of your chimney exterior, interior, appliance, and chimney connection. The technician will evaluate basic soundness of the chimney structure, flue, appliance installation and connections, and verify the chimney is free of obstruction or debris. All of these elements of the inspection exist for a level I inspection. However, a level II inspection also includes all accessible portions or the chimney interior and exterior, including attics, crawlspaces, and basements. During this inspection the technician will also address any clearance issues with area combustibles.

A level II inspection also includes a visual inspection of the interior flue lining, surfaces, and joints, whether by video device or other method.

What a Level II ISN’T

A level II chimney inspection requires no heavy machinery. If you schedule a level II inspection and the chimney sweep wants to add or remove any permanent pieces or structure to your appliance or venting system, that is work for a level III inspection.

If your certified chimney sweep notes hazardous structural issues or other dangerous problems, a level III inspection may be required.

When To Schedule a Level II

The Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) recommends a level II inspection for a few reasons, and as of 2000 the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) requires a level II inspection for the following reasons (as per NFPA 211):

• The property is sold or transferred
• Fuel type is changed
• The chimney flue is relined
• An appliance is replaced or added
• A part or parts of the heating system has malfunctioned
• The chimney or flue has experienced a fire
• The home or business has endured an earthquake or equally catastrophic occurrence
• BTU rating has changed

While it’s important to schedule a level II inspection for these reasons, you may also need a level II inspection if the chimney sweep finds something concerning in your level I inspection.

Learn more about chimney inspections with this informational article and tutorial.

Call a Professional Today

Only a certified chimney sweep should perform level I, II, and III chimney inspections. Even insurance companies trust the sweeps to make such an assessment, and often rely on a level II inspection to determine where a chimney or flue fire originated.

Our technicians at Chief Chimney Services are licensed, certified, and insured. Our Master Sweep has 30+ years experience for all of your appliance and venting system needs. When Chief Chimney performs an inspection we use a CCTV video camera to thoroughly examine your venting system. We also provide a detailed report of our findings for your knowledge and your records.

To schedule your appointment, call or schedule online today. A technician is standing by.