Let’s Keep That Chimney Clear!

Make sure your chimney flue looks like this. There should be no blockages of any sort.

For your chimney to function at its highest levels of efficiency and performance — sending heat and byproducts up and into the outside air — there needs to be a clean, unobstructed and uncompromised flue. Cracks and gaps will harm your draft, keeping the air from flowing the way it should. And blockages will, as that word implies, block the air from flowing, partially or completely, trapping heat and dangerous byproducts, and likely sending smoke and harmful gases billowing into your home.

A blocked flue is dangerous on several fronts — it can adversely affect the air inside your home, even lead to chimney fires. If you see smoke in your living area, notice a musty or smoky smell around your fireplace or find that dark stains are showing up around your appliance or chimney, you may have some flue blockage. It might be that you’re just overdue for a chimney sweeping appointment, or there might be other issues at work.

If you notice a problem, give Chief Chimney Services a call — our experienced technicians can find, remove and repair any issues related to chimney blockage. In the meantime, here are a few common contributors to a blocked chimney:

Creosote

When you use your wood-burning fireplace or stove, creosote is a natural result — it’s a deposit that builds up over time, as particulates and hot gases rise in your flue, hit the cooler flue walls and condense. Chimney professionals recommend regular chimney sweeping appointments because creosote deposits lead to a number of different problems and worries. If deposits are thick enough, they can block your flue, impeding the draft and letting toxic carbon monoxide get into the air you’re breathing. Since creosote is highly flammable, heavy creosote deposits can also become a serious fire hazard. And if creosote develops into third stage “glazed creosote” (often due to repeatedly burning wood with a higher moisture content), you’ll end up with higher chances of a chimney fire and a really difficult removal process.

Following proper burning practices (keeping your flue wide open during fires, using only seasoned cordwood, having your chimney regularly swept) can minimize creosote, and keep your chimney air flowing freely.

Animal And Plant Debris

If your flue isn’t topped with a chimney cap, you have a couple of big worries: things falling into your flue, and things climbing into your flue. An open flue makes it easier for branches, leaves and twigs to fall into your chimney, creating piles of highly flammable debris that impacts your draft and can become a fire hazard. But haphazard debris definitely isn’t your biggest issue — animals are drawn to the warm, confined safety of a chimney, so without a cap, you’re inviting anything from birds to squirrels and raccoons to move right in. Those new roommates bring in debris and create nests that can block your flue. They also tow in sounds, smells and bugs that you don’t want in your chimney, either. The best way to avoid all that: Make sure you have a correctly sized, correctly installed chimney cap on your system.

Broken Flue Tile Or Masonry Pieces

Many older chimneys were built and installed with terra cotta clay tile flue liners. And while those liners can hold up well with diligent maintenance, it’s not uncommon for tiles to crack or break, and for pieces to then fall into the flue. That leaves your chimney less protected, less efficient and potentially blocked up, too. Pieces of brick and mortar can crack and fall into the flue, too, bringing similar issues.

If damaged masonry pieces are blocking your flue, Chief Chimney can make the necessary repairs to clear out the flue and make the chimney whole again.

Regardless of what’s doing the blocking, a blocked flue makes for a much less efficient, much less effective and much less safe chimney. If you have any questions about blockages — or want to have our experienced technicians take a look at your system — just give Chief Chimney Services a call. We’re always here to help!

Chief Chimney Mobile

Providing Quality, Comprehensive Chimney Services

Chief Chimney Services, Inc. is located in Smithtown, New York, and provides comprehensive chimney services to Western and Central Suffolk County. We have been in the chimney care business for over thirty years and provide the following:

• Chimney and Fireplace Services (i.e. Sweeping, Troubleshooting, and Inspections)
• Chimney Repairs (Including Flue Relining, Masonry Repair, Crown Repair, Flashing Repair, and Waterproofing)
• Chimney Installations (Rumford, Bellfires, Chimney Caps, Energy Top Dampers, Pre-fab, and more!)
• Dryer Vent Services (Cleaning)

Every year, thousands of families fall victim to dangerous house fires – many of which could have been easily prevented. At Chief Chimney Services, Inc., we understand the importance of proper chimney and fireplace installation and maintenance and are dedicated to keeping your family healthy and safe.

In our thirty plus years in the industry, we have conducted countless fire investigations which have made us even more aware of the dangers of improper installation and maintenance. We know the importance of fire safety and never (EVER) cut corners. At Chief Chimney Services, Inc., we work diligently to provide you with speedy service of the highest quality.

Whether you are in need of an annual sweep or dryer vent cleaning; fireplace/chimney repairs; complete chimney/fireplace installation or replacement; or if you simply want to make sure your appliance is burning efficiently and ready for use, Chief Chimney Services, Inc. is here to help! All of our technicians are CSIA-certified and have the experience and knowledge to provide you with the best possible service.

Consultation Services

Have questions regarding your appliance; smoke and drafting problems; local codes; or need a second opinion on repairs? We offer consultation services and solid advice and can help you make the right decision for your home needs.

Your Fireplace Store

We also have a Fireplace Store that offers the best in quality hearth-care products. Whether you are searching for a new fireplace, a screen, fireplace tools, or any other related product, you’ll find what you’re looking for in our Fireplace Store.

Service Area

We are located in Smithtown, New York, and provide services as far east as Wading River and Eastport and as far west as Huntington and Amityville. All towns and villages in Smithtown, Huntington, Babylon, Islip, and Brookhaven townships. For a complete listing of the cities, towns, and zip codes we serve, please check out our Service Area page.

If you do not see your city, town, or zip listed, but believe you fall into our service area, please contact us! We will be happy to figure it out.

We appreciate your business, and hope to hear from you soon!

All your heating appliances need regular service and maintenance, so call on Chief Chimney Services for their training and expertise.

Testimonials

We Love our Customers!

Lauren and Diane came at the time promised and completed the work at the quoted price. They educated me about my fireplace, chimney and boiler with no sales pressure. The bottle of hot sauce was much appreciated! I have already recommended them to friends.
~ Jeffrey Morganstern, Dix Hills, NY

Chief Chimney did an efficient job cleaning the chimney and the fireplace box. Additionally, while they were here, I asked them to seal the outside ash-dump door, which was not closing properly. This problem was causing a significant draft in the house. This work was not in my original request. The work was completed without any problems. There was no mess left behind. I was very satisfied with the work. i thought the price for the original effort (chimney sweep and Fireplace cleaning) was a little high when I contacted them, but went with them because of the recommendations they received from prior customers. In the final analysis, it was worth it. Everything was done to our satisfaction.
~ Dominic Di Falco, Commack, NY

Chief Chimney showed up when they said they would and immediately put down a runner to protect my floors. Their experience showed as they work efficiently together to set up the ladder, drop cloth… They cleaned the chimney and then worked on the woodstove, cleaning even the glass when finished.
~ Thomas LaMarco, Port Jefferson Station, NY

I met Diane and Lauren from Chief Chimney Service at my house today and they impressed me right from the start. They showed up right on time and were very easy to talk to. As they started working they were very informative, showed me what they were seeing in the chimney and gave me some great tips on my fireplace. They did excellent work and were very honest in their assessment. The chimney connected to my oil burner clearly needed a new liner because we all could see the broken tiles that we falling out of it. The fireplace chimney only needed to be swept. They were very thorough checking everything from inside the house and on the roof. They really know the meaning of service which unfortunately seems rare these days. I highly recommend Diane and Lauren; they are dynamic mother and daughter duo!
~ Anthony Merolla, New Hyde Park, NY

I have used this Chief Chimney Services for several years and found them to be the most professional company that I’ve ever used. The crew begins as soon as they come through the front door by laying out drop cloths to protect my floors. They then, inspected the fireplace and chimney with flashlights and camera, pointing out all concerns and conditions. Cleaning is completed professionally and without any affects to my home. The staff is knowledgeable, friendly, and efficient. I am impressed with the fact that this company also trains other chimney sweeps, here in our country and abroad. This is comforting to the customer knowing that they are at the top of their profession. I highly recommend this organization if you want an honest and professional, no worry, job at your home.
~ Walter Wilson, Mount Sinai, NY

I can’t say enough good things about this company. Diane and Lauren arrived on time. Showed me pictures of the problem in my chimney, the lining was crumbling. They then sent me the most professional written proposal I have ever received. Communication was EXCELLENT from the first phone call to confirm the appointment to access the problem to the time they arrived to perform the work. They were punctual, neat and honest about what needed to be done. Forget about using any other chimney service…THIS IS THE ONE TO USE AND TRUST.
~ Donna Simone, Rocky Point, NY

Fantastic! We love Chief Chimney, and would use them again in a heartbeat, as well as recommend them to our friends. Very nice people, on time, responsive to our concerns. I don’t know much about chimneys, but they seem to be very good at what they do!
~ James Parles, Setauket, NY

I have used Chief Chimney Services to clean/repair my three fireplaces in my historic home for over 5 years. They have cleaned, repaired and maintained my fireplaces which date back to 1750 and a third to 1842. They have always been dependable, reliable and I wouldn’t use anyone else. I have been put on “prescheduled service” each year so I don’t “forget” to clean them every year. My husband and I couldn’t be happier with the performance of this company and their staff.
~ Rita Lee, Huntington, NY

Wow! A mother-daughter team, the most pleasant and professional of any chimney service I have encountered. Called in advance, showed up on time, explained everything in detail, was thorough and clean. In a profession full of questionable practices, this was a great experience and I would recommend Diane and Lauren without hesitation.
~ Zev Asch, East Northport, NY

Click here to schedule an appointment online!

Find out a little more about us and discover the history found in our Chief Chimney Collectables.

Annual Service Of Your Oil Fired Appliance Chimney

Why Is Annual Service Of My Oil-Fired Appliance Chimney So Important?

Neglected chimney systems are the cause of countless deaths, injuries and expensive home repairs every year. With proper and professional maintenance, many of these deaths, injuries and repairs could have been avoided. Unfortunately, chimney maintenance is often pushed to the back of the homeowner’s mind.

Sometimes the cause of neglect is not as simple as misinformation. Many homeowners are under the impression that their chimneys are being cleaned and inspected each time an oil-burning company technician comes to their home. However, this is certainly not the case. When an oil-burning company technician comes to your home, he may do some light maintenance (i.e. shovel the base of the chimney or do a light brushing of connector pipes), but the chimney itself is not getting any attention. A thorough chimney inspection and cleaning will require a good look inside of the chimney and a visit to the roof to check every chimney component for functionality, cleanliness, and safety.

What Kind Of Hazards Are Associated With A Neglected Oil-Fired Appliance Chimney?

Drafting Problems & Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Oil-fired appliances typically run for long periods of time during the winter, which can lead to a significant amount of soot buildup within the chimney. Not only can this soot cause deterioration of the clay tiles within the chimney (leaving the masonry of your chimney and nearby structures vulnerable and likely to decay), it can also cause drafting problems, allowing dangerous byproducts of combustion (like carbon monoxide) to back-flow into your home and air supply. Since carbon monoxide is basically undetectable by the senses, your family could be breathing in this poisonous gas without even knowing it! To preserve your chimney’s masonry and protect your family from the dangers of carbon monoxide, you must make professional chimney maintenance a priority.

Chimney Liner Deterioration And Fire Hazards
Whether you have a clay tile liner or a metal liner in your oil-fired appliance chimney, neglect and inadequate maintenance can lead to severe liner degradation and safety risks. If your liner is composed of clay tiles, the sulfur and carbon in soot combined with vapor or rainwater can cause the clay and masonry of the chimney to crack and crumble. Even the smallest crack or gap within the liner can lead to drafting problems and allow intense heat and dangerous byproducts access to the masonry of the chimney and surrounding combustibles.

Even a stainless steel liner is subject to corrosion when exposed to the sulfuric and acidic properties of oil soot. If this soot is allowed to compile on the walls of a stainless steel liner, it can eat holes into it, once again allowing high heat and dangerous byproducts to leak into the masonry of the chimney and the surrounding walls. With a damaged and deteriorating chimney liner, you won’t just have an inefficient system – you’ll have a dangerous system.

What Should An Annual Inspection And Sweeping Of My Oil-Fired Appliance Chimney Include?

When a CSIA-certified chimney sweep services your oil-fired appliance chimney, he will do the following:

• Lay drop clothes and runners, to ensure that your home stays clean throughout the process
• Disconnect, sweep and reconnect connecting pipes
• Check the exterior of the chimney for damage
• Sweep the flue (if necessary)
• Check the structural integrity of the chimney
• Remove any debris (including soot)
• Restart the appliance
• Make recommendations for repairs (if needed)

If you have an oil-fired appliance in your home, it is important that you have your chimney professionally inspected and serviced at the end of each heating season. This annual maintenance can help detect problems within the chimney and appliance before they become serious fire and health hazards or cause extensive structural damage to your home. To schedule your annual maintenance, call us today at 631-863-2460 or click here to schedule an appointment online!

Learn more about the advantages of oil and gas appliances before making a choice for your home. Regardless of the appliance you select, be sure to include regular chimney sweeping as part of safe home maintenance.

FAQ’s

Fireplace Information & Operation Tips & FAQs

Why do chimneys need to be regularly inspected and cleaned?
When wood burns, it creates a substance called “creosote”. Creosote builds up on the walls of the chimney over time. Creosote is flammable and must be removed to avoid a chimney fire. Rainwater penetration damage is also a major cause of chimney deterioration. Regular inspections are as important for your chimney as regular physical examinations by your physician or regular visits to your dentist. It’s vitally important to catch potentially hazardous conditions early! The National Fire Protection Association recommends an annual inspection and cleaning when necessary. As CSIA-Certified Chimney Sweeps, we can accurately advise you of any recommendations for servicing, usage and/or repair.

What causes creosote buildup?
The degree and severity of creosote varies from a fine powder to a non-removable tar-like substance. Creosote is created by the incomplete combustion of firewood. Low fire temperatures cause incomplete combustion. Low fire temperatures can be the result of unseasoned firewood, wet or soft firewood, intentional burning of firewood at a low temperature, or closing the combustion air supply to the fireplace before all of the wood is consumed

What is “unseasoned”, “wet”, and “soft” firewood?
Unseasoned firewood is wood that has not had the opportunity for the natural moisture in the log to evaporate. In order for this process to occur, the log needs to be split into halves or quarters and allowed to sit for six months to one year. Wet wood is firewood that has been stored outside and absorbed moisture from outside elements such as humidity, rain and snowfall. The ideal moisture content for firewood is between 15% and 25% moisture content. “Softwood” is a term used to describe certain types of wood that are “less dense” than other types of firewood.

How can I tell when firewood is properly “seasoned”?
Properly seasoned firewood will have a few easy-to-detect characteristics such as:

• The wood will appear discolored or gray.
• The wood will have natural cracks coming from the center to the outside of the log.
• The wood will not have a “freshly-cut” look.

What Kind Of Wood Is Good To Burn?
Wood such as Oak, Cherry, Ash, Mulberry, Hackberry and other types of hardwoods are good to burn in your fireplace. All wood has the same Btu potential per pound. Hardwoods are more dense (they have less airspace in between the wood cells) than softwoods, therefore, there is more wood to burn in a piece of hardwood as opposed to a piece of softwood. A good rule of thumb is that if the tree produces a berry or a fruit, it is considered “hardwood”. NEVER burn driftwood in a fireplace or a wood-burning stove as it has a high salt content that may cause damage and corrosion to your system!

What about the logs I see for sale at the supermarkets, convenience stores and hardware stores?
Logs such as Duraflame, etc. can be burned in a fireplace. They have been tested to burn cleaner than regular firewood. The logs are usually made from compressed sawdust, copper sulfate and paraffin wax. Although they burn cleaner, some fireplace users dislike the odor that the wax creates. NEVER burn more than one of these logs at a time in a fireplace and NEVER burn these logs in a wood burning stove.

Is my chimney clogged if it smokes into my home?
Generally speaking, no. Some of the most common causes for smoke backing up into the home are:

• The damper is not locked in the fully open position.
• The wood is unseasoned, wet or soft and cannot create enough heat to cause the smoke to rise properly into the chimney.
• The walls of the chimney are cold, not allowing the smoke to rise properly.
• The house has a negative pressure problem.

How can I keep this from happening?

• Make sure the damper is locked open before starting the fire.
• Make sure that you are using seasoned firewood.
• If the chimney walls are cold, light a piece of loosely rolled newspaper and place it near the damper. This will push heat into the chimney, creating the proper draft.
• Make sure you start your fire with kindling (small pieces of woods and twigs) before you add the big logs to your fire.
• Have an annual inspection conducted by a CSIA-Certified Chimney Sweep!

Is there anything else I can do to burn wood more safely?
Yes. There is much more to burning wood than just throwing anything into the fireplace and striking a match. Many household items, when burned, can create toxic fumes. NEVER burn garbage, trash, painted lumber, treated lumber, construction scraps, your Christmas Tree or large amounts of paper in your fireplace. It is always best to burn only wood in your fireplace. You may wish to go to your local library and obtain information on the proper wood burning procedures. Always wear protective gloves when around the fireplace and never set anything on the hearth area – it may catch fire from radiated heat. When removing ashes from your fireplace, store them OUTSIDE in a metal container on a non-combustible (metal or concrete) surface and away from a combustible wall. Ashes can remain hot and can cause a fire for SEVERAL DAYS after they are removed.

What does a chimney cleaning consist of?
As CSIA-Certified Chimney Sweeps, we follow a Six-Step Cleaning Process, in which we clean the entire system from the fireplace up. This includes the firebox, smoke chamber, smoke shelf, and flue. We then check the system for any visible problems. If necessary, we use our closed circuit video inspection camera to evaluate the interior of the system.

Do you clean out ash pits?
No. Cleaning ash pits is considered homeowner’s maintenance.

Will cleaning my chimney get dust all over my house?
Absolutely Not! We use a professional, heavy-duty vacuum system designed specifically for dust control, and we guarantee no dust. You have our personal guarantee that we will not leave a mess in your home.

How often do I need to have my chimney cleaned?
The chimney should be checked after 1/2 cord (a “rick”) to 1 cord of wood has been burned in your system. A “cord” of wood is 4′ high x 4′ wide x 8′ long. A “rick” of wood is 1/2 that amount. The National Fire Protection Association recommends having your system inspected and cleaned annually, and as necessary.

How long does it take to sweep a chimney?
A typical sweeping can take anywhere from forty minutes to over an hour, depending on the type of chimney and the construction of the system.

Can Repairs Be Completed At The Time Of Sweeping?
It depends on the type of repair needed and our schedule for that day.

What is the difference between a factory-built fireplace and a masonry fireplace?
Factory-built fireplaces are built in a factory and installed on-site from UL-listed components, while a masonry chimney is constructed on-site by brick masons. A factory-built chimney has a metal flue pipe system to vent smoke out of the house. Factory-built fireplaces are smaller and some have blowers built in to push heated air into the room. All factory-built fireplaces are UL-listed for safety and efficiency. The factory-built chimney is typically enclosed in a wooden chase covered by a metal cap to prevent water penetration. A termination cap is also typically provided on top. A benefit of factory-built fireplaces is that a damaged, factory-built fireplace can be removed and replaced with a new unit at a lower cost than a masonry system.

A masonry chimney is built on site using brick, mortar and clay flue tiles for liners. It is typically more expensive to build and to maintain. Most masonry chimneys do not have chimney caps installed, which means water, leaves and animals can get inside of the structure and sometimes inside of your home. However, we can easily install a chimney cap on your masonry chimney.

Factory-built fireplaces are not any safer than masonry fireplaces – they are just different. Both types of fireplaces can provide years of warmth and enjoyment for you and your family.

Diagrams courtesy and copyright of CSIA

Click here to schedule an appointment online.

Learn more about us and our extensive service area, then give us a call.

Consultation Services

Chimney & Fireplace Consultation Services

At Chief Chimney Services, Inc., we have over thirty years of experience with chimney and fireplace troubleshooting and repairs. We know how frustrating it can be when you don’t know the source of your hearth-related problems and we are dedicated to working with you to help address any problems you may be having. Whether you are experiencing inefficiency problems; smoke or drafting problems; house pressure problems; or are dealing with leaks, we can help. We offer comprehensive consultation services and will help you identify and fix the problem. We are also oil appliance venting specialists.

All of our technicians have a thorough understanding of code requirements and can evaluate your installation and repairs for code compliance and safety. We also have extensive fire investigation experience and can offer you helpful advice. When our investigation services are needed, we provide detailed inspections, locate the cause of the fire and help you deal with the insurance company and/or lawyers. We know how devastating a fire can be and want to help with the aftermath in any way we can!

No matter what your question or problem, we are here to help! Contact us to schedule your consultation service, today or click here to schedule an appointment online!

We are honored to have so many positive testimonials from happy customers. When you know more about us, you’ll want to join their ranks and become our next satisfied customer!

Energy Top Dampers

The Perks Of Installing An Energy Top Damper

Traditional fireplace dampers are like sliding doors within the chimney system and can be opened and closed to accommodate the desired amount of air flow. They allow the homeowner to control the height and intensity of the fire and prevent wind gusts and other draft problems from occurring within the home. They can also be closed to keep conditioned air inside of the home and undesirable temperatures and conditions out.

Unlike traditional dampers, energy top dampers are installed on the top of the chimney flue and are sealed into place. The seal ensures that no air is lost as a result of the installation. Energy top dampers are connected to a cable and a handle, which still allows for easy opening and closing by the homeowner. The placement of an energy top damper gives it an advantage over traditional dampers in that it can completely eradicate the need for a chimney cap.

How Can Energy Top Dampers Replace Chimney Caps?

Like chimney caps, energy top dampers sit atop the chimney, and when closed, can act as a barrier to keep out wind, water, animals, insects, and other debris. If these are not kept out of your chimney system, you can have serious problems.

• Water – Water damage can significantly shorten the life of the flue and the masonry of your chimney system. When water gets into the brick and mortar or clay, it causes cracks, spalling, efflorescence, and lime-leaching, all of which can completely destroy the chimney structure. If your flue is made of metal, water can cause rust and corrosion which causes inefficiency problems and smoke problems and opens up the possibility for house fires.
• Animals and Insects – Animals and insects see an uncapped chimney as a safe and sturdy spot to nest. They can be noisy, smelly, and dirty, and can leave behind flammable nesting debris. They can also cause airflow problems and inefficiency within your chimney system.
• Debris – Like nesting animals and insects, debris that makes its way into your chimney can cause blockages, air flow problems, and inefficiency. Debris can also significantly increase your chance of a house fire.

By installing an energy top damper, you can ensure that your chimney is protected from outside dangers and that your fireplace and chimney system isn’t a source of lost conditioned air. If you are in need of a new chimney cap or damper, you may want to consider having an energy top damper installed. There are so many styles and sizes available – you are bound to find one that suits your taste!

Call Chief Chimney Services, Inc. or click here to schedule an appointment online to have your energy top damper installed, today!

If you are thinking about installing a pre-fabricated fireplace, there is probably a pre-fabricated chimney to go with it to ensure safe and efficient operation. Don’t leave this skilled chimney installation service to the amateurs – call on Chief Chimney Services today.

Chimney Caps

Why Do I Need A Chimney Cap?

Day after day, season after season, your chimney is out there in the elements. What is there to keep the elements from coming down your chimney and into your home? Well, if you don’t have a chimney cap, the answer is not much.

Chimney caps are steel, mesh, or copper components that are designed to fit on your chimney top. They act as blockades that keep rain, wind, animals, and debris out of the chimney system while keeping sparks and ashes from the fireplace from starting fires outdoors. Chimney caps also aid in draft prevention by protecting the chimney from strong gusts of wind. Without a chimney cap, your chimney is susceptible to all sorts of damage and decay.

What Are The Hazards Of Not Having A Chimney Cap?

Animal Inhabitation: To animals, birds, or insects, your chimney is a perfect place to settle down. It is a sturdy structure that provides safety and protection from the elements. That’s why chimneys that are unprotected by chimney caps are often home to squirrels, birds, and all sorts of insects. Not only can nesting animals cause quite a disturbance in your home audibly, they can also produce some unusual odors. But animals aren’t just an inconvenience when they dwell in your chimney system, they are a hazard. Nesting materials and feces are highly flammable and can block airflow within the flue. This leads to inefficiency, overheating, and even house fires. To make sure that you are protected from unwanted house guests, have a chimney cap installed on your chimney today!

Water Damage: Water is the number one cause of chimney decay and deterioration and is a threat that should be avoided at all costs. Although there are a number of ways for water to get into your chimney, the best way to avoid it is by installing a chimney cap. Chimney caps act as a barrier against water invasion and encourage rainwater to drain down off of the roof instead of down into the chimney. By installing a chimney cap, you can save yourself thousands of dollars in repairs and prolong the life of your entire chimney system.

Wind Gusts/Draftiness: Because chimney caps sit directly on the chimney top, they act as a barrier against direct gusts of wind. This aids in heat retention and also prevents winds from forcing smoke back down into your home.

Flue Blockages: Flue blockages aren’t always a result of animal inhabitation. Sometimes, chimneys without chimney caps get leaves, sticks, and other debris lodged in them. This debris can cause fires, air flow blockage, overheating, and general inefficiency in your system. The best way to protect yourself from flue blockages is to install a chimney cap.

How Do I Know Which Cap Is Right For Me?

No matter what your environment or décor preferences, a Chief Chimney Services, Inc. professional can help you find the right chimney cap for your home. Whether you are looking to have a customized cap, a wind-resistant cap, or any other type of chimney cap installed, we can help you sort through the options. Give us a call and start protecting your chimney from destructive elements, today, click here to schedule an appointment online.

Consider installing an energy top damper for more efficient and safer operation of your chimney. At Chief Chimney Services, we can help with this chimney installation service.

Bellfires Fireplaces

The Buzz About Bellfires

Like Rumford fireplaces, Bellfires are designed for maximum heat efficiency and complete fuel burn. These fireplaces were designed using Count Rumford’s findings in the 1700s, in addition to intense testing and experiments conducted by Dr. Rosin in the 1900s. Compiling these findings, Bell of England began designing fireboxes and throats that provided maximum heat reflection and minimal smoke output.

The firebox in a Bellfire fireplace is shaped so that the hottest point is in the back. This point reflects heat back into the fire, where the fuel is burned completely. This point in the back of the fire also reflects heat back into the room, resulting in a greater output of heat and a more efficient use of fuel. Because of this complete burning of fuel, a Bellfire fireplace rarely if ever produces creosote. In fact, Bellfires burn fuel so completely that even smoke problems are virtually unheard of.

Today, Bellfires are constructed of pre-cast pieces which are factory designed according to Rumford and Rosin’s findings and Bell of England’s vision. The result is a much less labor-intensive installation with guaranteed, efficient results. Bellfires make use of ceramic, lined in foil, to protect nearby combustibles and redirect heat back into the fire itself. This results in a complete fuel burn, meaning higher outputs of heat and virtually no air pollution. It also helps in fire prevention by containing the heat within the firebox. Bellfires also do not require as large of a flue as most other fireplaces, which significantly decreases draft and heat loss. When it comes to efficient, economically wise and environmentally friendly choices, it doesn’t get any better than a Bellfire.

Whatever style or size fireplace you are looking for, there is a Bellfire fireplace for you. Whether you are considering having a Bellfire installed in your new construction home, or are considering having a Bellfire installed into your existing masonry or metal firebox, Chief Chimney Services, Inc. can help. We have extensive experience in Bellfire installation and guarantee all of our work.

Give Chief Chimney Services, Inc. a call today to discuss your Bellfire options. We will be happy to advise you and help guide you towards the right choice for your home. Have a historically tested and efficiency designed Bellfire fireplace installed today and start heating your home the smart and eco-friendly way! Click here to schedule an appointment online.

Regardless of the kind of fireplace you have, every chimney needs a chimney cap to protect against water, critters and unwanted debris in your fireplace system. Include a chimney cap in your chimney installation for your safety and health.

Chimney Installations

With Chief, You Get Quality Chimney Installations Every Time

Chief Chimney Services, Inc. offers comprehensive chimney and hearth care, including the installation of Rumford Fireplaces, Bellfires Fireplaces, Chimney Caps, Energy Top Dampers, Pre-fabricated Chimneys and Refractory Fireplaces.

• Rumford Fireplaces: Rumford’s are known for their unique build and design, and first came onto the scene in the 1790’s. They are typically much taller and shallower than most other types of fireplaces and, as a result, are able to put out high levels of heat. Their design also encourages smoke to exit through the chimney, leaving smoke problems out of the question. These beauties demand attention and are usually the focal point of any room. For more information on Rumford fireplaces, check out Rumford Fireplaces.
• Bellfire Fireplaces: Bellfires are a wonderful alternative to traditional, wood-burning fireplaces, and offer the highest levels of efficiency. They are designed to reflect heat into the room and back into the fire, which results in a warm home, fully-burned wood, and basically no creosote or smoke. If you’re thinking of having a Bellfire installed, check out Bellfire Fireplaces.
• Chimney Caps: Chimney caps play a key role in chimney system defense by acting as a guard against wind, water, and animal invasion. Caps come in all sorts of styles and looks but are typically constructed of steel, mesh, or copper. You can also have your cap custom-made to better fit the décor of your home. If you live in a hilly or high-wind area, we can recommend a chimney cap that is designed to deal with high winds and prevent draft problems. Whatever your cap needs, Chief Chimney Services, Inc. offers advice and expert installation every time. For more on chimney caps, please check out our Chimney Caps page.
• Energy Top Dampers: Energy top dampers are dampers that are mounted and sealed to the top of a flue tile. They typically have a firebox-mounted handle that allows easy opening and closing of the damper. Installing an energy top damper can decrease air loss in your home by up to 90 percent. Because these dampers are mounted on top of the flue tile, they can be used in place of caps, to keep wind, water, and animals out while keeping heat in. For more information on Energy Top Dampers, check out Energy Top Dampers.
• Pre-fabricated Chimneys: Pre-fabricated chimneys are a metal alternative to masonry chimneys and are typically designed to work in conjunction with specific pre-fabricated fireplaces. Pre-fabricated chimneys require professional installation and are only guaranteed when used exactly as instructed by the manufacturer. For more information on prefabricated chimney systems, check out Pre-fabricated Chimneys.
• Refractory Fireplaces: Refractory fireplaces are masonry fireplaces constructed of mortar that is prepared in the factory ahead of time. This type of mortar is thoroughly tested and can stand up to high heat better than traditional mortar. It also takes out the guesswork of mixing, so you know your fireplace material is compliant with code. For more information on Refractory Fireplaces, check out Refractory Fireplaces.

Click here to schedule an appointment online.

Learn about NFPA Level 1 & 2 chimney inspections. This is part of our chimney and fireplace professional services, so let Chief Chimney Services help now.