Our Company Blog

Firebox Repair

Common Firebox Repairs

The firebox is designed for exposure to high heat, smoke, and gases. It is designed to contain all of these things and direct them out of the chimney and out of your home. When your firebox has cracks, holes, or is improperly installed or fitted to your flue, your family is put at risk of fire, smoke inhalation, and carbon monoxide poisoning.

Water Damage

When water gets into the brick and mortar of your firebox as a result of a leaky chimney, you will inevitably see severe deterioration. Water can suck the lime out of the brick, leaving holes, cracks, and gaps inside of the actual masonry. Water or water vapor can also get trapped inside of the brick, freezing and thawing repeatedly, and causing the brick to crumble internally. Water causes spalling, cracks, and efflorescence, leaving your once-beautiful brick splotchy, uneven and unsafe. Basically, any time your masonry mixes with water, it is structurally compromised. If we discover any signs of water damage in your firebox, we will work diligently to locate the source of the leak(s) before repairing the affected brick and mortar.

Poor Design/Improper Installation

Many times, a firebox can be a source of problems as a result of poor design or improper installation. There are many things to consider when designing and building a masonry fireplace and chimney and, if the builder does not have a comprehensive understanding of the chimney system, he may make devastating mistakes.

One thing to consider when designing and building the firebox is the type of brick and mortar being used. The firebox will have to withstand higher temperatures than the rest of the fireplace and chimney system and materials should be chosen accordingly. If low-quality bricks were used in your firebox, you may need a complete rebuild.

Another thing to take into consideration when designing or installing a firebox is the size of the unit in relation to the flue. If your firebox was built with too large of an opening, it may be allowing in more air than the chimney can handle. If this is the case with your firebox, a Chief chimney sweep may opt to install a smoke shield, which will reduce the air intake of your firebox and help with smoke or backdraft problems.

Age

No matter how high-quality the masonry in your firebox, time and use can lead to cracks and gaps. Having your firebox regularly swept can protect you from extensive damages and catch cracks and gaps in the early stages. If your firebox suffers from minor cracks and gaps due to age but is still in good condition, we may opt to do some tuck pointing which involves removing old mortar and replacing it with new mortar. At Chief Chimney Services, Inc., we are perfectionists and guarantee all of our work, so you don’t have to worry!

Environmental Damages

Earthquakes can cause devastating cracks and crumbling within your firebox. If the damage requires more than just simple point tucking and patchwork, we may need to completely rebuild your firebox.

Strong storms can force huge gusts of wind, large quantities of water, and other debris into your chimney system if it is not properly protected. Much of this can settle down into the firebox and cause extensive damage. At Chief Chimney Services, Inc., we can give you a quality, thorough assessment of the damages and help you decide which option is best for your budget and situation.

Anytime your masonry is exposed to water, it is at risk of decay. When water leaks into your chimney and settles into the brick and mortar of your firebox, it can cause crumbling, cracking, spalling, and lime-leaching. In these situations, repairs can range from simple tuck pointing to a full rebuild.

Whatever the reason for your firebox damage, we are equipped to locate the source and make the necessary repairs so that you can get back to enjoying your fireplace and chimney system.

Click here to schedule an appointment online.

Your chimney crown takes a beating from the weather but is vital to the safe operation of your fireplace, so be sure to take care of this important masonry repair before serious problems can develop.

By John Pilger on May 14th, 2013 | Tagged with: | Comments Off on Firebox Repair

Chimneys Relined

Why Reline My Chimney?

Although you may think your chimney’s flue liner is basically bulletproof, time, environmental elements, and insufficient maintenance can lead to deterioration and problems with the lining of your flue. Issues with the flue liner can affect the entire system and put your family and home at risk.

What Causes Damage To My Flue Liner?

There are many factors that contribute to decay or damage within the flue liner, but the most common factors are:

  • Animal Intrusion – When your crown or chimney cap is improperly installed, missing completely, or in poor condition, animals can get into your chimney system and wreak havoc. They typically build nests in the flue liner, leaving behind flammable, nesting materials, waste products, and other unpleasant things. This accumulation of materials can lead to fire damage, moisture damage, and decay within the flue liner.
  • Water Damage – Problems with flashing installation/deterioration, chimney cap or crown decay/absence, and masonry decay can lead to leaks within the chimney. If you have an aluminum or stainless steel liner, water can rust and corrode the liner, leaving holes for air, smoke, gases, and stray sparks to escape. If your liner is made of masonry or clay, exposure to water can cause cracking and crumbling, leaving the entire liner structurally unsound and inefficient. Call a professional at the first sign of a leak to protect your family from the dangers and costs of water damage.
  • Earthquakes/Storms – Earthquakes and strong winds can shift the entire home structure, causing fissures and breaks within your chimney flue. Strong storms can also force water and other debris into your chimney system, deteriorating your flue liner over time. If your home has endured severe weather or earthquakes, have a professional chimney sweep inspect your chimney to check for possible damage to the flue liner.

What Are My Options?

If you notice problems with drafting, inefficiency, or water damage, chances are your flue needs a checkup. Should your chimney sweep recommend chimney relining, there are a few options you can consider.

Aluminum liners are a popular choice because they are cheaper than stainless steel, but they are not recommended for use with all fuel types. They also do not last as long as stainless steel. For wood-burning appliances especially, it is necessary to spend the extra money and have a stainless steel liner installed. Wood-burning fires reach higher temperatures that aluminum is not designed to withstand.

If your chimney has a masonry/clay flue liner, you may have the option of using the HeatShield Cerfractory Flue Sealant in place of an aluminum or stainless steel liner. It can also be used in addition to a traditional liner, for added durability and protection.

Not all flue liners are created equal, and not all liners are designed for use with all fuel types. For this reason, it is important to discuss your options with a knowledgeable professional before making your decision. Most liners are backed by lifetime warranties when properly installed by a professional. Don’t risk your investment by attempting to do it yourself, or you may end up paying for it later.

Click here to schedule an appointment online.

If there are other problems or issues with your chimney masonry, experienced craftsmen at Chief Chimney Services, Inc. can help with all types of chimney repair.

By John Pilger on May 14th, 2013 | Tagged with: | Comments Off on Chimneys Relined

NFPA Level 1 & Level 2 Chimney & Fireplace Inspections

NFPA Level 1 And Level 2 Chimney And Fireplace Inspections

There are several reasons to have your fireplace and chimney inspected, the most common reasons being:

  • Buying/Selling Real Estate: When buying a new property, you want to be confident that your purchase is a wise one. Because there are so many other details that go into the purchase of a new home, many buyers forget about the fireplace and chimney. Or, they may assume that a standard home inspection includes a thorough inspection of the chimney and fireplace. Unfortunately, not all inspections are thorough or well-documented, and you may end up paying for problems with the fireplace or chimney on down the line. To protect yourself from costly repairs, rebuilds, or fire damage, it is a good idea to have a Chief Chimney Sweep inspect the chimney system and fireplace of the home you are considering. As the seller, having your property’s chimney and fireplace inspected can protect you from future claims and problems within the system by documenting the condition at the time of the sale. We have extensive experience with both NFPA-instated Level 1 and Level 2 inspections and always provide detailed documentation of our findings. This documentation will include both a written report and video footage.
  • Weather Damage: Perhaps your area just experienced a devastating storm and you need to assess the damage done to your chimney system. A Chief Chimney Sweep will provide a comprehensive inspection and can make recommendations for any repairs that may be needed to get your system safe for use again. We also provide detailed documentation of our findings, which can help you get the money for repairs from your insurance company.
  • Fire Damage: If your chimney and fireplace were the cause of a house fire, a Chief Chimney Sweep will assess the extent of the damage, detail the required repairs, and help you sort through the options. An inspection can also help us locate the start of the fire. Many insurance companies require these inspections to pinpoint the cause and possible future threats. With a Chief Chimney Services, Inc. report, you can feel safe, even after a fire.
  • Preparation for Use: If your fireplace and chimney system has been unused for an extended period of time and you’d like to begin using it, it is imperative that you have it thoroughly inspected before doing so. This will protect you from smoke problems, efficiency problems, and the threat of a fire.

In January of 2000, the National Fire Protection Association designed guidelines for what a Level 1 and Level 2 inspection must include. This was done to provide consistency within inspections, for the protection of homeowners everywhere. If you hire a sweep that is not CSIA-(Chimney Safety Institute of America) certified, your inspection may not be up to par. All CSIA-certified sweeps are tested on the NFPA’s levels of inspection and do not skip any steps or cut any corners.

 

A Level 1 Inspection

A Level 1 Inspection is required for a chimney system that has been well-maintained; has not had any changes done to it; and will continue to be used in the same manner as usual. A Level 1 inspection includes an examination of all easily-accessible chimney and appliance parts. This type of inspection is basically used to assess basic structural soundness, check for obstructions in the flue, check creosote levels, and evaluate the condition and installation of the overall system.

A Level 2 Inspection

Level 2 inspections are required for any chimney system that has suffered damages or changes, such as:

  • Fires
  • Earthquakes or other environmental events
  • A change in appliance or fuel type
  • Relining of the flue
  • Change in efficiency or function

Level 2 inspections are also mandatory at the sale of a home, to protect both the buyer and the seller. These inspections are a bit more involved than Level 1 inspections and include an evaluation of all accessible parts outside and inside of the chimney. Level 2 inspections may require access to basements or attics, but do not require demolition of any kind. During a Level 2 inspection, a Chief Chimney Sweep will insert a video camera into the chimney system, allowing an up-close look at areas otherwise hidden from view. With this inspection, you will be provided with a written report and video footage, detailing our findings and recommendations.

Click here to schedule an appointment online.

 

We can diagnose smoke and draft problems in your home. Call on our professional technicians for help with your chimney, fireplace and dryer vent needs.

By John Pilger on May 14th, 2013 | Tagged with: | Comments Off on NFPA Level 1 & Level 2 Chimney & Fireplace Inspections

Chimney, Fireplace & Dryer Vent Services

Comprehensive Chimney, Fireplace, and Dryer Vent Services

Chief Chimney Services offers comprehensive chimney, fireplace and dryer vent services and is your one-stop-shop for heating appliance safety. It doesn’t matter if you have a wood, oil, or gas-burning appliance – we’ve got the experience and knowledge to install, service, maintain, and repair your heating appliance.

We also provide thorough sweepings and removal of glazed creosote and conduct dryer vent cleanings, NFPA Level 1 and 2 Chimney and Fireplace inspections, and address smoking and draft problems.

Whatever your heating appliance needs, Chief Chimney Services is a name you can trust.

  • Chimney Sweeping: When you call Chief Chimney Services for your annual sweeping, you can expect a thorough, clean, high-level of service. We understand the importance of a clean chimney and fireplace and work hard to keep your chimney system functioning safely and efficiently. At Chief Chimney Services, we have the knowledge and experience to service all types of heating appliances and can keep your appliance in excellent working condition for years to come.

We have been sweeping chimneys since the 80’s, and continuously improve and educate ourselves in order to better serve our clients. Our sweeps are CSIA (Chimney Safety Institute of America) certified, and always conduct a thorough and tidy cleaning. Regardless of the extent of creosote buildup, we are dedicated to removing all fire hazards and restoring your chimney for safe, future use. For more information on what a sweeping entails, please refer to our Chimney Sweeping page.

  • NFPA Level 1 And Level 2 Inspections: There are several reasons why you may be in need of a National Fire Protection Association Level 1 or Level 2 inspection. Some common reasons are:
    • Buying or Selling a Property
    • Storm damage
    • Fire damage
    • Preparing an unused fireplace for future use

Whatever your reasons, with Chief Chimney Services, you can be confident that the inspection will be thorough and informative. We provide video footage and a written report documenting the condition of the entire system and any problem areas. This allows you to buy property, sell the property, or continue system use with confidence.

For more on what these inspections include, please refer to Inspections.

  • Smoking And Draft Problems: Sometimes the source of smoking and draft problems is difficult to locate. Trusting your troubleshooting to a sweep with experience and knowledge can save you time and money and get your fireplace and chimney safe for use in no time.
  • Dryer Vent Cleaning: It’s safe to say that everyone regularly cleans out their lint trap, but unfortunately, not everyone schedules regular dryer vent cleanings. When lint builds up inside of a dryer vent system, air flow is restricted and can lead to inefficiency and the threat of fire or carbon monoxide. For more on what our dryer vent cleaning include, please refer to Dryer Vent Cleaning.

Protect your family by scheduling your annual cleaning, today.

 

Browse our fireplace store for everything hearth-related. We’re proud of our quality products at Chief Chimney Services.

By John Pilger on May 14th, 2013 | Tagged with: | Comments Off on Chimney, Fireplace & Dryer Vent Services

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Providing Quality, Comprehensive Chimney Services in Western and Central Suffolk County, Long Island

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:

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 within 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! Click here to schedule an appointment online.

 

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

By John Pilger on May 14th, 2013 | Tagged with: | Comments Off on Home