Our Company Blog

Now’s the Time for a Chimney Sweep

During burn season, we periodically get calls for inspections and sweeps due to problems with their chimney systems. However, in general, homeowners should get these services done during the off-season. There are a few reasons it is best to schedule inspections and sweeps in spring and summer.

First, by scheduling in the spring, you are able to clean away all the debris, soot, and creosote from the previous winter. Second, you are able to get these services without interrupting the use of your fireplace. Third, by scheduling during the off-season, you’re able to miss the “fall rush”.  This is the time between October and January when the chimney sweep companies are booked full with installations and repairs.

Benefits of a Chimney Sweep

The Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) both agree that chimneys need annual inspection and regular cleanings to remain safe and efficient. A clean chimney will not stink as summer humidity and air pressure pushes through the chimney. Clean chimneys are better prepared and ready for fires in the fall.

When creosote and soot are regularly removed from the system, there will be less buildup, less malfunction, and cleanings are also easier and cheaper. Since your clean chimney will work more efficiently, your sweep will prevent damage in the future. In short, chimney sweeps prevent fires, prevent damage, and save you money. There’s no reason not to schedule yours today!

Beat the Fall Rush

During the fall and first part of winter, chimney sweep companies are busy with emergency calls, installations, and repairs. It is often difficult for homeowners to get on the schedule for routine maintenance. If you wait until the fall to schedule your sweep or inspection, you may not be able to get the appointment time you’d like or the technician you trust. You may even have to postpone using your fireplace until you get the repairs and maintenance the fireplace needs.

Additionally, if you wait until fall to schedule your chimney sweep or inspection and a hazard is identified, you may not have the time or money to repair it before you need your fireplace. Ensure your chimney is safe and clean before you need it! Schedule your services now!

Chief Chimney Services Clean Suffolk Co Chimneys

Residents and homeowners of Suffolk County, you are in luck. At Chief Chimney Services, we clean wood-burning, oil, and gas fireplaces and appliances. During a sweeping, you can count on our utmost professionalism and care. Our technician will come into the home and use drop clothes and a vacuum system to contain the mess. We will clean the system from top to bottom while paying attention to the overall safety and checking for obstructions and hazards.

After your appointment, you will get a report if your technician found anything amiss, and a repair plan or schedule an inspection if necessary. If there are no problems with your system, then it is ready for use this fall! If you’re ready to schedule your summer chimney sweep so that you’re ready for fall, schedule with Chief online today!

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.

Time to Get Your Fireplace and Heating System Swept!

After a long winter, we’ve finally reached consistent temperatures for spring. Homeowners are shutting down their systems for the off-season and forgetting fires, firewood, and all the work that comes with them. Part of preparing your fireplace and chimney system for the off-season and ensuring it’s ready for fires again in the fall is scheduling professional services. Now is the time to schedule your fireplace and heating system services. We sweep fireplaces wood, gas, and oil fireplace and heating systems!

Safe and Efficient Chimney Systems

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA), the safest and most efficient chimney systems are those that are cleaned and inspected regularly. Sweeps may be necessary less or more frequently, depending on your fireplace use, but the inspection should be scheduled annually no matter what! Inspecting the chimney annually cuts down on the chance of chimney fires, helps prepare your chimney system for burn season, and prevents damage caused by water and other wear-and-tear.

We Clean Wood, Gas, and Oil Fireplaces and Chimney Systems

At Chief Chimney Services, we clean chimney systems and fireplaces throughout Suffolk County, New York. Whether your fireplace is fueled by gas, oil, or wood/pellets, we have the experience, training, and tools to get the work done.

Wood-burning Appliances
When sweeping wood-burning appliances, we take the utmost care to clear the flue of soot and creosote that can lead to obstruction and danger. If the creosote isn’t cleaned away regularly, it can build up and obstruct the airflow, slowing it as it vents. This process will lead to smoke stalling in the system and depositing MORE soot and creosote each time the fireplace is used. When we sweep regularly, we use drop cloths to protect the floor and furniture while we work. We use rods and brushes to clean the flue and a vacuuming system to keep the mess contained.

Oil and Gas Appliances
Though oil and gas appliances burn cleaner than wood appliances, they still produce soot that can bring down system efficiency. While they burn, these fires also produce water vapor which can mingle with the soot, damaging the flue liner and more.

We Clean Dryer Vents

It’s not only chimneys and fireplaces that pose a threat when they aren’t maintained properly. Your home may be in danger if you have other systems that are neglected. Clothes dryer vent fire occur almost 3,000 times a year across the U.S. They cause 5 deaths, 100 injuries, and $35 million in property loss. Failure to maintain the clothes dryer can lead to an obstructed dryer vent, cost you money, damage your home, and affect your air. Having the dryer vents cleaned once per year will mean your system works properly, drying clothes in one cycle, and saving you money in the process.

We don’t just clean chimneys, we also clean and properly install dryer vents, restore chimney systems and repair all ventilation systems in your home.

If you reside in Suffolk County and you haven’t had your heat systems checked in the last year, it’s important to call the professionals today.

Call Chief Chimney Services at 631-863-2460 or contact us online.

Chimney Draft and Smoking Problems

The last thing you want this winter is a drafty chimney. It can waste heated air and fuel, cost you dearly in heating bills, and even lead to health issues that can affect your family. If your chimney is smoky or drafty, there is usually a reason why–a problem to be solved–and we can help. Calling a chimney professional is your first step to a well-working chimney system, a warm hearth, and a safe fire. Chief Chimney Services is the #1 choice for comprehensive chimney care in Suffolk County and beyond. We can help diagnose your chimney problems and even help you troubleshoot by phone.

How the Chimney Works

Constant airflow keeps your chimney working correctly. For a fire to burn it must have fuel and oxygen. The fuel is the wood, pellets, or gas and the oxygen is drawn from the home. Some appliances draw air and vent air through a wall. These units will not have smoke or drafting issues because they’re closed units.A traditional fireplace with a draft issues will be difficult to light, keep lit, or will be very smoky. Oftentimes, homeowners can troubleshoot a smoky fireplace themselves, but when it can’t be fixed, it’s time to call a professional.

Common Causes for a Smoky Chimney

1. A Faulty Damper
It may be that your damper is just in the wrong position. However, if you’re using the damper correctly and your fireplace is still smoky, it may be damaged. The damper is made of metal and will rust and deteriorate over time. It can also become clogged with creosote and soot that keeps it from working properly. If the damper is engaged and the fire is burning, the smoke and carbon monoxide is not able to vent properly and can lead to serious health concerns and even death. Let the damper be the first thing you check and schedule a repair right away!
2. Green or “Wet” Firewood
Your firewood should be properly seasoned before burning. Properly seasoned firewood is wood that has been cut and stored for 3 to 6 months before being burned. It is easier to light, burns more completely, and burns warmer than wet wood. If you burn wood that isn’t properly seasoned, it will undoubtedly produce more smoke than heat. That means the heat is not enough to carry the smoke up the chimney.
3. A Neglected Flue
Your chimney will not work as well when it isn’t cleaned on a regular basis. Failing to schedule regular sweeps will allow soot and creosote to build-up in the flue system, slowing airflow, and causing smoke to stall in the system where it cools and falls back into the fireplace. If your chimney isn’t cleaned before burn season, it may also have debris in it that can slow airflow and even ignite a fire in the system.

The problem that causes your fireplace to smoke may be a serious construction issue. The flue may be sized incorrectly, the chimney may be too tall, and there may be serious damage that prevents the draft from working properly. Don’t assume you know the problem. Call the professionals who have seen it all.

Call on Chief Chimney Services at 631-863-2460.

A Fully-Functioning Fireplace for the Holidays

One of the best things about the holiday season is chestnuts on an open fire and hanging stockings on the mantle. The fireplace is so popular during the holidays that popular television providers even have a fireplace channel through the season. It’s about more than heat–it’s about ambiance, relaxation, light, and warmth. You can have a fully-functioning fireplace for the holidays when you get started today.

Types of Fire Appliances

Homeowners today can choose from a variety of high-efficiency fireplace that comes in styles from contemporary to traditional, and everything in between. At Chief Chimney Services we sell, install, and service the best-manufactured fireplaces on the market, offering only the best to our customers in and around Suffolk County.
Rumford Fireplaces– Taller and shallower than other types of fireplaces, these exquisite designs put out high levels of heat. They have less smoke problems than many traditional fireplaces due to their shape, and their size makes them the focal point of any room. These fireplaces made their debut in the 1790’s and have only improved since then.
Bellfire Fireplaces– These high-efficiency fireplaces take wood-burning fires to the next level. They are designed for the hottest temperature to be housed in the back. The unit reflects heat back into the fireplace to help burn wood completely and efficiency and raise the temperature, and then reflects the heat back into the room. This system burns the fuel more efficiently and cuts down on almost all pollution. Bellfire Fireplaces are even safer than many traditional models.

Professional Installation

When you choose to work with a professional, you can have the peace of mind knowing that your insert, stove, or custom fireplace is sized perfectly for your space, is code-compliant, and will keep you safe and warm all winter long. In order to have the best product for your money, it’s important to involve the professional from start to finish.
DO call Chief Chimney Services when you’re in the planning stages.
DO contact your homeowners’ insurance and municipal authorities.
DO ensure the system is inspected before use.
DON’T buy online. Showrooms are filled with returns that did not fit when they arrived.
DON’T hire an amateur or D-I-Y your way through a chimney or fireplace job. You wouldn’t hire your third-cousin, twice-removed to do a surgery or rebuild your car, so don’t put your health and home at risk by cutting corners with your chimney.

Holiday Hearth

Don’t settle for a cardboard cut-out or a television fire this holiday. You can have a fireplace that can safely display stockings and garland. It can have beautiful yellow flames and crackling embers. Best of all, the fire is real, and so is the heat!

While you’re decorating for the holidays, make sure to practice fire safety at every step. Talk to your family and guests about safety this season.

Count on Chief Chimney Services today and you will have a fully-functioning fireplace tomorrow–or at least, this season!

Call 631-863-2460 and talk to a fireplace expert today.

Suffolk County NY Quality Chimney Sweep & Fireplace Service Company

Now is the time to look for a dependable chimney professional for all of your comprehensive chimney needs. When you choose the right company, they can take you through the life of your chimney and your home, keeping your family safe and warm year after year. Homeowners living in Suffolk County and Long Island have depended on Chief Chimney Services for 30+ years, and for good reason.

Community and Industry Leadership

Owner John Pilger has filmed a fireplace evaluation for Dateline NBC as just one part of his mission to help homeowners stay safe from accidental residential fires. As a CSIA member, it’s important to work with communities, media outlets, other trade industries, and many industry professionals to help bring down the number of residential fires–a number reaching more than 300 thousand each year.

When you’re looking for a chimney professional, look first to the dependable professionals that are CSIA certified and then look for other credentials that add up to unrivaled expertise and experience.

Chimney Sweep Guild – Owner, John Pilger has served as President of the New York State Chimney Sweep Guild, director of the National Chimney Sweep Guild, and is a recipient of the Andrew Schukal Award for dedication and outstanding service presented by the New York State Chimney Sweep Guild.
Professional Certifications – Chief Chimney Services holds and maintains certifications for chimney services as well as dryer exhaust services from the Chimney Safety Institute of America. We are also F.I.R.E certified fireplace inspectors, and NFI certified woodburning specialists. When it comes to installations and repairs, these are the credentials you should be looking for.
Industry Recognition and Awards – In addition to the Andrew Schukal Award, owner John Pilger was a 2001 recipient of the International Award for Service and Education to the industry, presented by the Association of Polish Sweeps and a 2007 recipient of the CSIA Don Leavitt Education Award, for contributions to the Chimney Sweep Industry through Education.
Local Experience – John Pilger has been serving Suffolk County since 1983 and has lived in the area his entire life. He was once chief of Brentwood Fire Department as well as a former Fire Marshall. His Associates Degree in Fire Protection Technology is just one more way he has gone above and beyond for his business and his customers.

When it comes to chimney science, diagnostics, repairs, and installations, Chief Chimney Services is the best choice for customers in Suffolk County and Long Island. Our staff is fully insured for your protection, experienced in state and national fire safety code, as well as local municipal codes. We are certified dealers of the industry’s top brands, and service and repair all fire appliances. When you choice Chief Chimney Services, you can depend on us for all of your comprehensive chimney needs for the life of your home.

Schedule your routine services now so that your chimney system will be ready for burn season.

Correcting Draft Issues

A draft in a literal sense means to “draw” or to “pull”, which is why the selective service is called a draft. When your chimney is having a drafting issue, it means the chimney system is not able to properly and effectively pull air through the chimney and out of the house. The chimney should be working constantly when a fire is burning in the fireplace. That means there is constant airflow pulling the heat, smoke, and other gases out of the chimney and home. A smoky chimney is the first indication of a draft issue. Unfortunately, there are many reasons for a draft issue–some may be simple, quick fixes, and others may be more serious.

The Wrong Wood

The number one cause of simple draft problems is that you’re burning the wrong firewood. Good wood is properly seasoned, meaning it has been cut and stored to dry before it is burned. “Green” or wet wood has too much water inside and has to work harder to burn. It will be more difficult to light, will burn with less heat, require more wood to reach a desired temperature, burn incompletely, produce more ashes, and be smokier. A great way to check to see if this is the problem with your chimney is to build and light a fire with properly seasoned firewood.

A Competing Draft

Other large systems in the home, such as the central air and heating system, can interfere with your fireplace. Your home may also be so tight that it is impossible for the chimney to pull air from the house. In order for the chimney to pull air out of the house, more air must be pulled into the house to keep airflow going. Otherwise your home becomes a vacuum, and the air will not flow. This problem can be quickly checked and remedied by cracking a window in the house to allow air in.

A Dirty Chimney

When the chimney system is coated in soot and creosote, the efficiency drops because airflow slows down. If the air cannot travel up and out of the chimney, the result will be a smoky fireplace. You can solve this problem by scheduling a chimney sweep. Schedule now, and you can avoid the fall rush. You may also find that the smoky problems from last season aren’t present this year!

Chimney Sizing

Believe it or not, the size of the chimney matters–a lot. If the chimney is too tall or short, the smoke will not rise up and out. Instead, it will fall into the living room the next time you open your damper. If the flue isn’t sized correctly, if the smoke chamber isn’t the right size, or if the smoke shelf isn’t large enough, then you will have a smoke problem.

Chimney Damage

Damage to the liner can slow air flow and cause a draft issue. You should have annual chimney inspections to insure you that all the seen and unseen portions of the chimney system are in proper working order. This means that your smoky chimney does not have a complicated solution. If your chimney is in ship-shape, then the problem is simple and can likely be resolved through troubleshooting.

Still unsure what to do with your chimney? Call Chief Chimney Services at 631-863-2460.

Schedule an Early Chimney Cleaning

Spring is the perfect time for your annual chimney sweep because the system has been working for you all winter! Therefore, it is full of creosote, soot, grime, and ashes. As humidity rises, the moisture in the air will mingle with the soot and creosote in the chimney system, and the result is not pleasant. You may be enjoying some family time in your living room or game night with friends, and suddenly the aroma of barbecue is overwhelming. It’s not a barbecue grill in the living room. It’s your fireplace!

The same moisture that causes these foul odors when a chimney is dirty will also corrode your chimney flue. Moisture mixed with soot and creosote creates a corrosive material that must be cleaned away.

Other Reasons to Sweep the Chimney

Preventative Care – Scheduling routine chimney sweeps and annual chimney inspections is the best way to have the safest and most efficient chimney system, according to both the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).

Preparation – Once your chimney sweep is completed, you can rest assured that your system is ready for this fall. Your chimney sweep includes a level one chimney inspection which includes an examination of the readily accessible portions of the chimney system. If your chimney professional sees an issue with your system, you’ll have time to schedule a more thorough assessment and have necessary repairs before fall.

Animal Removal – Schedule a chimney sweep if you have had an animal in your flue this spring. We will remove nesting materials, droppings, and fur or feathers from the system. These things are flammable and will lead to a flue fire. Once the chimney system is cleaned, ask your sweep about a cap to keep out critters, birds, and water.

Chief Chimney Services Cleans Chimneys

At Chief Chimney Services, we clean chimneys year-round. We can sweep your wood-burning appliance and chimney, as well as oil and gas appliances and chimneys. The two differ slightly, but our techs are certified, trained, and experienced sweeping all types of chimneys.

Don’t waste another moment. Scheduling your chimney sweep now will give you time for necessary repairs before burn season. It also gets your chimney taken care of before the “fall rush”–the time between October and January in which chimney professionals are busy with emergency calls, installations, and repairs.

Call Chief Chimney Services at 631-863-2460 or contact us online!

Chimney Relining and Repair Services

You may be finished with your fireplace for the season, but now is no time to forget it. In fact, completing necessary chimney work during the spring and summer is a smart idea. Once it’s finished, you will be ready for the first fire this fall and can spend the rest of your summer hassle free. At Chief Chimney Services, we frequently see masonry damage this time of year, and we cannot stress enough the importance of getting repairs completed sooner rather than later.

Waiting for Repairs

If your chimney masonry has damage, even minor damage, It will get worse with every day that passes. Water penetration damages chimneys from the inside out. Damaged masonry allows water in, causing spalling, deterioration, rust, stains, and eventually malfunction of the system. The liner will become damaged, and the next time you use your fireplace, the liner will not offer the proper protection to the masonry. It can lead to a house fire that puts your property and your family at risk. Don’t wait to make repairs. Schedule your chimney inspection, so we can start planning for repairs now. Start now, and you won’t have to wonder if the chimney is ready for fall. Start now, and you’ll avoid more costly repairs later.

Chimney Relining

One of the most common repairs we see this time of year at Chief Chimney Services includes the largest part of the system, and one the homeowner can’t reach — the liner. A flue liner may become damaged over time due to neglect and water damage, or suddenly because of animal intrusion or a natural disaster. This is why it’s important to call a professional if you’ve had an animal in your chimney, even if it left on its own. Before it left, its claws could have left scratches in your liner. Likewise, if the area you live has experienced an earthquake or storm with strong winds, you should call a professional for a chimney check-up. It is also necessary to call a professional and have your liner checked out if you suspect you had a flue fire — even if it extinguished on its own!

Once we get a look at your chimney, we may determine that the liner can be repaired using HeatShield Cerfractory Flue Sealant products or you may need a complete new liner. If you need a new liner, you can choose from aluminum or stainless steel. Aluminum liners are less expensive, but stainless steel is stronger and longer-lasting. If you’re burning wood, it’s important to use stainless steel or HeatShield for a safe chimney.

Chimney Repairs

Other chimney repairs we see at Chief Chimney Services are masonry and firebox repairs, crown repair, and leak repairs. Our chimney sweeps are master masons with the expertise and professionalism required to not only fix your chimney but do it to your liking. Don’t put your trust in any other company when you can choose from Chief Chimney Services and our staff of CSIA-certified chimney sweeps.

Call us today at 631-863-2460 or schedule online.

Waterproofing and Chimney Leaks

Spring weather usually brings us lots of rain. We all know April showers bring May flowers, so we must all do our best to prepare the chimney system from the rain. If rain gets into your chimney, it can do a great amount of damage to your fireplace and structural integrity of your home as well. You can prevent a chimney leak this season by scheduling our waterproofing services right now.

Waterproofing Explained

As soon as you schedule a waterproofing appointment, we will begin a thorough inspection of your entire chimney system. We must first do necessary repairs for your chimney, and then your technician can proceed with our waterproofing service. Gaps and cracks will be repaired and necessary parts will be replaced, such as chimney cap and flashing. All of these components of the chimney helps to prevent leaks.

At Chief Chimney Services, we not only offer the best services to the Suffolk County area, but we also offer the best products. We trust in the saving power of ChimneySaver products for all of our waterproofing. ChimneySaver water-repellant products are vapor-permeable, meaning that the masonry is protected from moisture getting in, but the vapors are also able to get out.

This is vital to the proper function of your chimney. Silicone-based sealants and those used by homeowners and handymen, are actually working against your masonry. ChimneySaver water-repellant works FOR your chimney’s masonry to protect it completely, and it also comes with a ten-year warranty!  Schedule your chimney to get waterproofed this spring, and your masonry will be protected for years to come!

The Unprotected Chimney

An unprotected chimney not only inefficient and unsafe, but it will cost you lots of money later on if the issues are neglected. Water penetration is one of the worst things that can happen to your masonry and your home. Chimney leaks can cause the following issues.

• Rusted parts (accessories, doors, and hinges)
• Deteriorated parts (wood, walls, ceilings, and floors)
• Water-stained (ruined walls, floors, furniture)
• Dirty, clogged, chimney and clean-out area.
• Damaged heating system
• Decayed and spalling mortar
• Collapsed hearth support and chimney structure

The damages caused by a chimney leak will cost you lots of money and give you plenty of headache. You may have a leak in your guest bathroom three rooms away because of your chimney! If you experience a water leak in your house, then you need to call a chimney sweep. A handyman or contractor can repair your damage, but the root issue from the leak won’t be fixed unless you call a chimney sweep. Make sure your chimney system is ready for spring so you don’t get a leak. Call us at 631-863-2460 to get started.