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About Us

About Chief Chimney Services, Inc.

At Chief Chimney Services, Inc., we work hard and pride ourselves on doing outstanding chimney sweeping, relining and rebuilding/restoration work. We offer professional know-how and training unmatched by anyone else on Long Island.

Our Master Sweep, John J. Pilger, brings training and expertise in fire prevention and fire safety as well as in chimney sweeping, chimney venting, chimney construction, vent design, and chimney restoration. Since 1983 John had been associated with Lakeland Chimney Sweeps and Oil Burner Service and Chief Chimney Service.

Leading Long Island fuel oil and furnace service companies such as Marran Oil, Port Fuels, North Shore Fuel, Ferme Fuels, and Long Island’s largest – Petro Fuels, recognize John’s expertise in servicing, troubleshooting, repairing and restoration of fuel oil chimneys and often recommend Chief Chimney Services, Inc. to their customers.

Our Staff

Chief Chimney Services is a small family-run company who relies on our good service and expert work to keep our customers and their families safe and warm. All of our technicians are CSIA-Certified Chimney Sweeps.

Our excellent customer service starts in the office where our friendly and knowledgeable staff of Diane, a CSIA (Chimney Safety Institute of America) Certified Chimney Sweep and John will cheerfully answer your calls and questions.

Sweep John and Diane Pilger are CSIA (Chimney Safety Institute of America) certified and they will answer any concerns you may have.

More About John J. Pilger

In 1986 John J. Pilger joined the New York State Chimney Sweep Guild and became an active member from the start. In 1988 John was elected Alt. Area Vice President for the New York City and Long Island Area. In 1990 John was then elected to Area VP and in 1993 served as 1st Vice President of the New York State Chimney Sweep Guild. He was elected and served as President from 1994 to 1997. He currently serves as a special advisor to the President.

Under the progressive leadership of John and the Board of Directors, the New York Guild membership has increased from 24 companies in 1993 to 125 in 1996. It has also set-up an 800# technical hotline for consumers and Chimney Sweeps, the NY Guild homepage on the World Wide Web, and has held many educational workshops and seminars around the country and state.

John also serves on the National Chimney Sweep Guild Technical Advisory Council and has served on the Chimney Safety Institute of America Ethics committee. In the past, John has served as Secretary and Director of the NCSG. He currently sits on the Chimney Safety Institute of America Board of Directors and is the current Secretary and Certification chair.

In 1994, John was asked to use his expertise for the TV investigative show American Journal. AJ was doing a show on homeowner repair scams and asked John to inspect their chimney. They asked him to comment on some of the work and recommendations they had received from other sweep companies and to advise consumers of common chimney scams. John also does consumer protection work for the Suffolk County Department of Consumers Affairs.

In 1996, John appeared on CNN for an informative piece on carbon monoxide hazards and stressed the importance of having your chimney inspected and serviced annually.

In 2001 John was asked to sweep and evaluate a fireplace and oil flue chimney for the Suffolk County Dept. of Consumer Affairs and was filmed doing so for Dateline NBC. They asked him to comment on some of the work and recommendations they had received from other sweep companies and to give homeowners advice. He offered the homeowners several tips including hiring a CSIA-Certified Chimney Sweep.

In 2006 John once again appeared on CNN Open House as their chimney expert. John was filmed showing homeowners the proper way to sweep a chimney and clean a fireplace. He also gave advice to homeowners on what to expect from a chimney sweep. In 2007 John was honored to be awarded by the CSIA the Don Leavitt Education Award for contributions to the Chimney Sweep Industry through Education; this is the industry’s highest education award.

Other credentials:

  • Past-President, New York State Chimney Sweep Guild
  • Past Director National Chimney Sweep Guild
  • Certified by the Chimney Safety Institute of America (#1780)
  • CSIA Certified Dryer Exhaust Technician (#004)
  • F.I.R.E. Certified Fireplace Inspector (#126)
  • NFI Certified Woodburning Specialist (#104017)
  • Recipient of the Andrew Schukal Award for dedication and outstanding service, presented by the New York State Chimney Sweep Guild
  • Recipient 2001 of the International Award for Service and Education to his Industry, presented by the Association of Polish Sweeps
  • Recipient 2007 CSIA Don Leavitt Education Award, for contributions to the Chimney Sweep Industry through Education
  • Serving Suffolk County Since 1983
  • Owner John Pilger is a life-long resident of this area
  • Ex-Chief – Brentwood Fire Department
  • Ex-Fire Marshal
  • Associates Degree in Fire Protection Technology
  • Fully-insured for your protection
  • Suffolk County Consumer Affairs license #13-785-HI

More About Diane P. Pilger

This brief profile gives you a full picture of the training and expertise of Diane P. Pilger, Vice-President of Chief Chimney Services. In addition to a strong background in chimney work, Diane has experience in Office Management and Convention/Trade Show planning and has worked in the insurance industry.

Since 1986 Diane has been the Vice-President of Chief Chimney Services. She also has served as Secretary, 1st. Vice-President and is the Past-President of the New York State Chimney Sweep Guild, the largest State Chimney Guild in the Country. Diane has been the recipient of two prestigious industry awards: the Andrew Schukal Award presented by the NY State Chimney Sweep Guild (NYSCSG) for a member who has shown dedication to and promotion of the NYSCSG and the Fred Toldo Award presented by the Massachusetts Chimney Sweep Guild for the person who has gone above and beyond to bring education to the industry.

Diane is the Past Chairman of the Northeast Regional Chimney Sweep Convention/Trade Show. She currently sits on the Board of Directors for the National Chimney Sweep Guild and is the Chair of the Governmental Affairs Committee and the NCSG Convention/Trade Show site selection committee. Diane has also done work for the investigative program Dateline NBC.

In addition, she belongs to the following professional associations:

  • New York State Chimney Sweep Guild (Past President)
  • National Chimney Sweep Guild (Director, Government Affairs, and NCSG Convention/Trade Show Site Selection Chair)
  • HPBA – Hearth Products Barbeque Association
  • NEHPBA– North East Hearth Products Barbeque Association
  • NAOSHM – National Association of Oil Heat Service Managers (Guild Member)
  • NER – North East Regional Convention Committee (Past Program Chair)

Click here to schedule an appointment online.

Now is the time to contact us for an appointment or consultation. At Chief Chimney Services, we look forward to serving you and your family.

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

Rumford Fireplaces

What Is A Rumford Fireplace?

Rumford fireplaces are different from other fireplaces in that they are shallower, taller, and made with a streamlined throat. This streamlined throat encourages smoke to make its way up and out of the chimney without hesitation. Rumford fireplaces made their debut in the 1790s and were designed by Count Rumford with heat efficiency in mind.

The concept behind the Rumford is that of radiating heat. Count Rumford knew that in other fireplaces, the heated air was exiting the chimney along with smoke. He concluded that in order to heat the interior of the home using a fireplace, that fireplace needed to radiate a great amount of heat. In order to make this a reality, he designed his fireplace to include angles that were conducive to heat reflection. He also made the opening of the fireplace much larger, which allowed more heat to radiate back into the room in which it was installed.

By designing his fireplace to have a streamlined throat, Count Rumford made sure that smoke problems were a thing of the past. Unlike most modern fireplaces whose designs encourage smoke to come forward out of the firebox, a Rumford’s straight back directs combustion products up, not forward.

The throat’s streamlined design basically uses fresh, room air to push smoke up and out of the home. This design doesn’t just allow for a smoke-free home, it actually makes the fireplace cleaner-burning and much more efficient. A Rumford will typically burn fuel more completely and produce much higher levels of heat than other types of fireplaces.

Because of their tall, elegant, open-hearth design, Rumford fireplaces are a popular choice for today’s homeowners. Many modern homes are built with taller ceilings and are ideal designs for Rumford installations. In addition to their beauty and elegance, Rumfords are gaining popularity because of their clean-burning efficiency. It seems that everywhere you look, there is some mention of green living and air quality. With a Rumford fireplace, you can enjoy the heat output of a wood-burning fireplace without the guilt of contributing to global warming. These fireplaces burn wood more completely and are guaranteed to sufficiently heat your home.

If you are interested in having a Rumford fireplace installed in your home, look no further than Chief Chimney Services, Inc. We have been installing Rumfords for years and have the experience and knowledge you’re looking for. Give us a call today or click here to schedule an appointment online and discuss the possibilities!

 

Another popular and trustworthy brand of pre-constructed fireplaces is Bellfires. Explore all the options before deciding on your chimney and fireplace installation.

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

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.

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

Chimney Leaks

The Dangers Of A Leaking Chimney

Chimney leaks can be caused by a number of things which often makes them difficult to pinpoint. Not knowing the source of the leak or how to address and solve the problem can be incredibly frustrating and makes repairs impossible. At Chief Chimney Services, Inc., our sweeps have years of experience and knowledge to help in troubleshooting. We know where to look first and what to do when we find the cause of the leaks. Save yourself time, frustration, and unnecessary repairs by calling Chief Chimney Services, Inc. today!

The Most Common Causes of Chimney Leaks Are

  • Missing Chimney Caps – A chimney cap works in conjunction with the crown to keep out water, debris, and animals. When the cap is missing or damaged, it can leave the chimney vulnerable to leaks and water damage.
  • Deteriorating or Improperly-Sealed Crowns – The crown is the cement layer that sits on top of the chimney stack. If it is deteriorating, too thin, or improperly sealed, it can allow water into the top of the chimney.
  • Damaged, Deteriorating, or Missing Flashing – Flashing consists of several layers of metal that overlap where the roof meets the chimney. These layers travel up the sides of the chimney ways and protect this sensitive area from water invasion. If the flashing is damaged or missing, leaks are inevitable. For more information on flashing, check out our Flashing page.

Whatever the source of your leaks, water can cause widespread damage and compromise the structural integrity of your entire chimney system. When water gets into the masonry, it can cause entire sections of brick to fall off, crumble, implode, or crack. It can also lead to efflorescence, leaving the surface of your masonry discolored and rutted.

Once water gets into the masonry, it can also seep into the wood and insulation surrounding the chimney area. This can cause rotting, mold, and other decay that may require demolition and complete rebuild.

You can protect your home from the dangers of water invasion by having your chimney system and firebox regularly inspected for damage or decay. A professional chimney sweep should always check the interior and exterior of the chimney system, including the chimney crown, cap, and flashing. If these problems are detected early on, it can save you thousands of dollars in repairs.
You can also protect yourself by having your chimney professionally waterproofed. Never attempt to waterproof it yourself and don’t ever purchase products that promise to waterproof on your own. Most of these products are not breathable and can actually harm your masonry instead of protecting it.

For more information on Waterproofing, please take a look at our Waterproofing page.

Click here to schedule an appointment online.

 

Because of the wear and tear on your chimney, relining is often called for. The experts at Chief Chimney Services can discuss all your options for this common repair.

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

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

Smoking & Draft Problems

Where Is All This Smoke Coming From?

There are a number of factors that can contribute to smoke and draft problems in the home. The most common contributors are related to inadequate air flow. When your chimney’s air flow is restricted, smoke will not be able to properly and completely exit through the chimney system. As a result, you may have a backflow of smoke into your home and air supply. Smoke can stain your furniture and walls and can be extremely harmful to your health. There are a number of things that can affect the air flow in your chimney system including flue obstructions, creosote buildup, a closed or damaged damper, improper sizing of the fireplace, poor design, the airtightness of your home, and competing appliances.

  • Flue Obstructions – If your chimney lacks a cap and crown, or if either of these is deteriorating, animals and environmental debris can gain access to your chimney system. Oftentimes, animals will nest inside of a chimney because it seems like a warm, safe, and sturdy place to raise a family. Not only does this nesting create smoke problems and inefficiency problems, it is also a fire hazard. Without a professional inspection, it is nearly impossible to know if your flue has an obstruction of any kind.
  • Creosote Buildup – Creosote is a natural byproduct of wood-burning, and typically settles on the interior surface of the chimney. Overtime, this accumulation thickens and can greatly reduce air flow within the chimney. Creosote is also a highly-flammable material and should be regularly removed for your safety and the safety of your home.
  • A Closed or Improperly-Functioning Damper – Sometimes the cause of smoke problems is a simple one such as a closed or broken damper. A damper acts as a door between your home and your chimney opening and is used to control the amount of air flowing into your fireplace. If your damper is closed or damaged when you use your fireplace, smoke will be trapped and forced to come back into your home.
  • Improper Sizing Of The Fireplace/Poor Design – If your fireplace was not designed with the size of your flue in mind, you may experience problems with smoke in your home. When your fireplace is too big for the flue, it takes in more air than the flue can expel. As a result, excess smoke will not be able to make it out of the chimney fast enough and will seep back into your home or settle as creosote.
  • Air-Tight Homes – Most modern homes are built airtight for efficiency, which can deprive the chimney of the air that it needs to properly flush smoke out. In homes where this is the cause of smoke problems, an outdoor air source can be installed into the fireplace to help feed air into the home.
  • Competing Appliances – Sometimes, your chimney may be starved of air because it is competing with a fan elsewhere in the house. This can trap smoke and even draw it back into the home. You may want to try turning off all bathroom and kitchen fans and dryers while utilizing your fireplace.

What Are You Burning?

Another factor to consider when dealing with a smoke problem is the type of wood you’re burning. If you are burning wood with a high moisture content, the excess moisture will take on the form of excess smoke. If you need wood supply recommendations, we would be happy to help you out!

Click here to schedule an appointment online.

 

At Chief Chimney Services, we are qualified to clean out your dryer vent systems making you and your family safer and healthier. Call us today for help with this dryer vent service.

By John Pilger on May 14th, 2013 | Tagged with: | Comments Off on Smoking & Draft Problems

Glazed Creosote Removal

Glazed Creosote: Removing The Tough Stuff

Creosote is a natural byproduct of incomplete fuel-burning and is commonplace in chimneys and wood-burning heating appliances. This product typically starts out as a tacky, ashy coating on the walls of your appliance and chimney system. Over time, creosote can accumulate in layers that are basically baked into the walls of your system. When you have a buildup of creosote, your chimney’s airflow is limited which can lead to inefficiency and overheating. Plus, restricted air flow means that smoke and gas cannot move up and out of the chimney as quickly, which leads to the production of even more creosote. Creosote is a highly flammable substance and can be set aflame at surprisingly low temperatures. If not properly maintained, it can be a very serious fire hazard that is difficult to remove.

What Can I Do To Reduce My Chance Of A Fire And Keep My Appliance Working Efficiently?

If you are noticing the fast accumulation of creosote in your fireplace or chimney, you may want to take a look at the wood you are burning and the heat at which you are burning it. When the wood has a high moisture content, it typically produces much more creosote when burned. An appliance or chimney that is not working efficiently or properly may also be burning at too low of a temperature. This will not completely burn the wood, which will also lead to a higher level of creosote.

It is important to hire a professional to remove any creosote buildup before it becomes a fire hazard. A professional will also be able to identify what is causing such a high production of creosote and make the proper recommendations for controlling it.

Glazed creosote can be very difficult to remove, but at Chief Chimney Services, Inc. we have the tools, products, and experience to properly and safely rid your chimney and appliance of the flammable substance. Once creosote reaches a certain point, brushes alone are not enough to remove it and we may opt to use a creosote remover. These removers typically work by changing the makeup of the creosote, turning it into an ash that can be brushed off.

Although it is important that you call a professional at the first sign of creosote accumulation, you may want to schedule your annual sweep before the weather gets too hot. Moisture and heat can cause creosote odor to spread and inevitably stink up your home.

Protect your family and home from the dangers of creosote buildup by calling Chief Chimney Services, Inc. today or click here to schedule an appointment online!

 

Wood-burning appliances are very popular and offer many advantages. Ensure their safe operation by scheduling regular chimney sweeping from the reliable professionals at Chief Chimney Services, Inc.

By John Pilger on May 14th, 2013 | Tagged with: | Comments Off on Glazed Creosote Removal

Oil & Gas Appliances

Environmentally-Friendly Gas Appliances

Many homeowners are choosing gas appliances over wood-burning for the following reasons:

  • Environmentally-responsible: Gas typically burns much cleaner than wood, making it the environmentally-friendly choice. Because they produce no soot, smoke, ash, or carbon dioxide (which is a big contributor to global warming), you can enjoy your fireplace or insert without the guilt and mess.
  • Simple, Quick, and Less Invasive: Gas fireplaces or inserts typically don’t require much construction or even a working chimney, as they do not produce smoke or other pollutants. They come vented or vent-less and can be flipped on and off with a simple switch. This feature makes them a much more convenient option than wood-burning appliances.
  • No Storage Needed: Because gas-burning appliances have a direct fuel line, you won’t need a place to store your fuel. This means less clutter, less hauling, and less mess.
  • Utility-free: Many gas fireplaces and inserts can function safely independent of utilities. This feature makes them just as useful as wood-burning appliances during a power outage.
  • Temperature and Flame Control: Gas fireplace and inserts offer heat and a beautiful fire at the touch of a button. Most also allow you to set and control the temperature and flame to meet your needs. Need more heat output? Less? A bigger flame? Smaller? With a gas appliance, you’ve got options at your fingertips.
  • Beautiful, Realistic Flame: In the past, gas appliances couldn’t compete with the beautiful flame of a wood-burning appliance. Now, that is no longer the case. Many gas logs are made from a real, wood log cast and are incredibly realistic-looking. The flames of modern gas fireplaces and inserts offer the look and feel of a traditional, wood fire without the mess or byproducts.

There are, however, some things to consider with an oil fireplace or insert. One disadvantage to using gas as a fuel is that prices change almost constantly. While it may be economical one day, the next day you may be wishing you could afford to eat and use your fireplace.

Another disadvantage is that gas appliances produce carbon monoxide, which if not properly vented or removed from the home, can seriously harm you and your family. This can especially be a problem with vent-less appliances, in which the fumes do not have a chimney vent to escape through. Exposure to carbon monoxide can lead to brain and organ damage, respiratory problems, and even death. Unfortunately, carbon monoxide is virtually undetectable and can do serious damage before you even realize you have a problem. That’s why it is wise to invest in a carbon monoxide detector, especially if you are using a vent-less gas appliance.

When a Chief Chimney Sweep comes to your home to service your gas appliance, we always check to make sure that your vent is working properly (if you have a vented system), and that there are no obstructions that may render it ineffective. We will also check the pilot light and fuel line to ensure that everything is working properly and safely. With Chief Chimney Services, Inc., you can be confident that your gas appliance is free of leaks and that your family and wallet are protected.

To have your gas appliance serviced, give Chief Chimney Services, Inc. a call today or click here to schedule an appointment online!

 

Removing creosote from a chimney is a tough job, but chimney sweeping by the trained technicians at Chief Chimney Services will take care of it with no mess and no fuss.

By John Pilger on May 14th, 2013 | Tagged with: | Comments Off on Oil & Gas Appliances

Chimney Sweeping

Why Should I Have My Chimney Swept?

Having your chimney and fireplace annually swept is the best way to protect your family from the threat of fire. It is also the best way to protect yourself from expensive repairs in the future and extend the life of your fireplace and chimney system.

Regardless of the amount of use your chimney system and fireplace get, age, weather, and other environmental factors can wear on them and decrease their dependability and durability. When you have your chimney and fireplace annually swept, a Chief Chimney Sweep will remove any dangerous creosote deposits, clear the chimney of any obstructions or debris, and check for any areas needing repair.

Oftentimes, homeowners aren’t aware of chimney and fireplace problems until extensive damage has been done. With regular sweeping, you can catch these problems before they have time to compromise the structural stability of the chimney system and spread to the surrounding areas. Annual sweeping also gives you peace of mind when using your fireplace. You just can’t put a price on that!

Sweeping Wood-Burning Appliances

Wood-burning appliances are often enjoyed for their classic, real fire-look and high level of warmth. They are also an economical choice and can be enjoyed in power outages. However, as a fuel, wood typically produces the most by-products, including ash, smoke, and creosote. Creosote is a result of the incomplete burning of wood, and over time can become a hard, tar buildup on the walls of your fireplace and chimney. This tar substance is highly flammable, and can also decrease air flow efficiency. However, through annual sweepings, this buildup can be controlled and kept to a minimum, and your wood-burning appliance can be safely enjoyed for years to come. For more information on wood-burning appliances, check out our Wood-Burning Appliances page.

Should you have a creosote glaze problem, we have the equipment and products to safely and effectively remove the buildup without compromising your health or the well-being of your chimney system. For more information on the creosote removal process, check out our Glazed Creosote Removal page.

Sweeping Oil and Gas Appliances

Gas and oil appliances are typically cleaner burning than wood appliances and they don’t leave ash or smoke behind. They also offer the convenience of simply flipping a switch and enjoying the fire. However, it is important to have your gas or oil appliance inspected regularly to ensure that all parts are working efficiently and safely. A Chief Chimney Sweep will check for any leaks in the system or problems with the pilot light and other essential parts of the appliance. For more information on Oil and Gas appliances, check out our Oil and Gas Appliances page.

Click here to schedule an appointment online.

 

Our thorough chimney inspections may discover that you need some chimney repairs. We offer complete services for your chimney, fireplace and dryer vent systems.

 

 

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

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