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Is My Chimney Safe?

You’ve maybe heard your neighbors ask it of their homes while looking up at the roof or lighting the fireplace. It’s the most common question homeowners ask chimney sweeps, and you’ve maybe asked it yourself. The reason homeowners ask is that the chimney is one of the biggest systems in your home and can be the most dangerous.

Is ANY Chimney Safe?

The question is, can any chimney be 100 percent safe? Even chimneys that are well-constructed used properly, and maintained regularly are not guaranteed to be problem-free. The fact is that while your chimney will never be 100 percent safe, there are ways to ensure it’s the safest it can possibly be.

Regular Maintenance and Chimney Safety

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA), regular maintenance is exactly what makes the safest and most efficient chimney systems. Safe chimneys are efficient ones and efficient chimneys are safe. This means that the most important thing you can do for your chimney and your home is to have it regularly swept, inspected, and properly maintained.

During your chimney sweep, a technician will clean your chimney system of any soot, creosote, ash, and debris, protecting your home all the while. We come in and cover flooring and furniture with drop cloths and use an industrial vacuuming system to keep the whole service mess-free and stress-free. Once complete, you can rest assured that your flue is obstruction-free and no hazards exist.

During a standard chimney inspection a certified technician will assess the whole system from top to bottom, inside and out. There are three levels of inspection based on your own needs. If your chimney has been functioning properly and used in the same fashion with no changes or problems, you need a level one inspection each year. If the chimney has had a problem, repair, or gone through a serious storm or fire, it requires a level two inspection which is slightly more thorough and includes a video scan of the flue interior. This inspection is also required before the sale or transfer of property. When a hazard is detected during a level one or two inspection, your technician will recommend a level three inspection. This inspection may require minor demolition and usually results in a chimney repair.

Chimney Damage and Safety

Another risk factor that brings down the safety or efficiency of your chimney is definitely chimney damage. Once a problem is noticed by the homeowner or reported by the technician, it should be repaired as soon as possible. A damaged chimney is not a safe one, whether it’s simply missing a part of the masonry is spalling. If any part of the vast system is out of order, damaged, or missing, the efficiency of the whole system goes down and risk goes up. The only way to have the safest chimney possible is to schedule routine services like sweeps and inspections and then follow the recommendations of the professionals whom you trust with your home and chimney. Money spent repairing a dangerous chimney is money invested in your home. No chimney sweep from Chief Chimney Services will schedule service without first consulting the homeowner. We won’t even schedule a level three inspection without giving you good reason and getting your permission to move forward. We will offer you a report which often includes photographs to back up our recommendations. If you want a second opinion, we understand, but we stand by our technicians and their recommendations 100 percent. If you get a second opinion elsewhere and want to continue services and repairs with us, that is great too! We welcome the business and appreciate the thoroughness of a responsible homeowner.

Spring Cleaning and Chimney Safety

If you haven’t scheduled important maintenance for your chimney system in the last twelve months, now is the time. As part of your spring cleaning routine, while you’re focusing on cleaning the gutters and decluttering the closets, take a look at your masonry. Schedule a chimney sweep or inspection to close out the winter. Use some of your tax refund to make necessary repairs before the rainy season. Invest in your home during this time to ensure you’re doing all you can to maintain the value of your property, but also keeping your home safer and more efficient than ever.

Chimney Maintenance and Repairs in Suffolk County

Residents in Suffolk County need to look no further than Chief Chimney Services for all their comprehensive chimney services. Our priority is safety and comfort for our customers, friends, and neighbors. That means, we strive to offer the best services in the area, completed by the most qualified experts.

Can you ever be sure that your chimney is 100 percent safe? No. But we at Chief Chimney Services will make certain that it’s the safest and most efficient as it can possibly be this winter and through future winters.

Call Chief Chimney Services at 631-863-2460 or schedule online today.

The Benefits Of Refractory Mortar

Did you know your fireplace and chimney may be constructed using only standard bricks and mortar? However, today’s chimney professionals know that there are benefits to choosing refractory materials for fireplaces and chimneys. More than that, it’s required by the International Residential Code (IRC) and the International Building Code (IBC).

Safety First

If you choose an amateur to build or repair your firebox, he may cut corners and costs by failing to use the right materials! This is a dangerous hazard and will result in damage to the masonry and heat transfer to the structural materials of the home. It also lowers efficiency and increases fire risk. Whats else happens if refractory mortar isn’t used, along with fire bricks? There will be recurring damage, which an amateur or con artist may repeatedly repair. This can end up costing you a fortune. A certified chimney sweep who is trained in masonry construction and repair knows the necessary materials to help keep customers safe this winter.

Choosing the Right Professional

When you choose a professional to complete your chimney and fireplace rebuilds and repairs, you can rest assured that they know what they’re doing. A CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep® (CCS) will use the proper materials that will offer the safest and most efficient fireplace and chimney system. Chief Chimney Services has been operating in Suffolk County for over 20 years! We are aware of municipal codes and industry standards. In addition, we’ve acquainted with general contractors in the area who often work with us.

Using the Wrong Mortar

Using the wrong materials when building or repairing a chimney can mean a devastating fire. Don’t hire a chimney sweep who is inexperienced and uses incorrect materials! Doing so may result in your homeowners insurance having grounds to deny your claim in the event of a fire. Some professionals may cut corners by adding fire-clay to regular mortar. This is not recommended and does not get the same result. Only a refractory mortar, designed to be as strong as fire brick and flue tiles, can withstand the regular high temperatures and abuse of a fireplace and chimney.

Some professionals and homeowners alike think it’s okay to use standard mortar mix, if you only use the fireplace occasionally. This is precisely why it is against residential and building codes! If the home is sold or property is otherwise transferred, the new owner is stuck with the unsafe chimney. Perhaps they will want to light a fire every night, instead of only occasionally. This puts people at risk that can be avoided.

Do you think your fireplace or chimney was constructed or repaired improperly? There is still time to have it inspected by a CSIA certified professional before winter! A Chief Chimney technician can quickly assess your chimney system for problems and plan accordingly. Our sweeps are standing by to talk to you about refractory mortar and more. Call 631-863-2460 or request an appointment online.

Chimney Liner Repair

When most people think about damage to their chimney they think about crumbling mortar and chipped bricks on the exterior of the chimney structure caused by age and weather erosion. While this is something to be concerned about the most common (and the most dangerous) chimney damage happens inside the flue where it cannot be seen without a proper inspection. Cracked and damaged chimney liners are more common than people realize and can put your home and family at great risk if not properly repaired.

How Can I Tell If My Chimney Liner Is Damaged?

The best, most effective way to tell if you have a damaged chimney liner is a proper inspection by a CSIA certified chimney technician [https://chiefchimney.com/]. A certified tech will run a camera up your chimney so that they can see exactly what state your entire chimney liner is in. If you have a clay tile liner (the most common among older chimneys) the tech will be looking for cracked, broken, or missing tiles.

When you burn a fire the chimney heats up and cools down rapidly causing stress on the clay tiles. Over time these tiles will fracture and break and can even fall off completely. When this happens it leaves a gap in the liner exposing the masonry structure to the heat and combustible byproducts of a wood burning fire. This can cause major structural issues for your chimney and can create a potentially hazardous situation for you and your family.

If My Liner Is Damaged What Are My Options?

If your chimney liner is cracked or damaged your chimney sweep will know what to do next. Depending on the severity of the damage a relining job [https://chiefchimney.com/chimney-repairs/chimneys-relined/] might be necessary. In many cases this is the best option regardless. If your chimney liner is starting to show signs of wear and tear it will eventually have to be replaced. It is better to have that done at the first sign of an issue otherwise you are simply prolonging the inevitable and spending money on small repairs in the process. Your specific chimney system will dictate what type of liner to have installed but in most cases HeatShield is the way to go.

What is HeatShield?

HeatShield [http://cecurechimney.com/heatshield-system.html] is a Cerfractory Flue Sealant product that is used to either repair or completely replace your chimney liner. It is one of the most trusted products in the chimney industry and comes with a 20 year material warranty. There are 2 methods of using HeatShield to repair a damaged chimney liner.

Resurfacing – If the damage to a chimney liner is not too extensive the chimney sweep may recommend using the HeatShield resurfacing system. This process is performed in several steps. The first step involves a “tie-coat” that cleans the interior of the chimney liner of dust and debris and acts as a primer for the final HeatShield application. Once this primer has dried the HeatShield material is applied into the flue at ¼ inch thickness. After this is all finished a camera is run up the length of the chimney to ensure that there are no gaps left in the liner.

CeCure Sleeve Relining – If the chimney liner is extensively damaged or missing all together your chimney sweep may recommend completely relining your chimney. This is where the CeCure Sleeve Relining system comes in. When installing a CeCure Sleeve Relining system the first step is to coat the interior of the chimney with a coating of HeatShield Cerfractory Flue Sealant and a drying accelerator. Next a custom fitted CeCure Sleeve is lowered into your chimney and secured to the top of your system. This sleeve provides ceramic insulation and is reinforced with stainless steel fabric. Once this is in place another coating of the Flue Sealant is applied and another camera is run to ensure that everything is in place properly.

How Do I Schedule A Chimney Inspection?

If you have a fireplace and chimney you should have a chimney inspection performed annually by a CSIA certified chimney technician. Call Chief Chimney Services today to schedule your appointment or visit us online at chiefchimney.com.

The Value of CSIA Certification

No one wants to be a trailblazer when it comes to their safety and health. That’s why Chief Chimney Services in Long Island, New York and hundreds of other chimney professionals belong to and have their technicians certified by the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA).

CSIA is a non-profit organization dedicated to “public awareness while educating and certifying industry professionals” throughout North America.

Since 1983 the CSIA has been the recognized authority on the prevention of fires. CSIA has established uniform standards of performance for both chimney and dryer exhaust technicians.

In order to earn the CSIA Certified Technician status, the technician must complete a rigorous process of learning based on the National Fire Protection Association and International Residential Fire Codes and Standards, chimney construction, and cleaning processes and then the technician must pass comprehensive exams. As part of the certification process there is also extensive hands on training and testing with leaders in the industry.

For those in the industry, earning the CSIA credentials for your business and technicians means more than just paying dues and belonging to a “club”. Being an active participant in CSIA sends a message to your existing and potential customers that you are committing your time and financial resources to provide the highest level of expertise and superior customer service necessary to keep their family and home safe.

Remember consumers can be very particular about the service team they let into their homes. As they should be. Many have heard horror stories of big messes during the chimney sweeping process, unscrupulous businesses practices, and shoddy work and so they procrastinate in calling for service to avoid the hassles. It is your job to educated the consumer on the importance of regular maintenance and why they can trust you to be their solution and the expert they can trust.

From a consumer’s perspective seeing your CSIA credentials ensures they are doing business with a trusted professional not just some guy canvassing your neighborhood. The CSIA provides homeowners with a list of qualified chimney companies who can perform the maintenance and repair services they need according to the CSIA standards. As a business owner, you want to be included in that elite group.

Equally important in assessing your consideration as the chimney sweep consumers choose to do business with is, the fact that you display your all your credentials which tells the consumer you are serious about the service you provide and you want to develop a long term relationship with them. Be sure to post on your website and on other marketing materials that you have participated in continuing education classes.

The CSIA website provides a wealth of information for those in the industry as well as consumers. The fact that your company is part of such an impressive and prestigious organization adds value to the services you provide. Your membership and commitment to having your technicians certified and renewing their certification helps distinguish you in the marketplace and tells potential customers (and your existing customers) why they should be doing business with you rather than your competitors!

Identifying Chimney Discoloration

What do your fingernails and chimney have in common? A trained professional can gain insight as to your health and that of your chimney by looking at their appearance. Changes in color and texture indicate the need for further attention. Look at your fingernails, if you see any of these symptoms, be sure to consult your physician. When it comes to discoloration of your chimney it may not be so easy to inspect. That’s why homeowners in the Long Island area call chimney professional Chief Chimney Services to look for any chimney discoloration and identify the cause and solution to prevent damage.

You may not be able to see the discoloration on your chimney from the ground and the last thing an untrained homeowner needs to do is start climbing around on their roof. (Ladder accidents are one of the major causes injuries especially from folks who swore they’d be careful. Maintaining your safety and the health of your chimney are two of the reasons you call a chimney professional once a year for a thorough inspection and cleaning.) Simply washing the stains away without tending to the underlying causes puts you and your home at risk.

Discoloration on chimneys can be white, black, brown, green, or red depending on the cause.

White stains are caused by evaporated water. When you see the white powder or crystals it is an alert that further investigation is needed. The white substance, efflorescence, can be just simple evaporation from rain, snow, and ice. However, efflorescence can also be a sign that water is running inside your chimney or flue and you have a problem. The website InspectAPedia cautions, “Although efflorescence is not mold, it often indicates wet conditions that cause problem mold growth elsewhere in the same building. You’ll need to identify the sources of moisture or leaks and correct them, and depending on other building air quality complaints or health concerns it may be appropriate to inspect and screen the building for problem mold or other moisture or water-related problems. Efflorescence is always a cause for professional attention.”

Green, blueish, and black stains send out a loud SOS to have your chimney professional check for algae growth and or mold. Both thrive on moisture and cause serious health and infestation issues which are expensive to correct. It is imperative that water leaks are caught early, identified, and cured to prevent mold.

Rust colored stains are also the result of water leaks and the source must be identified and corrected.

Black and brown stains can appear on your chimney, roof, and on sides of your home; dark stains have a variety of root causes. These stains can be caused by clogged gutters, leaks and cracks in your masonry or actual chimney flue, or a missing, dislodged or no rain cap. None of which can be diagnosed from a ground level inspection. Black and brown stains can also mean you have a very serious health and safety issue that require immediate attention if the dark stains are the result of creosote and soot. Creosote and soot are highly combustible and may be the result of malfunctioning heating appliances. Dark stains can also indicate a fire occurred that you weren’t aware happened.

Take Away: No matter what color they are, stains on your home are not simply a cosmetic issue. Stains send a message that something needs the attention of a trained chimney professional before you jeopardize your health, safety, the integrity of your structure. Like most things in life, the longer the problem is left unattended, the more complicated and costly the cure becomes. If you live in Long Island, call Chief Chimney Services for help. If not, be sure you contact a chimney professional with strong credentials ASAP.

Starting a cold fireplace

As the cold weather approaches, Chief Chimney Services in Long Island, New York wants to make sure that you are using your fireplace in an efficient and safe manner. We know there is nothing better than the sound, ambiance, and warmth from a crackling fire in your fireplace. And, there is nothing worse than a house full of smoke and toxic fumes caused by improperly starting a cold fireplace.

There are very specific considerations you need to know and specific techniques to successfully light a fire in a cold fireplace:

Before the cold weather approaches, a thorough inspection and cleaning by a CSIA (Chimney Safety Institute of America) certified chimney technician is a must to ensure your chimney, fireplace, and their components are fully operational and clean. If you avoid this step, you are putting your house and family at risk for a fire, explosion, and toxic gas poisoning. CSIA, in accordance with the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), urges homeowners to have a yearly inspection and cleaning of their fireplaces and chimneys before using the fireplace for the first time each season. Your skilled CSIA certified chimney technician will identify and repair any potential hazards and remove any blockages from debris or critters so you will be ready for that first fire of the year.

Once you have done your due diligence and had the cleaning and inspection performed and repaired any problems then it’s time to prepare to light your first fire of the season. The first thing to do (and many times overlooked) is OPEN THE DAMPER. The setting for many romantic and utilitarian fires have been ruined as the room filled up with smoke because the damper was not opened before the wood was lit.

The next step is to prime the flue. Here’s why that is so important. Consider that your chimney is located on the outside of your home and surrounded by the cold fall or winter temperatures. Remember, hot air rises and cold air sinks. So when you open the damper, cold air from outside is drawn down your chimney. The cold air forms a barrier as the warm air from inside your home begins to rise. This is called “air sink”. When air sink occurs and the smoke cannot escape out the chimney your house fills up with smoke. The way to avoid air sink is to prime the flue by lighting a rolled up newspaper or piece of seasoned wood and holding it to the damper for 3-4 minutes. You will actually be able to feel the warm and cold air exchange. Once that happens you can proceed to the next step in lighting your fire.

Place your wood atop a bed a couple inches thick of ashes.The ash bed will provide additional insulation to keep your fire burning hotter. Remember the hotter the fire, the more safe and efficient it is.

As the final step is to build what is known as an “upside down” fire:

Stack large or split logs next to one another tightly to form your bottom layer. Place slightly smaller logs/split logs perpendicular to the bottom layer to form the 2nd layer.
Repeat this process using smaller and smaller pieces to a reasonable height – usually 2-5 layers depending on:

• The size of your fireplace
• How much wood you have on hand
• How long you want the fire to burn

At the top add strips or crumpled newspaper and dry kindling.
Light the newspaper/kindling at the top and watch that baby burn itself down.

By following these recommendations when you initially start your cold fireplace, you will be able to truly appreciate and enjoy romantic and utilitarian fires all season long.

Why Ivy Is Damaging Your Chimney

Rarely does fantasy live up to the facts associated with reality. One of the strongest fantasy verses reality buzz-kills is associated with picturesque ivy covered stone and brick buildings. From an aesthetic point of view, nothing is more quaint and dignified as ivy covered buildings and fences. However, ask property owners who battle this invasive predatory, albeit beautiful, vine and its beauty becomes insignificant. Chief Chimney Services, Inc. in Long Island know that growing ivy is a wakeup call that structural damage is being done.

Ivy spreads quickly and homeowners need to have the ivy removed from your chimneys and other stone and brick structures before its roots and vines can work their way into your masonry and be the catalyst for a whole host of problems. Once the ivy is removed it is important to have a thorough inspection done to find and repair any cracks, crevices, and gaps in the masonry caused by the invading green leafy pest. The roots are so invasive and embedded that damage can even be done to masonry and shingles during the ivy removal process.

Your chimney is built from masonry. Masonry is a naturally porous material and holds water. Bricks are held together with mortar that can become damaged over time due to weather exposure, freezing and thawing, age, and pressure. Once masonry starts leaking, water starts seeping in to your chimney, down your fireplace, between your gutters and roof, and along the foundation of your home. Water damage rots wood, erodes masonry and soil, causes mold, and can be a breeding ground for unwanted germs, insects, animals, birds, and rodents. Introduce a robust and resilient vine like ivy that works its way into the nooks and crannies of masonry and the water and vine damage begins a downward spiral of maintenance and repairs.

It is important that during your annual inspection, your CSIA (Chimney Safety Institute of America) certified chimney inspector and technician look for the early signs of ivy growth and remove it before it takes root. Ivy growing on one part of your home or in your trees will quickly invade everything around it.

On the website Ask Metafilter.com readers gave their responses to a potential homeowner who asked about the ivy growing on a house he was interested in purchasing:

• Ivy is the devil’s plant. I have spent the summer helping my mom removed it from a neglected house she bought. It was choking out and killing BIG trees. Any vegetation growing against a house will hold moisture and decaying matter (against) the building a (drastically) shorten the lifespan of the exterior of the house if not the whole structure.
• It will destroy chimneys, trim, and woodwork; it will weasel its way into your home through your windows, if you let it; it will vex you by sprouting from every corner of your garden no matter how many sprigs you pull; it will turn neighbor against neighbor. (Truly. Just ask anyone who has lived next to a house with ivy.)

Don’t put yourself and your neighbors through the aggravation of dealing with ivy. Make sure you have a professional immediately eradicate any existing ivy growth and do a complete inspection of your chimney, fire box, and their surrounding area to identify, repair (and prevent any future) damage. There are plenty of ways to improve the curb appeal of your home without ivy…Don’t get tangled in the illusion of its beauty. Be pro-active in your efforts to work closely with a chimney professional to avoid ivy’s potential damage.

NFPA Chimney Inspections

Chimney inspections are important to identify any potential fire, health, and structure damage risks that may be present in your home. The certified chimney professionals from Chief Chimney Services in Long Island know how important annual inspections are for homeowners to receive. Unfortunately, Chief has also witnessed the consequences when homeowners rationalized that they don’t need an inspection or procrastinated at having the repair recommendations performed.

Whether you live in Long Island or anywhere else, it is for your own protection that you follow the recommendations from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and have a professional inspect your chimney. The key word is “professional”. The worst case scenario is you to pay someone who just claims to be able to inspect your chimney and you think you are safe, and then experience the unthinkable because the person you did business with was not qualified to perform the inspection. How does a homeowner know what should be included in a proper inspection? The NFPA instituted guidelines for homeowners and inspectors.

When it came to determining what components were to be inspected and the appropriate inspection for the homeowner’s circumstances, prior to 2000, homeowners we left at the mercy and judgement of the person conducting their inspection. In January of 2000, the National Fire Protection Association defined and standardized what inspections should include. These standards can be found in code NFPA 211 (Standard for Chimneys, Fireplaces, Vents and Solid Fuel Burning Appliances). There are three levels of inspection and each has a very clear definition for the inspector and homeowner, alike.

The Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) has included a detail explanation of each of the three levels of inspections along with guidelines when each is appropriate on their website. Click here to view those videos.

Both the CSIA and NFPA are very clear that homeowners have an annual chimney inspection by a CSIA certified technician performed every year before you begin to use your heating system. Inspections can be best performed in the summertime when the chimney and furnace are not in use and weather conditions make a visual inspection easier. However, inspections can be performed throughout the year weather permitting.

If your inspector does find an issue or issues that need to be addressed, it is important to take care of the repairs promptly. Inadequately functioning chimneys and their components can lead to fire hazards, toxic gas poisoning, as well as water damage to the interior and exterior of your home. And if there were ever a time to be proactive, it is when your family’s health and safety are at stake.

It is our recommendation to you that you review the three levels of inspections and discuss your need for a proper inspection with your CSIA certified chimney professional. If you live in Long Island, Chief Chimney Service is available to answer all your questions and perform the proper inspection following NFPA standards. If you don’t live in Chief’s service area consult the CSIA website, Angie’s List, and the BBB to find a qualified inspector.

The Importance of CSIA Certification

When your health and safety are at risk, you need do business with a trusted professional to ensure that the services you receive and the one who provides them have your best interests as the top priority. Chief Chimney Services in Long Island, NY recognizes the importance of providing you with technicians who are certified by the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA). CSIA is the industry’s eminent non-profit organization dedicated to advancing “public awareness while educating and certifying industry professionals.”

What does CSIA certification mean to you? Trust!

CSIA credentials are a litmus test when deciding which company you trust with maintaining and repairing your chimney and related venting structures and systems. When your systems are not functioning properly your family’s health and safety are subject to the risks of fire and toxic gas poisoning, and the financial risk as a result of structural damage to your home and property. All of which can be avoided by having a CSIA technician perform your annual cleaning and inspections and making repairs as needed.

When you need chimney or related services it is always in your best interest to protect yourself from false claims and only do business with a company whose technicians are CSIA certified. A CSIA certified technician has completed both classroom and hands-on training under skilled professionals. Graduates of the CSIA have demonstrated their expertise in technical abilities, and local fire and safety codes. Their trainers, as well as the technicians seeking certification, are committed to education, professionalism, excellence, and most important, your safety. These core values, along with technical expertise, must be demonstrated in order to receive CSIA credentials.

It’s very easy to get t-shirt printed that says “chimney sweep” and prey on unsuspecting home owners who have no way to measure the competence of the person wearing the t-shirt. When you do business with a professional chimney company who insists that their technicians are CSIA certified, it gives you important insight to the high standards the company maintains. Furthermore, consider, the chimney company that values the CSIA credentials and maintains a membership in good standing has invested time and money to earn, maintain, and renew their credentials above and beyond anyone off the street who calls himself a chimney sweep. The CSIA credentials are “the hallmark of excellence among chimney and venting professionals”, and have been since 1983. Even the Better Business Bureau recommends using a CSIA certified chimney sweep as one of the ways to measure the integrity of the person you invite to your home.

Your CSIA technician has the training to properly use the professional tools needed to do a thorough cleaning and inspection, the knowledge of your structure as well as local fire codes, and the expertise to know what to look for during the inspection and how to make any necessary repairs in the most effective and cost efficient method available.

To summarize, following these recommendations by the CSIA is the best way to ensure the quality of the chimney and related work you need. Click here to follow their five recommendations. If you are located in the Long Island area, Chief Chimney Service is CSIA recommended and wants to add you to our list of satisfied customers.

Don’t Wait Untill Fall To Have Your Chimney Inspected

Savvy homeowners know that they should have their chimneys cleaned once a year. What you may not realize is the mindset of having your chimney cleaning done in the fall is not always the best practice. The chimney professionals from Chief Chimney Services in Central Suffolk County New York want homeowners to know that summer and spring are two of the best times to set an appointment for your annual inspection and cleaning.

Having a clear view of your chimney structure without regard to weather conditions also enables your chimney professional to block potential entrances for animals, birds, and rodents before they search for a warm place to spend the winter and enter your home via your chimney.

Summertime offers some distinct advantages when having your chimneys inspected and swept. First and perhaps the most obvious is the weather. It’s much easier to navigate on a roof that is not covered with ice and snow. Also, it is much easier to do a thorough inspection of the chimney, masonry, flashing, chimney cap, shingles, etc. when the area is not covered in ice and snow. If repairs are needed, extreme cold can affect the effectiveness of some sealant and masonry products. As the fall weather approaches, homeowners recognize the change of weather means fireplaces will once again be fired up and they need to be prepared, that’s why chimney companies are flooded with calls after Labor Day. Ashley Eldridge, Director of Education for the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) explains, “By scheduling (in summertime), you will have time to complete any necessary repairs before the start of the heating season. Not to mention the peace of mind you will get knowing that your fireplace or wood stove is ready to go for those dark days of winter.”

While sometimes spring rains impede inspections, the rainy season also allows your chimney professional to check for leaks and seepage and be pro-active with repair measures, that’s why springtime is also a good time for a chimney inspection, weather permitting.

There is also more appointment time flexibility when you schedule your appointment outside the busiest time of the year, which starts Labor Day and carries through until spring.
Having a clear view of your chimney structure without regard to weather conditions also enables your chimney professional to block potential entrances for animals, birds, and rodents before they search for a warm place to spend the winter and enter your home via your chimney.

Most chimney professionals are equipped to do service calls all year long and only the most extreme weather conditions prevent them from doing their work. The important thing to remember is to have a safety inspection and cleaning performed by a CSIA professional before using your fireplace for the first time each year.

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Standard 211 also states that, “Chimneys, fireplaces, and vents shall be inspected at least once a year for soundness, freedom from deposits, and correct clearances. Cleaning, maintenance, and repairs shall be done if necessary.”

When you follow the recommendations of the chimney experts you know you will be saving on utility costs by ensuring your heating mechanisms are operating at maximum efficiency, and your family is safe for fire and toxic gas hazards.

Don’t wait, contact your local chimney professional today, and if you live in Suffolk County, call Chief Chimney Services.