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Start Your Year Off Right With an Inspection

So you’ve put all of your holiday decorations away. You’re in the thick of winter hibernation but not quite ready for spring cleaning. If you’re a home or business owner with a fireplace, it is worth your safety and investment to schedule an inspection now. Don’t wait until spring for necessary and life-saving maintenance. Chief Chimney Services offers inspections year-round, but if your system hasn’t been inspected in the last year, a winter appointment will keep your home and family safe.

chimney sweep climbing ladderChimney Inspections for Safety

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) states that chimney systems that are inspected annually and cleaned regularly are the safest and most efficient. We are in the business of chimney safety and that is why we offer NFPA level 1 and level 2 chimney and fireplace inspections. Your chimney exterior, fireplace or appliance, and interior flue should be inspected annually under the best of circumstances, but there are other reasons to schedule an inspection.

  • After a serious storm, earthquake, or tornado. Any situation that can affect the soundness of your chimney system is a reason to schedule an inspection. Even a situation that doesn’t seem to change anything noticeable can create hidden dangers.
  • After a fire. Whether you have experienced a flue fire that affected the rest of your house or a fire that went unnoticed, it likely caused damage. An inspection by a professional will catch cracks, gaps, voids, and other damage.
  • When a change has been made to the system, including repairs or installations. An inspection must be completed to determine the correct installation and proper chimney function.
  • Before the sale or transfer of property. Because a standard home inspection only includes a general overview of the chimney system, a chimney inspection by a certified professional is the only way to properly determine the state of the chimney system.

If your chimney hasn’t been inspected in the last twelve months, since last burn season, or ever, it’s time to schedule the basic level one inspection to determine safety before use. If you’re already using your fireplace this winter without an inspection, every time you light the fire it puts your home and family at risk. Schedule a basic level one inspection today.

Chimney Inspections in Suffolk County

If you reside in or around Suffolk County and need a chimney inspection, you can join the countless homeowners in Long Island who put their trust in Chief Chimney Services year after year. When your system has been used in the same way with no problems, a level one inspection should be scheduled. This basic level one inspection includes a thorough examination of the readily-accessible portions of the chimney and appliance. It determines basic structural soundness, checks for flue obstructions and creosote levels, and evaluates the condition and installation of the entire system. Scheduling your level one inspection annually prevents problems that lead to a level two inspection—requiring more money, more time, and possible repairs.
In the event of a necessary level two inspection, your technician will do everything included in a level one inspection in addition to all accessible parts of the system, inside and outside. Your technicians may need access to basements or attics and will use video equipment to get an up-close look at the interior of the flue.

Safer Homes in Suffolk County

Winter is made dangerous by dangerous chimneys. House fires are at their peak in January, and the majority of these fires are preventable. Don’t put your home or your property at risk by waiting. Start the New Year off on the right foot by ensuring your home is safe and sound with an annual chimney inspection.

Chief Chimney Services is a family-run company that strives to put families first. Chimney safety is so important to us and the families we serve that all of our technicians are CSIA Certified Chimney Sweeps. That means that each of us undergoes training and testing outside of our ongoing work with our customers. In fact, we complete and pass a thorough examination over national fire safety codes and chimney science—a certification that we repeat every three years to stay up to date on the best technologies, advancements, and code changes in the industry.

Do you reside in Suffolk County and need an inspection this year? Once your system is inspected, it is good to go until next year. A clean report from your chimney expert will mean a safer fire this winter, less likelihood of winter damage during these months, and prevent chimney leaks and animal intrusions this spring. Don’t put it off any longer. Schedule your chimney inspection today and save money tomorrow.

While you’re making plans to complete chimney maintenance this winter and spring, don’t forget the other service we provide at Chief Chimney Services. Clean up the chimney after a winter of fires with a chimney sweep. Protect the masonry from water penetration by scheduling waterproofing services before the spring. Planning a spring or summer wedding? You can even schedule a lucky chimney sweep to attend!

Not sure exactly what you need? If you have a chimney system, call Chief Chimney Services and we can help.

By John Pilger on January 20th, 2020 | Tagged with: Tags: , , , , | Comments Off on Start Your Year Off Right With an Inspection

Fix Your Leaky Chimney Now

It doesn’t matter what is making your chimney leak. It may be from winter damage, or it may be from a minor issue such as a worn out chimney cap, but whatever is amiss, it needs to be corrected before serious damage occurs.

Water and Your Chimney

Nothing destroys a chimney quite like water. Because of the materials that make up masonry, it is highly susceptible to moisture damage and can actually be destroyed from the inside out due to one small problem allowing the water into the system. These leaks, minor or major, go unnoticed because much of the system is hidden from view. By the time a homeowner notices signs of a chimney leak, there may be substantial damage behind the scenes. A professional will catch issues before the average homeowner, saving money and time, and keeping your system safe and ready for use again in the fall. A professional will notice issues and small damage that may allow water in, such as a damaged or missing cap, deteriorated crown, damaged masonry, and dislodged or missing flashing.

Chimney Leakswater damaged white ceiling

Your chimney leak may be as obvious as water running down your masonry or dripping near your chimney. However, it may create a leak in another part of your house entirely! When you have a leak in your home, it’s important to call a chimney professional. A general contractor may fix the damage, but a chimney expert will check the chimney first. It’s likely this type of leak is caused by damaged flashing that allows water into the home, where it runs inside walls and ceilings until it pools at the lowest point, and then forms a leak.

Your leak may be inside the chimney, only detected by the sound of dripping and the smell of mildew. This leak still needs attention, as it deteriorates the liner and masonry, rusts the damper assembly, and more. Make sure that when you have a chimney leak you call the chimney professionals who can fix the damage and prevent recurrence before more damage occurs.

Professional Prevention and Care

When you call on Chief Chimney Services to repair your leaky chimney, you can expect the best care and attention in the area. At Chief, we install chimney caps to keep water, weather, and animals out of the chimney. Our expert masons repair and restore masonry, no matter the stone or brick, size, or design. Our experienced techs also replace and install flashing to protect the intersection of the roof and chimney. We do it all, and then we offer waterproofing services for good measure.

After we repair your leaky chimney, we protect your masonry for years to come with ChimneySaver water repellent products. These environmentally friendly and vapor-permeable products are the best on the market and allow the chimney to continue working properly. Unlike other products and sealants, ChimneySaver water-repellent allows the chimney to breathe as it should and vent the fire properly.

Have you noticed moisture in your chimney this spring? If you suspect a leak, call the professionals at Chief Chimney Services or schedule online today.

By John Pilger on April 11th, 2019 | Tagged with: Tags: , , , | Comments Off on Fix Your Leaky Chimney Now

Protect Masonry with Water Repellent This Spring!

Your masonry chimney might have worked great for you all winter long, but a wet spring after a long winter can be disastrous for the chimney! At Chief Chimney Services, we recommend our customers, friends, and neighbors avoid expensive repairs and problems by protecting the chimney system against water penetration. To prevent chimney leaks when the weather turns wet, make sure you schedule professionals services with a certified company today. 

First, schedule a chimney sweep and inspection to close out the season. This will ensure your system is clean and free of odors that can ruin your summer when summer humidity hits. It will also be given a clean bill of “health” so that you know it’s safe and obstruction-free when it’s time to burn again this fall. During your NFPA inspection, a technician may catch weaknesses in your system that will allow water in this spring. Because homeowners often don’t know what to look for, this is the best way to stop preventable leaks! Schedule with Chief Chimney Services, and we can get your entire system up to snuff before the first big showers of the spring. 

Chimney Waterproofing Services

One of our most popular services we continue to offer to home and business owners throughout Suffolk County is our waterproofing services. When all the other parts of a chimney system are properly installed, such as the cap, crown, and flashing, we take protection one step further by protecting the masonry. By using ChimneySaver products specifically designed for chimney function, we can prevent water from penetrating the masonry while still allowing heat and gases to escape. Other waterproofing agents or water repellents on the market can prevent water penetration while trapping heat, moisture, and gases inside the masonry. This is unsafe and will actually cause damage from the inside out. ChimneySaver’s vapor-permeable water repellent is the only one that will allow your chimney to ‘breathe” and the only one we trust for our customers. 

When you schedule waterproofing services with Chief Chimney Services, a technician will treat your masonry with the best products available to chimney professionals. We are certified and trained in its application, and it comes with a 10-year warranty. This product will also not change the look of the masonry whatsoever. It only protects, and it protects well. If there are minor cracks in your masonry, this product will not allow water in. It keeps water molecules out and repels them. This treatment prevents dangerous and destructive water damage that can be costly and time-consuming to repair. 

If you haven’t had your chimney waterproofed by a certified chimney professional, now is the time. The appointment is quick and easy, doesn’t alter your chimney in any way, and lasts year after year. There’s no real reason not to waterproof your chimney! Schedule now, and use your tax refund for important chimney services. Schedule waterproofing services with Chief Chimney Services by calling 631-863-2460 or schedule online.

By John Pilger on March 13th, 2019 | Tagged with: Tags: | Comments Off on Protect Masonry with Water Repellent This Spring!

The Freeze/Thaw Cycle and Your Chimney

Your chimney is built to last, but it will only last if it’s properly used and maintained. In fact, one of the worst things that can happen to your chimney is 100 percent preventable—water damage. Your chimney may be the largest system in your home, but it still goes forgotten in many cases because a large portion of it is hidden from view. Your chimney may continue to work while The FreezeThaw Cycle and Your Chimney - Suffolk NY - Chief Chimneyneglected or abused, but it will work less efficiently, and maybe even work with hazardous damage. A damaged chimney may work for a while, but will eventually lead to serious loss of property or even loss of life.

The Working Chimney

The thing that makes your chimney work so well (even while neglected and abused) is the very thing that makes it susceptible to serious damage. Your masonry is porous, allowing gases to escape and remaining unaffected by temperature fluctuations of the chimney structure. However, if you don’t take precautions, this porous material can be seriously damaged in one winter season.

Water and Your Chimney

All of the materials that make up masonry are adversely affected by water. If the chimney cap, flashing, or crown are damaged and not repaired, water will penetrate the system, damaging it from the inside-out. Water can rust damper assemblies, door handles, hinges, and attachments. It can leak into and cause leaks in ceilings, walls, and floors, can weaken structural beams, and even deteriorate the foundation.

Water and Winter Weather

A leaky chimney doesn’t have to start from the inside. Masonry can become chipped or cracked over time. Water can seep into these spaces as rain falls or snow melts, and when temperatures drop, this water freezes. When the water freezes, it expands, breaking apart the masonry (causing more damage). When a fire is lit and the chimney warms up, the water melts and moves further into the damaged masonry. This freeze/thaw cycle may continue throughout the season. The results may be:

  • spalling masonry,
  • damaged liner,
  • unsound chimney structure.

Chimney Maintenance and Damage Prevention

In order to prevent chimney damage and ensure your system is safe for another season of burning, schedule an inspection with a professional. During a NFPA chimney inspection, you can expect a full assessment of your system top-to-bottom. If there is a problem with your flashing, cap, crown, or masonry, it can stop there. Many chimney issues can be dealt with inexpensively when they’re caught in time.

If your chimney system is in good shape, we can add further protection with waterproofing services. ChimneySaver water-repellent is a watertight, vapor-permeable chemical that doesn’t change the look of the masonry, but keeps water out. Schedule waterproofing services now, and avoid water damage later. The freeze/thaw cycle that can damage your chimney will not be possible if water can’t penetrate the masonry.

Call Chief Chimney Services at 631-863-2460 or schedule an appointment online to make sure your chimney is ready for freezing weather.

By John Pilger on January 29th, 2018 | Tagged with: Tags: , , | Comments Off on The Freeze/Thaw Cycle and Your Chimney

Chimney Leaks and Water Damage

There’s almost nothing worse for a chimney than water penetration. A small crack and tiny amount of water can become hundreds and thousands of dollars worth of damage. Consequently, this is over just one burn season. This is because the freeze/thaw process that water experiences widens cracks in the masonry.  Shifting bricks, a weakening mortar, and making way for even more water to enter is just some of what you can expect.

Chimney Leaks and Water Damage - Suffolk NY - Chief Chimney ServiceWater and Masonry

Masonry is constructed of a variety of materials, all of which are adversely affected by water. Brick, mortar, concrete, stone, flue tile, steel, and cast iron all deteriorate. In addition, they become altered when they come into direct contact with water, or are penetrated with water.

Once water is inside the masonry it can cause a host of issues including:

  • Rusted damper assemblies, fireplace accessories, and glass doors
  • Deteriorated metal or masonry firebox assemblies, central heating system, and flue lining system
  • Rotting adjacent wood and ruined wall coverings and ceilings
  • Water stained walls, ceiling, and chimney exterior
  • Clogged clean-out area
  • Decayed exterior mortar and collapsed hearth support
  • Tilted chimney structure and chimney settlement

This type of damage is solely caused by chimney leaks and can be prevented.

Diagnosing Your Chimney Leak

The damage caused by water penetration isn’t noticeable right away. In fact, by the time these things are noticed, there is extensive damage unseen to the homeowner’s eye.

Three signs that mean you may have a leaky chimney include:

  1.  A stinky chimney, especially one that smells musty is cause from a leaky chimney.
  2.  Less efficiency is generally caused because of an issue such as a chimney leak. Water causes parts to work incorrectly as well as the draft is less effective.
  3.  Stains on interior and exterior masonry means that water is causing discoloration and the mortar has been penetrated.
  4.  Leaks and stains on interior of the house including walls and ceilings. The walls and ceilings don’t even have to be near the chimney because water runs to the lowest place, and then leaks through the weakest portion of ceiling or wall. Water can run several feet or rooms away from the chimney leak itself before physically leaking through the ceiling materials.

Let the Chimney Professionals Repair Your Leaky Chimney

The most common causes of chimney leaks are relatively easy fixes. These include chimney cap repair or installation, replacing or sealing the chimney crown, and repairing or replacing the chimney flashing. All of these things work to keep water out, but none of them are permanent solutions. The best way to insure your chimney is properly waterproofed is to schedule your annual chimney inspection with Chief Chimney today. For the safety of your family and the longevity of your chimney system, it’s vital that you have your chimney waterproofed by a professional.

To learn more about waterproofing services, contact Chief Chimney Services today at 631-863-2460 or request an appointment online.

By John Pilger on November 10th, 2016 | Tagged with: Tags: , , , | Comments Off on Chimney Leaks and Water Damage

Tell Me About Chimney Mold

Water in your chimney allows molds to thrive. This is not a good thing. Make sure to waterproof your chimney.

Water in your chimney allows mold to thrive. This is not a good thing. Make sure to waterproof your chimney.

As chimney professionals, a lot of what Chief Chimney Services technicians will talk to homeowners about regularly focuses on preventing fire hazards, maintaining proper draft and keeping up with regular maintenance. It’s also important for us to talk about something that might seem a little less obvious with your chimney system: mold growth.

Mold can and will grow and spread just about anywhere it gets access to moisture and food (like the building materials that make up your home). So if moisture makes its way into your chimney — through damaged masonry or other damaged components — that dark, enclosed and moist space can make a perfect home for mold. Since our chimneys are largely dormant for months out of the year, and Long Island humidity contributes a healthy share of moisture just about year-round, we need to be particularly aware of chimney mold here.

Why Do I Need To Know About Chimney Mold?

Mold growth creates stains and smells, and those annoyances are reason enough to not want it in your home. But related health issues are more concerning. Airborne mold spores have been shown to contribute to a variety of health issues, including respiratory problems, skin and eye irritation and longer-term illnesses. Certain types of mold — so-called “black mold” — are toxic, and have been linked to severe issues from pulmonary illnesses to nerve damage and more. People who already struggle with asthma and other respiratory illnesses or have weakened immune systems have been found to be particularly susceptible to the effects of mold. So it’s important to know about mold growth, and to deal with it quickly if it’s found in your home.

How Do I Know If There’s Mold In My Chimney?

It’s possible that you’ll see the signs of mold on or around your chimney — like discoloration of the masonry or adjacent building materials, or flaky and crystallized white efflorescence, which isn’t mold, but does point to a moisture intrusion problem. More often, though, if mold is growing inside your chimney where it isn’t in plain sight, the first indication will be a musty odor. We all know the smell of mold — it’s what most of us think of as that dank and unpleasant old-basement smell. If you notice an odor, Chief Chimney Services can inspect the chimney to assess whether there’s a moisture issue and mold growth.

How Does Mold End Up In My Chimney?

Mold spores are everywhere, and if they get a dark space to thrive and moisture to feed on, they’ll grow. So mold growth in your chimney is a sure indication that there’s a moisture issue — and dealing with that moisture issue is the key to dealing with your mold.

What Can I Do To Get Rid Of Mold In My Chimney?

The most effective way to get rid of chimney mold: Call Chief Chimney Services. Since breathing mold spores can be dangerous, it’s generally not advised to clean mold yourself on a space that’s any larger than 10 square feet (about a 3 by 3 square). If there’s mold growth inside your chimney, it’ll require special tools to properly get to it, as well. But beyond that, cleaning mold without addressing the moisture intrusion or leak issues is a temporary fix — the mold will grow back again. We can inspect and clean your chimney, find any leaks or moisture intrusion issues (which can be anything from degraded masonry to a cracked chimney crown  or damaged flashing) and provide solutions and repairs.

If you have any questions or concerns about chimney mold, we’re always here to help. Just give Chief Chimney Services a call!

By John Pilger on April 20th, 2014 | Tagged with: Tags: , , , , , , , , , , | Comments Off on Tell Me About Chimney Mold

Holy Smoke! My Fireplace is Smoking!

It’s one of those nice cool evenings when you just want to sit back and enjoy the warmth of your fireplace. You gather up the wood and get the fire started, but just as you’re getting comfortable a waft of smoke floats by your nose, and then more and more smoke is building up in your home. That definitely is not a good sign. Something is preventing your draft from working properly and smoke is escaping your fireplace.

If you notice smoke thickening in your fireplace and slowly spreading throughout your home, that's not normal! Have it inspected to know what's causing it.

If you notice smoke thickening in your fireplace and slowly spreading throughout your home, that’s not normal! Have it inspected to know what’s causing it.

Of course smoke should go up the chimney, not into the living area. That’s the very purpose of the chimney, to allow the harmful gases from combustion to exit the house not dwell in it. As you might have already figured out, your smoky fireplace might be an indication of an underlying problem.

Possible Causes

Moist Wood

The first thing that you can do by yourself is to check the kind of wood you are burning. Certain types of wood just naturally produce more smoke – the more moisture the wood contains, the more smoke (and production of creosote). That is why a drying process is necessary before using any kind of wood to burn in your fireplace.

Chimney Problems

Other more critical issues that could cause a smoking fireplace are chimney related, particularly pointing to the airflow, or the lack of it. When proper airflow is impaired smoke easily flows back into the house causing a lot of problems for homeowners, ranging from discolored furniture to severe health risks. That’s why you always want to make sure your fireplace and chimney are well-kept by having them inspected annually.

The most common impediment to proper chimney function is the presence of obstructions within the flue. These can come in the form of creosote buildup, dead leaves, and unusually, small animals. Creosote buildup is an inevitable occurrence with chimneys that are frequently used. Creosote is a normal byproduct of burning wood and over time it mounts up on the walls of the flue, narrowing the passageway of smoke as it tries to get out. This is the very reason why a regular chimney sweeping should be done because creosote is also very flammable and might even cause an unnecessary chimney fire. As for leaves and animals, having a chimney cap or crown installed will help you solve your troubles as it provides a barrier against these unwanted visitors inside your chimney. These accessories also hit two birds with one stone by complimenting the waterproofing of your chimney as well.

If you have a chimney damper installed, also make sure that it is still functioning properly. Otherwise, replace it because if it is always closed or will not open anymore, it defeats its purpose of controlling the amount of air flowing down to the fireplace. Instead it will be a trap for the rising smoke, which will have nowhere else to go but back down into the fireplace.

Whatever the reason for your fireplace and chimney woes, Chief Chimney Services, Inc. is ready to serve you. Contact us today for an inspection so we can help you determine the root of the problem. After which our licensed experts will do what they do best until your fireplace and chimney seem almost brand new. Soon you’ll be back having relaxing nights by your fireplace.

By John Pilger on January 24th, 2014 | Tagged with: Tags: , , , , , , , , , , | Comments Off on Holy Smoke! My Fireplace is Smoking!