Chimney questions, answered honestly

The CSIA and NFPA 211 line is the same one we use: an inspection every year, and sweeping whenever there is meaningful creosote build-up. If you burn most weekends through the winter, expect an annual sweep. Occasional burners may go two seasons — but the inspection is still yearly, because most of what we catch is water and masonry damage, not soot.

Yes. A Level 2 is the right one for a real-estate transfer, an appliance change or after any chimney fire or seismic event. It includes a camera scan of the full flue and accessible portions of the chimney, and you get a written report with images that a buyer, seller or attorney can actually use.

It is common around Tappan and it is not automatically unsafe, but it does need to be assessed rather than assumed. An unlined flue serving an open fireplace behaves very differently from one connected to a modern insert or a gas appliance. We scan it, show you the condition, and if it needs a liner we size it to the appliance instead of selling you a one-size product.

Usually one of four things: a blocked or partially blocked flue, a flue that is too short or too cold, negative pressure in a tightly sealed house, or an undersized flue for the opening. It is diagnosable — we look at the whole system rather than just sweeping and hoping.

Yes, and we treat it as part of the job rather than a favour. Drop cloths go down, a HEPA vacuum runs while we work, and containment goes over the opening. If you can tell we were there when you walk back in, we have not finished.

Fully insured, and we will send the certificate before the visit if you would like it on file. Our techs are CSIA-trained and work to NFPA 211.