Chimney Sweep & Inspection Services Near You: We’ve Been Serving Centereach Since 2001
Each fall and spring, homeowners in Centereach, Long Island, and the surrounding cities dive into seasonal cleaning and home improvement mode – but one thing that often gets overlooked in both seasons is the fireplace and chimney. If you need to book your annual chimney inspection and sweep, don’t wait – call on our technicians today.
Why Are Annual Chimney Inspection & Sweep Services So Important?
One of the more common questions we get is, “How often should my chimney be inspected?”
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) says that chimneys, fireplaces, and vents should be inspected by a professional, certified sweep at least annually.
…but why? Well, because a lot can happen in a year. Any minor damages you had will have gotten worse and spread, outdoor debris could have found its way into your chimney flue, and various chimney components could need replacing. An inspection will reveal if clogs or damages are present, so they can be addressed well before kicking off your burning season.
chimneys, fireplaces, and vents should be inspected by a professional, certified sweep at least annually.
Do I Need a Chimney Inspection if I Don’t Use My Fireplace?
Yes – even if you don’t use your chimney much (or at all), annual chimney inspections are still imperative. Animals and birds could have dragged in debris or built nests, and there could be hidden deterioration present that would put you at risk during the few times you do use it.
In addition, your chimney can experience damage due to harsh winds, heavy rainfall, freeze/thaw cycles, and more. If it’s not maintained, it will deteriorate, which not only affects your home’s value, but could put it at risk, should parts of the chimney start breaking off.
Should I Book More Than One Chimney Sweep This Year?
One sweeping per year is the minimum recommendation, but if you use your fireplace frequently or all throughout the year, you may want to increase this number.
The Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) recommends that open masonry fireplaces should be swept when 1/8″ of sooty buildup is present, and sooner if there is any glaze present in the system. And factory-built fireplaces? These should be cleaned when any appreciable buildup occurs (i.e. enough fuel buildup to cause a chimney fire).
When Should I Book My Chimney Inspection & Sweep?
Like we’ve said, chimneys, fireplaces, and vents shall be inspected at least once a year to ensure structural soundness, freedom from deposits, and correct clearances.
But what time of year is best for scheduling a chimney inspection and sweep?
Both fall and spring are good times to schedule chimney sweeping services, but typically we recommend sooner, rather than later. We get the appeal of a fall chimney inspection, since this is when fireplaces usually start being used, but this is also a busy time of year for sweeps. This means, even if we get your inspection done early, should you need repairs or further maintenance, you may have to put off your burn season until we can fit you in. In addition, fall and early winter can invite colder temps and harsher weather, which can make some repair jobs more difficult to achieve.
In the springtime, our schedule books are much more flexible, ensuring you can find a date and time that works best for you, and if you need fireplace repairs, there will be ample time to get the job done. In addition, it allows us to remove all of that post-winter creosote buildup, ensuring you don’t experience foul smells when you crank up your air conditioner in the summer months.
All that said, if you’re ready to use your fireplace, anytime is a good time for a chimney inspection. If you’re ready to schedule, don’t wait. Call today to keep your fireplace in top shape year-round!
Does My Gas Fireplace Flue Need Sweeping Too?
Gas fireplaces are known to burn much cleaner than their wood counterparts, and since they won’t produce creosote, they probably don’t need sweepings – or even annual inspections. Right?
Wrong. Many homeowners think this way, but any fireplace – no matter the type of appliance or the fuel used – needs to be inspected annually and swept regularly. You could still have damage that needs addressing, and it’s still possible for clogs to occur in a gas fireplace, whether that’s from outside debris flying in or animals trying to nest in the flue.
Also, gas systems can get buildup from the water vapors that exit the home. And high concentrations of water vapor in your chimney can cause major problems.
Avoiding an annual gas fireplace inspection and sweep can put your household at risk, increasing the chances of experiencing carbon monoxide exposure or gas leaks. Don’t take chances – book your next gas fireplace service with us today.
Do Oil Flues Need Chimney Sweepings? Does My Oil Service Company Handle That?
There are some common misconceptions with oil chimney flues. First things first, yes – oil flues need annual sweeps and inspections, just like any other venting system.
Second, your oil burner company will do some basic maintenance (like shovel out the base of the chimney or brush out connector pipes), but they typically don’t sweep the chimney. Rather, the byproducts of your oil system products – like unburned carbon and sulfur – will remain behind, causing damage, increasing the likelihood of experiencing clogs, and putting your home at risk. Because of this, calling in our techs for a thorough overview is a must.
Finally, like with gas fireplace systems, you’ll want to be wary of the increased risk of carbon monoxide exposure. This odorless and colorless gas is known for its high toxicity levels, and it can be fatal if proper precautions aren’t taken. Annual chimney servicing will allow us to remove soot deposits and keep the dangers and deterioration associated with it to a minimum.
Our Chimney & Fireplace Experts Are Ready for Your Call
We’d love to do all we can to ensure your fireplace is all set and ready for use. Make us your go-to crew for chimney sweeps, fireplace repairs, and more, so you can rest easier with every passing burn season. Call or reach out online to schedule.
We offer chimney, stove, and fireplace repair as part of our professional chimney and fireplace services.