Chimney and Duct Cleaning FAQ for New York Homes

The NFPA 211 standard calls for chimneys, fireplaces and vents to be inspected once a year. Whether the chimney also needs a sweep depends on what the inspection finds, such as soot, creosote or debris. Fireplaces used often through the winter usually need sweeping more often than those lit only a few times.

We protect the area around the fireplace or appliance, then brush and vacuum the flue, smoke chamber and firebox to remove soot and creosote. We also check the damper and look for blockages like nests or fallen debris. When we're done, we tell you what we saw and whether anything needs attention.

Yes. Gas burns cleaner than wood or oil, but its exhaust still has to vent safely, and the flue can be blocked or damaged. Gas exhaust also produces acidic condensate that can wear down a masonry flue over time, so a yearly inspection still applies.

There are three levels. A Level 1 inspection covers the readily accessible parts of the chimney when nothing about the system has changed. Level 2 is used when the system changes or the home is sold. Level 3 is for cases where a hidden hazard can only be reached by opening part of the chimney or building.

A Level 2 inspection is called for when your system changes. Examples include installing a new appliance, switching fuel types, or buying or selling a home. It usually includes a camera inspection of the inside of the flue so we can see conditions that aren't visible from the top or bottom.

When a New York City building converts its boiler from oil to gas, the chimney has to be evaluated as part of the work. Gas exhaust produces acidic condensate that can corrode a masonry flue. A new liner is often needed to vent the gas appliance safely, and we can inspect the chimney and install a liner sized for the new equipment.

Common signs include crumbling mortar joints, flaking or broken bricks, and water stains on walls or ceilings near the chimney. Pieces of tile or masonry in the firebox, a damper that sticks, or smoky or musty odors are also signs. An inspection will show whether you need a small repair, waterproofing, or in more serious cases a partial rebuild.

A cap keeps rain, birds, squirrels and debris out of the flue, and many include a mesh screen that helps contain sparks. A chase cover protects the top of a framed or prefabricated chimney enclosure from water. Both are common fixes when we find water damage or animal entry.

Waterproofing applies a breathable sealant to the exterior masonry. It sheds rain while still letting moisture inside the bricks escape. It helps slow the freeze-and-thaw damage that breaks down brick and mortar over New York winters. Any cracked bricks or open joints should be repaired before the sealant goes on.

Warning signs include clothes that take longer than usual to dry, a dryer or laundry room that gets very hot, and a burning smell. Lint collecting around the door or outside vent flap is another sign. According to the U.S. Fire Administration, failure to clean is the leading factor contributing to clothes dryer fires in homes. Long or bent vent runs, common in apartments and rowhouses, clog faster.

Not always. The EPA advises duct cleaning when there is substantial visible mold growth, vermin, or excessive dust and debris in the ducts. It also notes that duct cleaning has not been shown to prevent health problems. We'll tell you honestly whether your ducts actually need cleaning.

The EPA urges caution with chemical treatments such as biocides and sealants in ductwork. We'll explain any product we recommend, why we recommend it, and what the alternatives are before anything is applied. You decide whether to go ahead.

Don't use the fireplace or wood stove the day before, so the ashes and flue are cool when we arrive. Clear a path to the fireplace, appliance or dryer, and move furniture, rugs and breakable items away from the work area. If we need roof or boiler room access, arrange it ahead of time.

Timing depends on the service, the height and condition of the chimney, and how easily we can reach the roof or appliance. We'll give you an estimate when we confirm the appointment. We lay down drop cloths and use vacuums to contain soot and dust, and we clean up the work area before we leave.

Please keep pets in a separate room with the door closed while we work. Our equipment can be noisy, doors may be open, and soot and debris shouldn't be tracked through the house. Let us know about pets when you book so we can plan around them.

In rowhouses we usually go through a roof hatch or bulkhead, so please make sure it can be opened and the path to it is clear. In apartment buildings, the super or management company typically has to arrange access to the roof and boiler room. Let them know about the appointment in advance so the work isn't delayed.