More Chimney Cleaning FAQ

I don’t use my chimney. Do I need to have it cleaned?

Yes. Birds and other pests could have taken home in your chimney.

Will a chimney cleaning leave dust all over my house?

A professional sweep should have a vacuum or other system designed for dust control. Your home should be in the same shape it was before the cleaner arrived.

What are the rust stains running down the side of my chimney?

You probably have a prefab fireplaces with a chase top (the metal covering) to block water from entering the chimney’s interior. Sun, rain and others take their effect on the chase top, and time wears the coating off. The metal then begins to rust and rain will carry it down the side, leaving stains. The best way to fix the issue is to replace the top with a new one, as many are now made with stainless steel, which resists rust.

What is a chimney liner?

It’s a stainless steel tube inserted to draft a furnace, woodstove or fireplace. With one, the heat would transfer through brick and mortar, causing the chimney to deteriorate.

What’s the difference between a Level I and Level II inspection?

A Level I Inspection is a visual inspection with basic digital photography, and is recommended for a chimney under continued service. A Level II inspection is required when any changes are made to the system or the property changes hands. It’s done with a closed-circuit video camera.

Guardian Chimney is a New York chimney cleaning company. Learn more about their services at www.ChimneySafetyAuthority.com. 

Ways to Prevent Summer Rains from Ruining Your Chimney

Summer weather is mostly gorgeous, but there will be times when the weather decides not to play nice, and make things wet for you and your family. It can also have adverse effects, however, on your chimney.

Water does more damage to chimneys than fire. This might seem odd, but your chimney is exposed to all the elements. The materials used – brick, mortar, tile, steel, cast iron, etc. – can be dilapidated faster if in constant contact with water.

What all can water penetration cause?

• Broken brickwork
• Ruined metal or masonry firebox assemblies
• Corroded dampers
• Rotted wood and wall coverings
• Damaged heating system
• Ruined mortar
• Cracked flue liners

These damages mean money from your wallet for masonry repairs and more.

How can you prevent water from damaging your chimney? At Guardian Chimney, servicing New Jersey and New York chimneys, we’ve found the following works best:

A stainless steel chimney cap

• Chimney Caps
  These are one of the least costly options to prevent water damage. A strong, well built chimney cap prevents water, and most other things, from entering the chimney’s interior.
• Replace or repair your Chimney Crown
  This covers and seals the chimney top from the flue liner to the edge. A proper crown will not crack, as it should be made of a strong cement fixture.
• Waterproofing
  Brick will absorb water, hastening the chimney’s decline. Vapor permeable waterproofing agents will allow water to escape.

For more suggestions on how to prevent your chimney from being damage, contact Guardian Chimney by visiting www.GuardianChimney.com.