Chimney, Dryer Vent and Air Duct FAQ

The NFPA 211 standard calls for chimneys, fireplaces and vents to be inspected once a year, and that yearly check tells you whether a sweep is needed. How fast buildup forms depends on how often you burn, what you burn and how the system drafts. Our technician will tell you what they find and whether cleaning makes sense now.

We protect the area around the fireplace or appliance, then brush and vacuum soot and creosote from the flue, smoke chamber and firebox. We also look for problems we can see along the way, such as damaged flue tiles, a stuck damper or a missing cap. Before we leave, we explain anything that needs attention.

Chimney professionals use three levels. A Level 1 inspection fits when nothing about your system has changed. Level 2 applies when the system changes, such as a new appliance or a switch of fuel, or when the home is sold. Level 3 is for cases where a hidden hazard has to be reached by opening part of the chimney or building.

Yes. A home sale is one of the situations that calls for a Level 2 inspection. It gives buyers and sellers a clear picture of the chimney's condition before closing, including areas a basic visual check can miss.

Before you start relying on your heating system is ideal. In New York City, heat season runs from October 1 through May 31, and building owners must keep apartments heated to the city's minimums during that time. Booking ahead of the fall rush makes it easier to fix any problems before cold weather arrives.

When a New York City building converts from oil to gas, the chimney has to be evaluated as part of the job. A new liner is often needed because gas exhaust produces acidic condensate that can corrode a masonry flue. We can inspect your flue and, if a liner is required, install one.

Common warning signs include crumbling mortar, flaking or broken bricks, water stains on walls or ceilings near the chimney, rust on the firebox or damper, and a cap or chase cover that is loose or missing. Pieces of tile or masonry in the fireplace are another red flag. If you notice any of these, schedule an inspection before your next fire.

We handle chimney repair, chimney caps and chase covers, waterproofing, fireplace and damper repair, liner installation, and full or partial chimney rebuilding. Rebuilding is usually reserved for masonry that is too deteriorated or unstable to repair. After inspecting, we'll explain which option fits the damage we find.

Lint collects in the vent duct over time, even when you empty the lint screen after every load. According to the U.S. Fire Administration, failure to clean is the leading factor contributing to clothes dryer fires in homes. Long drying times, a hot laundry room or a burning smell are signs to have the vent checked.

The U.S. EPA advises cleaning air ducts when there is substantial visible mold growth, vermin, or excessive dust and debris. It also notes that duct cleaning has not been shown to prevent health problems. We'll look at your system and tell you honestly whether cleaning is worthwhile.

The EPA urges caution with chemical treatments in ductwork, and we take that seriously. We discuss any product with you before it's used and won't apply anything without your approval. The EPA also suggests researching the process before responding to very cheap advertised offers, and we're glad to walk you through ours.

Please don't use the fireplace or wood stove for at least a day beforehand so the ashes and flue are cool. Clear a path to the fireplace, appliance or dryer, and move fragile items and furniture away from the work area. If we need roof access through a hatch or another unit, arrange it ahead of time.

It depends on the service and the home. A routine sweep or dryer vent cleaning usually takes part of a morning or afternoon, while inspections that involve cameras, multiple flues or repairs take longer. We'll give you an estimated time when you book.

We lay drop cloths, seal off the fireplace opening and use vacuums designed to capture soot and dust while we work. We clean the work area before we leave. Fine dust can still settle nearby, so moving delicate items out of the room is a good idea.

Please keep pets in a closed room away from the work area during the visit. Equipment, open doors and the noise of vacuums can frighten animals or let them slip outside. It also keeps them away from soot and debris.

Many Brooklyn rowhouses have a roof hatch on the top floor, and we'll need a clear path to it. In apartment and co-op buildings, roof access is usually controlled by the super or managing agent, so please get permission and let them know our arrival time. When the roof isn't reachable, we'll tell you what can be done from inside.