Chimney and Duct Cleaning FAQ

The NFPA 211 standard calls for chimneys, fireplaces and vents to be inspected once a year. Whether you also need a sweep depends on how much buildup the inspection finds and how often you use the fireplace or heating appliance. Many homeowners schedule before New York City's heat season begins on October 1, so the system is ready when heating starts.

We protect the area around the fireplace or appliance connection. Then we use brushes and vacuums to remove soot, creosote and debris from the flue, smoke chamber and firebox. While we work, we look for cracks, loose mortar, blockages and other problems. If we find anything, we explain it to you before recommending any repair.

Chimney professionals use three levels. A Level 1 inspection is for systems where nothing has changed. A Level 2 is for when the system changes, such as a new appliance or a switch of fuel, or when the home is sold. A Level 3 is for when a hidden hazard can only 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, so repairs can be planned instead of discovered later.

Often, yes. 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, so a new liner is frequently needed. We can inspect the flue and tell you what the conversion requires.

Common signs include cracked or crumbling bricks, missing mortar and water stains on walls or ceilings near the chimney. Also watch for a rusty damper, white staining on the masonry, or pieces of tile or brick falling into the firebox. Smoke backing into the room is another warning. If you notice any of these, schedule an inspection before using the fireplace again.

A chimney cap sits on top of the flue to keep out rain, animals and debris, and it can help stop sparks from escaping. A chase cover seals the top of a framed chimney chase so water can't get inside the structure. Both are simple ways to prevent bigger, more expensive damage.

Brick and mortar absorb water, and freeze-thaw cycles slowly break masonry apart. A breathable waterproofing treatment helps keep water out while letting moisture escape. It works best on a chimney that is already in sound condition, so we check for needed repairs first.

Yes. Dampers can rust, warp or come loose, which lets heat escape in winter and lets drafts and odors in. Depending on the condition, we repair the existing damper or recommend a replacement. A top-sealing damper mounted at the chimney crown is one option.

Watch for clothes that take longer than usual to dry, a dryer that feels very hot, a burning smell or lint collecting around the door or outside vent. According to the U.S. Fire Administration, failure to clean is the leading factor contributing to home clothes dryer fires. Regular vent cleaning is a simple way to lower that risk.

The U.S. EPA advises cleaning air ducts when there is substantial visible mold growth, vermin, or excessive dust and debris. The EPA 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 makes sense.

The EPA urges consumers to be careful with chemical treatments in ductwork. We won't apply any product without first explaining what it is, why we're recommending it and what your other options are. You decide whether to go ahead.

Please don't use the fireplace or wood stove for at least a day beforehand, so the ashes and flue have cooled. 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, let us know how to get there.

Most chimney sweeps and dryer vent cleanings are finished in a single visit. Air duct cleaning and repairs take longer depending on the size of the system and the work involved, and we'll give you a time estimate when you book. We lay down drop cloths and use vacuums to contain soot and dust, and we clean up the work area before we leave.

We recommend keeping pets in a separate room with the door closed while we work. Our equipment can be loud, and doors may be open while we move between the house and the roof. This keeps your pets calm and safe and helps the job go smoothly.

Many Brooklyn rowhouses and apartment buildings have roof access through a hatch, bulkhead or locked stairway door. If you rent or live in a co-op or condo, please let your super or building management know we're coming and arrange for any keys. If the roof isn't accessible, tell us when you book so we can plan how to handle the work.