The short answer
Yes, Expert Chimney Sweep serves Clinton Hill from our office at 419 Waverly Ave. We handle chimney sweeping, inspections, repairs, liners, caps, waterproofing, rebuilding, and air duct and dryer vent cleaning. We also serve Fort Greene, Prospect Heights, South Williamsburg, Downtown Brooklyn and DUMBO.
Expert Chimney Sweep works out of 419 Waverly Ave, right here in Clinton Hill. That makes this neighborhood the closest part of our route. The homes here include brownstones, rowhouses, pre-war apartment buildings and a few detached houses. Many still have working fireplaces, old masonry flues or boilers that vent through a chimney built long before modern appliances existed. Our certified technicians sweep, inspect, repair and reline those chimneys. We also clean the air ducts and dryer vents that most Clinton Hill homeowners never see.
Chimneys in Older Brooklyn Homes
Most Clinton Hill chimneys are brick, and many share a stack with neighboring flues or with a boiler flue. Over the decades, mortar joints wear, clay tiles crack, and earlier repairs don't always match the original work. A fireplace that looks fine from the living room can have gaps or deposits inside the flue that only show up on an inspection.
The NFPA 211 standard calls for chimneys, fireplaces and vents to be inspected once a year. We use three inspection levels. A Level 1 inspection is for a system that hasn't changed. A Level 2 inspection is for a new appliance, a switch of fuel, or a home sale. A Level 3 inspection is for a suspected hidden problem that can only be reached by opening part of the chimney or building. If you're buying or selling a brownstone or rowhouse, a Level 2 inspection gives both sides a clear picture of the flue.
What Brooklyn Weather Does to Masonry
Brooklyn winters swing above and below freezing again and again. Water that soaks into brick and mortar freezes, expands and thaws, and each cycle widens small cracks. Heavy rain and coastal storms push water sideways into crowns and flashing. Humid summers can bring out musty fireplace odors and damp spots on walls near the chimney.
We look for the usual signs of this wear:
- Cracked or crumbling chimney crowns
- Loose bricks or eroded mortar joints
- Rust on metal chase covers or missing chimney caps
- Water stains on ceilings or walls beside the chimney
- White, chalky deposits on exterior brick
- Damper plates that stick, rust or no longer seal
Boiler Conversions and Chimney Liners
Many Clinton Hill buildings have moved from oil heat to gas. When a New York City building converts its boiler from oil to gas, the chimney has to be evaluated as part of the work. A new liner is often needed, because gas exhaust produces acidic condensate that can corrode a masonry flue. We inspect the existing flue, recommend a liner sized for the new appliance, and install it.
Timing matters here. New York City's heat season runs from October 1 through May 31. During that time, building owners must keep apartments heated to the city's minimum temperatures. Scheduling chimney and liner work in late spring or summer helps keep the boiler running once cold weather returns.
Time for your annual chimney check?
Air Ducts and Dryer Vents
Dryer vents in rowhouses and apartment buildings often run long distances or through tight spaces before they reach the outside. Lint builds up along the way. According to the U.S. Fire Administration, failure to clean is the leading factor contributing to clothes dryer fires in homes. If your dryer takes longer than it used to, or the laundry area gets hot, the vent is due for a cleaning.
For air ducts, we follow the U.S. EPA's guidance. The EPA advises cleaning ducts when there is substantial visible mold growth, signs of vermin, or excessive dust and debris. It also notes that duct cleaning has not been shown to prevent health problems, so we won't pitch it that way. We explain what we see before recommending work, and we're careful with chemical treatments.
Services and Nearby Neighborhoods
Our crews leave from Waverly Ave, so Clinton Hill homeowners are usually our shortest trip. We also work regularly in nearby neighborhoods.
- Chimney sweep and chimney inspection
- Chimney repair and chimney rebuilding
- Chimney liner installation
- Chimney cap and chase cover installation
- Chimney waterproofing
- Fireplace and damper repair
- Air duct cleaning and dryer vent cleaning
- Also serving Fort Greene, Prospect Heights, South Williamsburg, Downtown Brooklyn and DUMBO
Services in Clinton Hill
- Chimney Sweep in Clinton Hill
- Chimney Inspection in Clinton Hill
- Chimney Repair in Clinton Hill
- Air Duct Cleaning in Clinton Hill
- Chimney Liner Installation in Clinton Hill
