The short answer
Expert Chimney Sweep repairs masonry chimneys, crowns, flashing, dampers, and flue liners in DUMBO's loft buildings, pre-war apartment buildings, and rowhouses. Every job starts with an inspection so the repair addresses the actual cause. Ideally, schedule that inspection before New York City's heat season begins October 1.
DUMBO's housing mixes converted industrial loft buildings, pre-war apartment buildings, and a smaller number of older rowhouses. Many of these structures have tall masonry chimneys that have been exposed to decades of weather, and many have gone through several changes in heating equipment. Expert Chimney Sweep repairs chimneys for homeowners, co-op boards, and building owners in DUMBO and the 11201 ZIP code. Our office in Clinton Hill is about a mile southeast, so we can schedule inspections and follow-up repairs without a long trip. Our certified technicians start by finding out what is actually wrong, then explain the repair options in plain terms before any work begins.
Chimney Problems We See in DUMBO's Older Buildings
Chimneys on older masonry buildings usually fail slowly. Water causes most of the damage. Rain and melting snow get into cracked crowns, worn mortar joints, and gaps in roof flashing. Repeated freeze-thaw cycles then loosen bricks and push mortar out. On tall chimneys that rise well above a flat roof, wind and weather wear on the top courses and the crown first.
Many of DUMBO's converted loft and pre-war buildings were not originally designed for the heating equipment they use now. A flue sized for an old coal or oil system may not suit a modern boiler or water heater. That mismatch can lead to poor draft, condensation inside the flue, and faster deterioration of the masonry.
- Cracked or crumbling chimney crowns
- Missing or eroded mortar joints (spalling brick)
- Leaks where the chimney meets the roof
- Damaged, missing, or rusted chimney caps
- Cracked clay tile liners or deteriorated flue walls
- Fireplace dampers that stick, rust, or no longer seal
Repairs We Handle
We match the repair to the problem. That might mean rebuilding a chimney crown, repointing mortar joints, replacing damaged brick, resealing or replacing flashing, installing a new cap, or repairing a fireplace firebox and damper. When the flue itself is damaged or the wrong size for the appliance, we can reline it.
In apartment buildings and lofts, we coordinate with building management on roof access and timing so the work disrupts residents as little as possible. In rowhouses, we can often reach the chimney from the roof and from the fireplace or appliance connection inside the home.
Oil-to-Gas Conversions and Flue Liners
Many Brooklyn buildings have switched their boilers from oil to gas. In New York City, the chimney has to be evaluated as part of that conversion. A new liner is often needed, because gas exhaust produces acidic condensate that can corrode an unlined or poorly lined masonry flue over time.
If your building has converted already, or is planning to, we can inspect the existing flue and explain whether it can stay in service or needs a new liner sized for the new equipment. Because a change in fuel counts as a change to the system, it calls for a more detailed inspection than a routine yearly check.
Time for your annual chimney check?
When to Schedule Chimney Repair
The NFPA 211 standard calls for chimneys, fireplaces, and vents to be inspected once a year. A Level 1 inspection fits when nothing about the system has changed. A Level 2 inspection applies when the system changes, such as a new appliance or a switch of fuel, or when the home is sold. A Level 3 inspection is used when a hidden hazard can only be reached by opening part of the chimney or building.
Timing matters in New York City. Heat season runs from October 1 through May 31. During that period, building owners must keep apartments heated to the city's minimum temperatures. A boiler chimney that needs major repair in the middle of winter can put a building in a difficult position. Scheduling an inspection in late spring or summer leaves time to finish masonry and liner work before the heat has to stay on.
How a Repair Visit Works
We start with an inspection of the chimney exterior, the roof connection, and the flue. Depending on the situation, that may include a camera inspection of the liner. We then explain what we found, show photos when they help, and walk you through the repair options. Once you approve the plan, we schedule the work, protect the surrounding areas, and clean up when we finish. We serve DUMBO along with Downtown Brooklyn, Brooklyn Heights, Boerum Hill, Fort Greene, and Clinton Hill.
More services in DUMBO
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- Chimney Liner Installation in DUMBO
