Knowledgeable Local, North Valley Stream Chimney Builders

The chimney is one of the most taken-for-granted structures of a building. The fact that chimneys may do their job fittingly, even when damaged, contributes to this theory that ‘it’s probably fine’. Chimneys perform several important functions and their simple appearance misrepresents their complex construction & performance requirements. Regular chimney maintenance is critical to prevent problems, deterioration and future hazardous, high-cost chimney corrections.

The concern is that scores of masonry chimneys were not designed to handle the venting requirements of modern high-efficiency heating appliances burning natural gas and oil.

Masonry components deteriorate quickly when exposed to the extreme freeze/thaw processes of North Valley Stream, in which moisture that has penetrated the elements periodically freezes & expands causing undue stress.

A stone chimney acts & seems to be like a brick chimney and it often will also be protected from the effects of water penetration.

Chimney caps, also called rain covers, are probably the most inexpensive preventive measure that a resident will employ to prevent water penetration & harm to the chimney.

Defective mortar joints or the use of incorrect mortar or brick can greatly increase the tendency to absorb & pass water to the interior of the masonry chimney.

Our specialists often advise an owner in your own individual situation what is best for you.

For a metal, brick or fabricated chimney repair quote call or text Expressway’s chimney experts at 631.388.7555.

One of the least expensive parts of the chimney venting system is the one that sometimes prevent some of the most costly complications. If you don’t have a chimney cap on your chimney, stop reading right now and call our trusted team for an estimate now! Every chimney specialist knows that a safe chimney cap is a must.

The job of the chimney cap is to stop rain from entering the flue & to stop pests from building nests in your chimney or using the chimney for a doorway into your property.

In especially windy areas chimneys also might prevent downdrafts by blocking crosswinds from entering the chimney.

Chimney dampers could help prevent water penetrations, heat loss and keep you warm and saving you money.

When closed, the damper serves as a chimney cap & with a slight pull of the chain it releases the spring-loaded top into the open position when you’re ready to enjoy a nice fire.

These blockages may cause fire hazards & smoke back drafting into the property.

Rain is moisture & moisture is an enemy of a healthy fireplace & flue. Chimney liner tiles & mortar may crumble & crack, leading to critical problems. The chimney cap cover deflects rain and the side mesh prevents pests and leaves from entering. Still, annual chimney cleaning and maintenance are always recommended.

Our experts can come out & recommend the best option for you and provide a written estimate to install a new chimney cap, damper, or guard.

Water starts more issues than any other element. It soaks into porous bricks & erodes the mortar. A chimney cap that covers all flues can protect you from costly repairs.

Chimneys can block proper ventilation and even allow pests to enter your home, potentially spreading disease and causing havoc. Our strong mesh & lids will keep even the most determined animals out!

Your fireplace can send sparks onto the roof or nearby flammable materials. Stray sparks may be stopped by the mesh cover that is a part of all our chimney caps.

Local Chimney Repair & Replacement Contractors

The method recommended for your chimney will depend on the type of deposits. A flue lining in a masonry chimney is defined as “a clay, ceramic, or metal liner.” A lining cleaning is cost-effective and ideal for fireplaces & chimneys serving gas, oil, wood, or coal appliances.

A composite chimney lining system is inflated into the flue, then hardened with steam pressure, forming a tough liner. A stainless steel chimney liner is air- and water-tight.

Stainless steel liners are UL tested under extreme conditions, including simulated chimney fires over 2100°F, so you’ll sleep soundly knowing your house is safer.

The liner protects your house from heat transfer to nearby combustibles. NBS tests showed that unlined chimneys let heat move so quickly that adjacent woodwork caught fire within 3½ hours.

If flue gases penetrate brick and mortar, the chimney’s lifespan is drastically reduced. As mortar joints erode, heat transfers more quickly to combustibles and gases like carbon monoxide can leak into the house.

Modern stoves and furnaces need a properly-sized flue to operate efficiently. Our main role is to remove flue deposits & evaluate the overall chimney system.

The required cleaning frequency may depend on use, type of installation, fuel, & burning habits of the property owner.

Chimneys should be cleaned when soot & creosote accumulations approach or exceed 1/4 inch. Glaze build-up in excess of 1/8 inch should be removed. Our pros employ a variety of cleaning techniques to remove chimney deposits. Frequent (at least annual) chimney estimates are the only way to know when the chimney requires attention.

Several of the usual chimney cleaning practices we provide include:

Standard Sweep. This is the normal cleaning method and uses brushes to clean the flue. A powerful, well-filtered vacuum prevents soot and creosote from entering the property. This cleaning is effective for soot & light creosote deposits but has little effect on glaze build-up.

Mechanical Sweeping. Mechanical cleaning uses wire brushes, plastic cables, or special chains rotated at high speed by an electric motor. It is often employed to remove hard creosote or glaze deposits. In rare cases where it is impossible to clean the flue by standard or mechanical methods, chemicals may be used to loosen & dissolve heavy deposits.

A thorough chimney sweep may remove soot, creosote & blockages from the flue liner, smoke chamber & shelf, firebox & damper. Heat, moisture, creosote and gases can be removed, repaired, or relined with a UL-listed liner system or other approved material that could resist corrosion, softening, or cracking from flue gases at temperatures proper for the class of the chimney job.

Chemical Cleaning: This needs two visits — sometimes three if necessary. Our chimney sweeps can usually complete the job in a couple of hours and ensure your home stays clean and undisturbed. Our pros pride ourselves on “no mess,” top-notch project with minimal interruption to you.

What do other property owners say about our chimney crew? Check our Google reviews here. Our pros are proud of them.

North Valley Stream’s chimney experts provide you with a free estimate, no-obligation quote & the chimney report to use as the owner wishes.