Knowledgeable Local, Gardener’s Island Chimney Technicians

The chimney is one of the most underestimated components of a home. The fact that chimneys could do their job well, even when damaged, contributes to this thought that ‘it’s probably fine’. A chimney deteriorated by constant exposure to the weather might be a potential safety hazard. Compromised or deteriorated flue liners of masonry chimneys may become soft, cracked or otherwise deteriorated – such that it/they no longer have the ability to control and contain the serious by-products of combustion.

The difficulty is that a lot of masonry chimneys were not designed to handle the venting requirements of modern high-efficiency heating appliances burning natural gas & oil.

Masonry components deteriorate quickly when exposed to the extreme freeze/thaw processes of Gardener’s Island, in which moisture that has penetrated the products periodically freezes and expands causing undue stress.

Water in the chimney also begins rust in steel and cast iron, weakening or destroying the metal parts.

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

Common brick is like a sponge, absorbing water and wicking moisture to the chimney interior.

Caps and dampers keep out the weather, all animals and most debris – all while keeping sparks from leaving the chimney which could ignite nearby combustibles like your roofing shingles, siding or nearby trees.

For a metal, brick or fabricated chimney repair estimate call or text Expressway at 631.388.7555.

One of the least expensive parts of the chimney venting system is the one that could prevent some of the most immoderate damage. If you don’t have a chimney cap on your chimney, stop reading & call us for an estimate now! Every chimney sweep knows that a safe chimney cap is a must.

Chimney caps come in all different varieties, shapes, sizes & materials.

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

Our chimney sweeps might recommend the best solution for your chimney.

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.

It is hard to realize how persistent animals & birds can be over the summer crafting a wonderfully cozy nest right inside your chimney.

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

Our chimney repair and installation experts are knowledgeable about many types of chimney caps, guards and dampers.

Water starts more issues than any other element. It soaks into porous bricks and erodes the mortar. It’s a common problem: raccoons, squirrels, birds and bats try to make their house in your chimney.

Chimneys may block proper ventilation and even allow pests to enter your home, potentially spreading disease & causing havoc. Our strong mesh and 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 may depend on the type of deposits. A flue lining in a masonry chimney is defined as “a clay, ceramic, or metal liner.” Thermocrete has UL Listing & is approved for gas and oil.

It conforms to any chimney size and shape, becoming a corrosion-proof, flame- and heat-resistant, airtight system with steel-like rigidity. A stainless steel liner locks in moisture and gases, keeping them out of your house.

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.

Chimney liners serve three main functions. NBS tests showed that unlined chimneys let heat move so quickly that adjacent woodwork caught fire within 3½ hours.

Flue gases are acidic and eat away at mortar joints from the inside. As mortar joints erode, heat transfers more quickly to combustibles and gases like carbon monoxide can leak into the home.

The chimney not only vents combustion products but also supplies draft for combustion air. Our primary role is to remove flue deposits and evaluate the overall chimney system.

The required cleaning frequency will depend on use, type of installation, fuel, and burning habits of the client.

Chimneys should be cleaned when soot and creosote accumulations approach or exceed 1/4 inch. Glaze build-up over 1/8 inch may be removed. Our experts employ various cleaning methods to remove chimney deposits. Frequent (at least annual) chimney estimates are the only way to know when the chimney needs attention.

Several of the typical chimney cleaning methods we provide include:

Standard Sweep. This is the normal cleaning method & uses brushes to clean the flue. A powerful, well-filtered vacuum prevents soot & creosote from entering the property. This cleaning is effective for soot and 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’s impossible to sweep the flue by standard or mechanical methods, chemicals may be used to loosen & dissolve heavy deposits.

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

Chemical Cleaning: This needs two visits — sometimes three if necessary. Our chimney technicians may usually complete the job in a couple of hours and ensure your property stays clean and undisturbed. We pride ourselves on “no mess,” top-notch service with minimal interruption to a homeowner.

What do other homeowners say about Expressway’s chimney contractors? Check our Google reviews here. Our pros are proud of them.

Our contractors provide you with a free inspection, no-obligation quote & the chimney report to use as your family wishes.