Knowledgeable Local, Greenport Chimney Services

The chimney is one of the most under appreciated structures of a building. The fact that chimneys may do their job fittingly, even when slighted, contributes to this theory that ‘it’s probably fine’. Chimneys perform several vital functions & their simple appearance misrepresents their complex construction and performance requirements. Troublesome or deteriorated flue liners of masonry chimneys will become soft, cracked or otherwise broken – such that it/they no longer have the ability to control & contain the dangerous by-products of combustion.

The worry 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 products deteriorate quickly when exposed to the extreme freeze/thaw processes of Greenport, in which moisture that has penetrated the elements periodically freezes and expands causing undue stress.

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

Quite a bit of masonry components are porous & will absorb large amounts of water.

Installing chimney caps and dampers might protect your chimney & maintain a safe chimney damper.

Caps & 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 inspection 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 immoderate problems. If you don’t have a chimney cap on your chimney, stop reading right now and call us for an estimate now! Every chimney technician knows that a safe chimney cap is a must.

Most chimney caps are made from copper or stainless steel

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

Our chimney experts may recommend the best solution for your chimney.

It’s the perfect upgrade for fireplace chimneys in older houses that hardly ever have a damper.

It’s hard to believe how persistent animals and birds often be over the summer crafting a wonderfully cozy nest right inside your chimney.

Rain is moisture & moisture is an enemy of a healthy fireplace & flue. Chimney liner tiles and mortar will crumble & crack, leading to critical problems. The chimney cap cover deflects rain and the side mesh prevents pests and leaves from entering. A properly fitted chimney cap or guard will slow wear-and-tear on your chimney & lining, saving you from costly repairs.

We will come out and recommend the best option for you and provide a written estimate to install a new chimney cap, damper, or guard.

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

Chimneys can block correct ventilation and even allow pests to enter your house, potentially spreading disease & 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 products. Stray sparks may be stopped by the mesh cover that is a component of all our chimney caps.

Greenport Chimney Caps & Top Dampers

The method recommended for your chimney may depend on the type of deposits. The Thermocrete process coats the inside of the chimney with a durable ceramic sealant. A lining cleaning is cost-effective & 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- & water-tight.

This alloy resists acids from gas appliances and extreme temperature cycles.

Chimney liners serve three main functions. Liners also protect masonry from the corrosive byproducts of combustion.

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

The chimney not only vents combustion products but also supplies draft for combustion air. An improperly-sized liner may cause creosote buildup in wood stoves and increase carbon monoxide risks.

The required cleaning frequency can depend on use, type of installation, fuel, & burning habits of the customer.

Chimneys should be cleaned when soot and creosote accumulations approach or exceed 1/4 inch. Glaze build-up in excess of 1/8 inch can be removed. Our pros employ multiple cleaning techniques to remove chimney deposits. Frequent (at least annual) chimney consultations are the only way to know when the chimney is in need of maintenance.

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 & creosote from entering the house. 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’s impossible to sweep the flue by standard or mechanical methods, chemicals may be used to loosen and dissolve heavy deposits.

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

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

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

Greenport’s chimney experts give you a free estimate, no-obligation quote and the chimney report to use as you wishes.