Knowledgeable Local, Plainedge Chimney Services

The chimney is one of the most overlooked components of a structure. The fact that chimneys often do their job well, even when overlooked, contributes to this perception that ‘it’s probably fine’. Chimneys perform several imperitive functions and their simple appearance misrepresents their complex construction & performance requirements. Regular chimney maintenance is key to prevent trouble, deterioration & future serious, high-cost chimney fixes.

The concern is that a lot 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 Plainedge, in which moisture that has penetrated the components 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.

Chimney caps have long been recognized as an important chimney safety and trouble-prevention element.

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

Caps and dampers keep out the weather, all animals & 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 assessment call or text us at 631.388.7555.

One of the least expensive parts of the chimney venting system is the one that might prevent some of the most steep nightmares. If you don’t have a chimney cap on your chimney, stop reading right now and call Plainedge’s local roofing experts for an estimate now! Every chimney expert knows that a safe chimney cap is a must.

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

Some caps can actually help facilitate the updraft function of the chimney as well by virtue of their special design.

Chimney dampers often 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.

It’s hard to think how industrious animals & birds can be over the summer crafting a wonderfully cozy nest right inside your chimney.

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

Our chimney repair and installation pros are knowledgeable about a wide variety of chimney caps, guards & dampers.

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

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

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

Nearby Chimney Companies for Plainedge

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 & ideal for fireplaces and 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 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 home 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 & mortar, the chimney’s lifespan is drastically reduced. As mortar joints erode, heat transfers more quickly to combustibles & gases like carbon monoxide can leak into the house.

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.

Our mission is to provide recommendations that will improve the safety and efficiency of your appliance & venting system.

Chimneys should be cleaned when soot & creosote accumulations approach or exceed 1/4 inch. Glaze build-up in excess of 1/8 inch can be removed. We employ a variety of cleaning systems to remove chimney deposits. Frequent (at least annual) chimney consultations are the only way to know when the chimney needs repairs.

Several of the common chimney cleaning practices we provide include:

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

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

Chemical Cleaning: This needs two visits — sometimes 3 if necessary. Our chimney sweeps can usually complete the job in a couple of hours and ensure your residence stays clean and undisturbed. We pride ourselves on “no mess,” top-notch job with minimal interruption to the owner.

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

We give you a free inspection, no-obligation quote & the chimney report to use as your family wishes.