Chimney FAQ

Inspect it every year and clean it whenever creosote or soot builds up — typically once a year for a wood-burning fireplace used regularly.

A flammable, tar-like residue that forms when wood smoke cools inside the chimney. It builds up in three stages and is the main cause of chimney fires.

Usually 45–90 minutes for a single flue, including the inspection.

No. We use drop cloths, seal the fireplace opening and run a HEPA vacuum to keep soot contained.

Gas fireplaces don't create creosote but still need a yearly inspection for blockages, nests and corrosion, with cleaning when needed.

Dry, seasoned hardwood such as oak, maple or ash that has been split and dried for at least 6 months. Never burn trash, painted or treated wood.

We check the crown, cap, flashing and masonry outside, and the firebox, damper, smoke chamber and flue inside. A Level 2 inspection adds a camera scan of the flue.

Yes. A Level 2 inspection is the recommended standard when a home is sold, because most damage is inside the flue where a home inspector can't see.

Yes. We photograph problem areas and explain them in plain English.

Most leaks come from failed flashing, a cracked crown, a missing cap, worn mortar joints or porous brick. We locate the exact entry point before recommending a repair.

Grinding out cracked or crumbling mortar between bricks and replacing it with fresh mortar to restore strength and keep water out.

Yes. A cap keeps out rain, animals and debris and stops sparks from landing on your roof.

When the existing clay liner is cracked, the chimney is unlined, after a chimney fire, or when you install a new stove, insert or furnace.

Yes. Stop using it and have it inspected as soon as possible — it may need a partial or full rebuild.

We serve Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, New York and Connecticut, including Philadelphia and its suburbs, South, Central and North Jersey, Wilmington, Newark and Dover, Staten Island, Long Island, Westchester, and Fairfield, New Haven and Hartford counties.

Yes. Call (856) 300-9215 or fill out the form and we'll get back to you quickly with a free estimate.

When our schedule allows, yes. Call us and we'll find the earliest available time in your area.

An adult should be home to give access and go over the results, but you don't need to stay in the room.

Get everyone out and call 911. If it's safe, close the fireplace doors or stove air controls on the way out. Don't use the fireplace again until it's inspected.

Yes. A blocked or damaged flue can push carbon monoxide back into the home. Keep working CO detectors on every level and have your chimney inspected yearly.

Don't light a fire. Close the damper and call us; we'll remove nests and debris and install a cap so it doesn't happen again.