Frequently Asked Questions

1) How often should I have my chimney swept?

At least once per year in typical Connecticut usage, or after every cord of wood burned—whichever comes first. Gas appliances venting through a chimney should also be inspected annually.

2) What’s included in a chimney sweep?

Floor protection, mechanical brushing of the flue, smoke chamber and firebox cleanup, HEPA vacuuming, and a basic visual check. If you need a camera scan or a real-estate report, ask for a Level II inspection.

3) Do you provide Level II inspections for home sales?

Yes. We perform NFPA 211 Level II inspections with HD camera scans and provide a written, photo-documented report suitable for real estate transactions.

4) My chimney smells smoky in summer—why?

Moisture and negative pressure can pull odors down the flue in humid weather. A thorough sweep, cap upgrade, and addressing airflow issues usually solve it.

5) Can you work on gas fireplaces and stoves?

Absolutely. We inspect and service gas units, checking venting, termination caps, glass seals, and placement of logs/media to ensure safe operation.

6) How do I know if I need repairs or a rebuild?

We’ll document conditions with photos and explain whether tuckpointing, brick replacement, crown repair, or a partial/full rebuild is the most cost‑effective long‑term fix.

7) What causes chimney leaks?

Common sources include cracked crowns, missing or damaged caps, porous brick, failed flashing at the roofline, or rusted chase covers on prefab chimneys.

8) Do stainless chimney caps really help?

Yes—caps keep out rain, animals, and embers, which improves draft and reduces creosote formation by keeping the flue drier.

9) Will cleaning be messy?

No. We use drop cloths and HEPA-filtered vacuums to contain dust. Your living space will be left as clean as we found it.

10) What areas do you serve?

We serve Glastonbury, CT and nearby communities including South Glastonbury, Addison, Eastbury, Buckingham, and Hopewell.