Chimney questions, answered honestly

Annually, regardless of how much you burn. NFPA 211 sets the yearly inspection as the baseline, and sweeping happens when there is enough creosote to justify it. In this village most of what we actually find each year is masonry and water damage rather than soot — which is exactly why the annual look matters even for a lightly used fireplace.

It is worth checking. When a modern high-efficiency appliance is vented into an old masonry flue, the exhaust runs much cooler and condenses inside the chimney. That condensate is acidic and attacks clay tile and mortar from the inside out. If the flue was not relined or re-vented at the time of the swap, we would want to put a camera up it.

Yes, and this is a large part of what we do in Garden City. A Level 2 covers a camera scan of the full flue plus accessible portions of the chimney, and produces a written report with images that buyers, sellers, attorneys and inspectors all accept.

Efflorescence — mineral salt carried out of the masonry by water travelling through it. It is not dangerous in itself, but it is a reliable signal that the chimney is holding water it should not be, usually because of a failed crown, a missing cap or unsealed masonry.

It can, if it is done with the wrong mix. Portland-heavy modern mortar is harder than pre-war brick, so the brick face spalls instead of the mortar giving. On historic Garden City masonry we use a softer, lime-based mix matched to the original. It takes longer and it is the only correct approach.

Fully insured, with the certificate available before the visit if you would like it on file. Our techs are CSIA-trained and we work to NFPA 211.