Chimney Leaking When It Rains? 6 Common Causes and How They Are Fixed
Most chimney leaks come from flashing, the crown, the cap, porous brick, mortar joints or condensation. How to tell which one and how each is fixed.
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Practical advice on chimney cleaning, inspections, repairs and fireplace safety for New York homeowners and property managers.
Commercial Chimney Inspection in NYC: A Property Manager’s Guide to Levels, Reports, and Timing
Which NFPA 211 inspection level a NYC building needs, when to schedule it, and what a commercial chimney inspection report should include.
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Creosote Buildup: The 3 Stages, the Fire Risk, and When a Sweep Is Not Enough
Creosote builds up in three stages: stage 1 soot sweeps off, stage 2 needs stronger tools, stage 3 glaze needs a chimney cleaning. How to tell…
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5 Signs Your Building’s Boiler Chimney Needs Repair Before Heat Season
A boiler chimney needs repair when you see soot or rust at the breeching, draft lockouts, exhaust smells, top-floor water stains or falling masonry.
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NYC’s No. 4 Heating Oil Ban: What July 1, 2027 Means for Your Boiler Chimney
No NYC boiler may burn No. 4 heating oil after July 1, 2027. What a fuel switch means for the chimney, liner and breeching, and when…
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Wood-Burning Fireplaces in NYC: The Rules to Know Before Your First Fire
Existing wood-burning fireplaces are legal in NYC, new ones are not, and firewood must be 20% moisture or less. The rules plus a pre-season checklist.
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Do I Need a Chimney Liner? Signs, Liner Types, and What Relining Involves
Almost every chimney that vents a fireplace or heating appliance needs a sound, correctly sized liner. Signs of a failing liner, liner types and how relining…
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What Does a Chimney Sweep Do? A Step-by-Step Look at a Professional Sweep
What happens during a professional chimney sweep, step by step: inspection, protection, sweeping, draft test and results. 45-60 minutes per flue.
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How to Know When It Is Time to Clean Your Chimney
Your fireplace provides warmth and comfort during cold months, but it also requires regular maintenance to stay safe and efficient. Chimney cleaning is not just about…
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