How often should I have my chimney cleaned?

The National Fire Protection Association Standard 211 says, “Chimneys, fireplaces, and vents shall be inspected at least once a year for soundness, freedom from deposits, and correct clearances. Cleaning, maintenance, and repairs shall be done if necessary.” This is the national safety standard and is the correct way to approach the problem. It takes into account the fact that even if you don’t use your chimney much, animals may build nests in the flue or there may be other types of deterioration that could make the chimney unsafe to use.

My fireplace stinks, especially in the summer. What can I do?

The smell is due to creosote deposits in the chimney, a natural byproduct of wood burning. The odor is usually worse in the summer when the humidity is high and the air conditioner is turned on. A good cleaning will help but usually won’t solve the problem completely.

The real problem is the air being drawn down the chimney, a symptom of overall pressure problems in the house. A tight sealing, top mounted damper will also reduce this air-flow coming down the chimney.

I heat with gas. Should this chimney be checked too?

Without a doubt! Although gas is generally a clean burning fuel, the chimney can become non-functional from bird nests or other debris blocking the flue.

Why Install a Chimney Cap?

Chimney caps serve many purposes. 90% of the time we install chimney caps to keep animals out of chimneys. A good cap that is installed correctly will prevent squirrels, raccoons and bats from getting inside or falling into your chimney.

Besides preventing animals from entering your chimney a good chimney cap also stops water and snow from entering. It has been said a chimney without a cap is like having a hole in your roof. Rain and snow will come into your home running down the chimney and seeping into the bricks and mortar, settling behind the firebricks. This moisture erodes the mortar joints and weakens the brick. All fireplace dampers made of metal are subject to corrosion by water.

Cracks in my Firebox

Cracks and gaps in firebox bricks and mortar are a potential fire hazard.  In most masonry fireplaces the areas behind the firebox sidewalls are typically hollow, and since a fire will produce a minimum of 500 degrees of heat, it will cause these cracks and gaps to expand and can transfer the heat and gases to areas behind the walls where there may be direct exposure to combustible building materials such as wooden walls studs or drywall.

Masonry Repairs

Grey Oaks specializes in Brick Repair/Tuck pointing which is the restoration of deteriorating mortar between the bricks. As always, we will continue to provide the highest quality of service and product to our customers at reasonable prices.

Crown Repairs

Chimney crowns are the cement block on top of your chimney. Crowns are exposed to weather conditions all year round and need to be repaired or replaced when they crack or split to prevent water coming in your chimney.

Chimney Rebuilds

Grey Oaks can partially or totally rebuild your chimney, from a single brick to an entire chimney.

Mission Statement:

Grey Oaks Chimney service is dedicated to providing quality services at affordable rates to all our customers.

We strive to implement long term relationships based on integrity, dependability and to ensure safety to your home and business.