Chimney Cleaning

Fireplace, wood-burning stoves, gas or oil heating appliances all contribute to dirty chimneys. Burning wood produces a black, sticky combustible layer that requires regular cleaning called Creo-Soot , this is a flammable substance and can be a potential hazard causing fires in your home . We sweep your chimney with wire brushes inside to eliminate built up soot before it becomes sticky and dangerous.

Depending on your usage, the damage can range from a light layer to heavy build-up of burnt solids. A yearly clean-up by Nationwide eliminates your concerns, and gives you peace of mind.

The Basic Cleaning Process

We are Licensed, bonded and insured, Nationwide technicians are experienced and arrive properly equipped for the job - and will bring any potential problems to your attention with a condition report that we keep a copy of as well as supply you with a copy for your records. Our sweeps first inspect your fireplace or heating system, the chimney or flue pipe, the spark arrestor and other related components such as , damper, smoke chamber, smoke shelf, brick work spark arrestor. Should we find any problems, they will make recommendations for remediation corrections and repairs.

Upon completion of the inspection, technicians cover the inside of the fireplace to contain soot, dust and debris created during the cleaning process. They then go to the roof and clean the insides of the flue with poles, brushes and scrapers - soot and debris falls to the bottom where it is removed. The technician later re-enters the house, removes the debris, cleans out the inside of the fireplace, and vacuums any remaining debris with a high powered soot vac.

Chimney Re-Lining

A safe, compliant chimney lining is mandated in most fire codes as a result of extensive testing by the National Bureau of Standards (NBS) and National Fire Protect agency (NFPA)to address concerns about durability, performance and safety. Therefore, in a contemporary masonry chimney, the flue lining is made of terra cotta, ceramic or metal, and serves several functions:

1. It contains combustible products expelling its gases outside of the residence into the atmosphere, protecting the home.
   In the NBS & NFPA tests of unlined chimneys, adjacent to combustibles caught fire in only 3 1/2 hours, which is why an appropriate liner is so very important. Liners are also rated in a manner that would be for both , heating systems as well as fireplaces. They are of different materials such as stainless steel and galvanized materials. Stainless steel is also a very important materials that comes in many alloyed. Such stainless steel is known as 300 series 304, 304 L , 316 L and are needed for different applications, gas, Oil, wood ect. Our company only uses 304L and finer .
2. A safe, code compliant liner protects the masonry chimney's walls from heat, potential damage and corrosion from combustion by products
   water intrusion and moisture.
   The NBS tests revealed that in unlined chimneys, highly acidic flue gases often penetrated the brick and mortar, eroding away at the chimney's mortar joints, enabling heat to transfer more rapidly to nearby combustibles - which means that dangerous gases such as carbon monoxide (CO)can leak into the living areas of the home. This type of liner is built for natural gas and is known to be two ply 316 L smooth wall. This acts as a containment unit.
3. Liners contribute to optimal efficiency for your appliances. The key to maximized performance in most oil/gas furnaces and modern wood stoves is a correctly sized flue. Why? Because in addition to leading the products of combustion out of the home, the chimney draft also supplies combustion air to the appliance. If the liner is correctly sized, it prevents excessive soot buildup in wood burning stoves, and minimizes production of carbon monoxide that can occur with conventional fuels.

The "Big 3" categories in chimney liners.

Old, damaged or unlined chimneys are potentially hazardous. There are three main liner options we offer to keep your chimneys working well, and your home safe. We recommend you have your chimney liners inspected regularly to be sure they meet modern safety standards.

1. Clay tiles.
   Inexpensive, easily obtained, and high on performance, clay tile chimney liners are the most popular choice for liners in today's marketplace. They are, however, vulnerable to separations and cracks, and must be checked regularly and repaired if necessary. We are fully equipped to perform this task.
2. Metal chimney liners.
   Used primarily in liner upgrades and repairs, stainless steel or aluminum liners provide safety, performance and durability. Stainless steel liners are used for wood burning fireplaces, oil or gas furnaces. Aluminum is used as an inexpensive alternative for medium efficiency gas furnaces. High heat-resistant insulation is used with metal liners to help ensure safety and enhance performance.
3. Cast chimney liners.
   Cast-in-place cement liners create a smooth, insulated passageway for flue gases. This form of liner can actually improve the integrity of older chimneys, and is for use with all types of appliances and fuels.

Chimney Inspections

Until recently, expert inspection and evaluation of fireplaces, stoves or other venting systems was left up to the discretion of chimney service technicians. Now, there are standards and codes established by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) regarding home heating appliances (NFPA 211).

There are three levels of inspection, depending upon your appliances and venting systems. Here is what to expect from your Nationwide technician for each level:

Level 1:

A Level 1 inspection is the minimum required for systems that are status quo - that are not changing and are in continued use under the same conditions. In a Level 1 inspection, our technician will examine easily accessed portions of the chimney exterior, interior of the chimneys condition. Our Nationwide technician will examine your chimney structure, flue, appliance installation and connections, and will check for combustible deposits as well as obstructions.

Level 2:

A Level Two Inspection is required when changes are made to the system, including changes in fuel type, changes to materials and shapes within the flue, or replacement appliances. It is also mandatory when you buy, sell or transfer property...or after a malfunction, fire, or forceful weather event. It includes the requirements in a Level 1 inspection, and may include a visual /video inspection to examine internal surfaces and flue liner joints out lining vertical and horizontal cracks. On Level 2, the technician explores accessible portions of the chimney, plus attics, basements and crawl spaces.

Level 3:

A Level 3 Inspection is warranted when hidden hazards are suspected. It includes all the items checked in Levels 1 and 2, and then goes beyond to access concealed areas of the chimney or flue. it is performed with special tools and may entail removing or destroying some permanent portions of the chimney or building.

Chimney Certification

For oil to gas conversions, or for oil to oil whether it be # 2,4 or 6 Oil and natural gas to natural gas replacements:

Prior to installing a new furnace, boiler or hot water heater, the homeowner must make sure that chimney is in safe A condition, and that Chimney Certification is signed and given to the Local Code Enforcement Office.

By signing the Chimney Certification we certify that the chimney/vent is free and clear of obstruction, and is substantially clean of residue from its previous use serving an oil appliance. We further certify that the chimney/vent is appropriately lined and sized for the appliance being installed.

Chimney Caps

Every chimney should have a proper chimney cap in order to prevent the entry of moisture, branches, animals and debris that could cause blockage or other problems. A chimney cap also acts as a spark arrester disabling fire and sparks from igniting and causing a possible fire to the roof area . In addition moisture entering the chimney can freeze in the winter causing separations to occur in the liner.

Chimney Dampers

Nationwide chimney will checks to insure your fireplace damper is operating properly, especially when your fireplace is idle. In winter months, a well-operating damper prevents heat loss from your home and potentially saves you money. There are many different types of dampers on the market today and we will recommend the best type of damper that would be suitable for your needs.

Masonry Repairs

Nationwide provides top tier masonry repairs where necessary. weather it be a fire box repair or a full demolition of the firebox in order to rebuild it in a safe manner. We take the time to insulate the fire brick and will build it in any design you request ( Herring Bone , common bond) or so on. We do cobbling on exterior portions of your chimney and a full design to insure the beauty of your chimney as well as its safe operations. Water repellents, Cement crowns flashing , pointing.

Video Inspections & Evaluations

Nothing compares to an Nationwide video inspection, as it provides the ultimate in assessing the conditions of furnaces, wood stoves and fireplace chimneys. Call us to schedule a Video Inspection for each flue in your home. You'll receive an accurate evaluation and potentially save thousands of dollars identifying hidden defects largely overlooked by home inspectors. we are equipped to scope the entire flue with a fiber optic camera with a full out lined description of its integrity. Both horizontal and vertical breaching will be outlined , all separations. We will send you a copy VIA email if you request it. This also will have audio explaining the defects that appear on the video.

In the past chimney sweeps peered inside chimneys with mirrors and powerful reflective lights, however this type of inspection never really identified the details within the chimney walls. Today, a video evaluation by our trained professionals expose hidden problems or dangers lurking inside your chimney.

We enter the flue from the top descending into the flue, in order to manipulate the camera to look at the walls at any angle. If there has been a chimney fire, our camera will video the damage, making it easy for adjusters to see the defective portions of the flue. We can provide a written report as well if requested.

Finally, if you are just interested in knowing the true condition of your chimney and flue liner and chimney, Nationwide's video evaluation shows you the exact condition of your flue in question.. At that time you can be sure of the decisions that is being made for repairs or any other changes based on true, accurate knowledge of the situation.

Call us today to set up an appointment at 212-477-5444

Pre war fireplace restoration

• Cleaning Fireplace and Furnace Flues
• Chimney Certifications
• Level I, II, and III Chimney Inspections
• Chimney Caps Supplied and Installed
• Expert Masonry Repairs
• Stainless Steel Chimney Relining Systems
• Dampers Supplied and Installed
• Waterproofing
• Violations Corrected
• 24 Hour Emergency phone number
• Chimney Exhaust Fans Installed ( as the preferred installer of NYC)
• Smoke and draft testing
• Installation of Exhausto Fans