Professional Chimney Sweep, Air Duct & Dryer Vent Cleaning in Poughkeepsie, NY

In the past, sweeps we've hired have always gone on the roof, checked the flashing, the mortar and all the workings of the chimney and then cleaned the chimney from the top of the house. Today, this sweep came in, looked into my fireplace from the bottom and said we don't need it cleaned because he can still see the bricks. I asked to have it cleaned anyway. He then grabbed a wire brush and simply rubbed away any buildup from the main opening to the fireplace without even going up into the chimney to clean anything.

Unlike traditional site-built masonry fireplaces, most factory-built fireplaces are made of metal and may use a combination of insulated walls, glass doors, air-cooled pipe and blowers to circulate the heat produced by the fire. The factory-built fireplace and chimney are a complete system engineered to work safely and efficiently together. Both units (fireplace and chimney) undergo testing together, and are then are listed specifically for use with one another. In other words, a factory-built fireplace has a specific chimney that is appropriate for use with that specific fireplace.

A factory-built fireplace is the only built-in home appliance which is not easily removed for inspection. It is important to take out a building permit before installing a factory built fireplace. The building inspector will conduct an examination to confirm that the system was installed according to code.

Most factory-built fireplace manufacturers require replacement of the refractory panels of the firebox when a nickel, on end, can be inserted into the crack or when the surface of the refractory panel has abraded more than 1/4" from the original surface. Replacement of the refractory panels should be completed by a qualified professional familiar with factory-built fireplaces and the panel replacement procedures.

Yes, as long as the fireplace has a knock-out to allow the installation of a gas log lighter bar. Further, it must be listed for use with solid fuel, and the listing cannot specifically exclude the installation of gas log sets. Unless the manufacturer of the fireplace specifically allows it, the installation of "vent-free" gas log sets are NOT allowed. When allowed, the damper is blocked completely open and they are treated as a fully vented gas log set.