Are You In Need of Chimney Relining Services Near Madison, NJ? Trust Our Crew
Ten thousand years ago, where the Wisconsin Glacier used to be, now sits the small suburban community of Madison, NJ. In the southeast corner of Morris County, Madison borders six other municipalities: Florham Park, Chatham, Harding, Morris, Morristown, and Summit.
For over a century, Madison, NJ was one of the nation’s top producers of roses, thus earning the town its nickname – “The Rose City.” Although small and quiet, the town manages to attract thousands of students each fall to attend one of the two colleges here, Drew University or Fairleigh Dickinson University.
As the students return to their campuses, the trees begin to change, enveloping the picturesque town in a breathtaking display of autumn colors. And as the temperatures dip and the air turns crisp, residents of Madison, NJ and countless areas surrounding find comfort and warmth cozied up by their fireplaces.
With the increased need for fireplace inspections and chimney sweeps during these cooler months, make sure you’re already on schedule by calling Garden State Chimney at 973-519-0802, or you can reach out to us online. Embrace the beauty of fall in Morris County with peace of mind knowing your fireplace is ready and safe for use.
Great service here for sure! Everyone was professional and courteous for the chimney cleaning and installation of a new fireplace screen and doors. I cannot recommend these folks enough. They even wiped their caulk between applications. They were meticulous!
-DJ S.
★★★★★
Why You Need Yearly Fireplace Inspections & Chimney Sweeps
It’s no secret that professional chimney companies – and the companies that certify their chimney technicians, like the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) – recommend that chimneys and fireplaces be inspected and cleaned on a regular basis.
Some people assume that this doesn’t apply to them because they hardly use their fireplace. However, that is simply not the case. Buildup, blockages, and damage can occur regardless of the frequency of use, and these issues can pose a serious risk to your home and family. In fact, animals tend to find unused flues the most appealing!
Chimney fires, carbon monoxide exposure, and structural damage are just a few of the risks we can help eliminate by providing regular maintenance services.
In a nutshell, allowing us the opportunity to get an up-close and personal look at your chimney and fireplace will help us spot necessary repairs before they cause expensive damages in the future. The components of your fireplace system that we inspect and clean include:
- Chimney cap
- Chimney crown
- Flue
- Chimney liner
- Damper
- Firebox and smoke chamber
- Exterior masonry
- Chimney flashing
After using special brushes to scrub at every nook and cranny of the chimney, then using a special camera with 360 degree capabilities to overlook it all, we can ensure every part of your fireplace system is in tip-top shape.
One of the most common issues we find that homeowners are unaware of is a damaged flue liner. Because it is impossible to see the entirety of it without our special tools, a damaged flue liner can often go unnoticed by homeowners until it causes more significant problems – or threatens the wellbeing of those putting the fireplace to use.
How Do I Know My Chimney Needs to Be Relined?
There are several signs that indicate your chimney may need to be relined. This includes:
- Damage or Deterioration: Age impacts nearly everything, and your chimney liner is no exception. It’s common for the chimney liner to develop cracks and deterioration as it ages. Any noticeable signs of damage in the chimney flue means it’s time to schedule an inspection with a certified chimney technician.
- Condensation or Moisture Problems: Similar to condensation on windows, it may appear that your chimney is sweating. When the warm, humid air of your home makes contact with the cold walls of the chimney, this causes moisture to collect on the surface. While some condensation in your chimney is normal when the fireplace isn’t in use, excessive condensation is cause for concern.
- Odors or Smoke Issues: Smoke coming from your fireplace and into your living space is never a good thing. Neither are foul odors coming from the chimney. A cracked flue liner doesn’t allow gases and smoke to properly exit your home, and may cause them to leak back into your home through those cracks.
- New Fireplace Insert or Fuel Type: Have you recently converted a wood-burning fireplace to a gas fireplace or insert? You may need a new liner that’s more compatible with your new appliance. Be sure to give us a call at 973-519-0802 (or reach out online), so we can take care of that for you.
What Are the Different Types of Chimney Liners Available?
Choosing the right type of chimney liner depends on various factors, including the fuel used, the condition of the chimney, and the specific requirements for your fireplace system. There are several types of chimney liners available but the most common are:
- Cast-In-Place Liners: These are formed with a lightweight, cement-like product that is installed by forming a mold inside the chimney, then pouring the material into it. When it hardens, it provides seamless insulation for your chimney with no cracks or snags for creosote to build on. The best part? A cast-in-place liner is rated to withstand 2100 degrees and offer great protection against the dangers of a chimney fire.
- Clay Tile Liners: This is the most common type of liner because clay tiles are inexpensive, easy to find, and can last up to 50 years in a chimney that is properly maintained on a regular basis. However, clay tiles are highly susceptible to cracking because of uneven heat distribution. Replacing them with new clay tiles can be difficult and oftentimes expensive.
- Metal Liners: Often used to upgrade or repair an existing chimney liner, a metal liner can be made of stainless steel – which is suitable for gas, oil, or wood-burning fireplaces – or aluminum. These chimney liners can be made to fit any chimney, making the installation process easier and less costly. To boost performance and safety, these liners are also equipped with high-temperature insulation.
What Is HeatShield® Resurfacing?
Instead of replacing the entire flue liner, there is also another cost-effective option, should your chimney qualify. Have you heard of HeatShield®? It uses a specially formulated “Cerfractory®” sealant material that restores the integrity of your chimney’s flue.
While the installation of clay tile liners, metal liners, and cast-in-place liners is pretty straightforward, HeatShield® Chimney Liner Repair Systems has a rather unique installation process.
Depending on the extent of damage within the chimney, there are two methods we use for repair. The first is the Joint Repair System which is used for chimneys that only require repair of defective mortar joints. The second is the Resurfacing System and it is used to repair mortar joints and minor defects in tile lined flues.
With both methods, a foam applicator is custom-fit to your chimneys flue dimensions. The foam applicator is dropped down the flue and the HeatShield® sealant mixture is poured on top. As the foam applicator is lifted up out of the chimney, it fills and tightly presses the sealant mixture into all of those gaps and missing mortar joints. What’s left is a smooth, tight seal all throughout the chimney. We will finish off the process by inspecting the entire chimney with a special camera, just to double check that your chimney has been sealed properly.
If you find yourself uncertain about whether HeatShield® Relining is right for you, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us at Garden State Chimney. Our team consists of carefully selected and factory-trained chimney technicians that specialize in installing HeatShield® products. We would be happy to provide you with more information so you can make a more informed decision on what is best for your home.
-Bob L.
★★★★★
Other Chimney Services Garden State Chimney Would Be Happy to Help With
We are much more than a chimney relining company. In fact, we prefer to be considered a full-service chimney company for homeowners of Morris County and beyond. Here are some of the other services we provide on a daily basis:
- Chimney Inspections: Whether you’re needing the standard yearly inspection or a more thorough inspection, we can inspect it all. We offer level 1 and level 2 inspections, and we come equipped with a special camera that rotates 360 degrees. This allows us to view every nook and cranny of the flue, ensuring that the chimney and fireplace are in optimal condition for burning fires.
- Chimney Cleanings: Maybe we discovered dangerous levels of creosote buildup during your inspection, or you’re just trying to stay on top of the yearly chimney cleaning recommended by the CSIA. We can provide a thorough chimney sweep to clear out any and all creosote, soot, leaves, twigs, animals, and more.
- Chimney & Fireplace Repairs: Have you recently discovered that your chimney is leaking, or have noticed a sudden change in your fireplace’s ability to keep a fire going? Anytime you notice something is off, it’s a good idea to have a certified chimney technician come look at it as soon as possible. One small fix could turn into a really expensive repair the longer you procrastinate.
- Utility Flue Relining: We don’t just help with chimney relining, we can also help with flue relining on your furnace, boiler, or water heater.
- Fireplace & Insert Installation: Whether you’re wanting a whole new fireplace, or are wanting to convert to a gas fireplace, you can trust our team of experts to handle any job, big or small.
- Gas Fireplace Service: Speaking of gas fireplaces, don’t forget that even though gas fireplaces require less maintenance, they still require yearly preventive maintenance and inspections. We would be happy to help with that too.
Count On Us for It All
When it comes to chimney services, you can count on Garden State Chimney to be your trusted and reliable partner in providing a safe, efficient, and enjoyable fireplace for years to come. From chimney inspections and cleanings to extensive repairs, our team of skilled professionals is dedicated to not only getting the job done right, but ensuring you are happy upon completion.
Contact Garden State Chimney today at 973-519-0802 or book with us online to see why Madison, NJ and the surrounding area chooses to do business with us.
You can trust the qualified techs at Garden State Chimney for all your chimney-related needs, in North Haledon and throughout our entire service area.