(FAQ)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
At Royale Chimney Repair, we believe an informed homeowner is a safe homeowner. Below are answers to the most common questions we receive about chimney maintenance, safety, and repairs in New Jersey.
1. Chimney Sweeping & Maintenance
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommends that chimneys, fireplaces, and vents be inspected at least once a year. Cleaning should be performed whenever there is a measurable accumulation of soot or creosote (usually inch or more). Even if you don't use your fireplace often, an annual inspection is vital to check for animal nests or structural deterioration.
Creosote is a highly flammable, dark, crusty, or tar-like substance that builds up inside your chimney liner as a byproduct of burning wood. If it isn't removed, a single spark can ignite it, causing a chimney fire that can reach temperatures over 2,000°F, potentially spreading to the rest of your home.
No. We pride ourselves on our "No-Mess Guarantee." Our technicians use heavy-duty drop cloths, specialized HEPA-filtered vacuums, and dust-containment systems to ensure that not a single speck of soot enters your living space.
2. Repairs & Restoration
Chimney leaks can be caused by several factors, including:
- A cracked chimney crown: The cement "roof" at the top of the chimney.
- Damaged flashing: The metal seal where the chimney meets your roof.
- Porous bricks: Older bricks can soak up water like a sponge.
- Missing chimney cap: Allowing rain to fall directly down the flue. We provide professional leak detection to find and fix the source permanently.
Tuckpointing is the process of grinding out old, crumbly mortar from between your bricks and replacing it with fresh, durable mortar. This prevents water from entering the structure and avoids a total chimney collapse. It also restores the beautiful, clean look of your masonry.
You likely need a new liner if your current one is made of clay and has visible cracks, or if you are upgrading to a new heating appliance (like a wood insert or gas furnace). A damaged liner can allow heat to transfer to combustible house frames or let carbon monoxide leak into your home.
3. Fireplace Performance
Smoking issues are usually caused by:
- Blockages: Animal nests or heavy soot buildup.
- Cold flues: Cold air trapped in the chimney "pushing" the smoke down.
- Closed dampers: Forgetting to open the damper before lighting a fire.
- Negative pressure: Modern, airtight homes can sometimes "suck" air down the chimney. Our technicians can troubleshoot these issues and recommend solutions like top-sealing dampers or smoke fans.
Absolutely. We specialize in fireplace remodeling. We can reface your old brick with modern stone, tile, or marble veneers, and install custom mantels and hearths to completely transform your living room.
4. Safety & Inspections
- Level 1: A basic visual check of the fireplace and accessible parts of the chimney. This is standard for annual maintenance.
- Level 2: Includes a video camera scan of the entire interior flue. This is required by law during real estate transactions (buying or selling a home) and after events like a chimney fire or a major storm.
A standard chimney sweep and Level 1 inspection usually take between 45 to 90 minutes. More complex repairs or installations will vary depending on the scope of the work.
Have a question we didn't answer?
Call Us
(973) 791-8584
Email Us
info@royalechimneyrepair.com
Hours of Operation
Monday – Sunday: 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM