FAQs

How often should I get my chimney inspected? 

• The National Fire Protection Association (NEPA) Standard 211 suggests: “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.” 

• We recommend an annual inspection for wood-burning flues and once every three years for oil/gas burning flues. If we do not have record of an inspection in our files, we will require an inspection of all active flues within a chimney that we are looking at.  

Why don’t you provide free estimates? 

• Our comprehensive inspections find the cause of the problems you may be seeing which may not be visible to you. 

• We send our trained technicians armed with the latest technical equipment. 

• We could be repairing, inspecting or cleaning another customer’s chimney with the same crew during your time slot. 

• We cannot rely on a third-party inspection report as our inspection process is proprietary and a site visit is required for safety and insurance purposes. 

I do not want/need an inspection, can you just sweep my chimney? 

• We have and will always perform an inspection before commencing the traditional chimney sweep and we only charge for the cleaning if needed with an added fee. 

• Our 32-point inspection covers the entire chimney system, and we use specialized equipment to do a video scan of unlined flue systems. Think of it like your trip to the dentist. It is important to have the x-rays done once a year, and it would be odd if the dentist did not peek inside your mouth at each visit.  

• Our inspection covers things that cannot be seen by an untrained eye and preventative maintenance may save thousands in costly masonry repairs and rebuilds.  

What if I have an unused chimney? 

• We recommend periodic inspection to identify problem areas before they become significant. Using a dental analogy – would you rather a filling or a root-canal? Sometimes the root-canal cannot be avoided but good hygiene and periodic maintenance goes a long way. 

• The gases that flow through a chimney from your appliances be it a boiler, furnace, or woodstove can condense and turn into liquid. This liquid can then freeze and thaw throughout the chimney, deteriorating the chimney’s masonry. Even unused fireplaces can send warm air up the chimney causing structural damage. By containing these gases with a liner, we can prevent the issue from happening again in the future.

What is the inspection process like? 

• You will first be reminded of your two-hour arrival window the day before with an email or text message from our automated system. You will be alerted when the technician dispatches themself to your home if you have opted in for notifications. 

• Most of the inspection process happens at ground level. We will be taking lots of photographs, including exterior shots to help the crew next year to locate your home! We will need access to your roof to inspect the exterior of the chimney and the crown. Please let us know if there are unique access related issues with your property (solar panels, metal roof, steep roof etc.). 

  • Please keep the area around your fireplace or wood stove free from personal belongings to expedite the inspection process and protect your belongings.

Will I get an estimate if you find deficiencies in my chimney system? 

If our inspection identifies deficiencies in your chimney system, we will show you the photos and other evidence (if applicable) and explain the potential remedies. 

• If repair work is warranted, we will compile the information required to complete an estimate. It may take as long as two weeks to complete the estimate which will be emailed to you.  

• A poorly maintained chimney may eventually get to a point where the cost to replace it entirely is less than that to repair it. 

How long does an inspection take?

Durations of inspections can vary depending on each chimney and the level of inspection required. Typically, a standard single flue inspection (and cleaning if necessary) takes approximately 60 minutes excluding travel time.  

Why should I hire a certified chimney sweep? 

A sweep being certified means they have taken and passed an exam that demonstrates a level of nationally recognized knowledge. 

• Experience is also an important consideration. We strive to keep our technicians trained regularly and many of our technicians have more than a decade of experience. 

Does it matter that your company is insured? 

• Insurance is one of our most expensive (and important) costs. Our workers' compensation and general liability insurance cover our customers for injuries and physical damage that may occur on your property. We are happy to provide insurance certificates upon request and recommend that if comparing quotes from multiple companies you ask for this from all to ensure you are protected and that you compare apples to apples. 

• You get what you pay for! 

Why is water a big problem?

• Chimneys are like sponges as they are porous and will soak up water and moisture. Water is the leading cause of external damage and deterioration to masonry. The freeze and thaw cycle present in our region may lead to costly repairs or replacement. 

• Water can also enter your home through saturated masonry, compromised flashing or an un-capped chimney causing damage to interior finishes. 

Why do I smell smoke in another part of the house when I burn?

Thermal siphoning, which is a technical term describing a scenario when one appliance (such as a fireplace) venting out of one flue in a multi-flue chimney can create a vacuum and draw smoke down another flue such as oil burner or other fireplace. 

What happens when I have a chimney fire?

A buildup of creosote in the chimney flue ignites and burns intensely for a short period potentially damaging the chimney.  A documented chimney fire is when a homeowner is aware of the event and calls the fire department for assistance. At this point a certified chimney professional should be called to do a complete inspection with video scans of the compromised chimney flue(s). Damages (if any) will be documented accompanied by an estimate to restore and or repair. Most of these events are covered under your home insurance policy.  Often, homeowners are not aware they had a chimney fire until the flue is inspected by a pro.  

How is A Merrie Sweepe different from other chimney service companies? 

A Merrie Sweepe has been operating in the seacoast area now for forty years and has been family run since the beginning. We are CSIA (Chimney Safety Institute of America) and NFI (National Fireplace Institute) certified, and members of the NCSG (National Chimney Sweep Guild). We also belong to the NEACHP (Northeast Association of Chimney and Hearth Professionals). 

What type of wood should I burn? 

• We recommend seasoned wood that was cut over a year ago and has dried over time.  

• Green wood (unseasoned) can be burned but will lead to more creosote buildup in your flue.