Services

🧹 Chimney Cleaning: Why It Matters

A clean chimney isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s essential for safety, efficiency, and peace of mind. Over time, chimneys accumulate creosote, a highly flammable byproduct of burning wood, along with soot, debris, and even nesting materials from birds or animals. If left unchecked, these buildups can lead to chimney fires, poor ventilation, and costly damage.

✅ Benefits of Regular Chimney Cleaning

• Fire Prevention
  Removes creosote and soot that can ignite and cause dangerous chimney fires.

• Improved Air Quality
  Prevents smoke and harmful gases like carbon monoxide from backing into your home.

• Better Heating Efficiency
  A clean chimney allows your fireplace or woodstove to burn more efficiently, saving you fuel and money.

• Extended Chimney Life
  Reduces corrosion and wear on chimney liners and masonry, helping your system last longer.

• Compliance & Insurance
  Many insurance policies require annual chimney inspections and cleanings to maintain coverage.

🔧 The Chimney Cleaning Process

      At New England Masonry & Chimney Sweepers, we follow a thorough, professional process:

1. Initial Inspection
   We assess the chimney’s condition, checking for creosote buildup, blockages, cracks, or structural issues.

2. Protecting Your Home
   Drop cloths and protective coverings are placed around the fireplace to keep your space clean.

3. Sweeping the Flue
   Using specialized brushes and rods, we scrub the interior walls of the chimney from top to bottom, removing soot and creosote.

4. Smoke Chamber & Firebox Cleaning
   We clean the smoke shelf, chamber, and firebox to ensure complete removal of debris.

5. Vacuum & Debris Removal
   A high-efficiency vacuum captures loosened particles, keeping dust out of your home.

6. Final Inspection & Report
   We provide a post-cleaning inspection and share any recommendations for repairs or maintenance.
   
   

🕒 How Often Should You Clean Your Chimney?

• Wood-burning fireplaces: At least once a year or after every 50–70 fires

• Pellet or gas stoves: Annually, even if creosote is minimal

• After chimney fires or animal intrusion: Immediate inspection and cleaning

🔩 Stainless Steel Chimney Liner Installation

A chimney liner is a protective barrier inside your chimney that channels smoke and gases safely out of your home. Installing a stainless steel liner is one of the most effective ways to improve safety, performance, and longevity—especially in older chimneys or when switching to a new appliance like a woodstove or furnace.

✅ Benefits of Stainless Steel Chimney Liners

• Fire Safety
  Prevents heat transfer to surrounding masonry and wood framing, reducing fire risk.

• Improved Ventilation
  Ensures proper draft and airflow, helping smoke and gases exit efficiently.

• Protection Against Corrosion
  Shields the chimney walls from moisture, acidic gases, and creosote buildup.

• Versatility
  Compatible with wood, oil, gas, and pellet appliances.

• Code Compliance
  Meets modern building codes and manufacturer requirements for many heating systems.

• Extended Chimney Life
  Prevents deterioration of masonry and flue tiles, saving on costly repairs.

🛠️ The Installation Process

At New England Masonry & Chimney Sweepers, we follow a precise and professional installation process:

1. Inspection & Measurement
   We assess the chimney’s condition, measure the flue dimensions, and determine the correct liner size and type.

2. Selecting the Right Liner
   We use UL-listed stainless steel liners, either rigid or flexible depending on the chimney’s shape and appliance type.

3. Preparing the Chimney
   The flue is cleaned and cleared of debris, and any damaged tiles or obstructions are removed.

4. Installing the Liner
   The liner is carefully lowered from the top of the chimney or fed upward from the bottom, depending on access. It’s connected to the appliance or stove using a secure adapter.

5. Insulating the Liner (if needed)
   In some cases, we wrap the liner with insulation to improve draft and meet code requirements.

6. Securing the Top Plate & Rain Cap
   A stainless steel top plate is installed to seal the chimney crown, and a rain cap is added to prevent water and animal intrusion.

7. Final Testing & Certification
   We test the draft, check for leaks, and provide documentation for insurance or code compliance.

🕒 When Should You Install a Chimney Liner?

• After a chimney fire or flue tile damage

• When converting to a new heating appliance

• If your chimney lacks a liner or has an outdated clay liner

• To meet insurance or building code requirements

🛠️ Lead Flashing Installation Around Chimneys

Protect your home from leaks with durable, custom-fit lead flashing.

At New England Masonry & Chimney Sweepers, we specialize in installing high-quality lead flashing around chimneys to ensure long-lasting protection against water intrusion. Proper flashing is essential for maintaining the integrity of your roof and chimney—and lead flashing offers unmatched durability and flexibility.

✅ Benefits of Lead Flashing

• 💧 Superior Waterproofing
  Lead flashing creates a watertight seal between your chimney and roof, preventing leaks and moisture damage.

• 🔩 Long-Term Durability
  Lead is corrosion-resistant and can last decades without cracking, warping, or deteriorating.

• 🧱 Flexible & Custom-Fit
  Lead can be shaped to fit complex chimney contours, ensuring a snug, seamless installation.

• 🌧️ Weather Resistance
  Withstands extreme temperatures, UV exposure, and heavy rain without losing effectiveness.

• 🏠 Preserves Structural Integrity
  Prevents water from seeping into masonry, roof decking, and attic spaces—reducing the risk of mold, rot, and costly repairs.

• 📐 Traditional & Trusted
  Lead flashing has been used for centuries in historic and modern buildings alike, offering proven performance and timeless reliability.

🔧 Our Installation Process

1. Inspection & Planning
   We assess your chimney and roof structure to determine the best flashing layout and identify any existing damage.

2. Surface Preparation
   Old or damaged flashing is removed. The chimney base and roof area are cleaned and prepped for installation.

3. Custom Lead Fabrication
   We cut and shape lead flashing to fit your chimney’s dimensions, including step flashing and apron sections.

4. Installation & Sealing
   Flashing is securely embedded into mortar joints and layered over shingles. We seal all edges to ensure a watertight finish.

5. Final Inspection
   We check for proper drainage, tight seals, and clean workmanship. Any gaps or vulnerabilities are addressed.

6. Cleanup & Documentation
   The work area is cleaned, and we provide a summary of the installation with recommendations for future maintenance.

🕒 When Should You Replace or Install Lead Flashing?

• During chimney rebuilds or roof replacement

• If existing flashing is cracked, rusted, or leaking

• After storm damage or visible water stains near the chimney

• To upgrade from aluminum or galvanized flashing to longer-lasting lead

📞 Ready to protect your chimney with premium lead flashing?

Call us today at 603-520-6467 or Request a Quote to schedule your service.
Serving Epsom and surrounding New Hampshire communities with pride.

🏠 Chimney Cap Installation

🔧 What Is a Chimney Cap?

A chimney cap is a protective covering installed at the top of a chimney flue. Typically made of stainless steel, galvanized steel, or copper, it acts as a barrier against external elements while allowing smoke and gases to vent safely.

✅ Benefits of Installing a Chimney Cap

• Moisture Protection: Prevents rain, snow, and ice from entering the chimney, which can cause masonry damage and rust in metal components.

• Animal Deterrence: Keeps birds, squirrels, raccoons, and other critters from nesting inside the flue.

• Spark Arrestor: Reduces the risk of fire by preventing sparks or embers from escaping onto the roof.

• Debris Blockage: Stops leaves, twigs, and other debris from clogging the chimney.

• Improved Draft Control: Helps regulate airflow and can reduce downdrafts that push smoke back into the home.

• Extended Chimney Life: Protects the flue liner and masonry, reducing long-term maintenance costs.

🛠️ Installation Process

1. Inspection & Measurement
   
   

   • Assess the chimney type and flue dimensions.

   • Choose a cap style compatible with the chimney (single-flue, multi-flue, or custom).

2. Select the Right Cap
   
   

   • Material options: stainless steel (rust-resistant), copper (aesthetic appeal), galvanized steel (budget-friendly).

   • Consider mesh size for spark protection and animal exclusion.

3. Prepare the Chimney
   
   

   • Clean the crown and flue opening.

   • Check for cracks or damage that may need repair before installation.

4. Mounting the Cap
   
   

   • Single-Flue Caps: Slide into or over the flue and secure with screws or clamps.

   • Multi-Flue Caps: Attach to the chimney crown using masonry screws and adhesive sealant.

   • Ensure the cap is level and securely fastened.

5. Final Inspection
   
   

   • Confirm stability and proper ventilation.

   • Test for clearance and ensure no obstruction to smoke flow.

⏳ Replacement Timeline

Chimney caps don’t have a fixed expiration date, but here’s a general guideline:

• Stainless Steel or Copper Caps: These can last 20+ years with minimal maintenance. Copper may even outlive the chimney itself.

• Galvanized Steel Caps: More budget-friendly, but prone to rust—expect 5–10 years depending on weather exposure.

• Heavy Storm or Animal Damage: Replace immediately if the cap is bent, detached, or the mesh is compromised.

🔍 Signs It’s Time to Replace

• Rust or corrosion visible on the cap or mesh

• Loose or missing screws or fasteners

• Water leaks or staining inside the chimney

• Evidence of nesting animals or debris buildup

• Smoke backing up into the home due to poor draft

🧼 Maintenance Tip

Annual chimney inspections—especially before winter—can catch early signs of wear. A quick cleaning and tightening of fasteners can extend the life of your cap significantly.