Chimney questions, answered honestly

Yes. Each fireplace has its own flue, and in older Scarsdale houses they often run side by side in one big stack. We sweep and inspect each one and tell you its condition separately.

Not always, but often. The original clay tiles in many 1920s chimneys are cracked or have gaps at the joints. A camera inspection shows whether yours are intact. If not, a stainless liner sized to the fireplace or appliance is the usual fix.

Yes. We match the mortar colour and joint style to the original and replace damaged brick or stone with the closest match we can source, so the repair blends into the house.

Usually a cracked crown, a missing cap, worn mortar joints or failed flashing where the chimney meets the roof. On slate and tile roofs the flashing is a common culprit. We find the source before quoting a fix.

Yes. A Level 2 inspection — a camera run up every flue plus a check of the accessible parts of the chimney — with a written report and photos for your attorney, home inspector or insurer.

NFPA 211 calls for a yearly inspection, with sweeping when the inspection shows it’s needed. Fireplaces used through the winter usually need a sweep every year.

It depends on the house. One fireplace and a four-flue stone stack are very different jobs, so we quote after seeing it. The quote comes before the work and doesn’t change afterwards.