At the northern end of the Niagara Scenic Parkway is Niagara Falls State Park, often referred to as the “Eighth Wonder of the World.” Visitors from around the world and Western New York marvel as six million cubic feet of water crash down 100 feet to the river below, a remarkable feat that occurs about every 60 seconds. Equally as impressive is how over two tons of brick can stand tall and proud above local rooflines for decades—the secret: annual chimney inspections.
As one of the oldest and most respected Certified Chimney Sweeps (CSC®), the Felgemacher family has been serving the Niagara Falls and surrounding communities in Greater Buffalo, NY, with honest, ethical, and accurate chimney inspections for generations.
Why Annual Chimney Inspections Are Essential in Niagara Falls, NY
Western New York weather is notoriously cold and long. The combination of heavy snowfall, freezing winds off area lakes, and the continuous freeze-thaw cycles can wreak havoc on your chimney.
When moisture becomes trapped in the porous brickwork and freezes, the ice crystals expand, shattering the softer material within. This causes a destructive process known as spalling, in which the brick faces crack, flake, or pop off entirely. Your chimney sweep can spot this structural issue and other potential hazards during an annual inspection before the damage turns into multi-thousand-dollar rebuilds or a dangerous chimney collapse.
The Ins & Outs of a Chimney Inspection
A certified chimney sweep® will perform a thorough visual inspection of the stack and its components, both interior and exterior. This includes, but is not limited to:
- Chimney Cap & Crown
- Bricks/Stones & Mortar Joints
- Chimney Liner
- Flashing
- Smoke Chamber
- Damper Assembly
Why Your Home Should Have a Chimney Camera Inspection
The most critical part of your chimney is the interior liner. The clay, cast-in-place, or steel liner protects your home’s surrounding combustible material from heat transfer that can start a fire. Using a high-resolution video camera, our technicians can get a close-up of every square inch of this vital component. This advanced technology allows us to pinpoint hidden hairline cracks that would otherwise go unnoticed during a standard visual check. If cracks are discovered early, we can usually repair the liner, saving you the cost of more expensive relining.
When You Need a Real Estate Chimney Inspection in WNY
Are you a Realtor® or homeowner selling your home, or a potential buyer? A Level 2 inspection by a chimney sweep professional is the only way to determine whether the masonry stack, vents, and connected appliances are structurally sound and operating efficiently.
While general home inspectors do a great job inspecting a home’s major systems, they are typically not licensed or certified to thoroughly inspect complex venting systems. Having a dedicated real estate chimney inspection can save you thousands of dollars in surprise repair costs later when you go to light the fireplace for the very first time after moving into your new home.
Call Felgemacher for Your Certified Chimney Inspection in Niagara Falls, NY
Even if you no longer use your fireplace, it’s essential to have your chimney inspected and cleaned annually to prevent structural issues and safety hazards. Our certified chimney sweeps follow the standards set by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 211, the New York State Mechanical Code, and local building regulations.
Call us or fill out the form on our website to schedule your chimney inspection today and experience exemplary service from a company with over 60 years of serving Niagara County, Lockport, Youngstown, and North Buffalo, NY.
