When you have a fireplace or gas stove for home heating in an area like West Seneca, which experiences significant rain and snow, having an honest, accurate, and reliable Certified Chimney Sweep® you can trust is essential to protecting your home and family. For more than 60 years, the Felgemacher family has been providing professional chimney sweeping services to the inner Southtowns that meet a higher standard of care.
Why You Need a Professional Chimney Sweep in West Seneca
The weather in the WNY area can be extreme at times. Not just for a mountain of lake-effect snow that can fall in a single afternoon, but for the relentless moisture and wind that are part of our winters. As an owner-certified chimney sweep, we make preventing fires our number one priority.
Creosote: The Preventable Threat
With homes ranging from mid-century Ranches to modern two-story colonials, a preventable threat may be hiding in one or more of your chimney flues. Creosote buildup is the primary cause of house fires in Erie County and the Greater Buffalo area. This tar-like substance is a natural byproduct of combustion and can become highly flammable as it lingers inside. A recent chimney fire of a two-story residence in a nearby town had tragic consequences. Fortunately, these events are largely preventable with professional sweeping and inspections.
Accurate Chimney Inspections
Ask any local fire official, and they will recommend annual chimney inspections by a trained professional. Also, if you have a homeowner’s insurance policy, your carrier will likely require documented proof of annual maintenance from a certified professional when considering claims related to fire or water damage. At Felgemacher, we provide the detailed reports your insurance company requires, giving you peace of mind.
Professional Chimney Sweeping
Our sweeping process is a comprehensive cleaning of the flue, smoke chamber, and firebox. Our technicians use HEPA-filtered vacuums to keep soot and dust out of your living room. We also remove living or deceased birds, other wildlife, leaves, and debris that cause flue obstructions. Our proximity to the Great Lakes makes chimney activity by birds inevitable.
According to the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA), as little as 1/8” of creosote is a danger and must be removed. Using specialized rotary tools and eco-friendly chemicals, our sweeps remove glazed creosote.
Skilled Masonry Repairs
Erie County, NY, is one of the snowiest areas of the country, and it is particularly brutal on brick-and-mortar structures. The frequent freeze-thaw cycles near the lake cause water to expand within your masonry, leading to cracking, crumbling, and spalling brickwork. As expert masons, our sweeps can identify these structural issues early. Whether it’s tuckpointing a few joints, installing a stainless-steel liner, or rebuilding the chimney crown, we ensure your chimney and fireplace comply with National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) industry standards and local and state building codes.
When Your Chimney Needs An Immediate Inspection:
If you notice one or more of the following, call Felgemacher right away before using your appliance:
- The “Bad BBQ” Smell: A strong, acrid odor coming from the fireplace even when no fire is lit.
- Visible Soot: Black, oily residue on the back wall of the firebox.
- Poor Draft: Smoke is backing up into your home rather than going up the chimney.
- Animal Activity: Sounds of birds or squirrels nesting in the flue, which can cause dangerous obstructions.
- Shooting Flames: If you notice flames shooting out at the top of the chimney, evacuate your home immediately and call 9-1-1. Be sure to maintain a safe distance from the structure until fire crews give the all-clear.
Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors (CO) Are Your Early Warning System
They can save your life! Recent tragedies in Erie County have underscored the danger of non-working smoke and CO detectors. Since CO is colorless and odorless, a working detector may be your only line of defense when you are sound asleep. We recommend testing your detectors monthly and replacing the batteries whenever you change your clocks for Daylight Saving Time. Some fire departments offer free detectors and will install and test them for you.
Call Felgemacher for Certified Sweep in West Seneca, NY
The fact is that many issues, from cracked liners to creosote buildup, are hidden inside the flue, out of a homeowner’s sight. Regardless of how often you light a fire, annual chimney cleaning and inspections are vital to protecting your home and family.
Call or fill out the form on our website to schedule your chimney sweep today and experience legendary service from a local company with over 60 years of excellence.
