Ideally situated where Irondequoit Bay meets Lake Ontario, Irondequoit offers miles of shoreline with excellent schools, abundant open spaces, and historic neighborhoods. The Rochester suburb offers residents tranquility with easy access to urban amenities. During the long, cold winter months when lake effect snow covers the town in a white blanket, residents in neighborhoods like Sea Breeze fire up their fireplaces and stoves. However, the wet and wild winter with constant freezing and thawing makes chimney inspections mandatory to protect your family from health hazards and your property from structural damage.
As one of the oldest Certified Chimney Sweeps (CSC®), the Felgemacher family has been serving Irondequoit and Monroe County, NY, with honest, ethical, and accurate chimney inspections for over sixty years.
How Weather Impacts Chimneys in Irondequoit, NY
While residing on the lakefront rewards homeowners with stunning views, it also means homes bear the brunt of heavy lake-effect snow and intense moisture. When snow and freezing rain pound your chimney, water will eventually seep into the porous bricks and mortar joints.
What to Expect During a Chimney Inspection
When a Certified Chimney Sweep® from Felgemacher arrives at your home, we follow the strict standards set by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Rule 211. The sweep will visually inspect all readily accessible portions of your chimney, including the exterior masonry, firebox, damper, flue liner, and attached appliances. The sweep will also be looking for excessive creosote buildup, animal nesting, and accumulated debris to determine whether cleaning is necessary. If it has been two years or more since your previous inspection, our sweep will also perform a camera scan of the flue liner to ensure it is free of cracks.
Signs Your Chimney Needs To Be Inspected
In addition to annual inspections, you should call a certified sweep immediately if you notice any of these warning signs:
- White staining (efflorescence) on the exterior bricks or stones.
- Flakes of brick or chunks of mortar in your firebox or on the ground near the chimney.
- A strong, smoky, or foul odor from the fireplace, especially when it is humid outside or during hot summer days.
- Difficulty lighting or maintaining a fire or a smoky fireplace.
- Missing or damaged chimney cap or cracks in the crown at the very top of your chimney.
Test Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Detectors Regularly
Since most chimney fires and carbon monoxide poisoning events in upstate New York occur in the middle of the night, smoke and carbon monoxide detectors can save your life. Make it a habit to press the test button on your detectors once a month and replace the backup batteries every spring and fall.
Does My Gas Fireplace Need Annual Inspections?
Yes, absolutely. A common misconception among Monroe County homeowners is that gas fireplaces are maintenance-free. While they produce minimal creosote, gas appliances generate high levels of acidic moisture and soot during combustion.
If your venting system or chimney liner is damaged or blocked by debris (such as a bird’s nest or falling masonry), it can cause highly dangerous, odorless carbon monoxide to back up into your home. Regular inspections ensure that your gas lines, pilots, burners, and ventilation pathways are clear and working safely. If you notice excessive soot or a gas smell, stop using the fireplace and call Felgemacher immediately. We’ll send an NFI-certified gas technician to inspect the appliance.
Call Felgemacher for Professional Chimney Inspections in Irondequoit, NY
A chimney inspection is key to preventing fires, leaks, and structural 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.
Protect your home and family today. Call us or fill out the form on our site to speak with us. We proudly serve Monroe County and the Greater Rochester area, including Hilton, Henrietta, and Fairport. Experience legendary service from a company with over 60 years of excellence.
