by admin | Dec 9, 2025 | Mercer County Chimney Sweep, St John Chimney Podcast
Searching for the best Yardley Chimney Masonry Repair? Masonry repair is necessary since the materials deteriorate quickly when exposed to freezing weather. A professional chimney technician will be able to evaluate the signs your chimney needs repairs. Moisture that goes into the materials can freeze and expand therefore, causing some deterioration. Water in the chimney also causes rust. Rust destroys the metal parts of the chimney. Water that sits and penetrates can cause interior and exterior damage to your chimney.
Yardley Chimney Masonry Repair | Chimney Crown
The chimney crown covers and seals the top of the chimney. At St. John Chimney Sweeps we provide masonry repair or replace damaged chimney crown to prevent serious water damage in the future. Our high-grade products fill cracks and creates a coating that is waterproof and protects the chimney crown.
Yardley Chimney Masonry Repair | Avoid Chemicals
There usually is a buildup when you burn logs in the fireplace. It builds up on the inside of the chimney and needs to be cleaned. When homeowners do not remove this buildup, they end up breathing in the fumes and chemicals that can lead to serious illnesses. Avoiding certain chemical buildup means that you and your family are going to be safe when you decide to use the fireplace.
Yardley Chimney Masonry Repair | Inspections
Annual inspections benefit on reducing the need for chimney repairs. Upon an inspection they check to see if the damper opens and closes easily. They also look for cracks and rust around the chimney. If the damper is not working properly, a professional chimney technician would recommend that you get a new damper. The professional technician will also open the damper and look up the flue liner at the joints making sure they are well sealed. The flue liner protects your home from home fires by keeping the extreme heat away from things that can catch fire. If not working, it may need repair.
Yardley Chimney Masonry Repair | Cracks and Leaks
A professional chimney technician also will look for cracks around the chimney and for any leaks. These issues must be taken care of right away to prevent any damage to the interior of the home or the roof. The flue is the liner inside the chimney that carries out heat and smoke out of your house. Over time, there may develop some cracks from the excessive heat. A cracked flue leaves you home open to toxic fumes entering your home. A professional chimney inspector can check your flue for damage. When a chimney is made of bricks, masonry repair will be needed to keep it strong.
Yardley Chimney Masonry Repair | Water Damage
If your chimney is not covered with a flue cap, water can enter your chimney and cause decay. It would be very important to change and replace the flue as soon as possible, to prevent any further damage.
Looking for the best Yardley Chimney Masonry Repair? Contact St John Chimney Sweeps right away. At St John Chimney Sweeps we offer 100% customer satisfaction. We have been in business for over 15 years, and St John Chimney Sweeps is the only name you need to know for a full-service chimney sweeping and installation in the New Jersey area. Our employees have had extensive training and have earned many certificates that help them do their job with full expertise. We are efficient and provide a full explanation of the work we need to complete. Our licensed and insured company is also a member of the National Chimney Sweep Guild. We have been supplying expert sweeps, repairs and installation services to homeowners all across the state of New Jersey. Call us at (609)737-0133 to find out more about our free estimates. Let us take care of all your chimney needs!
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by admin | Dec 1, 2025 | Mercer County Chimney Sweep, St John Chimney Podcast
Thinking of hiring a Chimney Sweep in Mercer County? There are a few things you need to know before hiring a chimney sweep company. It is best to choose a chimney sweep carefully. Make sure that you are hiring a qualified professional. You need a Mercer County chimney sweep. You want the job to be performed correctly, as your chimney could become a fire hazard.
Chimney Sweep Mercer County | Industry
You need to be wise when hiring a professional chimney sweep company. Being the chimney sweep industry is unregulated, anyone can claim to have a chimney sweep company. Licenses and certifications from recognized associations can provide more proof of a reputable company. A professional chimney sweep company should provide the qualifications to perform the work with skills and with excellence. It is proper to ask for the certifications that the particular company has before they start working on your chimney. Some chimney sweep company owners are certified, but they send out technicians who have not earned their certifications. Yet these technicians are knowledgeable. A reputable chimney sweep technician needs to have the knowledge for cleaning and repairing a chimney.
Chimney Sweep Mercer County | Identification and Referrals
Most reputable chimney sweep companies have identification badges and/or uniforms displaying the companies name and logo. You should also go online for customer reviews of the company you are considering hiring. It is best to check the reviews to see how the companies work habits are and their professionalism. In addition, speaking with neighbors about their experience with the chimney sweep company is a smart move, too. All these things can prevent damage to your home and get the right people working on your home. The technician should be able to answer your questions regarding your venting system, fireplace and chimney.
Chimney Sweep Mercer County | Safety
It may be tempting to go with a chimney sweep company that is less expensive. But it is important to count the cost against the peace of mind you have if the work is performed professionally and with the industry standards. If a chimney is not properly cleaned, inspected and repaired, it becomes a fire hazard. Choosing a reliable chimney sweep company will give you peace of mind that your home and family are safe. One feature of a professional chimney sweep company is their commitment to work within a time frame. A reliable technician should value and respect your time, therefore being on time all the time. A professional and reputable chimney sweep company technician may wear special gear to protect themselves. The technician will also clean up and leave no mess behind once the job is complete.
Chimney Sweep Mercer County | Chimney Cleaning
A good chimney sweep company has experience and permanent standing in the industry if they have liability insurance coverage. This insurance protects you against any damages done to your home during the cleaning or repairing. Your technician will first survey your chimney to determine what they need to do to properly clean your chimney. The chimney sweep can be done from the roof or through the fireplace. When the job is complete you should see no more soot or ash. They are also able to tell you the condition of your chimney, so you are aware of any repairs that are needed.
Searching for the best Chimney Sweep Mercer County company? Give St. John Chimney Sweeps a call today. We have been in business for more than 15 years. We offer 100% customer satisfaction and a no-mess guarantee. Most products also come with a lifetime warranty. Feel free to contact us to inquire about our free estimates. Call us now!
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by admin | Nov 28, 2025 | Mercer County Chimney Sweep, St John Chimney Podcast
Searching for the best Ewing Chimney Masonry Repair company? St John Chimney Sweeps can take care of any Mercer County chimney repair service. Homeowners have no idea their chimney needs repairs until they contact a chimney professional. Homeowners should act immediately to any chimney repair needed to protect their family and home. If issues have been addressed about your chimney in the good weather months, it is wise to get it repaired before bad weather.
Ewing Chimney Masonry Repair | Damage
Masonry chimneys decline with water, wind damage, poor construction or just plain lack of maintenance. The best time to do any chimney masonry work is during the warmer weather so that the materials set properly. Also, it is best to do a seasonal maintenance so to keep your chimney in top shape. Any water problems with the chimney should be addressed during warmer weather. The chimneys that are porous, absorb more moisture. They can go through a freeze in the colder months and get damaged.
Ewing Chimney Masonry Repair | Leaks
Homeowners may also see leaks around the chimney, the ceiling and the attic. For best results, these should be taken care of in the warmer months. Your roof may be damaged and leaking. Water enters the roof and then collects where the chimney meets the roof and make it appear as if the chimney is leaking. In this case, roof repair is the best answer. This is also a repair that is done in warmer weather for best results. Before having a roof repair or redone, all repairs to a chimney must be completed first. This will prevent any damage to a new roof being installed.
Ewing Chimney Masonry Repair | Repair
Most building, repairing and extending of any chimney masonry work can be scheduled in the summer months. Doing any chimney masonry work during the summer months, allows the masonry to dry up completely so waterproofing that will protect the masonry work last for years. There are other types of repairs to chimneys that have the best results when done in the summer months. Major chimney repairs such as a complete rebuilding of a chimney, relining of the chimney, or an installation of a new chimney require time and good weather.
Ewing Chimney Masonry Repair | Inspection
A homeowner that has their chimney inspected annually will prevent any large damage that cannot be repaired right away. When a professional chimney inspector comes to inspect your chimney, he can see how things look inside and out. You can always avoid the challenge of getting service delayed by calling and scheduling an appointment to have your chimney inspected. Getting any repairs done before the colder weather sets in and the chimney becomes further damaged, can save you lots of money and stress. A homeowner wants to keep their home safe from fire hazards and carbon monoxide danger. The warm weather is the best time to get all this taken care of.
Looking for the best Ewing Chimney Masonry Repair? St John Chimney Sweeps is the company to hire. With our professional and experienced staff, we can prevent all these serious dangers when we inspect your chimney and recommend a solution that can be immediately applied. At St John Chimney Sweeps, we have qualified professional workers that undergo extensive training and earn certificates which make them to do your job with full expertise. We have been in business for over 15 years and we offer 100% customer satisfaction and a no mess guarantee. Feel free to contact us today to inquire about our free estimates. Most of our products come with a lifetime warranty. Any chimney masonry work you need, we are here to serve you!
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by sunshine | Nov 27, 2025 | Mercer County Chimney Sweep, St John Chimney Podcast
ANNUAL INSPECTION IS A MUST
Have your chimneys inspected annually and swept if needed. If the chimney (fireplace & furnace/water heater/flue) is clean and free of obstructions, there is less danger of a chimney fire or carbon monoxide poisoning.
KEEP IT CLEAN AND CLEAR
Make sure that the top of the chimney is free and clear of tree branches, ivy, or overhanging branches. Keep all furniture and combustible furnishings at least 36 inches away from the fireplace or wood stove. Exposure to heat can lower the ignition
temperature of combustible items over time, and they can catch fire.
CAP YOUR CHIMNEY
Have a chimney cap installed on all of the flues. New chimney caps are usually constructed of stainless steel and do not rust. They keep out rain, birds, raccoons, squirrels, leaves and other debris that could obstruct the flow of flue gases in your chimney.
BE CAREFUL WITH WHAT YOU BURN
Well-seasoned hardwood yields the most Btu’s (heat) for your fireplace or wood stove. Never burn colored paper such as magazines or wrapping paper. Don’t burn plastic; never burn painted, stained or treated wood – the fumes are poisonous. Don’t use your fireplace as an incinerator to burn pizza boxes, Christmas trees or stacks of paper or cardboard.
SMOKE AND CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTORS ARE A MUST
Some of the newer units will detect both smoke and carbon monoxide, but both types should be installed throughout the home. Optimum placement is on the ceiling because that is where the smoke and carbon monoxide will be. Plugging in units are convenient but near the floor is not ideal.
SCREENS & DOORS
Have a fireplace screen or set of glass doors with a screen in front of your fireplace during operation. Flying sparks from sappy wood can burn holes in your carpet or furniture. Remember, if you have glass doors, they must be open during the operation of your fireplace, do not close them if a fire is burning. The glass is not rated for those temperatures and the fire will be starved for oxygen and may smoke up the home. A fireplace screen will also help to keep children and pets safely away from the fire.
Contact us
If our CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep determines that your chimney needs swept, we will take the utmost care to keep your living space completely clean. Proudly Serving Mercer County, Somerset County, Hunterdon County, & Surrounding Areas.
St John Chimney Sweeps Address 1613 Reed Rd D1, Pennington, NJ 08534
Website http://www.stjohnchimneysweeps.com/
Email: stjohnchimneysweeps@verizon.net Phone Number: (609) 737-0133
Modern Chimney Sweeps
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by sunshine | Nov 26, 2025 | Mercer County Chimney Sweep, St John Chimney Podcast
Why It’s Important to Schedule Fireplace Sweeping is safety first and foremost. Fire prevention relies on adequate fireplace maintenance. A wood burning fireplace adds warmth and comfort to a chilly home, but it opens the chimney to fire hazards if it is not swept at least every one to three years.
Fireplace Sweeping in Mercer County
Fireplace Safety Check
Before the temperature starts to fall, there are several things you can do to make sure your wood-burning fireplace is safe and efficient. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommends chimneys be swept at least once a year, at the beginning of winter, to remove soot and debris. You can find a certified chimney sweep at St John’s Chimney Sweeps. Additionally, make sure you’re familiar with how to work a fireplace before you attempt to start a fire.
Creosote
Creosote is a chemical mass of carbon formed when wood, tar or fossil fuels are burned. Creosote can linger in chimneys and is not visible from the outside. When creosote is not removed, it can become a thick coating of debris inside the flue and chimney. Most chimney fires start in the smoke chamber or smoke shelf area so it’s important to clean those areas.
Creosote ignites at 451 degrees Fahrenheit and once it starts burning, it expands like foam sealant and can build to more than 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit in less than a minute. Call a chimney sweep who’s certified by the Chimney Safety Institute of America at St. John’s Chimney Sweeps.
Make sure the sweep you hire does more than just pushing a brush. A chimney sweep needs to be knowledgeable about building codes, trained to recognize venting problems, recognizes deterioration, and able to advise you regarding the chimney’s condition. The National Fire Protection Association recommends that chimneys, fireplaces and vents be inspected at least once per year for heavy use.
Creosote removal is vital to your safety. A chimney sweep log helps to prevent unwanted fires and helps to remove debris deposited along the flue. These sticky deposits are called creosote. Creosote deposited over a long period becomes highly flammable and it’s often the cause of chimney fires. Sweeping logs are popular because of their ease of use for creosote removal. All you have to do is unwrap the log from its package and place it in a lit wood burning fireplace. However, creosote is not the only reason you need St. John’s Chimney Sweeps.
Check Chimney for Cracks
Before that first fire of the winter season, check the chimney with binoculars. Look for the chimney structure for cracks, loose bricks or missing mortar. Moreover, you should check your chimney liner for signs of deterioration. Cracks and spalling on the chimney exterior indicate chimney deterioration, so check your chimney crown or have a professional take a look. St John’s Chimney Sweeps can inspect the chimney for cracks.
Cap It
Use a wire-mesh cap to cover the top of the chimney to keep birds, squirrels, rain and other debris from entering. The last thing you want while working your fireplace is to find some deceased animals coming down the flue. Caps can deteriorate over time, so be prepared to replace your rain cap if it’s corroded or been damaged by weather. Caps come in different sizes, so make sure it fits snuggly on the chimney top.
Damper
The damper is a movable plate that sits above the fireplace before the flue. Make sure the fireplace damper is working properly. There should be no debris preventing it from opening and closing. This is a critical step in understanding how to start a fire in a fireplace safely.
Trim Limbs
Make sure there are no overhanging tree limbs encroaching on the chimney, and if so, trim or prune those limbs. Limbs can present a fire hazard by restricting the proper draft airflow in your fireplace.
Ashes
Another important step to knowing how to work a fireplace is to make sure all ashes are cleaned out of the firebox before you start stacking wood for that first fire. Simply sweep the cold ashes and dispose of them outside. However, you may want to keep a few ashes around to help build a fire in your fireplace. Be aware that coals can remain hot for up to three days, which can become a fire hazard if they come in contact with flammable materials. Always use a fireplace screen to protect your home from ash splashes.
Fireplace Guard
To prevent hot embers from getting out, use a metal-mesh screen or glass fireplace doors. Don’t burn wood in your fireplace without a guard. Glass doors will need to be cleaned regularly too as they tend to get a bit dingy looking over time.
Alarms
Before starting a fire, make sure all of your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are working. Check the battery monthly and change the battery twice a year when spring forward and fall back occurs (Daylight Savings Time).
Test Function
Test your fireplaces’ function by lighting a few small pieces of seasoned wood. Light the wood from the top down. If smoke doesn’t exit vertically from the fireplace into the chimney and instead enters the room, troubleshoot to correct any problems. This is key to help you understand how to properly work a fireplace. Problems can include creosote buildup, debris in the chimney such as birds or nests, or a closed or partially closed damper. Additionally, if your home is tightly sealed for energy conservation, the smoke may draft into the home. Simply open a window a little bit to provide the intake air needed to make the smoke goes up the chimney. Once the fire is burning brightly, you can close the window again.
Wood
Choose dense wood such as oak. Wood should be split and stored in a high and dry place for at least six months. Green woods, such as pine, are not recommended for a wood burning fireplace since they can produce more creosote.
Small Fire
Small fireplace fires generate less smoke and create less creosote buildup. When building a fire, put the logs toward the rear of the wood-burning fireplace and be sure to use kindling to start the fire. Never use flammable liquid to start a fire in the home.
Air
To get the most out of your fire, run ceiling fans clockwise on low speeds to redirect the warm air from the ceiling into the living space. Circulating the air keeps the entire room warm instead of pockets of warmth.
Fireplace Sweeping in Mercer County
Contact us
St John Chimney Sweeps Address 1613 Reed Rd D1, Pennington, NJ 08534
Website http://www.stjohnchimneysweeps.com/ Phone Number: (609) 737-0133
Email: stjohnchimneysweeps@verizon.net Proudly Serving Mercer County, Somerset County, Hunterdon County, & Surrounding Areas
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by admin | Nov 25, 2025 | Mercer County Chimney Sweep, NJ Chimney Sweep, St John Chimney Podcast
If you are lucky enough to have a fireplace in your home, now winter is here, you are probably enjoying it daily. There is nothing quite like coming home through wind and snow to the crackle and cheer of a roaring fire. A fireplace creates warmth, comfort, and adds a cozy glow to the room. If you are using your fireplace more, however, you are using your chimney more. If you do have a fireplace, and consequently, a chimney, make sure your chimney is clean and safe this winter season. A reputable chimney sweep and repair company inspects, cleans, and makes any necessary repairs to your chimney. A chimney sweep company inspects the chimney and the chimney caps. Why is cleaning of chimney caps important? Chimney caps keep out unwanted animals and debris, keeping your chimney clear. So for chimney and cap inspection, contact local West Windsor chimney sweeps today.
West Windsor Chimney Sweeps | Regular Inspections
A bright fire blazing in a fireplace can be an object of beauty and comfort. A fire in the chimney, on the other hand, is a scary prospect. Over time, creosote can build up in the chimney, becoming a potential fire hazard. An increase of soot can block the flue, making the outside release of carbon monoxide fumes difficult. Buildup of excessive soot and creosote can have a negative impact on chimney masonry, too. All these factors increase the possibility of a chimney fire. Regular chimney and chimney cap inspections performed by a professional chimney sweep can prevent chimney fires.
West Windsor Chimney Sweeps | Chimney Caps to Keep Chimney Clear
One purpose of a chimney cap is to keep the chimney free from small animals and leaves and small sticks. When you have a mesh cover over the cap, it can keep small mammals and birds from nesting inside the chimney. Birds and squirrels, especially, are apt to building cozy nests where people would rather they didn’t. Nesting materials can block the flue, becoming a fire hazard, or a blocked smoke hazard. It’s even worse if an animal dies in the chimney. Even without animals helping, debris like dead leaves and pine cones can find their way into the chimney.
West Windsor Chimney Sweeps | Chimney Caps to Keep Moisture Out
Chimney caps are not only beneficial for keeping animals and debris out of your chimney. Precipitation from rain and snow can fall into the top of your chimney. While this does not sound too detrimental, it can cause moisture to seep into your home. Constant freezing and thawing of moisture can cause stress to masonry and chimney linings. Rainwater coming down the chimney can damage liners and dampers. Unchecked moisture in your home can cause mildew to grow, and masonry to weaken. This unwanted moisture can cause wet patches on interior walls and ceilings, but chimney caps can prevent this.
Chimney caps are not a huge investment or improvement project, and the benefits speak for themselves. They keep invading animals from nesting in your chimney. Buildup of nesting materials can block flues, and become a fire hazard. Their new habitation might also invite other small mammals to join the party. Other rodents can smell the food stored in your chimney, and come and take up residence in your home. Chimney caps keep rain and snow from seeping into your chimney, and into your home. Regular chimney inspections can keep your chimney clear year round. You want your family to be safe and warm, and regular chimney maintenance does both. Call West Windsor chimney sweeps to schedule a chimney and chimney cap inspection today.
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