Middlesex's Safety-First Chimney Experts

No — and this is one of the most common fire-risk scenarios we encounter. After extended dormancy, chimneys can harbor animal nests, deteriorated mortar, cracked liners, or moisture damage, any of which makes lighting a fire hazardous. A Level I inspection before first use after a long break is the safest and most responsible step you can take.

Smoky odors without recent use typically point to creosote volatilizing in warm weather, a compromised damper allowing downdrafts, or moisture mixing with old soot deposits. Each cause carries its own risk profile — some are simple fixes, some signal structural issues. A professional inspection will identify the specific source and the correct remedy.

Yes, absolutely. A CO alarm during fireplace use is a serious warning that combustion gases are not drafting properly up and out of your home. Possible causes include a blocked or damaged flue, a deteriorated liner, or negative pressure pulling gases back indoors. Evacuate immediately, ventilate, and call Steves & Sons at (973) 995-9628 before using the fireplace again.

New Jersey's extended heating season means Middlesex fireplaces typically accumulate significant creosote levels between September and April. The NFPA recommends annual cleaning for regularly used fireplaces, but heavy users — those burning more than two cords of wood per season — often benefit from a mid-season check. More burning means faster buildup and higher chimney-fire risk.

Clay tile liners installed in the 1960s are likely approaching or past their functional lifespan, particularly if the chimney has experienced any chimney fires — even small ones most homeowners never notice. Cracked tile liners are a primary pathway for carbon monoxide intrusion and chimney fire spread. A camera inspection will tell you definitively what condition yours is in.

Not necessarily. Different fuels produce different combustion byproducts and require specific appliance and venting configurations. Switching fuel types without a professional assessment can void warranties, violate building code, and create dangerous draft problems. A Level II inspection is required by NFPA 211 when fuel type changes, and Steves & Sons can advise on any liner or appliance upgrades needed.

A Level II inspection includes everything in Level I plus video scanning of the full flue interior using a camera system that reveals cracks, blockages, liner deterioration, and construction defects invisible from above or below. Yes, it is required by NFPA 211 at the time of sale. Middlesex buyers and their attorneys increasingly request this documentation — and for good reason.

Very urgent. An uncapped flue is immediately exposed to rain, which accelerates liner and mortar deterioration, and to wildlife seeking a nesting site. Even a single season without a cap can cause meaningful moisture damage and introduce blockages. Steves & Sons can install a correctly fitted, storm-rated stainless-steel cap quickly — call (973) 995-9628 to get it scheduled before your first fire.