The Go-To Chimney Sweep for Maple Shade’s Brick and Masonry Homes

If it’s been that long, it’s likely packed with creosote, a sticky, flammable tar that builds up from wood smoke. In older homes with brick chimneys, creosote can coat the flue all the way up, sometimes even clogging the liner. We’ve seen chimneys in this area where the buildup was so thick it took two sweeps to clear it. The good news? A thorough cleaning will restore your fireplace’s efficiency and safety. We’ll also check for cracks in the masonry or damage to the liner that might need repair.

Not normal, but common in older brick chimneys. The top of your chimney, especially the crown, takes a beating from rain, snow, and freeze-thaw cycles. If the mortar is crumbling or bricks are missing chunks, water could be seeping in and weakening the structure. We’ll inspect it during your sweep and recommend repairs if needed. Ignoring it could lead to bigger problems down the road, like a collapsed flue or even a chimney fire.

Absolutely. Many older homes in Maple Shade have original clay flues that are still intact, but if they’re cracked or deteriorating, a new stainless steel liner is the best fix. We use flexible liners that fit inside the existing chimney without damaging the brickwork. It’s a cleaner, more durable solution than rebuilding the entire chimney, and it’s what we’ve done for dozens of historic homes in this area.

If your dryer’s still slow, the vent is likely partially blocked with lint or even crushed foil ducting. Over time, lint compresses into a dense plug, and older homes often have sharp turns or poorly installed vents that trap debris. We use a high-powered vacuum to clear out every inch of the vent, including the ductwork inside your walls. A properly cleaned vent should dry a load in 45 minutes or less, if not, there might be a deeper issue like a collapsed duct.

Yes, especially if your chimney’s not properly sealed. Rainwater can seep through cracks in the masonry or around the flashing, then freeze and expand in winter, causing bricks to crack or mortar to crumble. We always check for water damage during a sweep and recommend repointing or waterproofing if needed. A well-maintained chimney in this area can last decades longer with the right care.

A sweep cleans the flue and removes creosote, while an inspection checks for structural issues like cracks, damaged liners, or blockages. For older homes, we recommend both, especially if you haven’t had work done in years. During an inspection, we’ll look at the masonry, the liner, the damper, and even the roof flashing. If we find problems, we’ll tell you exactly what needs fixing before they become expensive repairs.

A liner should last 15-20 years, but in older homes, rust, cracks, or sagging can happen sooner. We’ll check for gaps, holes, or signs of deterioration during your sweep. If the liner’s compromised, replacing it is safer than risking a chimney fire. We use high-quality stainless steel liners that fit snugly inside your existing chimney, so you won’t lose any of your historic brickwork.

Even if you burn wood infrequently, creosote still builds up. In older chimneys, it can accumulate faster because the flue isn’t always warm enough to burn it off. We’ve seen chimneys in this area that were only used seasonally but had dangerous buildup. A yearly sweep keeps your fireplace safe and ready when you do use it, and it’s the best way to catch small issues before they turn into big repairs.