A chimney is a structure for venting hot gases or smoke from a boiler, stove, furnace or fireplace to the outside atmosphere. Chimneys are typically vertical, or as near as possible to vertical, to ensure that the gases flow unobstructed.

The 2 most common types of chimneys are masonry chimneys and factory chimneys. Masonry chimneys are usually constructed of brick, concrete block, or stone. These are generally found in older/historic homes, or for those who are interested in a more traditional look. Factory chimneys, as the name suggests, are built in a factory and then assembled and installed at the job site. The most common types of factory chimneys are double-wall, air cooled, air insulated, or combination. Double wall chimneys feature two separate layers of metal that have some type of insulation between them. Air cooled chimneys include two, three, or more layers of metal with air in between each to allow heat to dissipate. Air-insulated chimneys are similar to the air-cooled design, except they are constructed for minimal movement of air between the layers, so the air acts as an insulator instead of drawing heat away. Lastly, combination chimneys incorporate different components of the other 3 types.

Chimney Components

The basic components of a chimney are the aluminum or stainless steel chimney flue, flue liner, cap, and cleanout door. The vertical pipes you can see from the outside are the flues. Inside of each flue are the flue liners, which are designed for safety, easy cleaning, and performance. The cap covers the last flue and keeps rainwater, animals, and debris from entering the system. Finally the cleanout door, which is located at the base of each flue, allows access so that any accumulated soot and debris can be removed. While there are advantages and limitations to each kind, generally speaking masonry chimneys incorporate traditional beauty that many homeowners want, while factory chimneys offer a non-masonry option that often proves easier to install at a lower price. Keep in mind that some types of chimneys are designed only for appliances that burn certain fuels.

Chimney Maintenance

At least once each year you should have your chimney checked and cleaned if necessary, by a chimney professional. If you heat with wood, or if special circumstances of your chimney system warrant it, you should have the chimney checked more frequently. Long, slow burns or the use of green or wet wood can create deposits very quickly, especially in older, less efficient stoves. These deposits if left unchecked can lead to chimney fires. Chimney fires can reach temperatures in excess of 2000 degrees and can either burn your house down, cause costly damage to the flue liners, or create hidden fire damage. Another potential danger found specifically in masonry chimneys, is the fall hazard from deteriorated brick or stone. Depending on the height of the chimney and/or the size of the debris, concussions or even death can occur. Homeowners should visually inspect their chimneys to look for any obvious defects, and have questions ready when they meet with their contractor. Something as simple as a chimney flashing repair, a brick chimney repair, or the early diagnosis of a chimney leak can save thousands of dollars in the future.

Chimney Expertise

New Jersey Certified Roofing is an expert in chimney installation and diagnosing chimney problems.  We perform chimney rebuilds and chimney restoration as well. We use quality chimney products from manufacturers like Copperfield Chimney Supply and Whitecaps Custom Chimney Caps.

New Jersey Certified Roofing is dedicated to serving property owners in Northern and Central Jersey including Essex, Bergen, Hudson, Passaic, Morris, Union, Warren, Sussex, Mercer, Middlesex, Burlington, Monmouth, and Somerset counties.

Make a well informed decision. Know beforehand:

 Do they have enough qualified, long-term experience?
Do they offer workmanship warranties that exceed industry norms?
Do they have proper roofing insurance?
Do they have a current New Jersey contractor license?
Do they offer 100% financing?
Do they have detailed written proposals with photos?
Do they have a quality assurance inspection process?
Do they have references from satisfied customers?
Do they use "green" certified and solar products?
Do they have sufficient office and repair staff for emergency service calls?

New Jersey Certified Roofing is fully licensed, bonded, and insured. We have over 6000 satisfied customers. We have 17 service vehicles available 6 days a week with a 24 hour emergency service available. In addition, we also offer 100% financing and accept all major credit/debit cards for payment.