A Fiddler on the Roof

Services A Fiddler on the Roof Offers

Level one inspection This is a visual inspection of the readily accessible areas of the chimney structure and flue. The chimney sweep will be able to give you a basic condition report after this inspection. We inspect the readily accessible areas of the chimney in the living area and at the exterior of the home. Some of the areas covered are the firebox, damper, and smoke chamber. Outside, the spark arrester will be checked to make sure it does not restrict the draft, and that it meets local building codes. The structure will be checked for basic soundness and any evidence of deterioration. This inspection should be done every one to three years.

LEVEL TWO INSPECTION
This is the inspection recommended before modifications, during a change in property ownership, or after a chimney fire, or earthquake. We use a closed circuit camera system and/or smoke testing, and the visual inspection may be used to complete a Level Two Inspection. The camera is used to inspect the condition of the interior of the flue. The chimney may also be smoke tested to check for leaks. You will receive a detailed written report outlining any areas of concern.

CHIMNEY SWEEPING
Keeping your chimney clear of combustion deposits will assure your chimney operates efficiently, while limiting your exposure to a chimney fire; an uncontrolled 2000 degree fire inside your chimney. Our trained sweeps will mask off the fireplace opening, a vacuum will be running inside the firebox, and a drop cloth will be placed on the floor. The soot and creosote deposits are scraped off the walls of the flue and the smoke chamber with brushes attached to flexible poles. The damper, smoke shelf, and hearth are cleaned of any debris. Our methods insure that there is no mess in your home, in fact we guarantee it. The cleaning may take up to an hour, and should be done every one to three years depending on use, or when you move into a new home.

CAP/SPARK ARRESTERS
A masonry chimney should have a flue or rain cap installed on top. The expanded metal spark arrester meets California code requirements. The spark arrester will stop large burning embers from escaping the chimney and it will also keep animals and debris from getting into the chimney. On top of the wire mesh box sits a metal lid to keep out rain water. It is essential to keep the rain water out of your chimney; it can cause an odor when it mixes with soot, when mixed with soot it creates an acid that breaks down mortar, and it can drip on the damper-causing it to rust and warp. Metal flue pipe should also have the proper manufacturer specified spark arrester/ termination installed on top.

DAMPERS
A chimney without a damper is costing you money - as much as 30% of your heat and air conditioning can go up the chimney. We can provide a top damper that fits into a flue cap. This stainless steel damper easily opens and closes with a spring loaded pull chain mounted on the firebox wall. We also install blade dampers in the throat of the chimney.

Log Lighters
This gas fueled rigid pipe supplying heat to your wood can really make getting your fire started easy. We install and/or replace ones that have worn out.

Masonry Repairs
We provide a full spectrum of masonry repairs; including exterior tuck pointing, crown wash repairs/replacements, and replacing those worn out firebox bricks with new extruded fire brick.