FAQs

• How often should I have my chimney/flue cleaned?
• What can I expect with an annual chimney/flue cleaning?
• Will having my chimney/flue cleaned get my house messy?
• Will FTI clean the ashpit too?
• How long does the annual chimneyflue cleaning take from start to finish?
• I heat with gas; should this chimney be checked too?
• How long has FTI been in business?
• I don't have a chimney/flue; so why would I need a chimney cleaning?
• My oil company cleans my chimney/flue. . .
• Does FTI clean both commercial and residential sites?
• What types of payment does FTI accept?
• What areas does FTI serve?
• Is FTI insured and licensed?
• Does FTI offer financing?

The National Fire Protection Association standard 211 says, "Chimneys, fireplaces, and vents shall be inspected at least once a year for soundness, freedom from deposits, and correct clearances. Cleaning, maintenance, and repairs shall be done if necessary." This is the national safety standard and is the correct way to approach the problem. It takes into account the fact that even if you don't use your chimney much, animals may build nests in the flue or there may be other types of deterioration that could make the chimney unsafe to use.

The Chimney Safety Institute of America recommends that open masonry fireplaces should be cleaned at 1/4" of sooty buildup, and sooner if there is any glaze present in the system. Factory-built fireplaces should be cleaned when any appreciable buildup occurs. This is considered to be enough fuel buildup to cause a chimney fire capable of damaging the chimney or spreading to the home.

We will clean all aspects of your fireplace, the firebox, smoke shelf, smoke chamber and the flue. After the cleaning is completed our technician will perform a full level 1 inspection (included in the price of the cleaning) and leave you a full report on anything suspicious.

VIDEO: Click here for a sweeping tutorial by CSIA

Absolutely not. We are professionals with professional tools. We will set up our high powered specially designed chimney vacuum in a way that will catch any falling debris and dust. And if necessary we will even lay down a tarp (to protect that newly cleaned carpet, or keep the old from looking worse).

Cleaning the ashpit is not included in the regular cleaning, but the technician can give you an estimate on-site.

Generally the cleaning takes approximately 30 to 45 minutes start to bill.

Without a doubt! Although gas is generally a clean burning fuel, the chimney can become non-functional from bird nests or other debris blocking the flue. Modern furnaces can also cause many problems with the average flues intended to vent the older generation of furnaces.

We have been serving the tri-state area since 1999.

You may not have a conventional fireplace chimney/flue but you most likely you do have a furnace chimney/flue for your boiler or heating system. That also needs to be inspected if not cleaned yearly.

Most oil companies do not clean the chimney/flue, in most cases they will not even look at it, so you may want to ask your service person the next time they come out to verify.

Yes! We work with residential and commercial applications for annual maintenance or major repairs or rebuilds. We frequently work with realtors as well on "for sale" or "sold" homes. See the types of inspections.

We accept most forms of payment, including personal checks, cash, Discover cards, American Express cards, Visa cards, and Mastercards.

We offer in house financing as well!

New York, New Jersey and Connecticut. Please call us to verify that we work in your area. There are some regional restrictions.

Absolutely we are! Our technicians will always have a copy of our current insurance (and license where applicable) on the truck for your inspection.

Yes we do! Click here for more information on financing.