Frequently Asked Questions

We set up protective coverings, run a rotary brush and vacuum system up your flue to remove soot and creosote, then send a camera through to inspect the liner, joints, and masonry. The whole process takes about 60 to 90 minutes for a standard fireplace flue. You'll get photos and a written report before we leave. In Bedford Hills and Golden's Bridge, where many homes have older masonry chimneys, we pay particular attention to mortar deterioration and flue tile cracks.

Most cleanings take 60 to 90 minutes. A heavily clogged flue or a chimney with multiple appliances connected might run closer to two hours. We don't rush. The 400th job gets the care of the first - that's our Every time value. We'll tell you the expected timeframe when you book, and we'll be there when we say.

The National Fire Protection Association recommends annual inspection, with cleaning as needed. Most Bedford homeowners who burn regularly during winter need a sweep every year. If you only use your fireplace occasionally, you might stretch to every two years, but we still recommend the annual camera inspection. Spring and early fall book up fastest in northern Westchester - call ahead.

No. We lay down drop cloths, seal the fireplace opening with a vacuum attachment, and contain the soot at the source. Our rotary system pulls debris directly into a HEPA vacuum. We've cleaned chimneys in historic homes throughout Armonk and Pleasantville without leaving a trace. Your home first - we work in your house the way we'd work in our mother's.

Clear the hearth area of decorative items and remove any ashes more than a day old. Don't use the fireplace for 24 hours before we arrive. Make sure we have access to the chimney exterior if it's on the roof. That's it. We'll handle the rest.

We install quality components from Gelco, Olympia Chimney, and Famco - brands we've found hold up to the freeze-thaw cycles and acidic flue gases common in Westchester County heating systems. We don't use bargain-bin materials that'll fail in five years. Krafted right means proper materials, no shortcuts.

Usually yes. We carry common fittings and can source matching components from our suppliers. For older chimneys in Thornwood and Hawthorne, sometimes we need to fabricate or adapt. We'll show you exactly what we're proposing and why before any work begins.

Yes. A proper cap keeps rain, animals, and debris out of your flue, and a functioning damper seals it when not in use. We install stainless steel and copper caps, including models from Copperfield. During your sweep, we'll check your existing cap and damper and let you know if they're doing their job.

Every professional working under our name is required to hold the license and insurance New York requires for chimney work. We carry general liability coverage, and our sweeps are trained to CSIA (Chimney Safety Institute of America) standards. We're happy to provide proof of insurance upon request.

Most chimney repairs in the Town of Bedford require a building permit, especially if we're modifying the structure or replacing a liner. We know the local permit process and can handle the paperwork as part of your project. In Yorktown Heights and Jefferson Valley-Yorktown, requirements may differ slightly by municipality - we'll clarify what's needed for your specific address.

A level-2 inspection is a camera examination of the entire flue interior, required by NFPA when you're buying or selling a home, after a chimney fire, or when changing your heating appliance. It's more thorough than a basic visual check. Every sweep we perform includes this level-2 camera inspection at no extra charge, because a surface look isn't enough to catch hidden damage.

A chimney fire often sounds like a freight train or low-flying aircraft, with dense smoke and a strong hot smell. You may see flames or glowing at the top of the chimney. If you suspect a chimney fire, call 911 first, then call us after the fire department clears the scene. Do not use the chimney until it's been inspected - the damage can be hidden inside the flue. Our phone is answered 24/7.

Yes. A blocked flue, cracked liner, or damaged chimney can allow carbon monoxide to back up into your living space. This is odorless and deadly. Symptoms include headache, dizziness, nausea, and confusion. If your CO detector alarms, leave the house and call 911. After the emergency passes, we'll inspect your chimney to find and fix the source. Annual sweeping and inspection is your best prevention.

Our phone is answered 24/7, and we'll respond as quickly as we can to genuine emergencies - chimney fires, suspected CO leaks, and sudden blockages. We don't promise same-day arrival, but we prioritize safety situations and will get a trained sweep to your home in Bedford, Katonah, or surrounding areas as soon as possible. For routine cleanings, booking ahead gets you the best availability.

Don't try to smoke them out. Call us. In Valhalla and Pleasantville, we regularly remove squirrel and raccoon nests, and we know when a chimney cap installation will prevent recurrence. If there are active young in the nest, there are legal restrictions on removal - we'll advise you on timing and handle it properly.

We stand behind our work with The Keystone Standard: 90 days, in writing, no arguing. If something isn't right, we come back and fix it. No paperwork battles, no runaround. For liner installations and major repairs, warranty terms vary by component and are detailed in your written estimate. We explain everything before you sign.

We show you the camera photos and explain exactly what we're seeing. Some cracks are cosmetic and can be monitored. Others need immediate attention. We never recommend work without evidence you can see for yourself, and we'll tell you plainly when something can wait. That's the square deal. If you want a second opinion, we encourage it.

No honest sweep can guarantee that. What we guarantee is that we'll do the work properly, document what we find, and tell you the truth about your chimney's condition. Regular cleaning dramatically reduces fire risk by removing creosote buildup, but safe burning practices - dry seasoned wood, proper air supply - matter too. We'll educate you on both.

Call us. Standing behind it is one of our K.E.Y.S. values. If the work wasn't done right, we'll make it right. If we missed something, we'll come back. We've been serving Bedford since 2014 because we treat people fairly and fix our mistakes. That's how you stay in business for the long haul.

Written by Russell Haines, Owner at Hearthstone Chimney Co., serving Bedford since 2014.