Huntington Homeowners Can Turn To Gold Medal Chimney for Regular Chimney Maintenance & Repairs
Huntington is a community known for its rich culture, lively events, and iconic attractions like the Huntington Lighthouse and the Huntington Summer Arts Festival. From enjoying live performances at The Paramount to exploring the exhibits at the Heckscher Museum of Art, Huntington offers countless reasons to love calling this area home. But while you’re taking in all this town has to offer, it’s easy to overlook the importance of maintaining a critical part of your home: your chimney.
A well-functioning chimney is essential for keeping your home safe and comfortable, especially during those cool Huntington evenings when you’d rather stay in than venture out. Just as the Huntington Lighthouse Music Festival is a cherished local tradition, routine chimney maintenance should be a regular part of your home care plan.
Gold Medal Chimney is here to help Huntington homeowners protect their chimneys with expert inspections, cleanings, and repairs. Whether your home is near the buzz of downtown or tucked away closer to the waterfront, our team understands the challenges that local homes face and is ready to provide top-notch chimney care. Call us now at 516-265-8005 or click here to request an appointment online.
What Fireplace & Chimney Services Do We Offer?
Gold Medal is Huntington’s premier chimney and fireplace servicing provider. We’re proud to offer the following services to homeowners in Huntington:
Can I Roast Marshmallows or Prepare Other Food in My Fireplace?
Roasting marshmallows indoors by the fireplace might seem like a cozy and convenient hack to camping, especially on those colder Huntington evenings. However, burning anything other than properly seasoned firewood in your fireplace can lead to serious problems. Burning food, like marshmallows, can leave behind residues that clog your chimney, accelerate creosote buildup, and release harmful chemicals into the air.
Creosote is a flammable substance that naturally forms when wood burns. Burning anything other than dry, seasoned firewood can significantly increase creosote buildup within your chimney system. This excess creosote can make the risk of a dangerous chimney fire much more likely. You should also keep in mind that sugary substances like those found in marshmallows can leave behind sticky residues that are difficult to clean and may attract pests.
-Michael F.
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Is There a Difference Between How Chimneys Are Built in Cold Climates Versus Warm Climates?
While the core structure of chimneys is generally consistent across climates, cold regions like Huntington subject chimneys to unique challenges, particularly the freeze/thaw cycle. This process occurs when water seeps into small cracks or pores in the masonry. As temperatures drop, the trapped water freezes, expands, and causes the masonry to crack further. The cycle repeats continuously over time and can significantly weaken your chimney’s structure, leading to issues such as crumbling mortar, spalling bricks, or even complete structural failure.
Proper maintenance – including waterproofing and prompt repairs to cracks or gaps – can minimize damage from freezing and thawing. Professional inspections are crucial for identifying early signs of deterioration, such as flaking bricks or eroded mortar joints, before they lead to more costly repairs. By addressing these vulnerabilities promptly, you can help your chimney stand strong against Huntington’s cold winters.
Why Do Some Chimneys Smell Worse After a Rainstorm?
If you’ve noticed unpleasant odors coming from your chimney after it rains, it’s not your imagination. Rainwater can react with creosote, soot, and other debris inside your chimney, releasing strong, unpleasant smells. These odors can range from a smoky, tar-like scent to a musty smell caused by dampness.
When water enters your chimney, it creates the perfect environment for mold and mildew to grow. This not only intensifies the odor but can also pose health risks to you and your family. If your chimney liner or masonry is damaged, rainwater can seep deeper into the chimney structure, worsening the problem.
Preventing these issues often starts with a properly installed and intact chimney cap. A chimney cap keeps water out while allowing smoke to escape, protecting your home from both unpleasant odors and structural damage. Regular chimney cleanings and inspections are also essential to maintain a fresh-smelling and properly functioning chimney.
Could My Chimney Be an Entryway for Critters or Pests, Like Raccoons or Bats?
You might not think of your chimney as anything other than a vent for your hearth appliance, but it may as well be a five-star hotel to raccoons, birds, bats, and other small animals. Damaged or missing chimney caps, deteriorated flashing, or gaps in the masonry create easy access points for these unwanted guests. Once inside, they build nests, leave behind droppings, or even become trapped, leading to unpleasant odors and potential health hazards.
The good news is that keeping animals out of your chimney is relatively easy. A sturdy, securely installed chimney cap acts as a barrier, preventing animals from entering while allowing your chimney to function properly. Repairing any issues with your flashing or masonry ensures there are no gaps for curious critters to exploit.
Scheduling regular chimney inspections with Gold Medal Chimney allows us to identify and address potential vulnerabilities before they become a problem. With the right preventive measures, you can protect your chimney and home from unwelcome animal intrusions.
Protect Your Huntington Home With Gold Medal Chimney
Gold Medal Chimney proudly serves the Huntington community, providing expert chimney maintenance services designed to keep your home safe and your fireplace functioning the way it was intended. Whether it’s removing dangerous creosote buildup, implementing waterproofing measures to prevent freeze/thaw damage, or installing a chimney cap to deter pests and protect your home from the elements, our team has the expertise to address all your chimney concerns. Give us a call today at 516-265-8005 to book an appointment or contact our team online.
Gold Medal Chimney provides expert chimney services in Smithtown and throughout the Long Island region. Check out our full service area.