Thumbing through a home improvement magazine of any kind is bound to provide readers with endless photos of stunning interiors and wild concept plans, but just as important as beautiful design are security and safety. Chimney Guards New Jersey provides both with roofing, chimney, fireplace and masonry services.

Maintenance
Proper chimney maintenance is crucial, as mismanagement and neglect can lead to dangerous, expensive incidents. 

“Without proper chimney maintenance, homeowners can face serious dangers and costly issues, including fire hazards, carbon monoxide leaks, structural damage and costly repairs, poor fireplace efficiency, and an unpleasant odor and indoor air pollution,” says Amarildo Nika, general manager of Chimney Guards NJ. 

The National Fire Protection Association recommends getting your fireplace and chimney inspected and cleaned at least once a year to ensure everything is working safely and efficiently. 

“Even if the fireplace is rarely used, an annual inspection is still recommended to check for blockages, animal nests or structural damage,” says Nika. “Inspections and cleanings are needed to prevent creosote buildup, which can lead to chimney fires.”

And despite their more modern nature, gas fireplaces also need routine maintenance. 

“While they produce less creosote, gas fireplaces still require yearly inspections to check for venting issues, carbon monoxide leaks and proper functionality,” continues Nika. 

Yearly or even biannual inspections are vital, as passing inspections can ease homeowners’ anxieties. Inspections that uncover issues can save a lot of time, money and maybe even a life once they’re resolved.

Service  
In addition to chimney sweeping, there may come a time when your chimney or fireplace need more serious repairs through masonry work or replacing a chimney liner. Chimney Guards NJ can assist with both. 

A chimney liner protects the walls of your chimney from the heat and combustible materials of a fireplace, ensuring that smoke and gases travel safely through the top. There are three different types of chimney liners: stainless steel, clay tile and aluminum. 

Stainless steel is the best overall choice as it is extremely durable, resistant to heat, moisture and corrosion, and works with all fuel types. Nowadays, it’s often used in replacement liners and new installations. Clay tile liners are a traditional option, but require frequent inspection to ensure their functionality. Aluminum liners, however, are rarely the best choice due to short lifespans and are only usable in gas fireplaces. 

“Chimney liners don’t last forever and should be replaced when they show signs of damage, deterioration or inefficiency. The lifespan depends on the material,” says Nika. “Stainless steel liners can last up to 50 years with proper maintenance and some even come with lifetime warranties. Clay tile liners can last up to 30 years, but heat and moisture leave them prone to cracking. Aluminum liners will only last five to 10 years.”

Beyond chimney liners, masonry can play a big role in the service of your chimney and fireplace—and there are a lot of decisions to be made. 

Choosing what materials to use depends on homeowners’ preferences. The desired aesthetic, climate of the home and budget are all important considerations. 

Stone and brick require less maintenance, offer better traditional aesthetics and hold up better in cold, wet climates, but they’re more expensive than stucco. Stucco offers a more modern look with varied textures, though requires more frequent maintenance. 

“The bottom line is that brick is best for a classic, durable look with moderate maintenance. Stone is ideal for those looking for luxury, durability and a unique, natural finish, but comes at a higher price tag,” says Nika. “Stucco is best for homeowners on a budget or those wanting a customizable, lighter material.”

Determining the need for a rebuild over a repair also depends on several factors. Severe water damage, structural damage, safety concerns and a compromised chimney liner are some of the factors experts consider to determine if a rebuild is required. Smaller repairs such as repointing or replacing a chimney liner may also be options if issues are discovered early. 

A Family Business  
Founded more than 10 years ago, Chimney Guards NJ has been a family business from the start. Word of mouth and positive referrals allowed the business to grow from one or two family members handling inspections, cleanings and minor repairs to a flourishing business with expanded capabilities. Now offering masonry services, chimney relining and full chimney rebuildings, the Chimney Guards family continues to grow in both training and experience—all aimed at providing customers with the best level of service available. 

“Working with a family-owned business comes with several benefits, including personalized service, expanded expertise and experience, trust and reputation, consistency, flexibility and customization options, accountability and an ability to support the local economy,” says Nika. “Serving homeowners year after year, Chimney Guards NJ has become a well-known and respected name in the local chimney service industry.”

Chimney Guards NJ
Emerson, N.J.
(862) 333-9555
Info@ChimneyGuardsNJ.com
ChimneyGuardsNJ.com

Published (and copyrighted) in House & Home, Volume 25, Issue 2 (January/February 2025)
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