Need Your Fireplace Serviced or Repaired in Bernardsville? Call Highpoint Chimney Services Today

When the weather is nice, Bernardsville has a lot of great options for locals in the area. You could check out The Cross Estate Gardens, look for good deals at the Bernardsville Farmers’ Market, or spend an afternoon exploring Scherman Hoffman Wildlife Sanctuary.

But if a look at the forecast reveals cold winds, rain, or (when the season’s right) snow, then none of those outdoor activities will seem too appealing. In fact, even a trip to the library, post office, or grocery store might feel like too much.

The good news is that, if you have a fireplace in your home, the day isn’t lost. Simply get some flames going, sit back, and enjoy your favorite hobby, whether it’s reading a good book, watching your favorite movie, doing a puzzle, or something else.

And if your fireplace is in need of maintenance, trust our crew for repairs, sweepings, inspections, and more. We’re proud to serve homeowners all throughout Middlesex, Hunterdon, and Somerset counties.

Our Chimney & Fireplace Services Cover It All

Our list of services and products is comprehensive, ensuring homeowners throughout the area don’t need to rely on anyone else for any and all of their fireplace or chimney needs. Rely on us for any of the following:

Your damper is closed.

Sometimes, the only reason your fireplace is smoking is because you forgot to open the damper. While the problem led to an unpleasant scenario, it’s at least an easy one to fix. Just open your damper, and you’ll be all set.

Your chimney is clogged.

This is one of the biggest reasons chimneys send smoke back into your living space. Either your system is clogged up with outside debris or animals, or it could be that creosote has built up enough that your airflow is affected. Regardless of your situation, getting a sweep in to clear things out is a must.

Your home is too tight.

Nowadays, people strive to keep their homes as well-insulated as possible. It’s understandable – who doesn’t want to conserve energy and save on their monthly bills? Unfortunately, this can cause problems if you have a wood fireplace.

As air escapes your chimney, make-up air needs to come from somewhere else to keep things balanced out. If not enough air is getting back in, then your fireplace will backdraft, and you’ll get smoke in your home. A quick fix would be to open a window, but if you need longer-term solutions, talk with us about your make-up air options.

Your fireplace and/or chimney isn’t the right size.

Sometimes chimneys are too tall (or not tall enough), while other times the fireplace opening is too large. Whatever the case, it will have an impact on how easily smoke can travel out of your home and, for many, this results in a smoky living space.

Sometimes this can be resolved by installing glass doors or a smoke guard, but other times a rebuild or restoration job will be in order. Reach out today so we can see your situation and figure out the next best steps for moving forward.

You don’t have a chimney cap.

A capless chimney can result in winds and downdrafts swooping through the flue and pushing smoke back into your household. It can also leave your system open to buildup, which would create clogs. No chimney should be without a chimney cap, so call us in to have one properly fitted if this is the case for you.

Can I Reduce the Amount of Smoke My Fireplace Produces?

While some smoky fireplace issues require the help of a professional to resolve, there are things you can do, as a homeowner, to reduce the amount of smoke your fires produce and to try and send the fumes in the right direction.

Smoky Fireplace FAQs

We could talk about smoke risks and prevention for ages, but let’s start by getting some of your basic questions covered. If your concerns weren’t addressed above, we hope the following answers help. If not, give us a call. We’re always here to address any needs or concerns of the clients we serve.

What should I do if my fireplace is smoking?

If your fireplace is smoking a lot, we suggest opening a window to introduce some make-up air, then stop putting your fireplace to use immediately. Unless you know the issue was caused by something easily resolved (like a closed chimney damper or cold flue), then having a tech in to look things over is your next best step.

How can I tell if my chimney is blocked?

You can start with trying to get a good look up the flue yourself. Shine a flashlight into your chimney and see if you can see signs of buildup or visible debris. Another indication is a smoky or campfire-like smell entering your living space. If you notice these odors near your fireplace, it’s likely that a sweeping is in order.

All that said, the most accurate way to note buildup is by having a professional look things over. If you’re concerned, have our techs come out for an inspection, after which we can perform any cleaning or sweeping services, as needed.

Should I put my fireplace to use if it’s consistently producing smoke?

No. If your fireplace is smoking and sending fumes back into your living space, this is a clear sign that your chimney is either clogged or damaged. Putting it to use could greatly increase your risk of experiencing a chimney fire – and it’s bound to make any existing issues worse too. Get a sweep out to look things over before lighting any more fires.

Remember that smoke in your space can also have serious health impacts on those in the home, especially if they already have respiratory issues, like allergies or asthma.

Can I clean my chimney myself to help reduce smoke?

This isn’t a practice we would recommend. Not only does cleaning or sweeping your own chimney involve a lot of work and the use of appropriate products, it can also be extremely messy, and exposure to all of that soot and creosote can put your health at risk too.

In addition, if this job isn’t done up to professional standards, your risk of experiencing clogs and chimney fires will still be present. A certified sweep knows what to look for and how to get the job done thoroughly, without missing spots or cutting corners in the process. Get the peace of mind you deserve by trusting us from the start.

Do regular inspections reduce the risk of a smoky fireplace?

Absolutely. In fact, chimneys should be inspected at least once a year to avoid this issue and others. We suggest booking this maintenance in late spring or early summer to avoid scheduling delays and to leave ample time for repairs, should they be needed. As an added plus, warmer conditions tend to be better for completing chimney repair services, ensuring they last and stand the test of time.

We’re Here to Help With All of Your Chimney & Fireplace Needs

When it comes to troubleshooting fireplace issues, having professional eyes on the job is a must. Many chimney problems, like leaks, smoke in your space, foul chimney odors, and more, have numerous potential causes, and getting to the root of the issue quickly is imperative for preventing more damage down the line.

If you’re in the area, trust our experts from the start, so you have less to worry about later on. If you’re ready to get an appointment booked, give us a call at 908-864-4114 or schedule online with us today.

There’s a lot to like about living in Flemington, including being within the service area covered by the pros here at Highpoint Chimney Services.