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FAQ

Common Questions About Chimney Care

At High Rise Chimney, we know that fireplaces and chimneys can feel confusing, and sometimes even a little intimidating. That’s why we’ve put together answers to the questions we hear most often from homeowners. From how often to schedule a chimney sweep to what signs of damage to look for, these FAQs are here to give you peace of mind and help you make informed decisions about your chimney and fireplace.

If you don’t see your question here, just contact us, and we will do our best to answer any quetions you may have.

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At least twice a year when burning wood and once a year when burning smokeless fuels. The best times are just before heating season starts and after your stove has not been used for a prolonged period.
Yes. According to the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA), fireplaces and chimneys need cleaning when there is 1/8″ of creosote or soot buildup. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) also recommends annual chimney cleaning regardless of how often you use it.
Without cleaning, creosote builds up inside the flue. This highly flammable substance can ignite, causing a dangerous chimney fire that burns at over 2,000°F. Regular sweeping reduces this risk and keeps your home safe.
The best times are spring and summer, before the heating season begins. This way, your fireplace is clean, safe, and ready to use when cooler weather arrives.
Signs you may need relining include cracked flue tiles, missing mortar joints, water leaks inside the chimney, or evidence of a prior chimney fire. A chimney inspection will reveal liner issues and determine if a stainless steel liner is needed.
Stainless steel liners are the industry standard for safety, efficiency, and longevity. They work with wood, gas, pellet, or oil-burning systems and often come with lifetime warranties.
Yes. Moisture is one of the leading causes of chimney deterioration. Without proper waterproofing, chimney caps, and crown repairs, water infiltration can crack masonry, erode mortar joints, and cause expensive structural damage.
Absolutely. We install gas inserts, gas stoves, and gas log sets as well as traditional wood-burning options. Gas is a popular choice for homeowners who want convenience, efficiency, and a clean-burning flame.
In many cases, yes — particularly if you’ve experienced a chimney fire. Insurance may cover a new liner or repair costs, but coverage depends on your policy and circumstances. We can provide documentation for your insurance claim.
Most sweeping and inspections take 1–2 hours depending on the size and condition of the chimney. Relining or exterior repairs can take longer, but we always provide an estimate of time and cost before starting work.

Yes, water is one of the biggest threats to a chimney. Over time, rain, snow, and ice can seep into the brick and mortar, causing cracks, spalling, and even structural damage. Moisture can also lead to rust on metal components and create unsafe conditions inside your fireplace system.

When it comes to protecting your chimney, there’s an important difference between water repellant and waterproofing. A water repellant treatment allows the masonry to “breathe,” letting trapped moisture escape while still blocking new water from getting in. This is the recommended option for chimneys, because it prevents damage without sealing in harmful moisture. Full waterproofing, on the other hand, traps everything in — which can actually make problems worse over time.

That’s why professional-grade, vapor-permeable water repellants are the right choice to keep your chimney strong, safe, and long-lasting.

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