The short answer
A chimney sweep in Times Square removes creosote, soot and debris from apartment fireplace flues and building boiler chimneys, then checks the system for damage. The NFPA 211 standard calls for a yearly inspection, and building chimneys are best cleaned before New York City's heat season starts on October 1.
Most people think of Times Square as a commercial district, but people live here too. They live in pre-war apartment buildings, older walk-ups toward the west side, and newer high-rises. Some of these homes still have working wood-burning fireplaces. Many residential buildings rely on boiler chimneys that run the full height of the structure. EverFlame Chimney Care is based in Lincoln Square, about a mile north, so our certified technicians can reach Times Square apartments and buildings without a long trip across town. We sweep fireplace flues, clean boiler chimneys, and inspect both. We also explain what we find in plain terms, so you can decide what to do next.
What a Chimney Sweep Covers in a Times Square Home
A sweep is more than running a brush up the flue. In a Manhattan apartment, the job usually starts inside the unit at the firebox and works up through the smoke chamber and flue. Sometimes it also includes the chimney top on the roof, if the building allows access.
We look at the condition of the system as we clean. Cracked flue tiles, missing mortar, a damaged damper, or a blocked cap all affect how safely a fireplace or boiler vents.
- Removing creosote and soot from the firebox, smoke shelf, smoke chamber and flue
- Checking the damper for proper opening, closing and sealing
- Clearing nesting material, leaves and fallen debris
- Looking for cracked liners, gaps in masonry and signs of water entry
- Inspecting the chimney cap and crown when roof access is available
- Photos of what we found, so you or your building manager can see the condition
Fireplaces in Pre-War and Walk-Up Buildings
Older apartment buildings in and around Times Square often have fireplaces that have been used for decades, painted over, or left idle for years. A fireplace that hasn't been used in a long time can hold debris, animal nests, or crumbling masonry that you can't see from the room.
In multi-unit buildings, flues sometimes run close to neighboring apartments. Creosote buildup or a cracked liner is more than a problem for one unit, because smoke and heat can travel where they shouldn't. If you plan to start using a fireplace again, have it swept and inspected first. Many co-op and condo boards also ask for paperwork before residents burn wood. We provide written findings you can share with your management office.
Boiler Chimneys and Oil-to-Gas Conversions
For building owners and superintendents, the boiler chimney matters most. New York City's heat season runs from October 1 through May 31. During those months, owners must keep apartments heated to the city's minimum temperatures. A blocked or deteriorating boiler flue in the middle of winter is a serious problem. We recommend scheduling cleaning and inspection in late summer or early fall.
If your building is converting its boiler from oil to gas, the chimney has to be evaluated as part of the work. A new liner is often needed. Gas exhaust produces acidic condensate, and that condensate can corrode a masonry flue that handled oil exhaust without trouble. We can inspect the existing flue and tell you what condition it's in before the conversion moves forward.
How Often to Schedule a Sweep and Inspection
The NFPA 211 standard calls for chimneys, fireplaces and vents to be inspected once a year. Whether a full sweep is needed depends on how much buildup we find. A fireplace used every weekend in winter needs more attention than one lit twice a year.
Inspections come in three levels:
- Level 1: a standard yearly check when nothing about the system has changed
- Level 2: needed when the system changes, such as a new appliance or a switch of fuel, or when the home is sold
- Level 3: used when a suspected hidden hazard can only be reached by opening part of the chimney or building
What to Expect on Service Day
Manhattan buildings come with logistics, and we plan for them. We can coordinate with your doorman or super on service elevator times, certificates your building may require, and roof access. Inside your apartment, we lay down drop cloths and seal the fireplace opening. We use vacuums that keep soot contained, so your floors and furniture stay clean.
We serve Times Square ZIP codes including 10020, 10103, 10110, 10111, 10112, 10153, 10165, 10173 and 10177. We also work in nearby Midtown, East Midtown, Turtle Bay, Hell's Kitchen and Lincoln Square.
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