Frequently Asked Questions

We lay protective drop cloths, run a rotary brush system up your flue to remove creosote and soot, and vacuum the firebox and smoke shelf. The whole process takes 45 to 90 minutes for a standard fireplace. We finish with a camera inspection of the flue interior and a written report. You're welcome to watch the screen as we work.

The National Fire Protection Association recommends annual inspection, with sweeping as needed. In Newton's climate, where homeowners burn regularly from October through March, that usually means once a year for wood-burning fireplaces. Gas fireplaces need less frequent sweeping but still require annual inspection for venting integrity and debris blockage.

If you burn wood more than once a week during heating season, you need both. If you see black buildup on the damper, smell smoke when the fire's lit, or notice tar-like glaze inside the firebox, don't wait. For gas inserts or rarely used fireplaces, an inspection alone may suffice. We'll tell you honestly which you need when you call.

Clear the hearth area of ashes, decorative items, and furniture within six feet. Don't use the fireplace for 24 hours before we arrive. If you have a gas insert, make sure the pilot light is accessible. We bring our own vacuums, drop cloths, and tools. Most Newton appointments are completed in a single visit with no return needed.

Yes, immediately, unless we find a condition that requires repair first. We'll tell you plainly if something needs fixing before the next fire. No scare tactics - just what the camera shows and what the code requires.

For stainless steel relining, we often specify Olympia Chimney products for their consistent gauge and proper sizing. In some older Newton Centre and Chestnut Hill homes with tighter flue dimensions, we may recommend Gelco liners for their flexible installation profile. We don't sell parts you don't need; we match the liner to your appliance, your fuel type, and your local code.

Yes, for resurfacing deteriorating clay flue tiles when full relining isn't necessary, HeatShield's cerfractory sealant system is a proven option we've used in Newton and Brookline properties. It's not a fix for every situation - we only recommend it after camera inspection confirms the flue is structurally sound underneath. You'll see the before-and-after footage.

We typically source Famco stainless steel caps for standard flue-top installations - they hold up to Newton's freeze-thaw cycles and coastal moisture better than galvanized alternatives. For custom masonry chimneys in historic Newton villages, we may fabricate or source a cap to match existing dimensions. Every cap includes a proper spark arrestor and animal screening.

We carry common mortar mixes and can source brick to match Newton's prevalent architectural styles - the warm reds of Victorian-era homes, the darker tones of Tudor revivals, the limestone accents of Craftsman bungalows. Full masonry restoration takes longer than a sweep; we price it separately with a written scope.

Every pro working under our name is required to hold the license and insurance Massachusetts requires, and we prefer technicians who've completed CSIA (Chimney Safety Institute of America) certification. Russell Haines, who leads our Newton branch, insists on ongoing training. We don't send anyone to your home who isn't qualified to explain what they find and document it properly.

Yes, fully insured and bonded. That protects your property and our people while we're on your roof or in your living room. If any contractor hesitates to show proof of insurance, that's your signal to call someone else. We're happy to provide documentation on request.

Structural repairs, liner installations, and chimney rebuilding require permits from the City of Newton Inspectional Services Department. We handle permit applications as part of the project scope, not as an add-on. For standard sweeping and Level 1 inspections, no permit is needed. We'll tell you which category your job falls into before we start.

We're open Monday through Friday 7:30 AM to 8:00 PM, Saturday and Sunday 7:30 AM to 7:00 PM. Calls are answered by a live coordinator who connects you with our local team. We don't promise middle-of-the-night dispatch, but we do answer the phone during all posted hours and schedule urgent appointments as soon as our calendar allows.

An active chimney fire - you'll hear roaring or crackling, see sparks or flames at the top, or smell intense burning - requires calling 911 first, then us for damage assessment. Carbon monoxide alarms sounding near the fireplace also demand immediate evacuation and emergency services. For lesser concerns like sudden drafting problems, smoke backup, or visible masonry damage, call us during business hours and we'll prioritize you.

We aim to schedule within a few business days for non-emergency concerns, sooner if our calendar permits. We don't guarantee same-day arrival, but we do keep slots open during peak burning season for urgent situations. If you're smelling smoke when the fireplace isn't even lit, call us - that's not normal and needs prompt attention.

We apply The Keystone Standard to every job: 90 days, in writing, no arguing. If something we swept, inspected, or repaired isn't right, we come back and make it right. No paperwork battle, no runaround. That's been our practice since this branch opened in 2014, and it's how we've built our reputation across Newton, Brookline, Norwood, and Dedham.

The Keystone Standard covers the work for the original homeowner. For real estate transactions, we recommend scheduling your Level 2 inspection through closing so the documentation is current and the buyer has full visibility. We can re-inspect for a new owner at a reduced rate if needed.

We explain what we found, show you the camera evidence, and give you a written estimate with a clear timeline. Some repairs can wait a season; others shouldn't wait a week. We never pressure for immediate work you can't verify. The photos are yours to keep, and you're free to get a second opinion. We'll be there when we say, if you choose to have us back.

No honest sweep can promise that. What we guarantee is that we remove the creosote buildup present at the time of service, inspect for defects that could contribute to fire or CO risk, and document everything. Safe burning practices - proper fuel, adequate air supply, not overloading the firebox - are your part of the partnership. We educate; you decide how to burn.

Call us. Under The Keystone Standard, we return and make it right. That's K.E.Y.S. in action: Krafted right, Every time, Your home first, Standing behind it. We've operated this way since 2014 because it's the only way that makes sense for a company that plans to be sweeping chimneys in Newton thirty years from now.

Written by Russell Haines, Owner at Hearthstone Chimney Co., serving Newton since 2014.