Level 1 sweep and inspection to the NFPA 211 annual standard - flue, crown, cap, and flashing checked and photographed
Chimney sweep logs do not sweep chimneys. They loosen some creosote - which then falls where a brush and vacuum still have to collect it.
Before
After
Before
After
Before
AfterChimney Cleaning Before & After in Seaford, NY
We’re firm believers that a chimney sweep’s work should speak for itself. After 42 years serving Seaford and the surrounding South Shore communities, we’ve learned that homeowners want proof, not promises. The photos below show what professional-grade equipment and a trained eye can accomplish - from dangerous creosote buildup to flues that are clean, safe, and ready for the season ahead. Every job here was completed by our background-checked, uniformed technicians with a camera inspection and photo report included.
Recent Transformations
Heavy Stage 3 Creosote Removal - Massapequa Park Area
The homeowner called us after noticing a strong, acrid smell whenever the fireplace was cold. Our Level-2 camera inspection revealed Stage 3 glazed creosote, a hardened, tar-like deposit that forms when wood burns too cool and creosote condenses in layers. This is the most dangerous type - it can’t be brushed out with standard tools and is the leading fuel source in chimney fires across Nassau County. We applied a professional-grade creosote modifier to break down the glaze, then used mechanical whipping and rotary cleaning to restore the flue to bare terra cotta. The final camera pass showed clean, sound liner walls. The smell disappeared, and the fireplace was certified safe for use.
Blocked Flue From Animal Nesting - Seaford, NY
A family in the Seaford Harbor section reported smoke backing up into their living room on the first fire of the season. Our technician found a partially collapsed chimney swift nest wedged above the smoke chamber, along with twigs, leaves, and compacted debris from at least two breeding seasons. The blockage was reducing the flue’s effective diameter by roughly 60%. We removed the nesting material by hand, swept the entire flue with a rotary system, and installed a Gelco stainless steel chimney cap with a proper animal guard to prevent re-entry. The draft tested normal, and the family had their first smoke-free fire that evening.
Post-Home-Sale Discovery Sweep - Wantagh Border
New homeowners near the Wantagh-Seaford line called us the week after closing. Their home inspector had noted the chimney “appeared functional” but recommended a professional sweep before use. What we found was typical of a property where maintenance had been deferred: three-quarters of an inch of flaky, Stage 2 creosote, a damper frozen open by rust, and a cracked clay liner section visible on camera. We completed a full sweep, documented the liner damage with photos the homeowners could see, and provided a plain-English verdict on what needed attention now versus what could wait. They opted to schedule the liner repair through our HeatShield relining system the following week. The sweep gave them a usable fireplace immediately and a clear roadmap for the rest.
Annual Maintenance on a Heavily Used Fireplace - North Seaford
This homeowner burns cordwood four to five nights per week from November through March, which is more than double the average for Seaford households. After 14 months since their last sweep, the flue had accumulated significant soot and early-stage creosote, particularly in the upper third where the flue temperature drops. We performed a thorough rotary sweep, removed the buildup from the smoke chamber and firebox, and inspected the damper assembly for proper seal. The after photos showed liner walls returned to their original cream-colored terra cotta. We recommended a 10-month interval given their usage pattern, and scheduled their next appointment before we left.
Water-Damaged Flue Restoration - Merrick Road Vicinity
Water entry had been slowly degrading this flue for years. The homeowner noticed white efflorescence on the exterior brick and a musty odor during humid summer months. Inside, the camera revealed flaking parging, loose mortar joints, and a layer of gritty, sand-like debris that had sloughed off the deteriorating walls. This wasn’t merely dirty - it was actively shedding material that could obstruct the flue or damage the liner further. We carefully removed all loose debris, swept the flue to assess what structure remained, and provided photos documenting the extent of the water damage. The cleaning itself was successful, but the photos made clear that a crown rebuild and partial relining with DuraFlex were needed to stop the cycle. The homeowner appreciated having visual evidence rather than a verbal sales pitch.
Pre-Burning-Season Emergency Sweep - Seaford, NY
We took this call on a Saturday in late October - our phones are answered by a live person, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and this was no exception. The homeowner had scheduled a chimney sweep with another company that never showed, and they were hosting Thanksgiving in four weeks with a fireplace they hadn’t used in two years. Our technician arrived the next morning, performed a camera inspection, and found a flue severely restricted by compacted soot, a partially collapsed clay liner section, and a damper assembly clogged with debris. We completed the sweep, cleared the damper, and documented the liner damage. The fireplace was safe to use for the holiday. The liner repair was scheduled for January, after the entertaining season, with no pressure to rush. Done right - and we stand behind it.
What Every Project Includes
- Level-2 camera inspection with photos you can see and a plain-English verdict
- Professional-grade equipment - rotary systems, whips, and vacuums designed for chimney work, not adapted from other trades
- No-hassle upfront pricing - the number on the estimate is the number on the invoice
- 90-Day Done Right Promise - in writing, no arguing
- Background-checked, uniformed technicians who complete most jobs in a single visit
What happens when you call
- 1
A real person answersNo phone trees - you reach a local pro.
- 2
You get an upfront price rangeHonest numbers before anyone is dispatched.
- 3
A background-checked tech heads outLicensed & insured, dispatched right away.
- 4
You approve before work beginsNothing starts until you say go.
Want Results Like These?
Whether you’re lighting your first fire of the season or you’ve been putting off that sweep for longer than you’d care to admit, we’ll give you a straight answer and a square deal. Call (516) 614-4632 - a live person will answer, any hour of any day. We’ll be there when we say. Ask about our $89 Seasonal Tune-Up, or mention if you’re a senior or veteran for your standing 5% discount.
Written by Russell Haines, Owner at Hearthstone Chimney Co., serving Seaford since 1984.