Brooklyn’s first cold weather is coming, and with it, a higher risk of creosote fires and carbon monoxide leaks. If your chimney hasn’t been swept since last winter, act now. We’re seeing more creosote buildup in Sunset Park and Park Slope homes this year, likely from damp wood last season. Skipping a sweep puts your home at risk. anchor before the holidays.
Myth: ‘My chimney looks fine, no smoke means it’s safe.’ Fact: Brooklyn’s humid fall air hides dangerous creosote buildup
That ‘clean’ chimney might be a ticking time bomb. Brooklyn’s fall humidity turns creosote from a sticky residue into a hard, flammable glaze, often undetectable until it’s too late. Last month, we inspected a Crown Heights row house where the homeowner saw no soot, but the flue was 90% blocked with stage 2 creosote. One spark from a damp log, and that’s a fire. anchor explains how creosote stages work, and why a visual check isn’t enough. If your chimney hasn’t been swept since last winter, book a chimney sweep Brooklyn inspection before lighting up. anchor and anchor homeowners report seeing more creosote this year, likely from last season’s wet wood. Don’t wait for the first cold night.
‘I only use my fireplace for ambiance, do I still need a chimney sweep?’ Brooklyn’s answer: Yes, and here’s why
Even if you’re not burning wood, your chimney’s still a carbon monoxide risk. Cold air settling in an unused flue can trap CO from gas appliances or even outdoor heaters. We’ve pulled homes in Bensonhurst and Bay Ridge where the chimney was the source of CO leaks, not the fireplace. Plus, if you’ve ever had a dryer vent cleaning anchor, you know how fast lint and debris build up. Chimneys do the same, just slower. Brooklyn’s building codes require annual inspections for gas fireplaces, but wood-burning chimneys need sweeps twice a year, spring and fall. anchor includes full safety checks, including CO detector placement tips. anchor and anchor residents often ask if they can skip the sweep if they’re not using the fireplace. The answer? No. Schedule now before the weather turns.