Jersey Home Pro Podcast: Chimney Safety, Inspections, and Common Homeowner Mistakes (NJ)
Host: Teddy (Tetti Roofing / Jersey Home Pro)
Guest: Dominic (Owner, Soot Solutions)
Topic: Chimney inspections, leaks, animals in chimneys, avoiding pushy contractors, and chimney repair options in New Jersey.
Why New Jersey Homeowners Call a Chimney Company
What are the most common reasons homeowners reach out?
Dominic (Soot Solutions):
It’s a little bit of everything. A lot of homeowners use their chimneys, so they call for a yearly sweep. Other homeowners call because they want their chimney checked—sometimes they haven’t had it inspected in 10+ years and didn’t realize there’s ongoing maintenance involved.
Why do chimney problems get expensive when ignored?
Dominic:
When a chimney has water issues, it opens up other problems. Water leads to freeze-thaw damage—temperatures drop below freezing, everything expands and contracts, and that causes cracking. It can create internal and external damage, and the longer it goes, the more expensive it gets.
Chimney Inspections: Level 1 vs Level 2 vs Level 3
How often should a chimney be inspected?
Dominic:
It’s not just what I recommend—it’s what the Chimney Safety Institute of America recommends: yearly inspections, even if you’re not using the chimney. You can still have problems outside (like issues with the crown). I tell customers: chimney problems start at the crown and work their way down.
What is a Level 2 chimney inspection?
Dominic:
When you buy a home, you should do a Level 2 inspection. A Level 2 is different than a Level 1 because we run a camera through the system to look for voids, cracks, and missing mortar joints—anything that could make it unsafe to use.
Why are voids or missing mortar joints dangerous?
Dominic:
If there are voids or missing joints, you can have smoke getting behind the tiles. If you ever have a chimney fire, the fire can get closer to combustibles and that can lead to a house fire.
What is a Level 3 chimney inspection?
Dominic:
A Level 3 is when something looks way out of the ordinary during a Level 2, and you can’t fully confirm it with the camera. At that point, you may need to open the chimney to see what’s going on.
Chimney Repair Options: Liners and Resurfacing
If you find cracks inside the chimney, how do you fix it?
Dominic:
There are different processes. A lot of times you can reline a chimney with stainless steel. If the flue runs straight up, you may be able to resurface the flue.
What’s the difference between FireGuard and HeatShield?
Dominic:
I’m a certified FireGuard installer and also install HeatShield. In my opinion, FireGuard is a better product. FireGuard goes on in three coats with multiple passes, and it’s designed to withstand extreme heat—chimney fires can reach around 2,100 degrees.
Animals in Chimneys: Why Chimney Caps Matter
What’s the most interesting thing you’ve found inside a chimney?
Dominic:
Raccoons. They make nests in chimneys.
What should a homeowner do if animals are in the chimney?
Dominic:
You can trap them humanely—if there are babies, you get the mom out and relocate them. Once they’re out, you install a cap. Then there’s cleanup—animals leave debris and waste, so it’s usually better to bring in the right help.
Why do chimneys need caps?
Dominic:
All chimneys should have a cap. A lot of people don’t have one, but it’s called a rain cap for a reason—you want to keep water out of the chimney. It’s also a rodent guard. A blocked furnace flue can happen from squirrels or birds nesting too, and that becomes a hazard.
Yearly Cost and Maintenance Programs
Is it expensive to have a yearly chimney inspection?
Dominic:
Right now I don’t have a formal “yearly program.” I tell customers to call me and we’ll set it up. I’m not using a CRM yet—I’m old school—but I always call people back and handle everything directly.
How to Avoid Pushy Contractors and Call Centers
What should homeowners look out for when hiring a chimney company?
Dominic:
Call centers. Some companies spend a lot on advertising, then send out not-so-good companies. That’s where homeowners run into scare tactics and pressure.
What’s the best way to choose a chimney company?
Dominic:
Look for a local company with good reviews, preferably in the map results. That’s how I shop too.
Common “Scams” and Bad Work in the Chimney Industry
What are red flags in chimney repairs?
Dominic:
Some people recommend work that doesn’t need to be done. For example, they’ll say the chimney crown needs replacement, but instead they’ll just skim coat cement over the old crown. That might last 1–3 years. When I do a crown, I remove it and redo it properly. I also give homeowners multiple options based on budget and goals.
The #1 Thing NJ Homeowners Don’t Realize About Chimneys
What’s the one thing most New Jersey homeowners don’t realize?
Dominic:
That there are problems with their chimney—and they often don’t know until someone actually gets on the roof and looks.
The Worst Mistake That Can Cost Thousands Later
What’s the worst thing a homeowner can do?
Dominic:
Neglect inspections. If there’s a leak, call someone right away. Don’t wait—every winter you go through with a leak causes more damage and can make the repair bigger and more expensive.
True or False: “A Chimney Only Needs Cleaning If You Use It Every Day”
Dominic:
False.
You should inspect it yearly. That doesn’t mean it always needs cleaning—some people use their fireplace only a few times a year and it may not need a cleaning—but inspections catch issues early.
Service Area in New Jersey
Dominic (Soot Solutions):
Based out of Hillsborough, with a virtual office listed in Somerville. Typically serves within about a 25-mile radius, unless it’s a larger job or an existing client.
Contact and Black Book Directory
Dominic:
Best way to reach me is by calling (or texting). My number is on my website and Google Business listing.
Teddy (Tetti Roofing):
Homeowners can also find Dominic and this episode in the Black Book Directory through Jersey Home Pro.
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