Somerset County, New Jersey
Chimney Cap and Flue Care in Montgomery, NJ
Montgomery's median home was built in 1994. In those houses the cap, the flue size and the fuel are the questions that matter.
Emergency first. Act on these before anything else on this page.
- Fire, flames, or a room filling with smoke: get everyone out of the home and call 911 or the fire department. If someone or a pet cannot get out, tell the operator or firefighters right away. Ready.gov: home fires.
- A carbon monoxide alarm sounds, or you suspect carbon monoxide poisoning: get outside to fresh air immediately, then call 911. Carbon monoxide is colorless and odorless, so you cannot smell it. CPSC: carbon monoxide.
- You smell gas: leave the building immediately. Do not try to find the source, and do not use light switches, phones, matches, appliances or a car near the building. Once you are at a safe distance, call your gas utility or 911. PSE&G tells customers to move at least 350 feet away and call 1-800-880-PSEG (7734) or 911. PSE&G: if you smell gas. Other utilities publish their own numbers.
The sections below are about routine chimney questions. Booking a visit is for after any emergency is handled.
Montgomery, in Somerset County, is about 71% detached houses and 85% owner-occupied. The median build year is 1994, only about 6% of homes predate 1950, and the ACS median home value is about $795,000.
Houses from the 1990s on may have a masonry chimney or a factory-built system, and fireplaces in them may burn wood or gas.
Which it is decides almost everything about the maintenance. This page covers the questions that come up most.
Housing profile
What the housing mix means in Montgomery
The median home was built in 1994 and only about 6% predate 1950. For homes of that age, the cap, flue size and fuel type are reasonable things to ask about. The Census does not record chimney type, so the first thing to establish is whether a chimney is masonry or factory-built, because that decides what is worth checking.
Learn
Flue size, in plain terms
A flue has to be large enough to carry the exhaust of what is connected to it, and not so large that the exhaust cools and condenses. For a fireplace, sizing is tied to the opening. For a stove, insert or gas appliance, it follows the manufacturer's instructions. When appliances are changed, a flue that was sized for the original may no longer suit.
This is why a visit before an appliance change is worthwhile. See liner sizing basics, flue versus liner and gas fireplace chimney care. Our chimney caps page covers the top of the flue.
Checklist
A quick walk-around
- Can you see a cap from the ground?
- Is the top of the chimney free of rust stains?
- Do you know if it is masonry or factory-built?
- When was the last service?
- Has any appliance been added or changed?
What we look at
Questions that decide maintenance
Masonry or factory-built?
Brick or block, or a metal flue in a framed chase. The parts that wear differ.
Wood or gas?
Wood leaves deposits. Gas does not, but its venting needs checks.
Is the flue the right size?
Matters most when an appliance has been added or changed.
How old is the cap?
Caps are among the first parts to wear out in a newer chimney.
Symptoms
| Symptom | Possible cause | Next step |
|---|---|---|
| Cap rusted or leaning | Wear | Replace cap |
| Gas odor, from a fireplace or anywhere in the house | Possible gas leak. Emergency, not a service call | Do not use switches or phones inside. Leave, then call your gas utility or 911 |
| Poor draw after a new appliance | Flue sized wrong | Inspection |
| Water at the base of the flue | Cap or chase cover | Inspect top |
Questions
Frequently asked questions
Do gas fireplaces need a chimney service?
They need servicing as the manufacturer states.
My house is only thirty years old. Is that old for a chimney?
Not for masonry, but caps and metal parts can be worn by then.
What does the cap do?
It keeps out rain and animals.
Service areas
Other areas we serve
Chimney Academy
Guides that go with this page
Questions about your chimney in Montgomery?
Call us, or send a scheduling request. We will contact you to confirm. Your appointment is not confirmed until we do.