Chimney & air duct service in Weston, MA

Chimneys in Weston homes

Weston is a town of large homes on big, wooded lots, from older Colonials and estates to mid-century modern houses. Many have tall chimneys with several flues, and many owners burn wood regularly in the winter.

What we see most often here

• Tall chimneys and multiple flues. Larger homes often have two or three fireplaces and a separate heating flue in one tall stack. Each flue needs its own inspection, and tall chimneys take the most weather at the top. See chimney inspection.
• Wood stoves and inserts. Homes on bigger lots burn more wood, and stoves and inserts produce creosote faster than an open fireplace. Plan on a yearly cleaning if you burn regularly.
• Animals in the flue. With so many mature trees, squirrels, raccoons, and birds find open flues every spring. We remove nests and install a cap with a screen.
• Freeze–thaw damage. New England winters swing above and below freezing again and again. Water that soaks into brick and mortar freezes, expands, and slowly breaks it apart. See crown, flashing, and brick repair.
• Nor’easter leaks. Wind-driven rain pushes water sideways into flashing and crowns. A stain next to the chimney after a big storm is usually a flashing or crown problem, not the roof itself. See chimney waterproofing.

Air ducts and dryer vents

Larger homes here often have two or more heating and cooling systems, with long runs through attics and finished lower levels.

• Renovations and additions. Kitchen and attic projects often leave duct runs crushed, disconnected, or full of drywall dust. See air duct cleaning and duct repair and sealing.
• Long dryer vents. Laundry in the basement or a second-floor closet often means a long vent run with several bends. Lint builds up fast, and that’s a fire risk. See dryer vent cleaning and replacement.
• Bathroom fans that vent into the attic. In older homes, fans were often added later and simply end in the attic, where the moisture causes mold and rot. See exhaust fan cleaning.

Permits in Weston

Building permits in Weston come from the Town of Weston Building Department. Routine sweeping, inspections, and minor repairs don’t need a permit. Relining, rebuilding a chimney, and installing a new wood stove or insert usually do. If your project needs one, we’ll tell you up front.