Chimney & air duct service in Westwood, MA

Chimneys in Westwood homes

Westwood grew mostly after World War II, with Colonials, capes, and ranches from the 1950s to the 1970s, plus newer homes. Many of those original chimneys are now 50 to 70 years old.

What we see most often here

• Old clay tile liners. Clay flues from the early 1900s through the 1960s crack and shift with age, and a cracked liner can let heat and exhaust reach the framing. A camera inspection shows the condition of every tile, and a stainless steel liner is the usual fix.
• 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.
• 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.

Air ducts and dryer vents

Homes from this era often have ductwork in the attic and basement, and many have had central air added.

• 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 Westwood

Building permits in Westwood come from the Town of Westwood 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.