Chimney Maintenance Services
Let AAA Timberline handle your chimney maintenance and upkeep needs, including chimney inspections and cleaning (chimney sweeping).
Chimney Maintenance Services to Prevent Costly Repairs
In Western New York, your chimney faces a unique set of environmental challenges. From heavy snowfall to frequent freeze-thaw cycles, the local climate can cause rapid wear and tear on chimney structures—especially masonry. Moisture can seep into even the smallest cracks, and when temperatures drop, that trapped water freezes and expands, worsening the damage. Over time, this can lead to crumbling mortar, broken flue tiles, and even safety hazards like gas leaks or fire risks.
Proactive chimney maintenance helps catch these issues before they spiral out of control. Whether your system supports a wood-burning fireplace or vents gas appliances, staying on top of creosote buildup, moisture intrusion, and general wear ensures that your chimney continues to function safely and efficiently. Addressing minor problems early can help avoid expensive repairs and keep your home protected, no matter how harsh the weather gets.
Non-Intrusive, Non-Invasive Chimney Service
In and out service; usually in under an hour.
Our CSIA certified chimney sweeps will be in an out of your home, leaving it as clean as when we arrived. AAA Timberline’s chimney sweeps are trained not only to do the job, but to leave your house as clean as when we arrived.
We can schedule your annual fireplace and chimney safety inspection date and time a year in advance and we will remind you each year when we’re getting close to your appointment time.
Fireplace Chimney Maintenance
The remainder of chimneys we service are responsible for venting popular wood-burning systems, and a byproduct of wood burning is creosote – a highly combustible substance and can easily be set ablaze by an errant spark from a cozy wood fire.
As your wood fire burns, substances exit up into the cooler chimney, where condensation occurs, and the creosote residue accumulates and sticks to the inner walls of the chimney.
By using state of the art video inspection equipment, we can see the exact condition of your chimney’s interior.
The high temperatures of a creosote-fueled chimney fire can cause the inner flue liners and the mortar that holds them together to crack and collapse. This allows the 2,000-degree temperatures and flames to spread to the combustible framing of your home.
Reduce the chances of experiencing a chimney fire or having poisonous exhaust gases back up into your home by following the recommendation of the National Fire Protection Association and have your chimneys and fireplaces inspected every year.
With our internal video inspection technology, we’ll let you watch what we’re seeing and talk over with you what our options are. Keep your home and your loved ones safe – contact AAA Timberline to schedule a chimney inspection or chimney sweeping appointment today.
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F.A.Q.
Get answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about fireplace chimney maintenance at AAA Timberline.
How often should I schedule chimney maintenance?
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommends having your chimney inspected at least once a year. Whether your chimney vents a wood-burning fireplace or a gas/oil furnace, yearly inspections and sweepings are essential for safety and efficiency—especially with Buffalo’s freeze/thaw weather patterns that can damage masonry chimneys over time.
What are the dangers of skipping regular chimney maintenance?
Neglecting chimney maintenance can lead to the buildup of creosote, a highly flammable residue from wood-burning fireplaces, or acidic water vapor damage from gas and oil appliances. Both can result in chimney fires or the dangerous backup of poisonous exhaust gases into your home—posing serious health and fire risks.
What are the signs that my chimney needs maintenance?
Look out for signs like a strong odor, smoke backing into the house, poor fireplace performance, or visible soot buildup. If you burn wood regularly or rely on your chimney for heating appliance ventilation, it’s time to schedule a chimney sweeping and inspection—especially in preparation for Buffalo’s long winter season.
What kind of heating appliances require chimney maintenance?
Chimney maintenance isn’t just for fireplaces. Chimneys that vent gas or oil appliances like furnaces, boilers, or water heaters also need attention. These systems produce moisture and acidic vapors that can corrode chimney materials over time.
How long does a chimney maintenance appointment take?
Most standard chimney maintenance visits—whether for sweeping, inspection, or both—take under an hour. Certified professionals use efficient tools and cleanup methods, so the process is non-intrusive and mess-free, leaving your home just as clean as before.
How long does chimney cleaning usually take?
Many of our chimney cleanings also include time to do a top to bottom, inside and outside level one inspection as well, so time on those appointments varies. A typical chimney cleaning alone should be able to be finished in an hour.
Is video inspection important for chimney maintenance?
Yes. Video inspections allow professionals to see inside your chimney flue and identify cracks, blockages, or creosote buildup that aren’t visible from the outside. This technology ensures a more thorough and accurate maintenance process, helping prevent costly repairs or fire hazards.
Can chimney maintenance help lower heating costs?
Absolutely. A clean and well-maintained chimney improves airflow, allowing your fireplace or heating system to run more efficiently. This means less fuel is needed to achieve the same level of warmth, which can help reduce your energy bills over time.