Chimney Sweep Services for New London's Historic Seaport Homes
By Tom Bradley
New London's identity as a historic seaport is reflected in its architecture. Homes along Huntington Street, the Hempstead Historic District, and throughout the Nameaug neighborhood feature original brick and stone chimneys that have endured more than a century of New England weather. These chimneys are architectural treasures, but they require diligent maintenance to remain safe and functional, especially in a coastal environment where salt air and moisture accelerate deterioration.
Annual chimney sweeping is the foundation of proper chimney maintenance. Our certified technicians remove creosote buildup from the interior of the flue, which is critical for fire prevention. But in New London, the sweep is just the beginning. We conduct a comprehensive structural inspection that includes checking the chimney crown, which is the mortar cap at the top of the chimney, for cracks that allow water infiltration. We inspect the flue liner for deterioration, examine the mortar joints between bricks for signs of spalling or erosion, and verify that the chimney cap and spark arrestor are intact and properly secured.
Coastal weather takes a particularly heavy toll on chimney masonry. The combination of salt air, driving rain, and Connecticut's freeze-thaw cycles can cause bricks to crack and mortar to crumble at an accelerated rate compared to inland homes. Left unaddressed, this deterioration can compromise the structural integrity of the entire chimney, potentially leading to dangerous collapses or allowing carbon monoxide to seep into your living spaces through gaps in the masonry.
VENTNEX provides comprehensive chimney sweep and inspection services throughout New London County, including Groton, Mystic, Stonington, and Old Lyme. Our technicians are trained to work with the unique challenges of historic chimney structures and provide detailed inspection reports with photographs so you know exactly what condition your chimney is in. Schedule your annual sweep today and protect your historic New London home.