Company Blog

Who Should I Hire for a Chimney Inspection in Bellvale & Warwick, NY?

When it comes time to schedule a chimney inspection near you, you want to know the company you’re calling has the experience, training, and community focus to do the job right. At All Seasons Chimney, we’ve built up our reputation in Bellvale, Warwick, and throughout Orange County by helping homeowners keep their fireplaces and chimneys as safe as possible. Whether you use your fireplace every night in the winter or only on special occasions or holidays, we’re here to make sure your system is working its best with every season.

Why Is a Chimney Inspection So Important? What If I Don’t Use My Fireplace?

You may be wondering why an annual chimney inspection matters, especially if you don’t use your fireplace that often. Here’s what we’ve seen time and again in the Bellvale and Warwick area:

  • Creosote & Soot Build-Up: Even a few fires can leave behind flammable deposits inside your chimney. Inspections allow us to identify and recommend sweeping before creosote becomes a hazard.
  • Hidden Damage: Our weather here in the Hudson Valley includes freezing winters, heavy spring rains, and hot summers, all of which can cause masonry to deteriorate, whether or not you’re using it. Cracks, spalling bricks, or missing mortar often go unnoticed until a professional inspection reveals them…and if they don’t get fixed, damage can spread to other areas of your home.
  • Blockages & Nesting: Birds, squirrels, and other wildlife love finding shelter in chimneys. A blocked flue can prevent proper ventilation and send smoke back into your home. Not to mention, woodland critters are known to invite pests and bad odors.
  • Draft Issues: If your chimney isn’t pulling smoke upward effectively, it could be due to structural or ventilation problems. An inspection helps us pinpoint the cause.

By catching these issues early, you avoid the bigger, more expensive repairs that come from waiting until problems escalate.

What Do We Look For During an Inspection?

At All Seasons Chimney, our process goes beyond just shining a flashlight up the flue. Depending on the inspection level you need, we check:

  • The exterior masonry and components – the brick, mortar, flashing, chimney crown, and cap – for signs of wear or leaks.
  • The interior flue liner using visual checks and, when needed, specialized video equipment.
  • The firebox and damper, making sure the system is operating properly and free of damage.
  • The venting and drafting performance, ensuring smoke and gases move out of your home efficiently.

We follow Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) standards for all inspections, so you can feel confident knowing we’re adhering to industry guidelines.

How Often Should Bellvale & Warwick Homeowners Schedule a Chimney & Fireplace Inspection?

Most homeowners in Warwick and surrounding communities use their fireplaces heavily during our chilly Hudson Valley winters, which can cause wear and tear. That’s why the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommends at least one inspection per year, no matter how often you burn.

And even if you only enjoy an occasional fire in your home near Greenwood Lake or by the shops and cafés along Main Street in Warwick, you’ll want to know your chimney is ready before lighting it up. An inspection not only gives you peace of mind but also helps preserve the value of your home.

Why Choose All Seasons Chimney in Warwick & Bellvale?

We know you have options, so why call us?

  • Local Experience: We’ve been serving Orange County for decades and understand the unique weather patterns and housing styles in Warwick, Bellvale, and neighboring areas like Florida, Pine Island, and Greenwood Lake.
  • Certified Technicians: Our team is CSIA-certified, which means we’re trained to spot issues the average eye would miss.
  • Customer-Focused Service: We take the time to explain what we find, answer questions, and provide honest recommendations—never unnecessary repairs.
  • Respect for Your Home: We treat every home as if it were our own, protecting floors and furniture while we work

What Can You Expect When You Call Us?

From the first phone call, we aim to make scheduling as simple as possible. We’ll:

  1. Listen to your concerns about your chimney or fireplace.
  2. Schedule an appointment that works for you, whether you’re in Warwick’s village center or on a quiet back road in Bellvale.
  3. Arrive on time, fully equipped, and ready to perform a thorough inspection.
  4. Provide a clear explanation of our findings, complete with photos if needed, so you can make the best decision for your home.

Ready to Book Your Inspection in Bellvale or Warwick?

If it’s been more than a year since your last inspection (or if you’ve never had one done) now’s the perfect time to call. At All Seasons Chimney, we’re here to help you enjoy your fireplace with greater confidence and as much safety as possible.

Reach out today to schedule your chimney inspection in Warwick, Bellvale, or anywhere in Orange County. We look forward to helping you stay warm and worry-free all winter long.

How Is a Chimney Installed?

A fireplace is one of the most desirable perks of homeownership. After all, who doesn’t want that added warmth and ambiance that a fireplace provides? Of course, without a chimney, a fireplace is nothing but a hot box waiting to fill your home with unwanted fumes and smoke.

There are two main options to consider when installing a chimney in the home and we hear at All Seasons Chimney want to walk through these options with you. Your satisfaction is our biggest desire, which is why we want to show you the pros and cons of both masonry and prefabricated chimneys.

Let’s make the right choice for your home. Call 845-567-1217 for more details.

Masonry Chimneys: A Timeless Craft

When we think of chimneys the first thing that typically comes to mind is the classic masonry chimney with its stone or brick and mortar composition.

The Installation Process

Building a brick and mortar chimney is a sophisticated craft that requires skilled masons who take into account every detail – from the height of the chimney to the size of the flue. The structure is built brick by brick, starting with a foundation and working its way up to the chimney crown. If even one brick is laid out of place or the mortar is mixed incorrectly, the whole structure is at risk of becoming unstable. However, when done right, this artwork can last a lifetime.

Other Considerations

  • a masonry chimney that runs along the side of a home viewed from the ground upCost: When building a structure out of stone or brick, the upfront cost can be higher due to the nature of the materials and the skill it takes to install it. That being said, because they last a lifetime, you won’t need to worry about replacement costs anytime soon.
  • Durability: Speaking of saving money over time, the durability of brick and mortar or stone chimneys is unmatched. These structures can hold up to tremendous temperature fluctuations, as well as exposure to elements (when well maintained).
  • Longevity: If regularly inspected, maintained, and waterproofed, a masonry chimney can last a lifetime.
  • Aesthetics: A masonry chimney can be a beautiful addition to the curb appeal of your house, improving its overall value. Masonry chimneys are a beautiful addition to any home as they compliment a host of various architectural styles. 

Prefabricated Chimneys: Efficiency & Convenience

A prefabricated chimney is designed and manufactured within a factory. It is created to be easily installed. These chimneys are built almost entirely of metal components and can be built to specific design standards.

The Installation Process

Installing a prefabricated chimney is simply a matter of putting together the various sections of the already built metal chimney and securing them properly to the home. This doesn’t mean it’s a job for a DIY-er, though. Always leave it to a professional to ensure you don’t risk gas leaks, smoke in your home, house fires, and more.

Other Considerations

  • a black roof with a black prefab chimney covered by a curved metal (gray) chimney capCost: The cost of a prefabricated chimney is lower than that of its stone or brick counterpart. The components of the chimney are almost always mass produced meaning the material costs are low. In addition to low material cost, prefab chimneys are less labor intensive to install.
  • Longevity: Like any part of your home’s construction, how durable or long-lasting a prefabricated chimney will be is largely dependent on the quality of the materials used. While they may not last as long as a masonry chimney, it is a realistic expectation that they would last two or three decades if proper care is given to them.
  • Insulation: Many prefabricated chimneys have insulation built into their design which increases their efficiency and decreases overall heat loss.
  • Maintenance: Prefabricated chimneys require regular inspection and sweeping services, and sometimes a component can get damaged or need replaced – but overall they demand less attention than masonry chimneys.
  • Aesthetics: Modern prefab units look great and can be easily personalized to your desires and and tastes. Yet, while there are countless ways to spruce up the prefabricated chimney, some feel it doesn’t live up to the appeal that comes with the stone work of a masonry chimney.

Which Is the Right Choice for Me?

Knowing the various pros and cons of masonry chimneys and prefabricated chimneys is an important step in considering what addition you make to your home. At All Seasons Chimney we are experts in the installation, inspection, maintenance, and repairs that every chimney needs. We also understand that every home and every family has a different set of needs.

Trust us from the start – we’re happy to help.

For Chimney & Fireplace Services, Call On Us

From the earliest stages of choosing a fireplace and chimney for your home to the regular care and maintenance that makes a chimney last, our team at All Seasons is here for you. Call us today or reach out online to see how we can help you on your journey of fireplace delight.