The short answer
Yes, Apex Premier Chimney Services works throughout Union Square, about a mile from our Manhattan office. We handle chimney sweeping, inspection, repair, liners, caps, waterproofing and rebuilding, plus air duct and dryer vent cleaning, for apartments, lofts and rowhouses.
Union Square sits about a mile north of our Manhattan office, so our certified technicians can reach the neighborhood easily for sweeps, inspections, repairs, and duct and dryer vent cleaning. Most homes here are in pre-war apartment buildings and converted loft buildings, with some older rowhouses nearby. Each type comes with its own mix of masonry flues, shared boiler chimneys and long vent runs. This page covers what we usually find in these buildings, how New York weather affects chimneys, and what to expect when you book a visit.
Chimneys and vents in Union Square buildings
Much of the housing around Union Square was built long before modern venting practices. Pre-war apartment buildings often share a large masonry chimney that serves the boiler. Individual units may have wood-burning fireplaces that were sealed up, reopened or converted to gas over the decades. Loft conversions often have long, winding dryer vent runs and ductwork that were added well after the building went up.
Older rowhouses tend to have several flues grouped in one chimney. Their clay tile liners may be cracked, missing or never installed. Because so many of these systems have been changed over time, we start by confirming what each flue actually serves before we recommend any work.
How New York weather wears on masonry
New York winters bring repeated freeze-thaw cycles. Water that soaks into brick and mortar expands when it freezes. Over time that loosens joints, cracks chimney crowns and causes the brick face to flake off, which is called spalling. Coastal storms drive rain into the masonry from the side. Humid summers can leave fireplaces smelling strongly as damp creosote sits in the flue.
Most of the damage starts at the top of the chimney, where it is most exposed. A sound crown, a properly sized cap and a breathable water repellent go a long way toward keeping water out.
- Chimney Waterproofing with water repellents that still let the masonry breathe
- Chimney Cap & Chase Cover installation to keep out rain, debris and animals
- Chimney Repair for cracked crowns, flashing leaks and failing mortar joints
- Chimney Rebuilding when brickwork above the roofline is too far gone to patch
Inspections, heat season and oil-to-gas conversions
The NFPA 211 standard calls for chimneys, fireplaces and vents to be inspected once a year. A Level 1 inspection fits when nothing has changed. A Level 2 inspection applies when the system changes, such as a new appliance or a switch of fuel, or when the home is sold, which includes co-op and condo sales. A Level 3 inspection is for cases where a hidden hazard has to be reached by opening part of the chimney or building.
New York City's heat season runs from October 1 through May 31, so building boilers and their chimneys run for most of the year. When a building converts its boiler from oil to gas, the chimney has to be evaluated as part of the job. A new liner is often needed, because gas exhaust produces acidic condensate that can corrode a masonry flue. Our Chimney Liner Installation service covers that work.
Dryer vents and air ducts in apartments and lofts
According to the U.S. Fire Administration, failure to clean is the leading factor contributing to clothes dryer fires in homes. Many renovated apartments and lofts have in-unit laundry. Their vents often run a long way to reach an outside wall and collect lint at every bend. Our Dryer Vent Cleaning clears the full run, not just the area around the lint trap.
For Air Duct Cleaning, we follow the U.S. EPA's guidance. Cleaning makes sense when there is substantial visible mold growth, signs of vermin, or excessive dust and debris. The EPA notes that duct cleaning has not been shown to prevent health problems. It also advises researching very cheap advertised offers and being careful with chemical treatments. We will tell you plainly whether your ducts need cleaning.
Fireplace service and nearby neighborhoods
Fireplace & Damper Repair is a common need in older Manhattan apartments. A rusted or warped damper lets warm air escape all winter and lets cold drafts in. A damaged firebox can let heat reach the framing behind the masonry. A routine Chimney Sweep removes creosote and debris so the fireplace draws smoke up the flue properly.
Along with Union Square, our crews regularly work in Gramercy, Greenwich Village, the West Village, the East Village and SoHo. We coordinate with building management on access whenever a job requires it.
ZIP codes we serve
- 10119