Keeping Livingston Homes Safe and Warm
Livingston is a well-established township in Essex County, New Jersey, known for its excellent schools, spacious properties, and strong sense of community. With a population of about 30,000, the township stretches across rolling terrain with homes nestled among mature trees and winding roads. The housing stock here is especially varied: grand center-hall Colonials on Shrewsbury Drive and Falcon Road, mid-century ranches along Walnut Street, bi-levels near Northland Road, and newer construction sprinkled throughout developments off Mount Pleasant Avenue. Nearly all of these homes have one thing in common: a chimney that needs regular care.
Santa's Sweepers LLC delivers thorough chimney sweep and repair services to Livingston homeowners. We take the time to understand the specific needs of each chimney we work on, because a 1950s brick chimney with an original clay liner requires a very different approach than a 2010 gas fireplace vent. Our technicians arrive prepared, work cleanly, and explain everything we find in plain language so you can make informed decisions about your home.
Livingston homes tend to be well built and well maintained, but chimneys are often the last thing homeowners think about. That is a problem, because chimneys are exposed to the worst that New Jersey weather can deliver. They sit above the roofline, fully exposed to wind, rain, snow, and ice. The masonry absorbs moisture, and when temperatures swing between freezing and thawing (which happens dozens of times each winter in Essex County), that moisture expands and contracts inside the brick and mortar. The result is gradual but relentless deterioration.
Many Livingston homes were built in the 1950s and 1960s during the suburban building boom. These properties are now 60 to 70 years old, and their chimneys have endured decades of thermal stress. Original mortar joints have often eroded to the point where water can penetrate deep into the chimney structure. Original clay flue liners may be cracked or separated at the joints. These are not cosmetic issues. A compromised flue liner can allow heat to reach combustible materials in the surrounding wall, and deteriorated mortar allows water to cause hidden damage to the chimney and the home's interior.
Worn Mortar and Brick Decay: The older Colonials and ranches throughout Livingston, especially those near Riker Hill Art Park and along East Cedar Street, frequently show significant mortar erosion. We perform tuckpointing to restore the joints and prevent water from working its way deeper into the structure.
Crown Cracking and Separation: The chimney crown is the concrete slab that seals the top of the chimney around the flue. In Livingston, we regularly find crowns with deep cracks or sections that have separated from the chimney entirely. Water pours through these openings and causes damage to the flue liner, interior walls, and even the ceiling below. We rebuild crowns using reinforced, weather-resistant materials.
Animal Entry: Livingston's wooded neighborhoods are home to raccoons, squirrels, and chimney swifts that readily move into uncapped chimneys. We safely remove any nesting material, clean the flue, and install a chimney cap to prevent future wildlife intrusions.
Gas Fireplace Venting Issues: Many newer and recently renovated Livingston homes have gas fireplaces. While gas burns cleaner than wood, the venting systems still need regular inspection. Corrosion, blockages, and improper installation can lead to carbon monoxide buildup inside the home.
Livingston uses the primary zip code 07039 and is served entirely by the Livingston Township government. We work in every section of town, including the areas around Livingston Mall, the neighborhoods near Livingston High School, the homes along South Orange Avenue and Northfield Road, and the properties bordering the South Mountain Reservation and Riker Hill Art Park. No matter where you are in Livingston, we are just a phone call away.
Late summer and early fall are ideal. Scheduling before the heating season allows time to address any repairs before you need your fireplace. However, Santa's Sweepers offers chimney inspections year-round for Livingston homeowners.
We handle crown repairs, tuckpointing, flashing replacement, flue liner installation, chimney cap fitting, brick replacement, full chimney rebuilds, and waterproofing for homes throughout Livingston and Essex County.
A standalone chimney inspection starts at $99. If you combine it with a chimney cleaning, the visual inspection is included at no extra charge with our $199 cleaning service.
Yes. Creosote is highly flammable and is the leading cause of chimney fires according to the NFPA. Livingston homeowners who use their fireplace throughout winter should have their chimney cleaned annually to remove creosote buildup.
Your chimney deserves professional attention. Call Santa's Sweepers at (551) 227-7111 or request a free estimate online. We are proud to serve Livingston and the greater Essex County area.
Santa's Sweepers also provides chimney services to homeowners in nearby communities like Clifton, Hoboken, Jersey City, Paramus, West Orange, South Orange, Montclair, Millburn, Caldwell, and Roseland. View all service areas.