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Chimney Services Along the Jersey Shore
AM Chimney Sweep serves Jersey Shore homeowners from our operating bases in Haddonfield and West Orange. We do not have an office on the shore. This page covers what coastal living can mean for a chimney: water getting in, parts that take the weather, and homes that sit closed for part of the year. Not every shore home is built the same way, so treat this as a list of questions to ask, not a diagnosis.
Have a question about your chimney? Call us to talk it through and schedule an inspection, or request service on our Contact page.
(862) 225-6529Where the shore is, and where we are based
The Jersey Shore is commonly described as Monmouth, Ocean, Atlantic and Cape May counties, with about 141 miles of Atlantic oceanfront (Wikipedia: Jersey Shore). Our bases are in Haddonfield (Camden County) and West Orange (Essex County). Shore service is coordinated from those bases. Call (862) 225-6529 with your address to ask about your home.
Why coastal homes raise their own chimney questions
Brick and mortar joints are where rain usually gets in, and the Brick Industry Association notes that wind-driven rain is the main concern and that its severity depends on the region (BIA technical note on water penetration). Exposed chimneys, chase covers and roof junctions near open water can take that kind of weather. Storms add debris, impact and heavy rain on top of ordinary seasonal wear.
Where water enters a chimney
- Crown. The crown sheds water off the top of a masonry chimney. Cracks let water in. See crown repair.
- Cap or chase cover. An uncovered flue collects rain and sends it down the chimney. See caps and chase covers.
- Flashing. Flashing keeps rain from running under the shingles where the chimney meets the roof. See the guide to flashing and roof leaks.
- Mortar joints and brick. Worn joints let water into the masonry, and freezing water can crack it further. See repointing and the guide to water-damaged masonry.
The Chimney Safety Institute of America advises that paint or any sealer that is not vapor-permeable can trap moisture and speed deterioration, as summarized in Fire Engineering. Ask what any proposed coating is and why before agreeing to it.
Seasonal homes and second homes
Many shore towns are far busier in summer than in winter. Long Beach Island, for example, has about 20,000 year-round residents and roughly 100,000 in summer. A chimney in a home that sits closed for months can develop problems nobody sees: leaks that went unnoticed, a damper that no longer closes, or debris and nesting under a damaged cap. Before the first fire of the season, or when you reopen a house, consider an inspection. Our guides to seasonal maintenance, chimney odors and dampers cover the common checks.
After a storm
If a storm brought wind, debris or heavy rain, look for water stains near the chimney and check for debris on the roof or in the yard. Do not climb onto the roof yourself. A chimney inspection can confirm whether anything was damaged.
Documented work in Monmouth County
Monmouth County is one of the shore counties. Our documented projects there include crown and masonry repairs in Rumson and crown, flashing and stucco repairs in Tinton Falls. See all projects on Our Work.
Sources
- Wikipedia: Jersey Shore
- Brick Industry Association: water penetration resistance
- Fire Engineering: Water Causes More Chimney Damage Than Fires (citing CSIA)
Have a question about your chimney? Call us to talk it through and schedule an inspection, or request service on our Contact page.
(862) 225-6529Related services and guides
Chimney work in the Jersey Shore?
Call or send a request and we will arrange a visit.