Frequently Asked Questions

Have Questions About Your Fireplace? We’ve Got Answers.

From chimney inspections to gas fireplace service, here are answers to some common questions about caring for your fireplace and chimney.

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Chimney Inspections & Sweeping

How often should I have my chimney inspected?

An annual chimney inspection is generally recommended, even if you don’t use your fireplace very often. An inspection helps identify damage, deterioration, and other conditions that may need attention.

Fire Aid Chimney Services provides comprehensive chimney inspections for homeowners in Greenville, SC, and surrounding areas.

What does a chimney inspection include?

Our comprehensive inspections examine your fireplace, chimney, attic, crawl space, and chimney top. We also use an interior video scan to look for damage, construction defects, and other potential concerns.
Afterward, Zen will explain what he finds and help you understand what your system needs.

Do I need to have my chimney swept every year?

Not necessarily. Whether your chimney needs sweeping depends on its condition, how much you use your fireplace, and the accumulation of soot, creosote, or other deposits.
Zen will evaluate your system and recommend sweeping when it’s needed rather than automatically recommending it with every appointment.

Can I schedule chimney sweeping without an inspection?

Fire Aid does not offer standalone chimney sweeping appointments. Sweeping is available in conjunction with inspection and gas service appointments.
Contact us to discuss your fireplace and determine the appropriate service.

What is a chimney video inspection?

A video inspection uses a specialized camera to examine the interior of your chimney. It allows Zen to get a closer look at areas that aren’t easily visible from the fireplace opening.

The video scan helps identify damage, construction defects, and other conditions that may require attention. It’s included in Fire Aid’s comprehensive chimney inspections.

Gas Fireplaces & Fireplace Systems

Do gas fireplaces need regular service?

Yes. Gas fireplaces and gas log systems have components that may need periodic inspection and maintenance, even though they don’t burn traditional wood logs.

Fire Aid provides professional gas log servicing, backed by Zen’s gas certification from the National Fireplace Institute.

What type of fireplace do I have?

You might have a traditional masonry fireplace, a factory-built fireplace, a direct-vent gas fireplace, or another type of heating appliance.
If you’re not sure, visit our What Type of Fireplace Do I Have? guide for photos and descriptions of common systems.

Does Fire Aid service wood-burning and gas fireplaces?

Yes. We provide chimney inspections and services for wood-burning fireplaces, along with gas log servicing and other fireplace and chimney work.

Zen holds certifications from both the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) and the National Fireplace Institute (NFI).

Does Fire Aid service pellet stoves?

No. Fire Aid Chimney Services does not service or sweep pellet stoves.
Our services focus on chimney inspections, wood-burning fireplaces, gas log servicing, and related chimney and hearth work.

Repairs, Waterproofing & Installations

Why is water getting into my chimney?

Water can enter a chimney through deteriorated masonry, damaged chimney components, or other openings exposed to the weather.

Fire Aid offers chimney waterproofing, chimney cap installation, and masonry repair services. Zen can evaluate your chimney and explain what work may be appropriate for the conditions he finds.

Does my chimney need a chimney cap?

A properly selected chimney cap can help keep rain, leaves, debris, and unwanted animals out of your chimney.
If your chimney is missing a cap or the existing one is damaged, Zen can examine the system and recommend an appropriate replacement.

Can Fire Aid install a wood stove or fireplace insert?

Yes. Fire Aid has hands-on experience with wood stoves, fireplace inserts, masonry repairs, rebuilds, and other hearth appliance projects.

If you’re considering a new system or an upgrade, contact Zen to discuss your project and determine what options may be appropriate for your home.

About Fire Aid Chimney Services

Who provides chimney inspections in Greenville, SC?

Fire Aid Chimney Services provides professional chimney inspections for homeowners in Greenville, SC, and surrounding areas.

Owner Zen Robinson personally handles estimates and performs the work. His professional credentials include CSIA certification and NFI gas certification.

Does Fire Aid Chimney Services offer a workmanship warranty?

Yes. Fire Aid backs its work with a one-year workmanship warranty.
If a defect in our original workmanship is identified within one year, we’ll correct it, subject to the warranty terms.

Have a Question We Haven’t Answered?

Every fireplace is different, and sometimes the best next step is simply to ask someone who knows fireplaces, inside and out.

Contact Zen to discuss your chimney or fireplace and find out how Fire Aid can help.

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