How often should I have my chimney cleaned if I use my fireplace pretty regularly during winter?

If you're burning wood regularly, we recommend annual cleaning before the heating season starts. Merrick homes that rely on fireplaces through our cold winters can accumulate creosote buildup quickly, which is a fire hazard. Give us a call at (516) 690-7471 to schedule your pre-season cleaning.

Is my chimney really dirty if I can't see anything from the top?

Absolutely — creosote and soot buildup happens inside the flue where you can't see it from above. DME Maintenance wills inspect the interior and show you exactly what's going on so you know why cleaning is necessary.

Will cleaning my chimney help with the smell coming from my fireplace?

Often yes. Buildup, creosote, and debris can trap odors, especially in humid coastal weather like we get here in Merrick. Once we clean it thoroughly, that musty smell usually disappears.

Can you clean a chimney that hasn't been used in years?

Yes, we handle neglected chimneys all the time in older Merrick homes. Years of sitting means more debris and potential nesting materials, but we'll get it clean and safe.

What's the difference between chimney cleaning and a chimney sweep?

They're basically the same thing — we use professional brushes and equipment to remove creosote, soot, and debris from top to bottom. The term 'sweep' is traditional, but the process is thorough cleaning.

Chimney Services in Merrick, NY — Licensed Local Expert

Name: merrickchimney.com
Address: 84 Davison Ave, Oceanside, NY, 11572, US
Telephone: 516-690-7471
Price range: $$
Rating: 5.0

DME Maintenance has been serving Merrick homeowners since 2001. If you live in one of those solid 1950s or '60s ranches around Merrick Avenue or near the Merrick Road Shops area, your chimney is probably dealing with the same weather exposure and seasonal moisture that affects most homes on the South Shore. We know Merrick's heating systems, roof conditions, and what happens when rain sits at the chimney-roof line for too long. Call us at (516) 690-7471 if you're seeing water stains or noticing leaks during heavy rain.

Merrick's housing stock runs predictable: older split levels and ranches with chimneys that were built to last 40 years, not 60. That means flashing fails. Heavy rain and freeze-thaw cycles on Long Island accelerate the breakdown of the seal where your chimney meets the roof—exactly what we see most here. Whether you're in Merrick proper or North Merrick, the problem is the same: water finds its way in.

📍 Long Island Based Owner Operated Chimney Company serving Merrick, NY — also proudly serving North Merrick and all surrounding Nassau County communities.
A DME Maintenance service

Same-week appointments available in Merrick.
📞 516-690-7471 – Call Now

✔ DME Maintenance Nassau County Department of Consumer Affairs License #H0101570000
✔ Fully Insured
✔ Serving Merrick since 2001
✔ Long Island Based & Owner Operated

Chimney Services in Merrick

Compare Services & Pricing

Service	Best For	Price
Chimney Cleaning	Annual safety & maintenance	$155
Chimney Inspection	Annual safety check, Level 1	$155+
Chimney Repair	Leaks, cracks, structural issues	Free Estimate
Chimney Cap Replacement	Water & animal prevention	$255+
Stainless Steel Chimney Liner	Code compliance & CO safety	$1940
Chimney Pointing	Failing mortar joints	$555+
Chimney Crown Repair	Stopping top-down leaks	$300+
Top-Sealing Chimney Damper	Energy loss & drafts	$855
Fireplace Chimney Cleaning	Wood-burning fireplaces	$230+
Gas Chimney Cleaning	Gas furnaces & boilers	$155+
Oil Chimney Cleaning	Oil soot & draft issues	$180+
Chimney Waterproofing	Preventing water intrusion	$415+
Chimney Crown Installation	New crown build & sealing	$510+
Gutter Cleaning	Clogs, overflow & roof protection	$120+
No Heat Emergency Service	Emergency heating failure, no heat calls	Call Now
Dryer Vent Cleaning	Fire prevention & faster drying	$120+
Roof Leak Repair	Flashing, shingles & chimney base	Free Estimate
Chimney Sweep	Annual sweep, creosote removal	$155
Chimney Relining	Oil-to-gas conversion, damaged liner	$1940
Chimney Rebuilding	Structural damage, major deterioration	Free Estimate
Tuckpointing	Mortar joint restoration	$555+
Creosote Removal	Stage 2 & 3 creosote buildup	$440+
Chimney Flashing Repair	Roof leaks, water intrusion	Free Estimate
Smoke Chamber Repair	Draft problems, parging	Free Estimate

★★★★★"Took about an hour and a half. He put down tarps, did the whole chimney, and vacuumed everything up after. No soot anywhere which I really appreciated." – Tyler Morrison (September 2025)

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Chimney Services in North Merrick