Your chimney is a critical safety feature in your Longs home, but many first-time owners don’t know where to start. You can do simple checks yourself—like inspecting for cracks or testing drafts—but leave the deep cleaning and repairs to pros. Start with these basics to keep your fireplace running safely this season.
3 Simple, Safe Fireplace Checks Every Newport Shores Homeowner Should Do Every Year
Before you even think about lighting a fire, grab a flashlight and check these three things from outside your home (never climb on your roof—use binoculars if needed). 1. Look for cracks or holes in the chimney brick or mortar, especially after Longs’s summer storms. 2. Test the draft by holding a tissue near the damper—if it doesn’t flutter inward, your chimney may need a pro’s inspection. 3. Clear debris from the roof area around the chimney base with a broom or leaf blower. These steps take 10 minutes and can prevent costly repairs later. For a deeper dive, see our self-inspection guide.
What You Can DIY vs. What You Must Hand to a Chimney Sweep in Longs
You’re welcome to clean the fireplace hearth with a vacuum or damp cloth, replace a simple chimney cap (if it’s loose but not damaged), or check your carbon monoxide detector near the fireplace. But never attempt: climbing inside the chimney, removing heavy creosote buildup (this requires specialized tools), or repairing structural damage. Longs’s humid climate accelerates wear—if your chimney’s over 20 years old or shows signs of rust, call Jason and Garcia Chimney LLC. See our repair vs. replace guide for clarity on when to invest in pros.
Warning Signs Your Longs Chimney Needs Immediate Professional Help
Stop using your fireplace and call us right away if you notice: 1. Rust stains on the chimney exterior (sign of water leaks—common after Longs’s rainy seasons). 2. A strong, lingering smoke smell in your home even when the fire’s out (blocked flue or creosote buildup). 3. Soot or smoke pouring into your room (dangerous draft issues). 4. Animals nesting in your chimney (yes, this happens—raccoons and birds love Longs’s attics!). Ignoring these risks can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning or a chimney fire. Learn more about emergency signs.
How Often Should You Schedule a Chimney Sweep in Longs? (By Fuel Type)
Longs’s mix of wood-burning stoves and gas fireplaces means your sweeping schedule depends on what you burn. Wood-burning fireplaces? Sweep twice a year (once before winter and once after). Gas fireplaces? Once yearly. Pellet stoves? Every 60–100 hours of use. Pro tip: If you burned a lot of damp wood last winter, schedule an extra sweep—Longs’s humidity turns creosote buildup aggressive. See our full fuel-type guide to avoid costly surprises.
When to Call Jason and Garcia Chimney LLC (And Why We’ll Handle It Without the Hassle)
We’re not here to scare you—we’re here to help. Call us if: your chimney’s over 15 years old, you’re moving into a Longs home and don’t know its history, or you’ve noticed any of the warning signs above. Our team serves Little River, North Myrtle Beach, and Ocean Drive Beach—and we offer same-day emergency service for critical issues. Check our service areas or book online to schedule. First-time customers in Longs often qualify for a free inspection—just ask! For pricing transparency, see our cost guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
I just bought a home in Longs—what’s the first chimney thing I should do before winter?
Schedule a Level 2 chimney inspection with Jason and Garcia Chimney LLC to check for hidden damage, creosote buildup, and structural issues. Longs’s older homes (especially near Carolina Shores) often have chimneys built with softer bricks that erode faster. This inspection costs less than repairs down the road—and it’s required before your first fire of the season. See our new-homeowner checklist.
My chimney looks fine, but my gas fireplace smells like sulfur after lighting it—is this normal in Longs’s humidity?
No, that’s not normal. Sulfur smells (like rotten eggs) mean your gas fireplace isn’t burning cleanly—likely due to a blocked flue or moisture buildup from Longs’s damp air. Turn off the fireplace and call us immediately. This can indicate a venting issue that requires professional cleaning or repair. Learn about draft problems.
I live near Windy Hill Beach—do I need a chimney cap, and how do I know if mine’s working?
Absolutely—chimney caps are a must in coastal areas like Windy Hill Beach to block rain, debris, and even seagulls (yes, they nest in chimneys!). Check yours by looking for no gaps, rust, or bent edges. If it’s missing or damaged, replace it before fire season. See our cap installation guide—and if yours is over 5 years old, it’s time for an upgrade.