Chimney Service in Cherry Hill, New Jersey
Cherry Hill grew from a farm township into a large suburb in about twenty years. We inspect its chimneys for free, from 1950s ranches to newer homes with gas fireplaces.
Cherry Hill was incorporated as Delaware Township in 1844 and renamed in 1961, the same year the Cherry Hill Mall opened as the first enclosed mall in the eastern United States. The growth was fast. The township had 10,358 residents in 1950, 31,522 in 1960 and 64,395 by 1970, and the 2020 census counted 74,553. Neighborhoods such as Kingston Estates, Barclay, Woodcrest and Erlton fill most of its 24 square miles, and the Cooper River marks the southern edge, shared with Collingswood, Haddonfield and Haddon Township.
That boom set the housing. Census figures (ACS 2024) put the median Cherry Hill home at 1968, and only 4 percent were built before 1940. About 81 percent of homes heat with utility gas. Houses from that era often have one masonry chimney with a flue for the fireplace and another for the furnace and water heater. After 50 to 70 years, crowns crack, the mortar near the top wears out, and the original clay liner may not suit a modern furnace. Those are the problems we look for first.
Replacing a furnace or water heater
New Jersey requires an F-370 chimney verification when a furnace, boiler or water heater is replaced, and a homeowner can't sign it. The flue has to be in good repair, clean and lined and sized for the new appliance. This can come up when a high-efficiency furnace is installed that vents out the side of the house. The water heater can then be left alone in a flue sized for two appliances, which can cause poor draft and condensation.
The usual fix is a liner sized for the water heater, which typically runs $625 to $2,250. Our free inspection covers the F-370 check, and the liner paperwork goes in with the permit.
Crowns, caps and flashing on mid-century chimneys
NOAA's 1991–2020 normals for Philadelphia International Airport, the nearest long-term station, show about 77 nights a year at or below freezing and 23 inches of snow. Each freeze works on water that has soaked into a cracked crown or open joints near the top of the chimney, and leaks usually start at the flashing or the crown.
A new crown typically runs $600 to $2,200, flashing $300 to $1,800, a cap $250 to $850 and leak repair $300 to $2,500. We price all of it in writing at the free inspection.
Gas fireplaces and CO alarms
New Jersey requires a smoke alarm, CO alarm and fire extinguisher certificate before a house is sold, and CO alarms are required wherever there is a fuel-burning appliance. The state's own guidance treats a gas fireplace as one. The state does not require a chimney inspection at sale, but buyers often ask for one, and ours is free.
Gas fireplaces still need a yearly check of the vent, burner, pilot and glass seal. Yearly service typically runs $150 to $350, and a pilot, thermocouple or igniter repair $100 to $350.
Where we work in Cherry Hill
Kingston Estates · Barclay · Erlton · Woodcrest · Ashland · Springdale · Ellisburg · Greentree · Golden Triangle · Colwick · Old Orchard · Point of Woods
FAQ
Cherry Hill chimney questions
Why would my water heater need a liner after a furnace upgrade?
If the new furnace vents through the wall, the water heater may be left alone in a chimney flue sized for two appliances. That can draft poorly and cause condensation. A liner sized for the water heater typically runs $625 to $2,250, and New Jersey requires the F-370 chimney check for the swap.
Does Cherry Hill require a chimney inspection to sell a house?
No. New Jersey requires a smoke alarm, CO alarm and fire extinguisher certificate at sale, not a chimney inspection. Many buyers ask for one anyway, and ours is free.
How much does chimney cleaning cost in Cherry Hill?
We price the cleaning at the free inspection, after we see the chimney. Heavy creosote removal, if needed, typically runs $400 to $900. The price is in writing before any work.
Does a gas fireplace need a chimney service?
Yes, once a year. Nests and debris can block the vent, and pilots and igniters wear out. Yearly gas fireplace service typically runs $150 to $350.
Book online
Book in Cherry Hill. The inspection is free.
Free inspection in a 3-hour window: 8 to 11, 11 to 2, or 2 to 5. We call to confirm before we arrive.