Chimney Service in Toms River, NJ

What is locally relevant in Toms River

The township's flood damage prevention chapter applies to all areas of special flood hazard within Toms River. It bases those areas on FEMA flood studies and maps for Ocean County and also adopts advisory flood elevations and maps issued in December 2012. It states that no structure or land may be constructed, located, extended, converted or altered without full compliance with the chapter and other applicable regulations.

The township also has a Historic Preservation Commission, established in its code.

Why this matters for chimney work

Routine sweeping or a crown repair is unlikely to raise flood questions. They become relevant when chimney work is part of something bigger, for example:

• a renovation or addition on a house in a flood hazard area;
• repairs after storm or flood damage;
• replacing a fireplace or heating appliance in a lower level.

In those cases, ask the township construction office how the flood rules apply before the work is planned. We can document the chimney's condition so you have something concrete to discuss.

After a storm

If a storm has damaged the chimney, stay clear of loose masonry and do not use the fireplace or any appliance venting into that chimney until it has been checked. If water reached a gas or oil appliance, have it checked before you use it. For any smell of gas, smoke in the house or a CO alarm, leave the house and call 911.

Our guide to chimney damage and homeowner's insurance covers the documentation homeowners can gather.

Services Toms River homeowners often look for

• Chimney inspection after storms or before a renovation.
• Chimney leak repair.
• Chase covers and chimney caps.
• Dryer vent cleaning.

See why is my chimney leaking? for the common entry points.

Caps, chase covers and metal parts

Metal parts on top of a chimney, such as caps, chase covers and storm collars, are exposed to rain and wind every day. When a chase cover rusts through or holds standing water, water runs into the chase and down the flue. A cap with a damaged screen lets in rain, leaves and animals. Some of these problems can be spotted from the ground with binoculars, and they are worth ruling out when tracing a leak. Stainless steel and copper are common choices when a part needs replacing.

How to request service in Toms River

Send a request through our Book Now page with your address, the appliance you use and what you have noticed. If the house is in a flood hazard area or the chimney was storm damaged, say so. A team member contacts you to confirm a time; the request itself is not a confirmed appointment.

Our office hours are Sunday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 6:30 PM. We are closed on Saturday.

Local questions

Sources

1. Township of Toms River Code, Chapter 313: Flood Damage Prevention (eCode360)
2. Township of Toms River Code, Chapter 71: Historic Preservation Commission (eCode360)