Chimney Service in Upper Saddle River, NJ

What is locally relevant in Upper Saddle River

The borough's historic preservation chapter directs the Historic Preservation Commission to maintain an inventory of historic sites based on the Bergen County Historic Sites Survey of 1984, revised in 2001.

For a protected historic site, an application is required for demolition or alteration. The commission has 45 days from receipt of a completed application to give its opinion, and the code says no work is to be done on the property during that time.

The same chapter states that historic site status does not require approval of ordinary repair or maintenance, does not restrict sale of the property and does not require approval of interior alterations.

Why the 45 days matters

If your house is on the inventory and a chimney project counts as an alteration, the review period becomes part of the schedule. A rebuild planned for early fall, for example, could push into the heating season if the application starts late.

Practical steps:

1. Confirm the statusAsk the borough whether the property is on the inventory of historic sites.
2. Document the conditionAn inspection with photos shows what is wrong and which repair options exist.
3. Separate repair from alterationOrdinary repair does not need approval. A change in design, materials or form may. The borough makes that call.
4. Leave room in the calendarIf an application is needed, plan around the review period before work starts.

Services Upper Saddle River homeowners often look for

• Chimney inspection with photo documentation.
• Masonry repair for brick and stone chimneys.
• Chimney liners. We install all liner types.
• Gas log and gas fireplace installation, connected to an existing gas line only; we do not run new gas lines.
• Chase covers for factory-built chimneys.

Considering a switch from wood to gas? Read converting a wood fireplace to gas first.

What to expect at the visit

Every visit starts with an assessment. When the flue allows, we use a chimney camera, and we check the roof and attic when it is safe and accessible. You receive findings with photos before any repair is scheduled.

How to request service in Upper Saddle River

Send a request through our Book Now page with your address, the appliance you use and what you have noticed. If you know the house is on the borough's historic site inventory, mention it so we can photograph the exterior with that in mind. 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. Borough of Upper Saddle River Code, Chapter 62A: Historic Preservation (eCode360)