Business Details
17 Years
experience
Emergency
services
Expert Chimney Sweeping and Repair Services in Virginia Beach
A Step in Time Chimney Sweeps has dedicated itself to ensuring the safety and longevity of residential chimney systems since its founding. With over fifteen years of experience, the company specializes in comprehensive chimney cleaning, inspections, and repairs, led by owner Ray Gessner, a licensed professional engineer with advanced degrees in civil engineering. Our team combines technical expertise with a commitment to customer safety, offering services such as video inspections, wood stove insert maintenance, dryer vent cleaning, and stainless steel chimney liner installations.We operate across Virginia and Maryland, maintaining an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau and adhering to strict industry standards. Our approach prioritizes thoroughness, affordability, and education, ensuring clients understand the critical role of regular chimney maintenance in protecting their homes and families. By integrating structural engineering principles into every project, we deliver solutions that address both immediate concerns and long-term system integrity.
Services
Chimney Inspection
Chimney Sweeping
Chimney Repair
Dryer Vent Cleaning
Stainless Steel Liner Installation
Structural Engineering Assessment
Details
- Year established: 2009
Highlights and features
- We have over 15 years of experience in chimney maintenance and structural engineering.
- Our owner is a licensed professional engineer with advanced civil engineering credentials.
- We offer comprehensive services including inspections, repairs, and stainless steel liner installations.
- All chimney repair services include a 1-year labor warranty and 10-year+ product warranties.
- We maintain an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau for customer satisfaction.
Associations and certifications
- Better Business Bureau
What people say
Exceptional technical knowledge
Thorough inspections
Reliable maintenance services
Professional engineers on staff
Excellent customer education
Services
Chimney Inspection
Our comprehensive chimney inspections identify structural issues, blockages, and safety hazards. Using advanced video technology, we examine flue systems for cracks, leaks, or creosote buildup that could compromise safety. This service ensures compliance with insurance requirements while preventing potential fire hazards through early detection.
Chimney Sweeping
Professional chimney sweeping removes hazardous creosote buildup and debris from fireplace systems. Our technicians use specialized equipment to clean flue liners while protecting interiors with protective coverings. Regular cleanings maintain optimal airflow efficiency and prevent dangerous chimney fires caused by combustible residue accumulation.
Chimney Repair
We repair damaged chimney structures including cracked masonry, deteriorated crowns, and leaking flashing systems. Our repairs follow engineering standards using durable materials that restore structural integrity. Services include terra cotta tile replacement and waterproofing treatments to extend chimney lifespan while maintaining safety compliance.
Dryer Vent Cleaning
This critical safety service removes lint buildup from dryer exhaust systems. Using specialized rotary tools, we clean vent lines through walls and ceilings to eliminate fire hazards while improving appliance efficiency. Regular maintenance prevents carbon monoxide buildup and reduces energy consumption through improved airflow.
Stainless Steel Liner Installation
We install high-grade stainless steel chimney liners that meet UL1777 standards for safety and durability. These corrosion-resistant liners improve drafting efficiency while preventing heat transfer to combustible materials. Most installations come with lifetime warranties and significantly reduce maintenance requirements compared to traditional terra cotta systems.
People
Ray Gessner
Owner & Licensed Engineer
Ray Gessner founded A Step in Time Chimney Sweeps with his engineering expertise. He holds a civil engineering degree from Virginia Tech and a master's from Old Dominion University. As a licensed professional engineer in Virginia, he oversees all technical operations and complex repairs.
Questions
Why are chimney liners important for fireplace safety?
Chimney liners safely vent combustion gases while preventing heat transfer to combustible materials. Properly sized stainless steel liners reduce fire risks and improve drafting efficiency compared to traditional terra cotta systems.
How often should chimneys receive professional maintenance?
The National Fire Protection Association recommends annual inspections. Frequency depends on usage patterns, with wood-burning systems requiring more frequent cleaning to prevent dangerous creosote buildup.
What causes chimney leaks during rainstorms?
Common causes include missing chimney caps, cracked crowns, damaged flashing, or saturated masonry. Our technicians identify and repair these issues to prevent water damage and mold growth in chimney systems.
Are wood stove inserts safe for modern homes?
Modern wood stove inserts meeting current NFPA standards are safe when properly installed. We recommend stainless steel liners for these systems to ensure safe operation and easier maintenance.
How do dryer vent obstructions affect home safety?
Blocked dryer vents create fire hazards from lint accumulation and reduce appliance efficiency. Our cleaning service removes these obstructions while inspecting for animal nesting or structural damage in vent systems.
What qualifications should chimney professionals possess?
Look for companies with licensed engineers, Better Business Bureau accreditation, and specialized training certifications. Our team combines engineering expertise with hands-on experience in chimney system maintenance and repair.
