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Recent News
The MEA Division Transformation
It appears that the MEA Division will transform into the Office of Technical Certification and Research (OTCR).
OTCR will continue to approve materials when the Codes require approval and will review new or alternative materials or systems.
According to the NYC Department of Buildings: "The Office of Technical Certification and Research will be responsible for implementing and administering several of the most important changes under the New NYC Construction Codes. Among these changes, OTCR will:
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Advance construction safety and quality by governing technical certifications of approved agencies and other entities performing inspections, tests, material approvals and other tasks; and
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Promote new technology that enhances construction safety, sustainability and efficiency by administering approvals for innovative products and materials introduced to the design and construction industries".
NYC Code Changes (Finally!)
Remember: All factory-built chimneys and liners installed in NYC must be listed by nationally recognized testing and evaluation services as compliant with national standards, and be installed in accordance with the New York City Building Code and shall comply with the Standards for Listed Factory Built Chimneys and Liners. The new NYC Building Code will require all listed flue lining systems for masonry chimneys (including corrugated and rigid liners) for use with residential-type and low-heat appliances to be listed to the UL 1777 Standard (This Local Law will take effect in July 2008).
Additional important changes: The classifications of low-heat, medium-heat and high-heat chimneys have been modified. Factory-built chimneys for medium heat appliances shall comply with UL 959. In addition, the requirements for chimney footings, foundations and fireplace smoke chambers have been established.
More news to come soon...
Installation of Vent Free Gas Fireplaces and Gas Logs in NYC.
We have been receiving a large number of questions and inquiries about unvented gas fireplaces and logs installation in New York City.
Remember: The installation of unvented, also called vent-free gas fireplaces, gas logs, gas fired space heaters, gas stoves and gas fireplace inserts in New York City is prohibited!
Chimney repair and fireplace cleaning scams are on the rise!
We would like to warn all homeowners in our area to be extra cautious. Chimney and fireplace cleaning and repair scams are on the rise. We always urge customers to be careful when choosing your future chimney company. Don't be afraid to ask for references. Shop smart!
Scammers usually offer a special on chimney cleaning or fireplace repair for a low price. They often claim that your chimney liner is damaged and needs to be replaced. Remember, there is no need to reline an already lined chimney unless your lining is in really bad condition. Ceramic (fireclay) liners are widely used and comply with the NYC Building Code. They usually provide good, reliable protection and don't need to be relined with stainless steel liners. We have seen many badly and unnecessarily relined chimneys in NYC. Don't let unscrupulous companies steal from you!
Carbon Monoxide Detectors Can Save Lives.
Remember: Almost every house or apartment in New York City must have a carbon monoxide detector.
All apartments and buildings that have working fireplace, furnace with boiler, and/or water heater that burns fossil fuel (gas, oil or coal) must have a carbon monoxide detector installed. All carbon monoxide detectors must be UL Listed and installed in accordance with the manufacturer's instruction.
EW 40 - Wireless fan control from Exhausto available!
One of our favorite companies, Exhausto Inc., has introduced The EW40-wireless fan control. The control is used to regulate Exhausto chimney fans and can be used with solid-fueled and gas-fired fireplaces. The EW 40 is for residential use. It's ETL Listed and comes with 2-year factory warranty. It offers automatic on/off.
More to come soon...
Important-January 10, 2008.
Warning: Be advised that copyrighted content of our website was stolen, copied and posted without our authorization or permission on another website. We have already contacted the
appropriate
local authorities and the Chimney Sweep Guild and informed them about this serious problem. We would like to warn all potential customers in our area to be extra cautious. Chimney Pro has no connection to any other chimney or fireplace company. Furthermore, Chimney Pro has not authorized anyone to use our own copyrighted materials i.e. pictures, website design, text, etc. All fireplaces in pictures posted on www.chimney-pro.com website were constructed by Chimney Pro's technicians in New York City and should not be used on other websites (or elsewhere) without our written permission. We always urge homeowners to be careful when choosing your future chimney company. This is a good example of how unregulated this industry can be.
Update: The suspicious website was shut down on January 18, 2008.