Chimney Sweeping & Repair in Bethlehem, PA

Winters are long: the Allentown Intl Ap station averages 118 nights a year at or below 32°F and 40 at or below 20°F.^1,2 In long winters, chimneys work hard and masonry sees many freeze-thaw cycles; annual inspection and a sound cap and crown are the maintenance baseline. The median home in the city of Bethlehem was built in 1957, older than the U.S. median of 1980 and older than the Pennsylvania median of 1965.³ Older masonry chimneys may be unlined or have cracked clay tile liners; a Level 2 camera inspection is the standard way to confirm the liner before the first fire of the season.

The stock is old by national standards: 80% of Bethlehem's housing units were built before 1980 (U.S. 50%), and only 4% since 2010.³ Pre-1940 chimneys were often built without a liner at all; relining with stainless is the usual remedy when the scan shows bare brick. Rainfall is substantial: about 47 inches a year, 12 days of it an inch or more.^1,2 Heavy rain tests the flashing and crown; most chimney leaks enter there rather than through the brick, and the inspection report should say which.

Snowfall averages about 33 inches a year.^1,2 Snow sitting against the stack keeps masonry wet for weeks; a cap, a sound crown and sealed counterflashing are what keep it out. Heating dominates the year: about 5,293 heating degree days against 981 cooling degree days (base 65°F).^1,2 In a heating-led climate, insulation and air sealing carry most of the energy-code weight for any work that opens the envelope.

Building permits in Bethlehem are normally issued by the city building department.^4,5 Where a liner or rebuild needs a permit, the contractor files it with the city before work starts.