There are a lot of things that set D.J. Cross, Inc., Chim Chimney apart from the competition. The Media-based company has the most certified technicians in the Philadelphia region, and owner Ben Cross would argue the family-owned business boasts the most qualified and experienced staff of any similar company in the entire country.

But he likes to think the true D.J. Cross difference is something a little more personal: his team's passion and attention to detail.

"What really sets us apart is our people," Ben says. "They truly are the experts."

Nearly a half century of service
In 1981, D.J. Cross was established by Dan and Jayne Cross, offering chimney maintenance and restoration services to Philadelphia, the Main Line and beyond. As the years passed by, the company grew to specialize in both residential and commercial services and master complicated jobs, all while hiring only the best.

Two years ago, Dan and Jayne welcomed retirement when their sons, Ben and Jon, bought the family business.

"It can be a challenge for any business to transition from first to second generation," explains Ben. But backed by their local upbringing – Ben and Jon are Malvern Prep graduates and both went to Temple University – and their 20 years of experience, D.J. Cross has thrived since the duo took the helm.

"We've more than doubled our staff in the last two years," he continues. "We've seen a lot of growth in the residential and commercial sectors of the business. We're working on a multiyear-long project at the University of Pennsylvania. It's exciting."

They have a new business, Cross Break Sheet Metal, that manufactures custom chimney products. Ben also recently launched a commercial scaffolding business, Cross Braced Scaffolding, to handle safe access needs in the chimney, masonry and roofing industries.

They also don't shy away from the more difficult projects: As members of the National Chimney Sweep Guild and with technicians certified by the Chimney Safety Institute of America, Fireplace Investigation Research and Education, National Fireplace Institute and National Air Duct Cleaners Association, they're prepared for any job.

"We are the go-to business for the jobs that no one else is capable of handling. We are really specialized in those tricky jobs. The ones that are super high. The ones that are super complicated. The ones people just don't have the wherewithal, capability or bandwidth to handle," Ben says. "We tend to be the company of choice for anything specialized."

Safety first
When D.J. Cross first started, it was imperative that safety came first in chimney maintenance, which remains a cornerstone of the company today.

"The easiest thing I explain to homeowners is it's a fire in your living room. We like to keep your fire in its place," Cross says. "We see a lot of chimneys and fireplaces that go years if not decades without any kind of regular maintenance. A lot can happen over the years."

If there are issues with a chimney that hasn't been inspected, a fire can easily get out of control. According to the National Fire Protection Association, inspections should be held annually. The inspection ensures that everything is in working order, as Ben notes that "chimneys and fireplaces often go overlooked or unthought of when it comes to home maintenance."

The time to schedule is now
With the fall season getting underway, customers should expect a one- to three-week lead time in terms of scheduling an inspection appointment. A D.J. Cross technician will come out to the home, perform the inspection and determine any next steps, if necessary.

"Everything starts with that inspection," Ben says, adding they will utilize cameras for internal inspections, visual checks for external inspections, and even drones. If a cleaning is needed, the process does not leave behind a dusty mess.

"We use vacuums, protect the area with drop cloths," he says. "We basically perform a dustless inspection and cleaning."

And if the job calls for something more involved than a cleaning – repairs, for instance – D.J. Cross will take care of that, too.

"We handle that, from soup to nuts. No two chimneys are built alike, so there are different remedies for each type of repair," Ben says.

In addition to wood-burning fireplaces and accompanying chimneys, D.J. Cross inspects and services venting systems for heaters and gas fireplaces.

"A lot of people think a gas fireplace doesn't need regular service," Ben says. "We have a whole team of gas specialists that are focused on gas fireplaces and regular maintenance."

And for those who think an inspection isn't necessary, Ben stresses there are a number of influential factors, not just the overall wear and buildup that may occur in a year. Home improvements – new exhaust fans in the kitchen, new flooring near the fireplace – can also impact a chimney, or birds may have nested in the structure. A switch from oil to gas heat would warrant an inspection, too.

"There are many reasons to do that annual inspection," Ben says. "We like to be preventative and proactive instead of reactive.

D.J. Cross, Inc.
Chim Chimney Sweeps
Media, Pa.
(610) 484-4290
DJCrossInc.com

Published (and copyrighted) in House & Home, Volume 24, Issue 9 (September 2024)
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