What East Palo Alto homes can book
The work falls into three groups. Chimney work covers sweeping and creosote removal, clearing blockages and nests, cap and liner work, and masonry and crown repair. Fireplace work covers wood-burning fireplaces, inserts, wood stoves and gas fireplaces, from cleaning and glass or door repair to new installations and conversions. Dryer vent work covers lint and blockage removal, airflow testing, and rerouting or replacing a vent run that was poorly installed.
If you haven't had the chimney looked at in a while, a chimney inspection is the sensible first step: it tells you whether the flue is clear and whether anything needs fixing before you light a fire. When it turns up cracked mortar, a worn crown or a leak around the flashing, our chimney repair service takes it from there. Many open flues also lack a cap, which lets rain, leaves and animals in; you can read how chimney cap installation works before you decide.
Signs that point to a service call
You don't need to know the name of the service you need. These are common signs homeowners notice, and what they usually lead to:
- A smoky or musty smell from the fireplace, especially after rain: usually a cleaning, an odor treatment or a check for water getting in.
- Smoke rolling into the room instead of going up the flue: often a draft, damper or blockage problem.
- Scratching, chirping or debris falling into the firebox: likely an animal or nest that needs removing, followed by a screen or cap.
- Water stains on the ceiling or wall near the chimney: usually flashing, crown or waterproofing work.
- A gas fireplace that won't light or stay lit: a gas fireplace service visit.
- Clothes that stay damp after a full cycle, a dryer that runs hot, or lint collecting around the outside vent hood: a dryer vent cleaning and airflow test.
Hold off on the fire
If you suspect a blockage, an animal in the flue or heavy creosote buildup, don't light the fireplace until it has been checked and cleared.
Nearby areas we also serve
If you own or manage property beyond East Palo Alto, we also work in Menlo Park, Atherton and Redwood City. Get in touch to request an estimate for any of them.
