Frequently Asked Questions

Common guidance is to have the chimney inspected once a year and swept when soot or creosote has built up. A fireplace you use often may need sweeping every year. One you rarely use may go longer between cleanings, but it should still be checked for nests, debris and damage.

The best time is before you start using the fireplace regularly. That way any blockage or damage is found and fixed before the first fire, not in the middle of the season.

Most creosote is removed by sweeping, using brushes and rods sized to the flue to scrape the deposits loose and pull them out. Hard, glazed creosote doesn't brush off easily and may need treatment that breaks it down first, or rotary tools. Our creosote buildup guide explains why it forms and how to slow it down.

We clean wood stoves, including the stove pipe and chimney they vent through. Pellet stoves aren't among the services we offer. Describe your appliance when you get in touch and we'll tell you whether it's something we work on.

An inspection looks at the condition of the flue, liner, damper, smoke chamber, firebox, crown, cap, flashing and exterior masonry. A camera inspection of the flue shows cracks and gaps inside the liner that can't be seen from the top or bottom of the chimney.

Most chimneys benefit from one. A cap keeps rain, animals and debris out of the flue and can include a spark arrestor screen. We install and replace caps, and the guide on whether a chimney cap is worth it walks through the trade-offs.

Leaks usually come from a cracked crown, failed flashing where the chimney meets the roof, a missing cap, or porous brick and mortar. Finding the actual entry point comes before any repair. Waterproofing, flashing repair or crown repair may be part of the fix.

Yes. Shaking can crack masonry, liners and crowns in ways that aren't visible from the ground. Avoid using the fireplace until it has been checked, and stay clear of a chimney that is visibly leaning or missing bricks.

Yes. We do fireplace conversions and install gas fireplaces, gas logs, inserts and gas lines. We also service and repair gas fireplaces on all the major brands.

The usual signs are drying times that keep getting longer, clothes that come out hot but damp, a hot laundry room, a burning smell, or lint around the outside vent cover. If you smell burning, turn the dryer off and unplug it until the vent is checked. An airflow test on the dryer vent confirms whether the line is restricted.

24-hour service is available Sunday–Friday, and emergency calls are accepted. If you suspect a chimney fire or smell gas, get everyone out and call 911 first.