Chimney Care

Have your chimney inspected at least once a year and swept when soot or creosote buildup requires it. If you use the fireplace heavily, cleaning may be needed more often. The key factor is buildup inside the flue, not simply how many months have passed since the last cleaning.

Creosote is a combustible residue that builds up inside a chimney when wood burns. Too much buildup increases the risk of a chimney fire and can restrict airflow. Sweeping removes that buildup before it becomes a larger safety problem.

A chimney liner may need replacement if it is cracked, deteriorated, improperly sized, or no longer safely containing heat and combustion gases. A visual inspection is usually needed to confirm the condition.

A chimney cap helps keep rain, debris, and animals from entering the flue while still allowing exhaust to escape. It can also help protect the top of the chimney from moisture damage.

Do not assume it is safe until the chimney has been inspected and any significant buildup is removed. Years of use can leave creosote, soot, debris, or hidden deterioration inside the flue. If you do not know its condition, inspection and cleaning should come before using the fireplace again.

Taller chimneys require more access equipment, setup, and time to clean safely. For that reason, cleaning prices increase with chimney height.

Watch for smoke entering the room, strong odors, visible cracks, loose masonry, water stains, or debris falling into the fireplace. These can point to airflow, moisture, or structural problems. If the chimney is behaving differently than it used to, it should be inspected before continued use.

Gas fireplaces do not produce the creosote found in wood-burning chimneys, but their venting should still be inspected and maintained according to the manufacturer's instructions. We do not clean or inspect gas-fireplace venting. Our chimney services cover wood-burning chimneys.