The National Fire Protection Association recommends that chimneys, fireplaces, and vents be inspected at least once a year. If you use your fireplace regularly, you may need cleaning more often. We can assess your specific situation during an inspection and recommend the appropriate cleaning schedule.

Common signs include: a strong odor coming from the fireplace, smoke entering your home instead of going up the chimney, reduced heating efficiency, visible soot buildup, and evidence of animals or nests in the chimney. If you notice any of these signs, it's time for a professional inspection.

Creosote is a highly flammable byproduct of burning wood that accumulates on chimney walls. It forms in three stages, with the third stage being a glazed, tar-like substance that is extremely flammable. Creosote buildup is the leading cause of chimney fires, which is why regular cleaning is essential for safety.

A standard chimney cleaning usually takes between 45 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the condition of your chimney, the amount of creosote buildup, and whether there are any obstructions. More complex situations may require additional time.

Level 1: Basic inspection of readily accessible portions of the chimney.
Level 2: More detailed inspection including attics, crawl spaces, and using video scanning; required when selling a property or after a chimney fire.
Level 3: The most comprehensive inspection, which may involve removal of parts of the building structure; conducted when serious hazards are suspected.

Yes, we can repair or replace damaged chimney liners. The appropriate solution depends on the extent of damage. Options include installing a new stainless steel liner, applying a heat-resistant sealant for minor cracks, or using cast-in-place liners that create a new channel within the existing chimney.

Chimney leaks can have several causes: damaged or missing chimney cap, cracked chimney crown, deteriorated flashing, damaged masonry, or issues with the chimney liner. We perform thorough inspections to identify the exact source of leaks and provide appropriate solutions.

Costs vary significantly depending on the type and extent of repairs needed. Minor repairs like repointing may cost a few hundred dollars, while major repairs like rebuilding the top sections of a chimney or relining can cost several thousand dollars. We provide free estimates after a thorough inspection.