Chimney Sweep & Fireplace Cleaning Bay Area | Cal Duct Cleaning

What's Included

Level 1 chimney inspection
Complete creosote and soot removal
Firebox cleaning
Smoke shelf and damper cleaning
Exterior chimney cap inspection
Free dryer vent inspection with every chimney sweep
Detailed condition report

Why Chimney Sweeping Matters

Creosote — the tar-like residue left by burning wood — is the number one cause of chimney fires. Just 1/8 inch of buildup is enough to ignite. The NFPA reports that chimney fires cause over $125 million in property damage annually in the United States.

Beyond fire safety, a dirty chimney can allow carbon monoxide to back up into your home instead of venting properly. Annual chimney sweeping and inspection is a simple, affordable way to protect your family and your home.

Our 5-Step Chimney Sweep Process

1

Exterior Inspection

We inspect the chimney crown, cap, flashing, and exterior masonry for signs of damage, deterioration, or animal nests.

2

Set Up Dust Protection

We lay down protective drop cloths and set up a commercial vacuum at the firebox to contain all soot and debris. Your home stays clean.

3

Sweep & Remove Creosote

Using professional chimney brushes and rods, we thoroughly sweep the flue from top to bottom, removing all creosote, soot, and blockages.

4

Firebox Cleaning

We clean the firebox, smoke shelf, and damper area, removing all accumulated ash and debris for proper airflow.

5

Final Inspection

A Level 1 visual inspection of the entire flue system. We check the flue liner, damper operation, and provide a detailed report of the chimney's condition.

Our Work

Standards & Certifications

Our chimney sweep service fully complies with NFPA 211 — Standard for Chimneys, Fireplaces, Vents, and Solid Fuel-Burning Appliances. This is the national standard for chimney safety, and we follow it on every single job.

NFPA 211 compliant cleaning and inspection
Professional chimney brush and rod systems
Licensed and insured technicians
Detailed written condition reports

Service Area

We provide chimney sweep services throughout the San Francisco Bay Area, including:

San Jose Campbell Sunnyvale Cupertino Mountain View Palo Alto Los Altos Menlo Park Redwood City Santa Clara Belmont San Mateo Milpitas Fremont Oakland San Francisco San Rafael Santa Cruz Gilroy Morgan Hill

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I have my chimney swept?

The NFPA recommends annual chimney inspections and cleaning as needed. If you use your fireplace regularly, an annual sweep is essential. Even if you rarely use it, an annual inspection catches animal nests, water damage, and structural issues.

What is creosote and why is it dangerous?

Creosote is a tar-like substance that forms when wood smoke condenses inside your chimney. It's highly flammable — just 1/8 inch of creosote buildup is enough to cause a chimney fire. There are three stages: Stage 1 is a flaky soot, Stage 2 is a shiny tar-like glaze, and Stage 3 is a hardened, thick coating that requires professional removal.

What are the signs my chimney needs cleaning?

Signs include: a strong smoky odor even when the fireplace is not in use, visible soot or creosote flakes falling into the firebox, smoke entering the room instead of going up the chimney, difficulty starting or maintaining a fire, and a damper that's hard to open or close.

Do you clean gas fireplace chimneys?

Yes. While gas fireplaces don't produce creosote like wood-burning ones, they still need annual inspection and cleaning. Gas fireplaces can develop carbon buildup, corrosion, and bird or pest nests in the flue. We inspect the gas connections, pilot light, and flue lining.

What is the difference between a Level 1 and Level 2 inspection?

A Level 1 inspection is a visual check of accessible portions of the chimney and fireplace — it's included with every sweep and is sufficient for chimneys in regular use with no known issues. A Level 2 inspection includes video camera scanning of the interior flue and is recommended when selling a home, after a chimney fire, or when switching fuel types.

Chimney Sweep & Fireplace Cleaning — Bay Area Professionals