Chimney Sweep & Cleaning
Capital Local services is a one-stop chimney shop in Tacoma, WA. Cleaning, maintenance, repair, replacement and installation should be done by skilled experts who provide complete care at affordable prices. A working chimney can make any space more cozy. Regular cleaning and upkeep are necessary to safely operate a wood or gas burning fireplace with a chimney.
Chimney Services in Tacoma Washington
Trained professionals offer a full suite of care services to residences and commercial properties in the Capital Local service area. Call or contact us online to schedule any of the following services:
- Chimney sweeping
- Chimney inspection
- Chimney repair
- Chimney rebuilds
These categories cover a large number of services that improve and maintain function. The most common request is for a sweep or cleaning. Inspections should take place on an annual basis.
A well-maintained chimney can remain intact for years. Over time, exposure to variations in temperature and moisture often necessitates masonry repairs or flue replacement. Having a swept to remove buildup at least once or twice a year can prolong the lifespan of this feature.
When To Call a Chimney Cleaner
Every time you use a fireplace, creosote and soot accumulate inside. Regularly clearing out buildup reduces the risk of fire damage.
Fire prevention experts recommend scheduling a professional cleaning when ⅛-inch or more of buildup is present inside of a chimney pipe. For optimal care, schedule sweeping sessions at the start and end of the season during which you use a fireplace most, typically in early fall and spring.
While it is possible to clean it yourself with a brush, the sweeping is messy work. A sweep will cover the surrounding interior with plastic sheeting and use professional cleaning tools and a vacuum to remove creosote and soot.
Cleaning is also a convenient opportunity to check the overall condition of a chimney. An inspection could identify potential issues related to carbon monoxide, fire, puff backs or roof leaks.
Fix a Broken Chimney
If chimney problems are identified during cleaning or inspection, Capital Local has the expertise necessary to repair a chimney. Chimneys may experience problems at any point, from the cap, crown and flashing to masonry and on down the flue.
The flashing surrounding a chimney on a roof is intended to prevent leaks around the fixture. Loose, missing or rusted flashing should be replaced to prevent roof leaks.
Damaged or missing crowns or caps can leave a chimney open to admit animals, debris and moisture. A specialist can replace damaged components or install a new cap to maintain the condition of a chimney.
Brickwork or masonry problems may also occur after it has been neglected. Once again, moisture is the most common cause of problems. Full-service care professionals can provide a protective and stabilizing tuck-pointing procedure.
The flue may also crack, particularly if moisture has been entering from the top. Clay or metal flue linings protect combustible building materials from being exposed to open fire, flying sparks, high heat, soot and smoke.
Experts can replace a broken or cracked flue lining. In some cases, clay tiles may be replaced without having to replace the entire flue lining. Otherwise, trained specialists may need to do cast-in place flue repair or replace the lining.
In addition to measures that keep it from causing roof leaks, other measures may be taken to fine-tune chimney function. Contact specialists about cold drafts, smoke backups or any other issues. Sweeps can also recommend ways to improve chimney performance.
Plan Seasonal Chimney Maintenance
Schedule an inspection as temperatures start to drop in the fall. The condition in which a chimney was kept during the off-season may make the flue or lining more or less prone to damage. The condition of these components is directly tied to the risk that sparks or intense heat will spread beyond and might damage the structure.
A chimney may need to be cleaned or swept at the start of the season and again at the end. A fireplace used less frequently during the off-season should not require additional cleaning. Keeping an unused chimney clean and dry can preserve the condition of a clay, ceramic or metal liner.
The condition of outdoor components is also critical for safety. A cap keeps out pests, while the crown can limit the amount of precipitation and residual moisture that travel down the flue. Specialists may also offer aesthetic services, such as the removal of soot stains from a fireplace and flue, as a part of maintenance.
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Schedule a Chimney Safety Inspection
Chimney experts can provide a complete inspection to optimize chimney performance and reduce risks of fire and roof leaks. A typical inspection covers all of the following components:
- Bricks
- Mortar joints
- Cover
- Flashing
- Flue
- Flue liner
- Damper
- Ash pit
While a homeowner can do a basic inspection of the condition of a chimney and check the amount of buildup, certified professionals should perform a complete safety inspection that accounts for all parts on a yearly basis.
Masonry plays an important role in providing structural support and insulation. Over time, exposure to moisture and extreme variations in temperature can cause the condition of bricks and mortar joints on the inside and outside to degrade. Professional care may seal cracks with mortar or do a procedure called tuck-pointing.
Tuck-pointing involves the removal and replacement of mortar to create water-resistant joints. This measure may be combined with replacing a damaged or missing cap or roof flashing to prevent precipitation and ambient moisture from working its way down a chimney and causing major damage over time.
Problems with the pipe or flue may call for more extensive repairs or the replacement of a flue. Several methods and materials may be used, depending on the design of a fireplace. Flue liners made of clay or metal are used to contain heat, smoke, and soot and must be in good condition to provide safe ventilation.
The damper on a fireplace opens and closes a door to create a seal to prevent cold air from flowing down when a fireplace is not in use. Experts can ensure that this component is intact, not rusted and functions properly.
The ash pit is a hole in the firebox where old ashes can be placed. Keep in mind that Chimney Safety Institute of America recommends leaving a one-inch layer of ash on the floor of the fireplace during a season of regular use to facilitate future fires and protect the firebox floor. Over time, an ash pit will accumulate a lot of soot. Emptying this component is an important step in seasonal fireplace maintenance.
Capital Local inspects chimneys in residences and other structures in the Tacoma area. If an inspection indicates the need for cleaning, repairs, or other upkeep, trained and certified specialists can provide a full range of services. Whether you want to install, replace, or upgrade a chimney or simply extend the flue liner lifespan, annual inspections and yearly or twice-yearly cleanings can ensure your chimney burns cleanly and safely for years to come.
Chimney Sweep FAQs
The average cost of having a swept is around $240. The cost of cleaning a wood chimney on a regular schedule may be as low as $85 to $130. If it has not been properly maintained may cost up to $800 to clean, so regular maintenance is worthwhile.
A chimney should be cleaned at least once a year. For optimal care, you should have a cleaning at the start and end of the season. Have the flue inspected prior to starting the first fire of the season and arrange for a cleaning as temperatures start to rise.
The cost of cleaning a can range from $100 up to $800 depending on the condition. A chimney that is regularly cleaned and maintained costs less to clean than one that has been neglected. Built up creosote, soot and moisture can crack a flue and require major repairs.
It takes about 45 minutes to one hour for experienced sweeps to clean a chimney. This process includes setting up plastic sheeting.
Need a Chimney Sweeping Service? Call Capital Services Today!
Capital Local services in Tacoma Washington provides chimney sweeping and a full range of other care services at affordable prices. Look for cleaning near me to determine whether your residence or commercial property is located in our service area and contact us to schedule sweeping or services.
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Serving the Greater Tacoma WA area