Providing Seattle chimney cleaning and masonry repairs & construction since 1989!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• What is a flue?

• Do I need a cap?

• How often should I have my chimney cleaned?

• What are your prices?

• What is an insert?

• How long do your chimney cleanings take?

• If I have two fireplaces, do they share the same chimney flue?

• Why doesn't my damper work?

• If you have a question that isn't on this list, please fill out the form field below and hit submit!

What is a flue? • back to top

A flue is the long shaft leading from your firebox up to the protrusion at the top of your chimney.  It is composed of several flue tiles or a type of liner (stainless steel or aluminum are common types of liners) which line the chimney if the flue tiles from the original building are cracked.

Do I need a cap? • back to top

DCLU (Department of Code Land Use) requires that every chimney is protected by a cap.  For more information on our chimney caps, please visit the chimney cap page.

How often should I have my chimney cleaned? • back to top

Chimney cleanings are recommended every 6-12 months depending on usage.

What are your prices? • back to top

Feel free to visit our Pricing page.

What is an insert? • back to top

An insert is like a woodstove inside your firebox.  Upon cleaning, it needs to be physically removed and vacuumed behind.  Inserts usually have a black trim around their borders which nestle up against the brick front of the fireplace.

How long do your chimney cleanings take? • back to top

An average chimney / chimney flue takes approximately a half-hour to clean.

If I have two fireplaces, do they share the same chimney flue? • back to top

No.  Each fireplace will have its own individual flue.  Although both fireplaces might be physically encased in the same exterior structure, it is necessary for each fireplace to have its own flue to eliminate cross draft problems and other difficulties.

Why doesn't my damper work? • back to top

For a service fee our technician will try to fix your damper.  If your damper is stuck, you can use WD-40 on the hinged areas and try to work them loose.  However, if none of the above cure the problem we can install a new top-mounting damper.  It is installed on top of your chimney with a cable running down the flue to the firebox for easy opening and closing.  The old damper is then either propped open or removed.

If you have a different question that is not covered on this page, or if you have a question you would like us to add to this page, please fill out the form below and click submit!