Portland Chimney Sweep, Fireplace, Stove Cleaning, and Chimney Cap Services

Inspection service:

Flues are visually inspected for blockages, integrity of the flue liner, and build-up of combustible creosote. Draft issues also addressed with recommendations for solutions. I charge for the inspection because I believe it gives you, the customer, confidence in my analysis. Contractors who give “free” estimates will most likely tell you work is needed, which leaves you wondering if you really need the work done, or is the contractor trying to cover their time and fuel to visit your home. Of course, if I determine the flue is worthy of cleaning, or in need of repair and work is done, the inspection fee will be waived.

Chimney Caps:

In the Pacific Northwest every flue or chimney should be covered. In fact some cities and neighborhood associations require caps for the safety of the community. Caps keep dangerous sparks and smoldering debris from exiting the chimney! Caps will also prevent birds and raccoons from nesting in your flue as well as keeping the continuous winter rains from running down your flue causing damp odors and rusty stovepipes. Tip Top has a number of chimney cap suppliers offering customers many options. Each cap and installation are unique to the home, price will be a function of style and material of cap, combined with the height and pitch of the roof.

Cleaning services:

Price depends on factors such as roof height or insert stove size.

Open Fireplace:

Must be cleaned from the inside of the home to insure proper cleaning of the smoke chamber which is shaped like an upside-down funnel. The fireplace, smoke chamber, and flue are manually scrubbed with wire brushes to remove all sooty deposits. Don’t worry! TTCS uses a specialized, industrial vacuum to control all dust created to guarantee a dust free home upon completion.

Insert Stove:

This is a stove that has been inserted into a fireplace. The only way to ensure a proper cleaning of the flue is to remove the stove and clean it as an open fireplace. TTCS has the specialized tools required for proper stove removal and reinsertion. However, even with the proper tools, removal of a stove is serious work and therefore comes with an increase in price.

Free-standing stove:

This is a situation where there is no fireplace. A pipe leaves the stove and enters a flue that is in the wall or attached to a pre-fabricated liner. Cleaning of these flues primarily must be done from the roof. The stove pipe is also removed, properly cleaned, and then reinserted. Roofs vary greatly and can be quite an obstacle to proper cleaning. One story homes with a moderate roof pitch incur no extra charge, but multiple storied or a steep roof pitch will have additional cost depending on the type of safety equipment required.

Pellet Stove:

Pellet stoves usually have a 3 to 4 inch flexible pipe that either is directed up the flue of a fireplace or vented through a wall. These are primarily cleaned from the roof and therefore may incur the above mentioned price additions.

Miscellaneous:

You may have a unique situation that is not covered by the general overview just listed. After a few questions are answered a price quote can be quickly determined.