Chimney sweeping
Thorough cleaning for a safer, more efficient fireplace. Removes creosote, the leading cause of chimney fires — once a year for a chimney in regular use.
Crown and cap repair
New crowns and caps built to last. The crown throws water clear of the brick; the cap keeps rain, leaves and animals out of the flue.
What do a chimney crown and cap actually do?
The crown is the concrete top of the chimney; it should overhang the brick and shed water clear of it. The cap sits over the flue opening and keeps rain, leaves and nesting animals out. Between them they stop most of the water that ruins chimneys, and they are the cheapest parts to put right.
What that means
Many crowns are poured flat and thin, with no drip edge. They crack in the first few winters and funnel water straight into the stack. A proper crown is thicker, overhangs, and is built to last.
An open flue takes rain straight down onto the damper and the smoke shelf, where it rusts steel and rots mortar from the inside. Birds nest in open flues, and a nest is a blockage that pushes carbon monoxide back into the room.
A damper that no longer seals is heating the outdoors all summer. We check it while we are there.
Signs you need this
- Visible cracks in the concrete on top of the chimney
- You can see daylight straight down the flue
- Birds or scratching noises in the chimney
- Water in the firebox after rain
If any of those sound familiar, ring us — it costs nothing to ask, and most of these are cheaper to deal with early.
Other things we do
Masonry repair
Repointing, tuckpointing and brick replacement. We photograph what we found before any work is agreed.
Waterproofing
Protect your chimney from water damage and deterioration. A breathable repellent on sound brick, after any repairs, so weather stays on the outside.
Chimney liners
Stainless steel liners for safety and efficiency. Relining a damaged or unlined flue so combustion gases stay inside the chimney where they belong.
Inspections
Level 1, 2 and 3 inspections to ensure your chimney is safe and up to code, with a written report. Level 2 is what a house sale or an insurance claim usually needs.
Book crown and cap repair
Tell us what you need and we will ring you back to confirm a time.