When the chimney sweep service is completed, most chimney professionals will give you a written invoice that details the completed work. This invoice usually includes:

• Any applicable warrantees or guarantees provided by the chimney sweep company.
• The contractor’s name, physical address and license number.
• A list of all services performed.
• An itemized list of all chimney supplies purchased.
• The total cost for chimney services, including the amount due for labor.

It is a good idea to compare the completed work to what was promised on the written invoice. Ask your company representative to walk through the area with you and show you the work. Check what was done against the invoice. During the walk-through, ask if there are any special instructions for maintaining your chimney during the months of use. If you have questions about the work that was done or the materials used, this is the time to ask.

The majority of good chimney sweep contractors in Marin County offer some type of warranty on their work or on the materials they’ve used. All warranty details should be provided to you in writing during the contract phase or at the completion of the job.

This written warranty information should include the following:

• Your responsibility if you place a warranty claim on failed chimney cleaning services (i.e., if you have to pay for labor or materials, or if you are required to pay a prorated amount).
• Terms, limitations and exclusions on the materials and workmanship for chimney cleaning or chimney repair services.
• If the warranties are transferrable to the new owner if you sell your home.
• The chimney sweep professional’s name and physical address.
• What products and services are covered. This should also include whether the contractor will replace or repair the product in the event of a product failure.

Chimney sweep professionals in Marin County, including the major cities of San Rafael, Novato, Mill Valley, and San Anselmo, provide all types of chimney services. However, some services are more common than others. The following are the top 10 requests for local chimney sweep companies.

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Chimney Cleaning Services in Marin County
This is the process of eliminating soot, creosote, and debris from chimneys. This should be done on a regular basis in order for the chimney to operate as efficiently and safely as possible.

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Using Chimney Cleaning Logs in Marin County Homes
A log saturated with chemicals that is burned in a fireplace and loosens creosote and soot in the flue. This is not a safe substitute for literally physically cleaning the flue by a chimney professional.

Chimney Sweep Brush
Quality brush made out of hundreds of sturdy, durable wire bristles used to clean chimney flues.

Chimney Sweep Equipment
Supplies used by chimney sweeps to clean, maintain, and repair chimneys and/or fireplaces

Marin County Chimney Sweeping
Refers to the mechanical cleaning of chimneys to eliminate debris, creosote, and soot. This is usually done with brushes and mechanical scraping

Chimney Damper Caps
Chimney dampers with caps are attached to the top of the chimney. This device has a cap to protect them from weather.

Chimney Repair in Marin County
The process of restoring broken or damaged chimneys to service. This can involve tuckpointing loose brickwork, rebuilding or resealing when the chimney is cracked or broken.

Chimney Supplies
Products and tools related to cleaning, maintaining, and repairing chimneys and fireplaces.

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Chimney Inspections in Marin County
The scope of work performed by a chimney sweep in inspecting or evaluating a fireplace, stove or other venting system.

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Marin Area Chimney Cap Repair
Repair of the protective covering for the chimney. The is usually made of stainless steel, galvanized or copper. Chimney caps will have a mesh screening that serves two purpose – spark arrestor and barrier against animals. Chimney caps will also stop rain from entering the flue of the chimney.

Below are the key chimney sweep terms and descriptions that help you navigate your way through your chimney sweep services from beginning to end.

aluminum relining pipe
Aluminum that is used as a relining pipe as it will can be used to reline flues for low-efficiency gas furnaces. This device will not produce enough heat or moisture to create the need for a more durable stainless steel relining pipe.

Also known as: aluminum chimney liner kits, aluminum chimney liners, aluminum chimney, chimney cover, flexi liner, chimney relining kits, chimney plugs, gas chimney liner, aluminum chimney caps, chimney tube

cast aluminum
A light weight and rust proof metal made when molten aluminum is poured into pre-shaped molds or casts.

chimney
A structure that is made of masonry or metal. It surrounds and supports the flues which vent products of combustion from oil, gas, or solid fuel appliances or fireplaces.

Also known as: stainless steel chimney, chimney pots, outdoor chimney

chimney caps
A protective covering for a chimney that is usually made of stainless steel, galvanized or copper. These caps usually have a mesh screening that serves the dual purpose: spark arrestor and barrier against animals. Chimney caps also stop rain from entering the flue.

Also known as: multi-flue chimney caps, single-flue chimney caps, chimney caps, backdraft, chimney caps, zero-clearance, copper chimney caps, chimney flue caps, chimney flue, stainless steel chimney caps, chimney cover, chimney damper, high wind chimney caps, metal chimney caps, round chimney caps, chimney wind caps, clay chimney caps

chimney caps, zero-clearance
Chimney caps that are permitted for use on a zero-clearance fireplaces.

chimney cleaning
The method of eliminating soot, creosote, and debris from a chimney. This needs to be done on a regular basis, so the chimney will operate as efficiently and safely as possible.

Also known as: clean-out doors, chimney cleaning log, chimney cleaning tools, chimney cleaning brushes, chimney cleaning supplies, chimney clean, chimney cleaning products, chimney cleaning rods, cleaning chimney

chimney cleaning log
A log saturated with chemicals. When it is burned in a fireplace it is said to loosen creosote and soot in the flue. It is believed this is not a safe substitute for a chimney professional physically cleaning the flue.

Also known as: chimney sweep log, chimney sweep fire log, chimney sweeping log, chimney cleaning fire logs, fireplace cleaning logs, chimney clean log

chimney cleaning tools
Devices, like chimney brushes, chimney cleaning rods, and chimney scrapers, that are used for the purpose of cleaning chimneys.

Also known as: chimney cleaning supplies, chimney cleaning, chimney cleaning brushes, chimney sweep tools, chimney cleaning kits, chimney cleaning equipment, chimney cleaning tool, chimney cleaning rods

chimney damper caps
A type of chimney dampers that has a cap. It is mounted to the top of the chimney. This device replaces traditional throat dampers and has a cap to protect it from weather.

Also known as: chimney damper, chimney top dampers, chimney flue cap, chimney cover, chimey damper cap, top chimney damper, chimney caps, chimney flue dampers, fireplace chimney damper, custom chimney caps, chimney covers

chimney liner
The inner portion of the chimney that can be made of clay tiles or metal. It contains the products of combustion. For flues to be serviceable, they must stay in tact and free from any perforations, cracks or damage that could permit the products of combustion to pass into the living spaces of the house, or the heat from the products of combustion to endanger combustible materials near the flue (like the framing, walls, ceilings, insulation, or floors).

Also known as: rigid relining pipe, heavy flex, aluminum relining pipe, stainless steel chimney liners

chimney products
Products associated with maintaining, repairing, servicing or cosmetically improving chimneys.

Also known as: chimney supplies, chimney insulation, chimney pipe, chimney repair products, chimney tops, chimney cleaner products, chimney cover, chimney sealing products, chimney covers

chimney relining
Replacing the inner wall of the flue in the chimney. Uusually the damaged liner is removed n the liner may be clay or metal n and new metal liner installed. Most chimneys are relined with stainless steel of an alloy appropriate for the fuel that is being burned.

Also known as: chimney lining, chimney liners, chimney inspection, chimney relining kits, chimney supplies, chimney liner insulation, reline chimney

chimney repair
Restoring broken or damaged chimney. This involves tuckpointing loose brickwork, resealing the crown, or relining the chimney when the chimney liner is cracked or broken.

Also known as: chimney crown repair, chimney cap repair, chimney flashing repair, chimney damper repair, chimney masonry repair, chimney leak repair, chimney flue repair, chimney maintenance

chimney service
A chimney sweep professional that will clean, inspect, repair, evaluate, and maintain chimneys

Also known as: chimney cleaners, chimney inspection, chimney repairs, chimney repairs service, chimney sweep services, chimney cleaning

chimney supplies
Products and tools that are needed to repair, maintain, and service chimneys.

Also known as: fireplace supplies, chimney cleaning supplies, chimney liner, chimney cap, chimney liner, chimney flue, chimney cleaning, chimney flashing, chimney flashing repair, chimney damper, wood stove supplies, chimney pipe, wood stove accessories, chimney cover, chimney flu, chimney dampers, fireplace inserts

chimney sweep
Inner part of the chimney which contains the products of combustion. It is made of clay tiles or metal. For flues to be serviced, they must stay intact and free from perforations or damage of any kind that could permit the products of combustion to pass into the home, or the heat from the products of combustion to jeopardize combustible materials near the flue, like the walls, ceilings, insulation, or floors.

Also known as: chimney sweeping, chimney sweep guild, chimney sweep equipment, chimney sweep supplies, chimney cleaning log, chimney sweeps

chimney sweep equipment
Equipment that is used by chimney professionals to clean, maintain, and repair chimneys and/or fireplaces.

Also known as: chimney sweep tools, chimney sweep services, chimney sweeping equipment, chimney cleaning tools, chimney brushes, chimney sweep brushes, chimney cleaning equipment, chimney cleaning brushes, chimney sweep supplies

chimney sweep supplies
Supplies used by chimney professionals to clean, maintain, and repair chimneys and fireplaces.

Also known as: chimney sweep brush, chimney caps, chimney sweep tools, chimney supplies, chimney cleaning services, chimney sweep logs

chimney sweeping
This refers to the cleaning of chimneys to eliminate soot, creosote, and debris. This is usually done with brushes and scraping tools.

chimney sweeps
Professionals that clean, inspect, repair, and maintain chimneys.

Also known as: chimney sweepers, rooftop chimney sweeps

energy loss
Air that is heated or cooled then lost from a house to the outside environment through walls, seals around the doors and the windows, or up the flue of a chimney.

Also known as: energy loss in homes, energy loss in windows, home energy loss

fireplace smoke chamber
That part of the fireplace positioned above the firebox at the base of the chimney flue. This is where smoke gathers before it is exhausted up and out of the chimney.

Also known as: chimney smoke chamber, smoke chamber repair, smoke chamber illusion, smoke chamber construction, smoke density chamber

fireplaces
A devices for indoor burning that is opened on one or more sides. It is most often made of masonry or metal construction and located in the home. Fireplaces are usually used for burning wood for effect rather than used for a heat source.

Also known as: electrical fireplaces, fireplace designs, fireplace doors, fireplace inserts, gas fireplaces, ventless fireplaces, electric fireplaces, gas fireplaces ventless, amish fireplaces, propane fireplaces, corner fireplaces, outdoor fireplaces, woodburning fireplaces, outside fireplaces, modern gas fireplaces, indoor fireplaces, wall mounted fireplaces, outdoor stone fireplaces, fake fireplaces, outdoor gas fireplaces, propane fireplaces

flue
A device that is used to contain and vent the products of combustion from oil, gas, or solid fuel appliances and fireplaces. A chimney’s inner part which contains the products of combustion from gas, oil, or solid fuel appliances. Flues are made of clay tiles or metal.

Also known as: chimney flue caps, flue caps, fireplace flue damper, chimney flue liner, clay flue liners, flue damper, chimney flue damper, wood stove flue, flue cover, flue cap, clay chimney flue, fireplace flue pipe

gas fireplaces
Fireplaces which have been converted from wood to gas or were built for gas. Their main purpose is atmosphere rather than heat.

Also known as: gas fireplaces ventless, vent free gas fireplaces, outdoor gas fireplaces, modern gas fireplaces, corner gas fireplaces, natural gas fireplaces, gas fireplaces vented, free standing gas fireplaces, gas fireplaces inserts, vented gas fireplaces, contemporary gas fireplaces, gas burning fireplaces

gas stove
A heating or a cooking appliance that uses natural gas or liquid propane as fuel.

Also known as: direct vent gas stove, vent free gas stove, outdoor gas stove, portable gas stove, wood gas stove, stainless steel gas stove, cast iron gas stove, single burner gas stove, counter top gas stoves

rigid relining pipe
Non-flexible stainless steel pipe that is used for relining masonry chimneys. This pipe is used mainly in a chimney that does not have offsets.

single-flue chimney cap
A chimney cap that is designed to attach to and cover one clay tile flue.

stainless steel chimney liners
Stainless steel pipe, that can be rigid or flexible, that is made to reline flues of masonry chimneys when the original liner has cracked.

woodstoves
Enclosed appliances, often built of steel or cast-iron, that is used for burning wood for the purpose of heating an indoor space.

Also known as: outdoor woodstoves, wood stoves, soapstone woodstoves, small woodstoves, gas woodstoves, antique woodstoves, modern woodstoves, cast iron woodstoves, electric woodstoves

Q: Why choose a Diamond Certified chimney sweep company?
A: Diamond Certified helps you choose a chimney sweep company with confidence by offering a list of top-rated local companies who have passed the country’s most in-depth rating process. Only chimney sweep companies rated Highest in Quality earn the prestigious Diamond Certified award. Most companies can’t pass the ratings. American Ratings Corporation also monitors every Diamond Certified company with ongoing research and ratings. And your purchase is backed by the Diamond Certified Performance Guarantee. So you’ll feel confident choosing a Diamond Certified chimney sweep companies.

Q: How often should you clean your fireplace chimney and wood stove chimney?
A: A yearly inspection of your chimney is recommended, and cleaning and repairs of the chimney should be done as necessary. Free standing stoves or fire place inserts that are used to heat the home should be inspected and cleaned every year. Regular fireplaces should be maintained and cleaned on a consistent schedule, too. They should be cleaned after every cord of wood burned or at least every two or three years.

Q: How much time does it take to clean my chimney and is there any mess?
A: It will take an hour to clean most chimneys. That includes the setup of tarps, vacuum, and the tool and taking it all down. Pre-fab fireplaces take about 45 minutes. An insert will take from one to three hours. It depends on how often the insert is cleaned, the type of wood that is burned, and the way the stove is operated.

Q: How can I help prevent a chimney fire in my home?
A: First, make sure your chimney is installed correctly. It shouldn’t be too close to the framing or the insulation. Also the pipe should pass through the ceiling correctly. Often check the chimney for any structural damage. You can look for buckling of the inner seem or the inner lining collapsing. Lastly, check twice a month for a build up of creosote and soot. If you begin to see it, hire a chimney sweep to take care of the problem.

Q: Should a chimney be checked if you heat with gas?
A: Definitely! Generally gas is a clean burning fuel, but the chimney can be nonfunctional because of bird nests and other debris. Also modern furnaces can be the reason for lots of problems because the average flue was intended to vent for the older generation of furnaces.

Q. My fireplace stinks, especially in the summer. What can I do?
A: The odor is due to creosote deposits in the chimney, a byproduct of burning wood. The smell is usually worse in the summer if the humidity is high and the air conditioner is on. A good cleaning will help but will not resolve the problem entirely. You can try commercial chimney deodorants that work pretty well or baking soda or even kitty litter set in the fireplace. The problem is that the air is being drawn down the chimney, a symptom of overall pressure problems in the house. Some make-up air should be introduced elsewhere in the house. A top mounted damper will help reduce this air flow coming from the chimney.

Q: How do I minimize a buildup of creosote in my home chimney?
A: You can minimize creosote by burning only seasoned wood. Also don’t burn trash in the fireplace. Thirdly, do not let the fire smolder. Call a chimney professional to clean out your chimney on a regular basis.

Q: What do I do if I have a chimney fire?
A: First, get everyone out of your home. Then call the fire department. Do not close the damper. If you have a fireplace, close the doors and vents. If you have a wood stove, then close the doors and the inlets. If you spray water on a hot chimney, you will probably damage it. Lastly, call your chimney sweep company before you use your fireplace or chimney again. Even small fires can damage your chimney and it may not be safe to use.

Q: Why do I need a cap on my chimney?
A: Chimney caps keep out rain. Rain causes problems, including bad chimney smells, and it also begins the rusting of metal parts. Chimney caps will keep out birds, squirrels, and other animals that might find a comfortable spot in your chimney. Caps also prevent backpuffing, or smoke coming back into your house. A good chimney cap will keep out leaves, which can choke the flue. This also could set off a chimney fire if the flue is dirty.

Q: How do I keep birds out of my chimney?
A: The simple answer is to have your chimney contractor install a stainless steel chimney cap. This stops many things: birds, squirrels, other animals, rain, and leaves.