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“I abide by a simple motto: ‘If you’re going to do something, do it right.’ That’s how I approach both my work and my relationships with customers. I do the best possible work every time, with no exceptions. If a client isn’t happy with something, I’ll make it right.”

Best Chimney Sweep cleans chimneys, stove flues, fireplaces, dryer vents and more for homeowners, property managers, homeowners associations, and real estate professionals throughout the North Bay. The company also services damaged systems and provides free initial consultations for property managers and homeowners associations to accurately determine service frequency.Owner Andy Gatley established Best Chimney Sweep more than two decades ago. He says his company’s primary concern is keeping all the outlets in a home safe and efficient. “When left untreated, chimney and dryer vent debris can build up and create possible fire hazards. I work diligently to eliminate the chance of that ever happening.”Best Chimney Sweep tailors its services to match the unique details associated with managing properties, handling everything from resident notifications to electronic invoicing. The company also provides free initial consultations for each property type to accurately determine service frequency.

Best Chimney Sweep’s service van on a recent jobsite

Maintaining customer satisfaction is a crucial aspect of any business, but it’s even more important for chimney cleaning companies that have earned the prestigious Diamond Certified award. For Best Chimney Sweep, the key to achieving and maintaining high levels of customer satisfaction is working quickly, efficiently, neatly and with the utmost respect for every home. “My customers trust me to work in their homes, so I’m very respectful of their time and personal belongings,” says owner Andrew Gatley. “It’s important for me to take my time, do the job right and ensure each customer is happy with the quality of my work.” Best Chimney Sweep has been cleaning chimneys, stove flues, fireplaces and dryer vents for homeowners, property managers, homeowners’ associations, and real estate professionals throughout the North Bay since 1997. The company also services damaged systems and provides video and imaging support to help customers with insurance claims, maintenance planning and deposit adjustments. Unlike less experienced chimney cleaning companies that try to up-sell their customers or offer low teaser rates and then add extra services to increase their profits, Best Chimney Sweep takes an honest approach to its work that ensures its customers’ needs are addressed before anything else. “My customers really appreciate how upfront I am with them,” says Mr. Gatley. “If I see a repair that can wait until later, I’ll be honest and give a realistic timeline that ultimately saves them money. The ‘bait and switch’ tactic is unfair, and I’d never do that to my clientele.” Another distinguishing attribute of Best Chimney Sweep is its implementation of cutting-edge technology throughout every aspect of its operations, including the use of state-of-the-art cameras that show customers exactly what’s happening inside their chimneys. “Most people don’t want to climb onto their roofs to investigate a chimney problem, so my camera system is really beneficial for finding cracks, water, debris and other issues that can be dangerous if left unattended,” explains Mr. Gatley. “I also use a flex camera that allows me to inspect dryer vents for potential hazards.” To further differentiate Best Chimney Sweep from its competition, Mr. Gatley is currently developing a clean burning fireplace that doesn’t need to be vented and is specifically designed for condos and apartments that don’t have fireplaces. “I recently finished the initial prototype in cooperation with an excellent metal sculptor from the Bay Area,” he explains. “The prototype is being modified and enhanced right now, and it should be ready for consumer use very soon.”

Q: What’s the best kind of wood to burn in my fireplace? A: You can burn just about anything, but oak and other hardwoods work best because they don’t contain as much sap or pitch oil, which means they burn cleaner than woods like pine and eucalyptus. Regardless of what type of wood you want to use, make sure it’s completely dry before burning it. If the wood is too wet, it’ll pop, smoke and leave residue on the chimney flue walls. You can dry out wood by splitting it and letting it sit for at least two days. Q: How often should I have my chimney cleaned? A: If you use your fireplace often (four days a week during the cold season), you should have it checked once a year. The same is true if you use wood that smokes a lot or contains a lot of water. If you only use your fireplace a few times a year and burn dry wood without a lot of sap or pitch, you can wait longer between chimney cleanings. Q: Do I need to have my gas or gel fireplace cleaned? A: No, because those are clean burning fuels that don’t accumulate in chimneys. The exception is if you’ve replaced your old wood burning stove or fireplace with a gas fireplace. In that case, you’ll want to get your chimney professionally cleaned so you’re starting with a clean slate. Otherwise, the gas or gel fireplace has the potential to ignite leftover buildup in the chimney. Q: Why is my chimney smoking? A: If you notice your chimney smoking, it’s either because it’s too short or it has a drafting problem. Sometimes this happens when homeowners remodel or install a more powerful kitchen fan than they’ve had in the past, which can cause smoke to be pulled back into the room. In any case, it’s important to determine why the smoke is coming back inside and then fix the problem. The solution could be as simple as turning off the furnace while the fireplace is burning or adding glass doors to the fireplace. Q: Can you recommend the best type of fireplace for my home? A: Absolutely. I’ll determine your specific needs and help you choose the perfect fireplace. I can even give you the names of several local fireplace stores that I’ve worked with over the years.

Use common sense with fireplaces and wood burning stoves to avoid hazardous situations. Wood burning fireplaces and stoves are common in Bay Area homes because they can add warmth and a comfortable atmosphere, but they’re also potential sources of house fires and carbon monoxide poisoning. To ensure your fireplace is operating as safely as possible, consider the following tips: Have your chimney checked annually. Every chimney in your home should be inspected once a year, especially if you use your fireplace frequently. Hire a certified chimney cleaning company to perform the check—it’ll greatly reduce the risk of problems by removing creosote buildup and chimney obstructions. Burn the right types of wood. Avoid burning pine or other types of wood that have high sap content, as well as wood that isn’t completely dry. Most types of wood should be seasoned (split and dried in a covered location that doesn’t directly sit on soil) to ensure they’re completely dry, as damp wood can spark and create thick smoke and ash that can collect in chimneys. Build fires correctly. Set up firewood or specialty fire logs on a supporting grate toward the back of your fireplace or wood stove. This will stop sparks from escaping the fireplace and ensure the smoke travels straight up the flue into the chimney. Start fires by igniting kindling or using a commercial firelighter. Don’t use flammable liquids (gasoline, lighter fluid) to start indoor fires. Clear the hearth area. Flammable materials and decorations that are placed too close to a fireplace can easily ignite, and small fires can spread to flooring, walls and ceilings and cause major damage. Likewise, furniture that’s too close to a fireplace can overheat and catch fire. For this reason, keep furniture at least three feet away from fireplaces and wood burning stoves. Use a fireplace screen. Install a metal mesh or fire screen in front of the fireplace. These implements will catch flying sparks that could start a house fire. Keep small children and pets away from the fireplace or wood stove. You may need to install baby gates or barriers around fireplaces to keep children and animals from getting too close. Never leave fires unattended. Make sure you extinguish any type of fire before you go to sleep or leave your house. Even small embers can pose a threat if left unattended. Install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Place these detectors in common living areas and near bedrooms. Check the batteries twice a year and test the alarms monthly to ensure they’re working correctly.

Best Chimney Sweep

They are reliable and very dependable.That it's a family owned business

They are very friendly and approachable.The process was straightforward.

They were timely and did an excellent job. I was satisfied.Their expertise on getting the job done and how to get the job done safety

They are available, on time and efficient.They are very knowledgeable.

They were friendly, nice and good at what they do.Friendly and do a good job

Good employees, quick and got the job doneThe employees were quick.

They came by and did a great job, super efficient.Great attention to detail

They where functional, reliable and quick with great customer service.The availability

They were quick and did a thorough inspection.They were able to get here quickly.

Best Chimney Sweep cleans chimneys, stove flues, fireplaces, dryer vents and more for clients throughout the North Bay.

BEST CHIMNEY SWEEP - 462 Surveys, Videos, Articles, & More

SANTA ROSA — A common issue when it comes to home appliances is a reduction in dryer efficiency. In addition to longer drying times, this issue is often accompanied by overheating of the dryer unit. In many cases, these symptoms can be linked to a problem with the dryer vent.
There are a couple of possible causes of a dryer vent issue. One is when the line that goes from the dryer to the home’s exterior becomes constricted. If your dryer gets pushed back against the wall, it can cause the line to become crimped and/or crushed, which will restrict air flow and cause the unit to overheat and underperform—particularly if the line is made of pliable material like Mylar or plastic. If you’re experiencing efficiency issues with your dryer, check behind the unit to make sure the line isn’t constricted. If visibility is an issue, use a long-handled mirror to get a better view.
Another possible cause is when the dryer vent becomes obstructed from the outside. Whether it’s vegetation growth, an animal or insect nest, or a child’s toy, it’s easy for something to get into the vent and block air flow. For birds in particular, a dryer vent is like a rent-free condo with central heating, which makes for a great winter home. As cute as this may sound, the air flow obstruction can reduce your drier’s efficiency and even pose a potential fire hazard, so be sure to intermittently check this area and remove any foreign objects.

SANTA ROSA — A common issue when it comes to home appliances is a reduction in dryer efficiency. In addition to longer drying times, this issue is often accompanied by overheating of the dryer unit. In many cases, these symptoms can be linked to a problem with the dryer vent. There are a couple of possible causes of a dryer vent issue. One is when the line that goes from the dryer to the home’s exterior becomes constricted. If your dryer gets pushed back against the wall, it can cause the line to become crimped and/or crushed, which will restrict air flow and cause the unit to overheat and underperform—particularly if the line is made of pliable material like Mylar or plastic. Read more

by Andy Gatley, a Diamond Certified Expert Contributor

Troubleshooting Dryer Vent Issues

SANTA ROSA — Host, Sarah Rutan: If your dryer is dirty or doesn’t seem to be functioning properly, it may be due to a problem with the dryer vent. Today we’re in Santa Rosa with Diamond Certified Expert Contributor Andy Gatley of Best Chimney Sweep to learn more.
Diamond Certified Expert Contributor, Andy Gatley: Hi, I’m Andrew Gatley with Best Chimney Sweep. A couple questions &#8211; different questions that customers have asked me over the years. One is how many licks does it take to get to the center of a Tootsie Pop? I don’t know. The other one is with their dryer vent or their dryer. It’s taking too long. The unit is overheating. And either ‘a’ &#8211; I just recently had it cleaned, so it really shouldn’t be dirty, or the line is so short I’ve never had any issues with it in the past.
So, a couple of things that could be going on. One, the line that goes from the unit itself to the wall &#8211; sometimes the unit will get pushed back and crushed. Then you can’t, you know &#8211; no air flow going through. Especially if you have those &#8211; either the [Mylar] or those plastic runs &#8211; they have a tendency to crimp and be problematic, so that will shut that off. And a good way to check that is, you know, either take a peek in the back, and if you can’t then a good old mirror or flashlight &#8211; check in the back and go from there.
Not only do you want to check on the inside for the crimped lines and whatnot, but just want to check on the outside, because what can happen is if you’ve got plants or bushes &#8211; somebody walks by &#8211; a dog hits it or whatever &#8211; you’ve got this, and now you’ve got this. And that will block it off. Something else I find from time to time are kids love to stash toys and things like that in here, so that will definitely block them off. And then of course the other thing, when these things are much higher a lot of times birds will get in there and they’ll put their nest right here, which is great for them. It’s a rent free condo with heat during the winter, but not so good for you. And again, it can cause a problem with drying time and fire hazard.
Host, Sarah Rutan: To learn more from local top-rated companies, visit our Diamond Certified Expert Reports at experts.diamondcertified.org.

SANTA ROSA — Host, Sarah Rutan: If your dryer is dirty or doesn’t seem to be functioning properly, it may be due to a problem with the dryer vent. Today we’re in Santa Rosa with Diamond Certified Expert Contributor Andy Gatley of Best Chimney Sweep to learn more. Diamond Certified Expert Contributor, Andy Gatley: Hi, I’m Andrew Gatley with Best Chimney Sweep. A couple questions &#8211; different questions that customers have asked me over the years. One is how many licks does it take to get to the center of a Tootsie Pop? I don’t know. The other one is with their dryer vent or their dryer. Read more

with Andy Gatley of {BR} Best Chimney Sweep

Video: Troubleshooting Dryer Vent Issues

<h1>Andy Gatley: Sweeping Up the Town</h1>
<h6>By James Florence, Diamond Certified Program Reporter</h6>
SANTA ROSA — When asked about their motivations for entering a particular trade, most professionals cite an auspicious opportunity, the influence of a family member or a specific attribute that drew them to the industry. When asked how he got started sweeping chimneys, Andy Gatley blames it on the decline of a foreign economy. “I used to be a diamond cutter, but when the Japanese economy took a dive in the late ’90s, I found myself out of work,” he recounts. “I started working for a friend who cleaned chimneys and later partnered with another guy who ended up selling me his business. Since I went from cutting diamonds to sweeping chimneys, I guess I’m technically still in the carbon business…just the dirtier end.”
Today, as owner of Best Chimney Sweep, Andy says that while his job is dirty, there’s also a lot to appreciate about it. “I enjoy meeting new people and having conversations with them. I also like being my own boss, as well as getting to travel all over the place and not be stuck in an office. I could probably do without the part where I come home each day covered in soot and smelling to high heaven, but hey, what are you gonna do?”
A long-time resident of the North Bay, Andy says he enjoys the region’s scenic diversity above all. “There are so many different things to see here—one day I’m working in the city, the next day I’m out at the coast and the following day I’m driving through Wine Country. It’s really nice to have that kind of variety.”
Outside of work, Andy stays occupied with a number of hobbies and pastimes, including martial arts, music and skateboarding. “I’ve been skateboarding since I was five years old,” he says. “Now I’m old enough to know better, but I still do it anyway. I also like playing keyboards in my home music studio, and just for fun, sometimes I help out at a local TV station where some of my friends work.”
In regard to a professional philosophy, Andy says his mother taught him everything he knows about customer service. “My mom had her own interior decorating business, and she really emphasized the importance of customer service, which has stuck with me throughout the years. Computers and technology are wonderful, but at the end of the day, it’s the element of personal touch that really counts.”
When asked the first thing he’d do if he could retire tomorrow, Andy gives a classic response. “I would go to Disneyland, and then I’d come back and figure out what to do next. I’d probably donate a lot of my time to Big Brothers Big Sisters and other charitable organizations, which is something I’d love to do now, but I don’t really have the time.”
Ask Me Anything!
Q: What’s the most death-defying feat you’ve ever attempted? 
A: I used to compete in street luge, which basically consists of rolling downhill while lying on an 8-foot-long skateboard. One time, at Dinosaur Point in Gilroy, I clocked in at 74 miles per hour!
Q: If you could immediately master any musical instrument, what would you choose? 
A: The piano.
Q: Who makes you laugh? 
A: I’m really into British comedy, so definitely Monty Python.
Q: What’s your favorite band? 
A: Pink Floyd.
Q: What was your first concert? 
A: Rush in Sacramento, 1986.

Owner

Andy Gatley: Sweeping Up the Town By James Florence, Diamond Certified Program Reporter SANTA ROSA — When asked about their motivations for entering a particular trade, most professionals cite an auspicious opportunity, the influence of a family member or a specific attribute that drew them to the industry. When asked how he got started sweeping chimneys, Andy Gatley blames it on the decline of a foreign economy. “I used to be a diamond cutter, but when the Japanese economy took a dive in the late ’90s, I found myself out of work,” he recounts. “I started working for a friend who cleaned chimneys and later partnered with another guy who ended up selling me his business. Read more

Andy Gatley is owner of Best Chimney Sweep, a Diamond Certified company since 2004. He can be reached at (707) 742-3949 or by <a href="http://www.diamondcertified.org/contact/best-chimney-sweep">email</a>.

Andy Gatley: Sweeping Up the Town

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