Dirty air duct systems are a major source of indoor air pollution. Airborne contaminants are pulled into the air ducts every time the heating and cooling system runs. Over time, these contaminants build up inside the ductwork, creating an ideal breeding ground for mold, bacteria, fungi and other microbes.

Particles drawn into the air ducts also pass through fiberglass filters and infiltrate into HVAC equipment, undermining the performance and energy efficiency of these systems. That can lead to higher repair and maintenance costs, and shorter service life in the long run.

Air duct cleaning is a proactive solution to these problems. It can enhance indoor air quality, improve overall air circulation, eliminate built-up dirt and contaminants, and extend the life of heating and cooling systems.

Some of the things that may lead a home owner to consider more frequent cleaning include:

• Smokers in the household.
• Pets that shed high amounts of hair and dander.
• Water contamination or damage to the home or HVAC system.
• Residents with allergies or asthma who might benefit from a reduction in the amount of   indoor air pollutants in the home’s HVAC system.
• After home renovations or remodeling.
• Prior to occupancy of a new home.

We use a very large vacuum system designed to put your air duct system under negative pressure. We close or seal each vent to maintain this pressure and prevent dust entry into the home. We then clean the interior of the ductwork with special tools that travel through the ductwork to dislodge the debris. Once airborne inside the ductwork, the debris is drawn into the vacuum system by the strong airflow created by the negative pressure.

The most effective way to clean air ducts and ventilation systems is to employ Source Removal methods of cleaning. This requires a contractor to place the system under negative pressure, through the use of a specialized, powerful vacuum. While the vacuum draws air through the system, devices are inserted into the ducts to dislodge any debris that might be stuck to interior surfaces. The debris can then travel down the ducts to the vacuum, which removes it from the system and the home

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems have been shown to act as a collection source for a variety of contaminants that have the potential to affect health, such as mold, fungi, bacteria, and very small particles of dust. The removal of such contaminants from the HVAC system and home should be considered as one component in an overall plan to improve indoor air quality

How we evaluate your chimney - Camera Evaluations / Video Scan / Camera Scan

There is no better way to evaluate the condition of your chimney. The CHIM-SCAN  evaluation system, along with an experienced and trained operator, can shed a critical light on the hidden defects, voids, or other dangerous conditions which may be hiding within your chimney.

Traditionally, chimney sweeps and others trying to "see inside" a chimney relied on a mirror and a powerful light to look up from the bottom, or down from the top. The problem is, that when looking down a long tube-like chimney, you cannot see  any details of the walls of the chimney much further down than a few feet.

Our camera drops down inside the flue, and can be angled to look directly at the walls at a 90 deg. angle, or any angle we need to see potential problems within the flue.  If you have had a chimney fire, our camera can document your damages via video/digital pictures and detailed written report for your insurance company, so their adjuster can see your loss easily, instead of relying on an inspection by spotlight and mirror.

If you are unsure of the condition of your flue liner and chimney, the Chim ScanChimney Evaluation will show you exactly what is going on, to help you make the decisions you may need to make regarding the safety of your venting systems

We utilize the most technologically advanced equipment available to perform complete safety inspections for everyday homeowners, prospective buyers, insurance agencies, general contractors, and restoration businesses. All of our recommendations are based on NFPA Standards and International Residential Codes

What are Chase Covers?

A chimney chase cover, or chimney chase top, is a metal cover on top of a wooden or masonry chimney chase structure.

Chase covers are designed to prevent water from entering the inside of the chimney chase.  In most neighborhoods, chimney chase covers made of galvanized sheet metal were installed when the homes were originally built. 

Unfortunately, galvanized chase covers have an average life of only 7 years.  Heat from the fireplace and various environmental conditions contribute to the breakdown of the chase cover's galvanized coating, until the metal is completely unprotected and begins to rust.   Although rust on a chimney's exterior is unsightly, it is more than just a cosmetic problem. If left unchecked, the rust continues to deteriorate the chase cover allowing water from rain and melting snow into your home, causing interior damage.

stainless steel

What are Chimney Caps?

It has been said a chimney without a cap is like a house without a roof.
Imagine how much water would come into your home during a rainstorm if you had a hole in your roof twelve inches square.  Chimney flues may be even larger than that, so where does all that water go?  It runs down the chimney and seeps into the bricks and mortar, settling behind the firebricks in the fireplace.  There is little air circulation in the chimney (unless you're using it) and no sunlight, so the inside of the chimney stays wet long after the rain stops.  This moisture erodes the mortar joints and weakens the brick.  Add to this a freeze/thaw cycle during the cold months, and you have all the needed ingredients for a deteriorating chimney.

Take our word for it: even though you can't see the damage happening, it's there, slowly deteriorating your beautiful fireplace and chimney. This is a particularly important consideration if you have a metal firebox incorporating a metal damper and smoke shelf.  All fireplace dampers made of metal are subject to this deterioration as the water mixes with creosote and mild acids are formed. Even chimneys serving woodstoves are in need of a cover.

Listed below are several good reasons to have a chimney cap:

• Keep out rain
• Keep out animals and birds.
• Keep out leaves, twigs and other debris which could lead to a blockage or chimney fire.
• Keep sparks from leaving the chimney and igniting nearby combustibles.
• Help eliminate wind induced downdrafts.

Chimney caps are made from a variety of materials. The most common are galvanized, stainless steel, and copper.  Caps made of stainless steel and copper will last much longer than those made of regular galvanized steel and they normally carry an extended warranty.  Spending a little extra for a good quality chimney cap will be money well spent and there will be no danger of rust staining the chimney.

A Typical Chimney Cap

Why Chimney Cleaning?

Chimney cleaning is needed to remove creosote deposits and other debris from chimneys and vents. Creosote buildup in chimneys can lead to chimney fires or flue blockages. During a chimney fire temperatures inside the chimney often exceed 2000 degrees and this can destroy your chimney and may set the house on fire. In the event of a flue blockage, which may be caused by creosote or other debris such as animal nesting, dangerous fumes can be forced into your home. Chimney cleaning is a vital service to protect the health and safety of your family and home. All chimneys, including the chimney for your furnace, should be inspected annually with cleaning performed as needed.

What you can expect from us during the cleaning process

1. Tarp for protection laid in front of the fireplace and hearth
2. Front opening of the firebox tarped off
3. Vacuum used for dust control
4. Brushes used to clean build up of soot in the chimney flue, in most cases cleaned from the bottom up
5. Firebox walls brushed down
6. If there is a blade damper in throat of fireplace it is lubricated
7. Smoke shelf is cleaned
8. Safety cap/arrester is cleaned off if termination is safely accessed with a standard ladder

Our Chimney Crown Repairs:

A chimney crown is a masonry roof that covers the top of your chimney. It prevents water from seeping into the masonry below. Water damaged or cracked chimney crowns can lead to costly chimney repairs. Chimneys are often capped improperly with mortar crowns instead of the recommended cast-in-place concrete crowns. If the mortar crown is loose, crumbling, or severely deteriorated, it should be replaced with a new cast-in-place concrete crown. If the crown is damaged but structurally sound, it can be effectively repaired with one of our three, easy to use, crown repair products, CrownSeal, CrownCoat, or CrownSaver.

Why install a Chimney Liner

Why install a Chimney Relining System?

1.  Most masonry chimneys are constructed with an inner liner of clay tiles. The purpose of this liner is to keep the heat of flue gases inside the chimney so the chimney can't overheat the nearby combustible material, such as the framing and walls of your house, and possibly cause a fire. The liner also keeps carbon monoxide, moisture, smoke, creosote, and other products of combustion from seeping through the bricks and mortar of your chimney and leaking into your home. As you can see, a secure lining system is crucial to the safety and well being of your home and family. To repair damage to the chimney, which may have been caused by a chimney fire, earthquake,  settling, etc.
2. To upgrade old chimneys which were constructed without chimney liners, deteriorated or incomplete parge coating.
3. To replace cracked, worn, deteriorated liners, which may be allowing smoke, creosote or condensation to seep through the chimney walls. This may allow for heat transference to combustible materials.  According to the National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA), clay flue tiles within a chimney should be replaced if they are cracked, broken, or missing. The most efficient and cost-effective repair is relining of the flue by a certified chimney contractor
4. To properly size the chimney for a new appliance; such as converting from wood to gas heat.
5. To prevent excessive creosote buildup (and risk of a chimney fire)

This brings us to a chimney re lining system. What is it? Simple, it's what you need when the original clay tile liner was either --never installed, or when the tile lining cracks, crumbles and deteriorates over time. Water damage, chimney fires, or just age can cause the deterioration of your clay liner or parge coating on an unlined flue. When that happens the National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA) code 211 says it must be replaced.

There are three (3)  popular,effective and economical ways to reline your chimney.

• Heatshield Cerfractory Flue Sealant – click on link to see more details
• Thermocrete Ceramic Flue Sealant – click on link to see more details
• Steel flue liner  – click on link to see more details
• also see Liners

Terra Cotta Flue Tile Liners

Traditional clay liner inside chimney brick chimney

Gaps/voids/cracks found in clay flue tile liners

Steel Reline System

Stainless steel pipe, either rigid or flexible, made for relining flues of masonry chimneys when the original clay liner has cracked or broken.  Steel liners may also be used to create a lining in a masonry chimney that was made without a clay liner.    This method of relining involves installing a round or oval stainless steel liner in the chimney. The liner can be either rigid or flexible; flexible liners are used for chimneys with offsets.  The steel liner is specifically made for this type of use and is rated for high temperatures.  Liners made from fabricated sheet metal or vent pipe are not acceptable. The steel liner is encased in a Thermix mixture to insulate the liner or wrapped in a special “blanket” A bottom plate to hold the liner in place is inserted above the smoke chamber and a top plate is installed below the chimney crown at the top of the chimney termination.  A safety cap arrester is installed to protect the new system and stop sparks from landing on nearby combustible

Thermocrete

Thermocrete Ceramic Flue Sealant (CFS) is a chimney restoration and chimney repair product designed for all types of masonry chimneys. The patented Ceramic Flue Sealant material:

• Withstands extremely high temperatures
• Eliminates the need to downsize the flue substantially
• Keeps costs contained, even for multiple-flue chimneys
• Withstands corrosive elements that damage many types of liners
• Thermocrete Ceramic Flue Sealant is applied in a semi-liquid form, providing excellent adhesion to masonry surfaces, coating the entire interior surface of the flue, and filling small gaps in the masonry work with a fireproof seal. Multiple layers of the ceramic material are applied, forming a complete and durable chimney sealant, unsurpassed in the industry.

Moreover, it doesn’t substantially reduce the size of the flue. This is important. The flue capacity must be sufficient to handle the volume of exhaust from the fireplace, stove or furnace. Reducing the flue size can result in smoke spilling into the home, or worse yet, allowing carbon monoxide to enter the home, a potentially lethal situation.

Heatshield Cerfractory Flue Sealant

Consultations/ Evaluations

 We offer qualified evaluations and recommendations by our trained technicians with certifications from the CSIA, FIRE and NFI organizations. 

We are able to  evaluate your fireplace and its conditions, either visually or with the camera, Chim Scan Camera system.  We pride ourselves on being experienced experts on masonry fireplaces and the leading company in the Southern California area with extensive knowledge of factory built fireplaces.

Damper

A damper seals off your fireplace from the outside elements. However, it must be open when a fireplace is in operation. Often they are left open, or they no longer seal correctly and air gets in, but more importantly....heat gets out. Having a broken or improperly sealed damper on your chimney is allowing valuable heating dollars to float out of your home.  We can install a top mount damper on masonry fireplace or a blade damper (in the throat area of the firebox above the back firewall) in a masonry or retrofitted fireplace.  Factory built fireplaces use a different damper than a masonry fireplace.  Top mount dampers are not UL listed with your factory built fireplace or Class A retrofitted flue pipe system and they should not be installed.

Diagram depicting heat loss in a fireplace without a damper

Dryer Vent Cleaning

Lint and additional debris can build up in your clothes dryer vent and may cause your dryer to exhaust at less than optimum efficiency. This creates potentially hazardous conditions including carbon monoxide intrusion and the possibility for exhaust fires. If a gas clothes dryer is improperly vented or the exhaust duct itself is blocked by lint or debris, carbon monoxide can be forced back into your living space.
When a  technician inspects and cleans a dryer vent, they also verify that the correct type of duct is in use. For example, plastic transition ducts (joining the dyer to the wall) should be replaced with metal duct, because it is non-flammable, unlike plastic.

Annual dryer exhaust vent inspections (also known as dryer exhaust duct inspections) are more necessary than ever before due to the complex construction of homes built today. Newer homes tend to have dryers located away from an outside wall in bathrooms, kitchens and in hall closets which is convenient, but potentially dangerous from a safety standpoint. These new locations mean that dryers tend to be vented longer distances and vents are generally installed with more bends to accommodate the extended path they must take through the home. As a result, dryer ducts are harder to access and this additional length creates more places where lint can collect and animals and birds can hide

If you have noticed that your dryer is running longer than it used to you may need to have the dryer vent cleaned. .We have tools specifically designed to clean dryer vents and with these tools we are able to do a thorough job of cleaning even the most difficult installations.

Dryer Vent Re Routing

The maximum length a dryer vent can be before problems arise, or are noticed, varies greatly between brands and models. The vent material and the type of outside vent cover being used also contribute to the maximum vent length allowed.  In all cases, the longest possible working vent should be made of rigid metal vent material with a large mouth or louvered outdoor hood. Flexible metal ducting, although a bit easier to work with, causes reduced air flow due to its corrugated design and will contribute to a lint buildup in the ducting over time.  Flexible Nylon ducting is no longer approved in most areas for dryer venting due to the possibility of a fire hazard and has never been approved for use on gas dryers.

Estimates

 We offer estimates by our trained technicians with certifications from the CSIA, FIRE and NFI organizations.  We are able to  evaluate your fireplace and its conditions, either visually or with the camera Chim Scan Camera systems.  We pride ourselves on being experienced experts on masonry fireplaces and the leading company in the Southern California area with extensive knowledge of factory built fireplaces. 

Firebox

Walls/Deterioration

Factory Built Firebox Wall (s) –we install and repair all parts of a factory built fireplace
prestamped / formed walls that are usually found in three (3) sections. Rear firebox wall and two (2) side firebox walls. Walls tend to deteriorate after years of use and hot fires.. Refractory walls become very brittle. Normal defects are cracks, missing chunks, crumbling areas, etc. These walls need to be replaced to stop any heat transference to combustible materials.  It is not uncommon when removing the rear firebox wall for replacement, that the side wall (s) may crack. A single wall can be replaced with either the manufacturers wall or a generic after market wall. Single wall brick pattern may not match up completely with the side firebox walls. We recommend that you consider replacing all three (3) walls at the same time. Please call our office for a quote on this repair

Masonry Brick Firebox - We rebuild and repair masonry/ brick firebox walls
The firebox is the immediate area of the fireplace that absorbs the heat of the fire. The firebox walls help stop heat transference to combustible materials. Defects can found in the walls are due to the heat of the fire, water /moisture entry, use, etc. The rear firebox wall, usually needs to be rebuilt before side firebox walls. Eventually the side walls must be removed and replaced.The rear wall has a specifically designed slope, it helps radiate the heat out into the room and aids in the proper draft of the fireplace
Cracks - please check with us on this type of minor repair Cracks can be sealed in either type of fireplace (factory built or masonry/brick) and is a temporary measure. This is a temporary repair, the walls will eventually have to be rebuilt.

Before		After

Fireplaces

Direct Vent Fireplace – Gas fireplaces that can be vented vertically or horizontally. These fire places are gas only. These fireplaces do not need a chimney chase for the flue pipe to vent through. We offer installation, service and repair of direct vent fireplaces

Electric Fireplace - Manufacturers now have the technology to make these types of fireplaces extremely realistic. The fireplaces are versatile enough to be inserted into the fireboxes of masonry fireplaces or to have a built in look with mantle and hearth. We provide installation and maintenance of electric fireplaces.

Factory-Built Fireplace – Gas or wood burning, mostly found in newer homes after 1980. These fireplaces are manufactured off site and are made of metal. The fireboxes have refractory walls that simulate the look of brick. The flue is metal. The flue system is housed in a wood stud chimney chase and has a galvanized metal chase cover. The exterior of the chimney chase is usually stucco but can be covered in brick veneer or wood. We offer Installation and repairs of factory-built fireplaces including new chase covers, firebox walls, chimney caps, screens and glass doors.

Gas insert- This type of gas insert fits inside of a masonry/brick firebox and is vented through the chimney flue system. The flue system must be free of defects to allow the insert to be properly vented and comply with the manufacturers specifications. We install and service gas inserts.

Masonry/Brick Fireplace – Typical type of fireplaces found in most homes built before 1985. Wood or gas burning.  Fireplace with a brick firebox and a terra cotta lined or unlined flue system. The entire structure is built in brick. We repair, service and maintain brick/masonry fireplaces.

PreCast Fireplace – Sometimes known as a tilt up. Found in homes built in the 1970's and 1980's. This fireplace was built offsite, trucked to the jobsite and set in place with a crane. This fireplace appears to be a brick fireplace but is not. The fireplace is made of a poured concrete substance. Most common defects found are cracked insulation/breast plates and cracked liners. There are no repairs to this fireplace that are on record from the manufacturer. Most cities have allowed the repair of the cracked breast/insulation plate and the flue system with Thermocrete Ceramic Flue Sealant. We service and repair pre cast fireplaces.

Retrofitted Fireplace- Commonly found in the greater Los Angeles area after the 1994 earthquake. The damaged masonry/brick chimney was removed but the firebox and foundation were left intact. The chimney was rebuilt with Class A HT flue pipe enclosed in steel stud framed chimney chase. Most exteriors of the newly built chimney chase are stucco but can be brick veneered or covered in wood. We retrofit chimneys, repair and maintain retrofitted fireplaces.

Fireplace Links:

• Fmi Fireplaces
• Monessen Hearth Systems
• Heat & Glo Fireplaces and Accessories

Fireplace Change-Out

From structurally defective brick fireplace, replaced with a factory built fireplace.

Gas Logs

Multiple styles and types. We supply, install and service gas log sets. If you have purchased your own set, we can also install them for you.

Gas Log Links:

• RH Peterson Co. Premium Gas Logs

Gas Inserts

There are many manufacturers of gas inserts. Please follow the links provided below. We supply, install and service any of these manufacturers products.

Links:

• Fmi Fireplaces
• Monessen Hearth Systems
• Heat & Glo Fireplaces and Accessories

Heatshield Cerfractory Flue Sealant

HeatSHIELD takes the heat - so you don't have to. See Heatshield Cerfractory Flue Sealant

Liners

• see Steel Liners
• see Heatshield Cerfractory Flue Sealant
• see Terra Cotta Flue Tile Liners
• see Thermocrete Ceramic Flue Sealant

Masonry Repairs

• see Parging or please see parging smoke chamber/throat/breast parge coating
• see Repacking flue tile joints
• see Smoke Chamber/Throat/Breast Parge Coating
• see Tuckpointing
• see Water Sealant

Promotions

Click here to see available promotions, coupons or specials.

Real Estate Inspections

We maintain good relationships with real estate professionals in the area, and are often called upon to provide evaluations of the chimney system as part of the requirements for buying or selling a home.  Most home inspectors do not have the specialized knowledge and equipment to properly inspect the interior of a chimney. It is much better to know if expensive repairs are needed before the closing takes place.   As part of our  inspection, The Chim Scan Video system is used to allow us a complete viewing of the internal area of the fireplace system.  With this camera system we can see areas that cannot be viewed by the naked eye.  All defects are documented. The client is left with an onsite evaluation form that informs them of areas that are of concern and whether the fireplace should be used in its present condition.  Usually, within 48 hours a more detailed report is mailed, faxed or emailed to the client.  This report gives a more detailed description of the findings and includes digital pictures of the problem areas.  If possible a separate proposal for work, if needed, will be included.  

We utilize the most technologically advanced equipment available to perform complete safety inspections for everyday homeowners, prospective buyers, insurance agencies, general contractors, and restoration businesses. All of our recommendations are based on NFPA Standards and International Residential Codes.

Repacking Flue Tile Joints

Chimney professional using a refractory mortar, specifically designed to correct open mortar joints,  repacks the area between the flue joints. This repacking between the joints negates the need to reline the flue.  The high temperature mortar, when it is  is applied,  the  material forms solid, smooth, water and acid resistant joints throughout the entire flue area. Once properly installed, the material within the joints prevent the passage of flammable creosote through the joints, thus preventing the build-up of flammable creosote outside the flue area. In addition, the new  joints reduce heat transfer through the joints to the interior wall against the dwelling.

Looking down from top of chimney Looking down from top, flue tile joints Flue tile joints with missing mortar have been repacked with hi temp material and gaps between joints

Throat/Smoke Chamber Repair

Smoke Chamber Restoration

Deterioated or a missing parge coat will allow heat transference to combustible materials.  Smoke chambers are also parge coated to allow a smooth transition from the firebox to the flue.  There are two options for renovating your existing smoke chamber, Chamber Tech or Smoke Tite.   Chamber tech is a trowel on product while Smoke Tite is a spray on application. Depending on the access to your smoke chamber you might be able to choose or be limited to one or the other. Both products do an excellent job of filling in missing mortar joint and leaving a nice smooth finish which is important to the way your fireplace drafts.

Tuckpointing

Tuckpointing includes grinding/scraping the eroded mortar joints and filling them with mortar.

Thermocrete Ceramic Flue Sealant

Thermocrete Ceramic Flue Sealant (CFS) is a chimney restoration and chimney repair product designed for all types of masonry chimneys. The patented Ceramic Flue Sealant material:

• Withstands extremely high temperatures
• Eliminates the need to downsize the flue substantially
• Keeps costs contained, even for multiple-flue chimneys
• Withstands corrosive elements that damage many types of liners
• Thermocrete Ceramic Flue Sealant is applied in a semi-liquid form, providing excellent adhesion to masonry surfaces, coating the entire interior surface of the flue, and filling small gaps in the masonry work with a fireproof seal. Multiple layers of the ceramic material are applied, forming a complete and durable chimney sealant, unsurpassed in the industry.

Moreover, it doesn’t substantially reduce the size of the flue. This is important. The flue capacity must be sufficient to handle the volume of exhaust from the fireplace, stove or furnace. Reducing the flue size can result in smoke spilling into the home, or worse yet, allowing carbon monoxide to enter the home, a potentially lethal situation.

Flue tile joints with gaps and voids Application of Thermocrete , system is totally sealed

[↑] FAQ

 

Water Sealant / Chimney Saver

Without being protected all new and existing masonry chimneys are susceptible to water damage, even if repaired. Because chimneys project above the roof line, they are vulnerable to the elements. Water damage can be prevented. ChimneySaver Water Repellents come with a 10 Year Warranty and have been used by chimney professionals for nearly 20 years. It reduces water penetration into the masonry by 99.9% according to ASTM tests conducted at the University of Wyoming.

[↑] FAQ

 

 

Wood/Gas Fireplaces

see Factory-Built Fireplace

[↑] FAQ