Portland winters are wet, and the first cold night is when most people light a fireplace that has sat unused since spring. That is the worst time to discover a blocked flue, a missing cap, or a leak into the attic. A short prep visit before the first fire is the safest habit — our chimney sweep and inspection starts at $149.
Months of rain soak porous brick. Crowns crack, flashing lifts, and animals nest in uncapped flues. Meanwhile last season’s creosote sits in the smoke path. An inspection before you burn catches those issues when they are still small. If you want the annual-schedule version of this advice, see how often to clean a chimney in Portland.
Do not light the fireplace if you smell smoke indoors, see soot falling, hear animals in the flue, or have water stains near the chimney. Those are repair or safety issues, not “burn it hotter” problems. We can quote chimney repair, waterproofing, or a leak fix on the same visit. Related: chimney leaks in Portland.
Book 24/7 online or call (503) 309-5491. If we find damage, you are never obligated — we show photos and price the work before we start. Browse the full list on our chimney services Portland page.
Book a sweep and inspection before the first fire of the season — ideally in early fall. Portland rain soaks masonry all winter, so catching a cracked crown, failed flashing, or a missing cap now prevents leaks and unsafe burns later.
A standard chimney sweep and inspection starts at $149 and includes flue cleaning, a visual check of the firebox, damper, flue, and accessible exterior parts, plus photo notes if we find repair work.
Do not light it until it is inspected. Creosote, bird nests, and a blocked flue are common after a skipped season. Call (503) 309-5491 or book online — we are available 24/7.
Yes. Gas units still collect dust, soot, and debris, and the vent or chimney can still leak. We clean and inspect gas fireplaces as well as wood-burning chimneys.
$149 sweep & inspection from a locally owned Portland team — available 24/7.