Chimney Sweep in Silver Spring, MD | One Stop Shop For Fireplaces, Repairs, Inspections, and More!
Silver Spring MD Chimney Sweep, Repair & Inspection
Silver Spring, MD is the art and entertainment hub of Montgomery County, MD, that shares its border with the District of Columbia. The trendy downtown area is a vibrant, pedestrian shopping district filled with shops, restaurants, movie theatres, and a famous outdoor ice-skating rink.
Like many homes in the Washington, DC area, fireplaces and heating stoves are popular heating sources. However, since gas and wood-fueled heating appliances can quickly become a fire and health hazard, the CSIA Certified Chimney Sweeps at Bethesda Chimney encourage homeowners to have annual chimney inspections to determine whether cleaning or repairs are necessary. We serve the entire Montgomery County, MD, Fairfax County, VA, Washington DC, and Washington DC Metro Area.
CSIA Certified Chimney Inspections
Bethesda Chimney’s trained and experienced chimney professionals and masons are certified to perform all three levels of chimney inspections per National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) industry standards.
Level 1 Chimney Inspection
This is the standard chimney inspection for most homeowners that keep up with annual inspections. It includes visually examining the chimney interior and exterior, vents, and attached heating appliances.
Level 2 Chimney Inspection
This more comprehensive examination is typically necessary when there have been changes to the fuel type, installation or modification of a heating appliance or a chimney fire. It’s also common in cases of natural disaster, or if it has been more than 12 months since your last chimney inspection. It includes a Chimney Camera inspection that can detect abnormalities in the flue system so we can make repairs before it becomes a fire or health hazard. A level two inspection is also required before the transfer of real property, such as the pending sale of a house.
Level 3
This is typically recommended when a level 1 or level 2 inspection reveals the potential of significant damage in a hidden area of the chimney system. It often requires the removal or demolition of components to locate the source of the issue, such as a water leak or storm damage.
Silver Spring MD Certified Chimney Sweep & Cleaning
There are two very critical reasons for having a professional chimney sweep clean your chimney with your annual chimney inspection in Silver Spring, MD:
Fire Prevention
The wood-burning process creates various contaminants, including creosote, a volatile organic compound (VOC). Without regular chimney sweeping, creosote deposits harden into a black or brown and oily or tarry material that is highly flammable and very difficult to remove without professional assistance. Most house fires in Montgomery County, MD, and throughout Washington, DC, start in the chimney from creosote build-up.
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
A broken or missing chimney cap opens the flue to critters, leaves, and debris that can restrict the venting of smoke and harmful fumes, resulting in a dangerous flue obstruction. Excessive creosote can also cause a flue obstruction. A severe flue obstruction reverses the draft (backdraft), pushing smoke, soot, and debris into your living space. It also fills your home with toxic carbon monoxide gas, reducing indoor air quality. Breathing in too much carbon monoxide can be deadly.
Our certified chimney cleaning service is an affordable way to keep your home and family safe while using your gas or wood-burning fireplace or heating stove. Bethesda Chimney also installs custom chimney caps, which provide additional protection.
Chimney & Fireplace Repair in Silver Spring, MD
Our CSIA and NFI certified technicians and masonry experts perform all chimney repairs following internationally recognized industry standards. We are also licensed and insured and comply with local building, fire, and safety codes in Montgomery County, MD, Fairfax County, VA, and all communities we serve in the Washington, DC area. Some of the most common chimney repairs we perform include:
- Flashing repair
- Masonry repairs
- Custom chimney caps
- Chase cover installation/replacement
- Individual brick repair & replacement
- Chimney crown repair (flex seal)
- Partial or complete chimney crown rebuilds
- Chimney relining
- Furnace liner
- Hot water heater liner
- Smoke chamber parging
- Firebox repair
- Fireplace damper repair
- Partial and complete chimney rebuilding
- Chimney water repellant sealant
Chimney Rebuilding & Tuckpointing
Although your masonry chimney may appear in good condition, when you take a closer look, you may notice signs of masonry damage like cracking, flaking, crumbling bricks, decaying mortar, gaps in the mortar joints, or loose or missing bricks. When caught early, usually with an annual inspection, our skilled masons can repoint the chimney and repair or replace individual bricks, saving the cost of a more extensive partial or complete chimney rebuild.
Chimney Relining in Silver Spring MD
A chimney liner protects the flue, preventing the heat and flames in the firebox from spreading to combustible building materials such as the attic, roof, ceiling, and walls in your house. Clay tile is the most popular type of chimney liner. However, normal wear and tear combined with moisture, corrosion, and years of exposure to hot temperatures can cause the liner to crack, burst, or split, which increases the risk of fire and carbon monoxide exposure. Our UL-listed stainless-steel liners are a safer and more durable solution. In addition, it increases your fireplace’s efficiency, has a longer lifespan, and is easier to clean and maintain.
Patios, Walkways, and Walls
Our skilled masons are outstanding craftsmen that can repair, rebuild, and install stunning patios, walkways, and retaining walls. Your choice of top-quality materials, including flagstone, brick pavers, concrete, and custom stonework, will surely increase your home’s curb appeal and value.
We Sell Primo Grills
Let the experts at Bethesda Chimney bring your outdoor living to life with a new Primo Grill. These quality smokers deliver outstanding performance and will match your lifestyle and budget.