Professional Chimney Service | Chimney Sweep, Chimney Inspection, Chimney Repair
Certified Chimney Services
Homeowners, businesses, and government agencies throughout Washington, DC, Northern Virginia, and Montgomery County, MD, trust Bethesda Chimney for providing a wide range of professional chimney services. Locally owned and operated, we service, repair, and install prefabricated and masonry fireplaces and chimneys, wood and gas burning stoves, and fireplace inserts with unmatched quality and craftsmanship. Our chimney professionals are certified by the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) and the National Fireplace Institute (NFI). These certifications mean that the chimney sweeps and inspectors at our company have undergone extensive training and education to stay fully up to date on todays safety techniques and standards.
Chimney Inspection
An annual chimney inspection is the only way to determine whether your chimney, vents, fireplace, heating stove, or other attached heating appliances are meeting safety standards. Since chimney flues can become a health and safety hazard, fire safety experts, including Montgomery County (MD) Fire Rescue, recommend all homeowners with solid or fossil fuel heating appliances have an annual chimney inspection. A chimney inspection will reduce chimney repairs and prevent premature replacement. More importantly, it is the best way to help prevent a devastating house fire. Also, ask about our real estate level 2 inspections.
Chimney Cleaning
Periodic chimney cleaning is necessary to remove creosote, soot, and debris that accumulates inside the flue so that the chimney doesn't become a fire or health hazard. Our Certified Chimney Sweep® uses professional equipment and supplies to clean the chimney thoroughly, including removing small animals, nests, and debris that restrict the venting of smoke and fumes. Without routine sweeping and professional cleaning, there is an increased risk of fire and exposure to poisonous carbon monoxide gas.
Chimney Repairs & Rebuilding
Bethesda Chimney prides itself on providing the highest quality chimney repairs and workmanship in Montgomery County, MD, and the Washington DC Metro Area.
Our chimney repair and rebuilding services include, but are not limited to:
- Brick and mortar
- Chase tops/covers
- Chimney cap
- Chimney construction
- Chimney crown
- Chimney leaks
- Chimney liners
- Flashing Repair
- Smoke chamber parging
Custom Chimney Caps
If your chimney cap is damaged or missing, rain and snow can leak into the fireplace and cause extensive damage to the chimney system. It can also make your fireplace drafty, especially on windy days, reducing its efficiency. Bethesda Chimney fabricates stunning hip and ridge style chimney caps that are customized to cover the entire width of your chimney. It will protect your chimney crown and sides of its exterior from water damage. It will also keep out those pesky neighborhood critters and debris from leaves and twigs that blow across the roof.
Flue Liner Replacement
In the DC area, many homes, including older and historic residences, have chimneys with a terra cotta tile flue liner. As a result of age and heat from the fireplace, the clay tiles eventually crack, chip, and crumble. This can allow the fire to escape and spread to nearby combustible materials in the house. When your flue liner needs a replacement, we typically recommend a stainless-steel liner. In fact, Montgomery County, MD, and other municipalities now require stainless steel flue liners to comply with updated building and fire safety codes especially in new construction or if you are replacing a heating appliance.
Water Repellent
Chimney water sealant will help ensure rain and snow doesn’t damage the masonry and leak inside the chimney. For optimum results, we recommend waterproofing immediately after tuckpointing, rebuilding, or other masonry repairs to prevent future water damage to the chimney structure.