Chimney Cleaning and Inspections in Durham and Nearby areas

Chimney Cleaning

Chimneys need to be cleaned for safety and efficiency reasons, including:

Preventing fires
Creosote, a flammable by product of burning wood, can build up in the chimney and catch fire.

Preventing carbon monoxide poisoning
Fireplaces produce carbon monoxide, an odorless, colorless gas that can be deadly at high levels. A buildup of smoke and other obstructions can force carbon monoxide back into your home

Chimney Inspection

If your appliance or your venting system has not changed and you plan to use your system as you have in the past, then a Level 1 inspection is a minimum requirement.

A Level 1 inspection is recommended for a chimney under continued service, under the same conditions, and with the continued use of the same appliance.

In a Level 1 inspection, your chimney service technician should examine the readily accessible** portions of the chimney exterior, interior and accessible* portions of the appliance and the chimney connection. Your technician will be looking for the basic soundness of the chimney structure and flue as well as the basic appliance installation and connections. The technician will also verify the chimney is free of obstruction and combustible deposits.

Chimney Repair and Upgrade

Chimney Cement Crown

Importance of Chimney Crown Repair:

Prevents Water Damage
Cracks in the crown let water seep in, which can damage the chimney liner, bricks, mortar joints, and even the walls and ceiling inside your home.
Avoids Structural Deterioration
Water infiltration can freeze and expand during winter, making cracks worse and weakening the entire chimney structure.

Chimney Tuck Pointing & Repointing

Over time, mortar joints can crack or erode due to weather, causing water to seep into the chimney structure. Tuckpointing repairs these joints and helps prevent moisture infiltration, which can weaken the entire chimney and even affect your home’s foundation.

Replacing damaged or deteriorated mortar with fresh mortar restores the chimney’s structural strength, helping it last longer and avoid more serious (and costly) damage down the road.

When to Get TuckPointing Done?

f you notice cracks or gaps in the mortar.
If the mortar is crumbling or eroding.
If your chimney appears leaky or shows signs of water damage (like rust stains or discoloration).
If there are visible signs of mold or mildew on the chimney.

Chimney Lining

A chimney liner serves multiple functions, including protecting the chimney structure, venting harmful gases out of your home, and ensuring proper air circulation for your fireplace or stove.

Key signs that you might need a new chimney liner:

If you’re experiencing soot or smoke leaking into your living area instead of venting through the chimney, it could indicate a damaged or improperly sized liner. This not only affects comfort but also poses serious safety risks.
If your home is older and the chimney hasn’t been updated or lined in decades, it might be time to consider replacing the liner. Older chimneys often lack liners, which can lead to dangerous situations

Typically, chimney liners need replacing every 15-30 years, depending on the material, usage, and maintenance.

If the liner is made of clay, it may need replacing sooner, as it’s more susceptible to cracking and deterioration. Stainless steel liners generally last longer but can still be affected by corrosion over time.

Chimney Rebuilding

Chimney rebuild is typically recommended when the structure is no longer safe or functional due to extensive damage or deterioration.

Clean Chimney NC offers:

Partial rebuilds are done when the damage is limited to the upper section.
Full rebuilds are necessary when damage affects the entire structure, including the base or flue lining.
We also manage new chimney construction for urbanization projects for all Durham homes and nearby areas.

Fireplace Rebuild

A fireplace isn’t just a cozy feature—it’s a critical part of your home’s heating system and structural integrity. Over time, fireplaces can deteriorate due to constant exposure to high heat,

Clean Chimney NC offers:

Safety First

Cracked firebricks, loose mortar joints, and damaged flue systems can allow heat or smoke to escape into your home’s structure, increasing the risk of:

- House fires
- Carbon monoxide poisoning
- Structural damage
To ensure safety at Clean Chimney NC, we manage Partial and complete Fireplace rebuild for all Durham homes and nearby areas.

Chimney Leak Repair

Chimney leaks are a common issue and can stem from various sources. Addressing them effectively requires identifying the root cause and choosing the right technique. Here at Clean Chimney NC we perform a veriety of Leak Repair Services for the all Durham homes and nearby areas.

A chimney leak can cause a surprising range of serious problems throughout your home—not just near the fireplace such as:

Structural Damage

Rotting Wood Framing: Moisture from leaks can soak roof decking, rafters, or nearby walls.
Cracked or Settling Foundation: causing your chimney to lean
Leaning Chimney: If a chimney is leaning, it’s a serious safety risk and should be inspected by a certified chimney or structural professional immediately. Leaning can lead to collapse or fire hazards if not addressed.

Stains, Bubbling Paint, or Peeling Wallpaper: These are common signs of water intrusion near the chimney chase or flue.

Mold & Mildew Growth: Persistent moisture promotes fungal growth, which can be toxic and hard to remove.

Chimney WaterProofing

A chimney leak can cause a surprising range of serious problems throughout your home—not just near the fireplace such as:

Structural Damage

Rotting Wood Framing: Moisture from leaks can soak roof decking, rafters, or nearby walls.
Cracked or Settling Foundation: causing your chimney to lean
Leaning Chimney: If a chimney is leaning, it’s a serious safety risk and should be inspected by a certified chimney or structural professional immediately. Leaning can lead to collapse or fire hazards if not addressed.

Stains, Bubbling Paint, or Peeling Wallpaper: These are common signs of water intrusion near the chimney chase or flue.

Mold & Mildew Growth: Persistent moisture promotes fungal growth, which can be toxic and hard to remove.

Chimney Caps & Chase covers

Chimney Caps & Chase Covers

Installing a chimney cap is a low-cost investment that protects against water, pests, fire, and structural damage. It also improves performance and extends the life of your chimney system.

Most caps come with a mesh screen that stops sparks and embers from escaping the chimney and landing on the roof or nearby trees.

A chimney cap acts like an umbrella, keeping rain and snow from entering the flue.
Why it matters: Water can damage the flue liner, firebox, damper, and even ceilings or walls inside the home.
A metal chase cover is critically important for protecting prefabricated (factory-built) chimneys. It’s essentially the “roof” that sits on top of a chimney chase (the framed enclosure around the metal flue pipe), and its role is similar to a chimney crown on a masonry chimney—but even more vital in preventing water damage.

Crumbling or missing mortar
Water leaks or damp walls near the chimney
White staining (efflorescence)
Smoke entering the home
A strong, unpleasant odor from the fireplace

Chimney Cleaning and Inspections in Durham and Nearby areas