Licensed, insured, and specialized in pre-1950s homes—where creosote buildup, cracked liners, and SF’s damp climate demand precision. Book your sweep today.
San Francisco’s older homes—especially those with original brick chimneys or cast-in-place liners—need a chimney sweep that understands their quirks. Gavin and Ochoa Chimney Inc. specializes in the kind of thorough cleaning and repair that generic crews miss: stubborn creosote in vintage masonry, compromised liners from decades of damp SF winters, and the hidden risks of improper flashing. We’re not just sweeping chimneys; we’re preserving the integrity of your home’s most critical (and often overlooked) system. **Call (650) 865-1276** for a free, no-pressure inspection—because in SF, where homes outlast their original builders, your chimney deserves the same care.
Comprehensive chimney sweep for San Francisco homes and businesses.
San Francisco’s older homes accumulate Stage 2 creosote faster—especially with softwood fires. We use high-heat tools to burn off tarry buildup without damaging century-old mortar.
Learn more →Cracked or corroded liners in SF’s damp climate? We repair existing ones or install seamless stainless steel liners that last decades—without the hassle of tearing out your historic brickwork.
Learn more →Water damage in your chimney? We repoint crumbling mortar, reseal flashing, and reinforce brickwork—before SF’s winter rains turn your fireplace into a mold factory.
Learn more →SF’s strict building codes require proper venting—especially for gas fireplaces. We inspect for blockages, improper slopes, and code violations before they become hazards.
Learn more →If your chimney’s on fire, we’re already on our way. We extinguish flames, remove debris, and assess structural damage—24/7—so you’re not left with a smoldering disaster.
Learn more →Pay once, sweep twice a year—and get priority scheduling, discounted repairs, and a dedicated tech who knows your chimney’s history.
Learn more →We hold ourselves to the highest standards so you can hire with total confidence.
"We’ve lived in our 1906 Victorian for 20 years, and Gavin and Ochoa Chimney is the only crew we trust. Last winter, they found a **cracked liner** in our chimney that no one else spotted—it would’ve caused a fire if we’d kept burning wood. They repaired it with a **stainless steel liner** that’s held up perfectly through SF’s foggy summers. The best part? They explained everything in terms we understood, not just chimney jargon. **Highly recommend for older homes.**"
"I inherited my grandmother’s house on 19th Avenue, and the chimney was a nightmare—**leaking, rusted flashing, and creosote up to my elbow**. I got quotes from three other crews, but only Gavin and Ochoa gave me a **real plan**: repoint the brick, replace the flashing with lead-coated copper, and install a **chimney cap**. They even helped me navigate the **SF historical preservation board** to keep the original brickwork intact. Now my fireplace works perfectly, and I’m not worried about a fire or mold. **Worth every penny.**"
"We moved into our 1920s bungalow and were shocked to find the chimney had **never been swept**—the previous owners must’ve used it once and forgotten. When we called Gavin and Ochoa, they came out the same day, **burned off years of creosote**, and found a **collapsed section of the liner**. They fixed it with a **custom stainless steel liner** that fits like a glove. Now we can use our fireplace without fear. **They’re the only chimney crew in SF who treats your home like it’s theirs.**"
"Our gas fireplace in our 1950s home was **backdrafting**—smoke kept coming into the room, and we thought it was just a bad draft. Gavin and Ochoa inspected it and found the **vent pipe was too short**, violating SF building code. They **extended the pipe and sealed the joints**, and now our fireplace works like new. They also gave us a **free carbon monoxide detector check**, which we hadn’t thought to ask for. **Professional, thorough, and honest—exactly what you need in SF.**"
"We had a **chimney fire** last December—scary stuff. Gavin and Ochoa responded within the hour, **put out the fire safely**, and then inspected the damage. Turns out, the **original cast-in-place liner was crumbling**, and the heat from the fire made it worse. They installed a **new stainless steel liner** and reinforced the brickwork. Now we’re protected, and our insurance covered most of it because we had our **annual inspection** (which they reminded us to schedule). **They saved our home—and our sanity.**"
"I’m a real estate agent, and I’ve seen **dozens of SF homes** with chimney issues—most of them because the owners skipped maintenance. I refer all my clients to Gavin and Ochoa because they **don’t cut corners**. Last year, they helped a client in the Richmond sell their home by **documenting the chimney’s condition** in a report that reassured the buyer. They even **negotiated a credit** for the seller to fix a minor issue before closing. **If you’re buying or selling in SF, this is the crew to call.**"
San Francisco’s older homes—especially those with brick fireplaces and masonry chimneys—demand a chimney sweep with the skill to handle their unique quirks. Gavin and Ochoa Chimney Inc specializes in the kind of craftsmanship that’s been lost in cookie-cutter sweeps: we know how to navigate the tight flues of historic brickwork, diagnose issues in vintage liners, and restore chimneys that modern tools can’t touch. Our team treats every chimney like a piece of the city’s architecture, not just another flue. Whether it’s a Victorian in Pacific Heights or a Craftsman in the Mission, we’ve seen the wear-and-tear San Francisco’s climate and age take on chimneys—and we know how to fix it right.
We start with a **no-obligation inspection** where we check for creosote, liner integrity, and masonry damage—using tools like **moisture meters and thermal imaging** to spot hidden issues. Unlike generic crews, we’ll tell you **exactly what’s wrong**, not just upsell you on a sweep. If your chimney’s in rough shape, we’ll explain your options **without pushing for immediate work**. Our goal? To give you the info you need to make a smart decision—whether that’s a sweep, repair, or just a maintenance plan. **Pro tip:** We’ll also check your **fireplace and stove vents** for free, because in SF, a blocked vent is a silent killer.
Not all chimneys are the same—especially in SF, where you’ve got **Victorian brick, modern stainless steel liners, and everything in between**. We tailor our approach based on your chimney’s age, materials, and condition. For example, a **pre-1920s brick chimney** might need **gentle brushing** to avoid damaging the mortar, while a **modern gas fireplace** requires a **specialized vacuum system** to handle soot safely. We’ll also assess whether your chimney needs a **cap, liner, or flashing repair**—because in SF’s damp climate, a clean chimney isn’t enough if it’s leaking. **Key detail:** We document every step with photos, so you know exactly what we did.
While most crews stop at the visible soot, we go deeper—**removing creosote from the flue, scrubbing the smoke chamber, and checking the damper for rust**. We use **high-heat tools** to burn off tarry buildup in older brick chimneys (a must in SF’s foggy winters) and **industrial vacuums** to contain dust. After cleaning, we perform a **safety check**: testing for proper draft, inspecting the liner for cracks, and ensuring the damper seals tightly. **Why?** Because in SF, where homes are packed close together, a chimney fire isn’t just a personal risk—it’s a **neighborhood hazard**. We’ll leave you with a **written report** detailing your chimney’s condition and any recommended follow-up work.
A chimney sweep isn’t a one-time fix—it’s an **ongoing investment**, especially in SF’s climate. After your service, we’ll schedule a **follow-up call** to answer any questions and discuss a **maintenance plan** tailored to your home. For example, if you have a **wood-burning stove**, we’ll recommend **quarterly checks** during fire season, while a **gas fireplace** might only need an annual inspection. We’ll also send you **reminders** before SF’s rainy season hits, when creosote buildup accelerates. **Bonus:** If we find any issues during your next visit, we’ll **waive the inspection fee**—because we want your chimney to stay in top shape, not just for one season.
San Francisco’s pre-1950s homes weren’t built with modern chimneys in mind. Original brickwork, cast-in-place liners, and hand-cut flashing require a sweep who understands **masonry science**, not just how to swing a brush. We train our crew on the **unique challenges of SF’s climate**—like how coastal fog accelerates creosote buildup or how the city’s seismic activity can shift chimneys over time. Generic crews might miss a **cracked liner** or a **mortar joint failing under SF’s weight-bearing brick**, turning a routine sweep into a costly repair. We don’t just clean; we **preserve**—because in a city where homes are landmarks, your chimney should be too.
SF’s building codes are strict, and insurance companies **will deny claims** if they suspect you ignored maintenance. A chimney fire in your home could mean **$50,000+ in repairs**—not to mention the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning from a blocked flue. We’ve seen cases where homeowners in the Richmond District assumed their chimney was fine because they swept it once a year, only to discover **a collapsed liner** during a gas fireplace installation. Our inspections catch these issues **before** they become disasters. **Pro tip:** If you’re selling a pre-1970s home in SF, a **certified chimney inspection report** is often required by lenders—and it’s the only way to avoid last-minute surprises that could kill a sale.
Cast-in-place liners were the standard when SF’s older homes were built, but they’re prone to **cracking from temperature swings** and **corrosion from salt air**. Stainless steel liners, on the other hand, **won’t rust, won’t crack, and last 30+ years**—without the hassle of tearing out your historic brickwork. We’ve installed liners in homes near the Presidio where the original concrete flue had deteriorated to the point of **exposing the brick**, creating a fire hazard. The right liner doesn’t just fix the problem; it **future-proofs** your chimney against SF’s relentless coastal weather. **Ask us about our 5-year warranty**—because in a city where homes are built to last, your chimney’s liner should too.
Some crews in SF offer ‘express sweeps’ for half the price—but they’re cutting corners. A real chimney sweep takes **45–90 minutes** to thoroughly clean a system, especially if you have **old brick, multiple bends, or a cast-in-place liner**. We’ve seen ‘quick sweeps’ miss **creosote in the upper flue** or **blockages in the smoke chamber**, leaving homeowners with a false sense of security. Our process includes **a full inspection** of your masonry, liner, and damper—because in SF, where homes are worth millions, cutting corners isn’t just irresponsible; it’s reckless. **Bottom line:** If a sweep takes less than an hour, they’re not doing the job right.
Expert local advice for San Francisco homeowners.
Expert chimney sweep services for San Francisco and East Bay
Read more →Expert San Francisco chimney sweep services for older homes and masonry
Read more →Expert guide to San Francisco chimney sweep costs and frequencies
Read more →Proudly serving San Francisco and these nearby communities.
For a standard brick chimney in San Francisco, expect to pay **$150–$250** for a basic sweep, but older homes with complex masonry or multiple flues can run **$300–$500+**. The extra cost covers our meticulous inspection of brickwork, liner integrity, and creosote levels—details most sweeps miss. If your chimney has a vintage liner or signs of deterioration (common in pre-1970s homes), we’ll quote you upfront for repairs to avoid hidden costs later. Prices vary by height, accessibility, and whether you need a full masonry assessment.
San Francisco’s dry summers and damp winters create the perfect storm for creosote buildup—especially in older brick chimneys. If you burn hardwood (like the oak or redwood common in local fireplaces), your chimney may need sweeping **twice a year**. Gas fireplaces still need annual checks for soot and carbon monoxide risks. We’ve seen chimneys in the Sunset District clog faster due to dense hardwood use, while those in cooler areas like Sausalito can trap moisture, accelerating corrosion. Our sweeps adjust timing based on your usage and chimney type.
Absolutely. During every sweep, we inspect mortar joints for cracks, crumbling, or gaps—common in San Francisco’s older brick chimneys exposed to salt air and fog. A single missed joint can let water seep into your masonry, leading to **$1,000+ repair bills** down the line. We’ll flag early signs of deterioration and provide a **free estimate** for repointing if needed. Unlike generic sweeps, we treat your chimney like a structural element, not just a flue.
No—delaying liner replacement in a brick chimney is a gamble with your home’s safety. A failing liner (common in pre-1980s homes) can let **carbon monoxide into your living space** or cause a chimney fire. Replacing a liner *before* it fails costs **$1,200–$2,500** in SF; repairing fire damage or relining after a failure can exceed **$5,000**. We’ve seen cases in the Mission District where homeowners skipped inspections, only to need full chimney rebuilds. Our inspections catch liner issues early, saving you money *and* headaches.
San Francisco’s chimneys face unique challenges: **salt corrosion** from Bay air, **moisture buildup** from fog, and **brick deterioration** from decades of coastal exposure. Unlike Sacramento, where chimneys dry out faster, SF chimneys often need **more frequent inspections** for mortar damage and liner rust. Our sweeps use **marine-grade sealants** and inspect for **efflorescence** (white mineral deposits) that signal hidden masonry issues. If you’ve ever seen chimneys in the Richmond District crumbling faster than elsewhere, you know why local expertise matters.
A clogged chimney *always* weakens draft, but in windy SF neighborhoods like the Presidio Heights, poor draft can also stem from **obstructed caps, cracked flues, or improper damper seals**. We don’t just sweep—we test draft pressure and check for **wind-induced downdrafts** (common in tall chimneys). If your fireplace smokes or struggles to stay lit, we’ll diagnose whether it’s creosote buildup, a damaged liner, or a **wind-washing issue** unique to SF’s coastal winds. Fixing it often means **$50–$200 in adjustments**, not a full rebuild.
Yes—if your home is in a **historic district** (like North Beach or the Western Addition) or has **original masonry**, you may qualify for **city or state tax credits** for chimney repairs. We’ll provide documentation for **structural masonry work** or **heritage-preservation projects**, which can offset costs by **10–30%**. Even non-historic homes might get deductions for **energy-efficient liner upgrades** or **seismic retrofitting** (required for older SF chimneys). Ask us for a **pre-inspection estimate**—we’ll flag potential savings before you start.
If **more than 20% of your mortar joints** are crumbling, cracked, or missing, repointing is critical—but if the bricks themselves are deteriorating (common in pre-1940s homes), a partial rebuild may be needed. We use **moisture meters** to check for hidden damage and **thermal imaging** to spot heat loss through weak joints. In SF’s damp climate, ignored mortar can lead to **brick spalling** (flaking) within **1–2 years**. We’ll give you a **side-by-side cost comparison** for repointing vs. rebuilding, so you can decide based on your home’s age and value.
Fast response, upfront pricing, and workmanship guaranteed. Get your free estimate today.