Professional chimney sweep done right — for San Francisco and beyond.
Gavin and Ochoa Chimney Inc provides chimney sweep services in San Francisco, including creosote removal for pre-1950s brick chimneys, chimney liner repair & replacement (cast-in-place & stainless steel), masonry & flashing restoration for leak-prone chimneys, and more. Every job is handled by licensed, insured technicians with upfront written pricing, and backed by a workmanship guarantee — free estimates for all of San Francisco and nearby areas.
If your chimney’s made of the red brick or terra cotta common in SF’s Victorian and Edwardian homes, you’re dealing with a double challenge: porous masonry that traps moisture *and* creosote that hardens like glue. Our crew uses **rotary brushes and high-temperature combustion** to strip away even the most stubborn deposits without risking liner cracks—a critical concern in homes where the original clay flue may be the only barrier between your hearth and the outside air. We’ve seen chimneys in the Sunset and Pacific Heights districts where creosote had glued soot into the mortar joints, creating weak points that let water seep in. That’s not just a fire hazard; it’s a structural one. Our process includes a **post-cleaning inspection** to spot early signs of erosion or liner degradation, which are often missed by crews treating chimneys like one-size-fits-all systems. **Pro tip:** If your chimney’s over 60 years old, we recommend an annual sweep *before* winter—SF’s foggy season turns creosote into a slippery, flammable mess.
Request this service →San Francisco’s coastal climate is brutal on chimney liners. The salt in the air accelerates corrosion in older cast-in-place liners, while the frequent temperature swings cause micro-fractures that let smoke (and sparks) escape. We’ve restored liners in homes near the Presidio where the original concrete flue had crumbled to the point of exposing the brick—turning what should be a contained system into a fire risk. Our solution? **Precision repairs** for minor cracks using high-temperature epoxy, or full **stainless steel liner installations** that conform to your chimney’s exact shape without requiring structural modifications. Unlike generic crews that might recommend a full rebuild, we’ll tell you if your liner can be saved—and how. For example, in a 1906 house on Steiner Street, we replaced a failing liner with a **double-wall stainless steel unit** that now handles both wood and gas fires safely. The key? We work *with* your existing masonry, not against it. **Ask us about our 5-year warranty on liner work**—because in SF, where homes are built to last, so should your chimney’s protection.
Request this service →There’s a reason so many SF chimneys develop leaks: the combination of **old mortar, improper flashing, and relentless Pacific Ocean moisture** creates the perfect storm for deterioration. We’ve seen chimneys in the Richmond District where the original copper flashing had corroded into a powder, letting rain pour down the flue and rot the wood framing inside. Our approach starts with a **moisture test** to pinpoint exactly where water’s entering—often at the crown, through cracked brick, or where the flashing meets the roof. From there, we **repoint mortar with a lime-based mix** that flexes with temperature changes (critical for SF’s foggy summers and chilly winters), replace flashing with **lead-coated copper** for longevity, and even install **chimney caps with stainless steel mesh** to keep out debris and pests. The goal? To make your chimney as watertight as the day it was built. **Fun fact:** We once restored a chimney on Lombard Street where the original builder had used *horsehair* in the mortar—yes, really. That’s the kind of craftsmanship we respect, and the kind of details we preserve.
Request this service →San Francisco’s older homes often have fireplaces or stoves that were installed *before* modern venting codes existed. That means **improper slopes, undersized pipes, or even missing drafts**—all of which can turn a cozy evening into a carbon monoxide risk. We’ve inspected gas fireplaces in the Mission where the vent pipe was too short, forcing toxic fumes back into the living space, and wood stoves in Noe Valley where the chimney’s angle made it impossible to achieve a proper draw. Our inspections include **smoke puff testing** to check for backdrafting, **thermometer readings** to ensure adequate heat rise, and a **code compliance review** against SF’s latest requirements. For example, if your gas fireplace’s vent terminates too close to a window (a common issue in SF’s tight row houses), we’ll recommend adjustments to meet **SF Building Code Section 2404**. We also check for **creosote buildup in vent pipes**—a problem that’s worse in SF’s damp climate, where moisture turns soot into a sticky, flammable tar. **Pro move:** Schedule your inspection *before* winter, when you’ll be using your fireplace most. It’s the only way to catch issues before they become emergencies.
Request this service →A chimney fire in San Francisco isn’t just a nuisance—it’s a **code violation that can void your homeowner’s insurance** if not documented properly. We’ve responded to fires in homes near the Panhandle where the heat was so intense it **cracked the brickwork and warped the damper**, and in apartments on Haight Street where the fire spread to the roof decking. Our emergency protocol starts with **safety first**: we’ll extinguish the fire, ventilate the area, and then conduct a **thorough post-fire inspection** to check for hidden damage. Often, the real issue isn’t just the soot—it’s the **heat-induced stress** that weakens mortar and liners. We’ve seen cases where a chimney fire turned a minor creosote issue into a full-blown liner collapse. That’s why we offer **same-day assessments** for fire damage, including **thermal imaging** to spot hot spots and **structural integrity tests** to ensure your chimney’s safe to use. **Important:** If you suspect a chimney fire, **do not attempt to put it out yourself**—call us immediately. We’ll handle it safely and get your system back in working order before SF’s rainy season turns minor damage into a major repair.
Request this service →If you live in a historic SF home, your chimney isn’t just a feature—it’s a **structural and safety investment**. Our maintenance plans are designed for homeowners who want to **avoid the hassle of last-minute bookings** and the sticker shock of emergency repairs. For $199/year, you get **two full sweeps** (ideal for SF’s winter and summer fire seasons), **20% off all repairs**, and **priority scheduling**—no waiting when your chimney needs attention. Here’s the kicker: your assigned technician will **document every inspection** in a digital log, so you always know the condition of your chimney. We’ve had clients in the Sunset who’ve been with us for 15 years, and their chimneys look better than the day we started because we **spot issues early**—like a hairline crack in the liner or a mortar joint that’s crumbling before it becomes a leak. **Bonus:** Plan members get a **free annual safety check** for their fireplace and stove, including a **carbon monoxide detector test** (because SF’s dense urban layout means gas leaks can spread fast). It’s the closest thing to having a chimney doctor on speed dial—and in a city where homes are worth millions, that’s peace of mind worth paying for.
Request this service →Fast response, upfront pricing, and workmanship guaranteed. Get your free estimate today.