Frequently Asked Questions

Have your chimney inspected at least once a year and cleaned whenever the inspection finds creosote, soot or blockages. That is the standard in NFPA 211, the National Fire Protection Association’s chimney safety code. In San Antonio the best time is late summer or early fall, before you start using the fireplace.

Chimney sweeping from Alamo Chimney Sweepers starts at $185. The final price depends on the type and condition of your chimney and on whether the sweep finds anything that needs repair. We give free quotes: call or text (210) 899-5993.

Common signs are a smoky or musty smell, smoke drifting into the room, black flakes of creosote falling into the firebox, fires that are hard to start or keep burning, and sounds of birds or animals in the chimney. If you notice any of these, stop using the fireplace and have it inspected.

Most chimney fires are caused by creosote, a flammable by-product of burning wood that builds up inside the flue. Regular sweeping removes it. Burning dry, seasoned hardwood, keeping the flue lined and in good repair, and having the chimney inspected every year all lower the risk.

NFPA 211 defines three levels. Level 1 is a visual check of the accessible parts of the chimney and is right for yearly maintenance. Level 2 adds a video scan of the flue and is recommended when you buy or sell a home, change fuel type or after a chimney fire. Level 3 is used when hidden damage is suspected. Ask us which level you need.

Have your dryer vent cleaned at least once a year, and sooner if a load takes longer than 30 to 45 minutes to dry or the dryer gets hot to the touch. A clogged vent makes the dryer work harder and is a common cause of house fires.

Yes. Birds, raccoons and squirrels often nest in uncapped chimneys and in dryer vents. We remove them safely, clean out the nesting material, and install chimney caps or vent guards to keep them from coming back.

A chimney cap is one of the cheapest ways to protect your chimney. It keeps out rain that can damage masonry and metal flues, blocks leaves and debris, and stops birds and animals from nesting inside.

A fireplace smell is usually caused by creosote in the flue combined with rain, moisture or high humidity, which is common in San Antonio. Having the chimney cleaned after the burning season and installing a chimney cap to keep water out both help.

Burn only well-seasoned hardwood such as oak. Dry wood burns hotter and cleaner and leaves less creosote in the chimney. Softer woods are fine if they are split and dried long enough; the most important thing is that the wood is dry.

Yes. We install gas logs and repair gas fireplaces, and we inspect and clean the venting for gas, wood-burning and wood-stove systems.

Alamo Chimney Sweepers serves San Antonio and surrounding areas, including Stone Oak, Alamo Heights, Shavano Park, Castle Hills, Hollywood Park, Live Oak, Kirby, The Dominion, Alamo Ranch, Pecan Valley and Downtown San Antonio. We work on both residential and commercial properties.