The chimney care blog

Chimney care, in plain English.

What our sweeps explain at the hearth every day — written down. No scare tactics, just how chimneys actually work and what yours needs.

July 8, 2026 · 5 min read

How Often Should Your Chimney Be Cleaned?

The honest answer, what NFPA 211 actually says, and why San Francisco's climate changes the math for your fireplace.

June 22, 2026 · 6 min read

Campfire smells in summer, oily flakes in the firebox, white stains on brick — what each sign means and how urgent it really is.

June 5, 2026 · 6 min read

The three stages of creosote, why most chimney fires go unnoticed, and the three habits that prevent nearly all of them.

Have a question these don't answer? Call (650) 722-5502 — advice is free, any hour.