Chimney & Fireplace Services in St. Louis
From routine chimney sweeping to full masonry restoration, Friendly Fire Chimney delivers professional, safety-first service to homeowners across St. Louis and Metro East Illinois.
Chimney Sweeping
Creosote is a highly flammable byproduct that accumulates inside your chimney every time you burn wood. Left unchecked, even a thin layer can ignite and cause a dangerous chimney fire. Professional chimney sweeping removes this buildup, restoring safe airflow and dramatically reducing your risk of a house fire.
At Friendly Fire Chimney, every sweeping appointment begins with a thorough visual inspection so we understand the condition of your flue before we start. We use professional-grade brushes, rods, and a high-powered HEPA vacuum to remove creosote, soot, ash, and any debris or animal nesting material from your chimney system.
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommends that chimneys be inspected and cleaned at least once per year. Whether you have a wood-burning fireplace, a wood stove, or a gas fireplace, annual sweeping keeps your system operating safely and efficiently throughout the heating season.
Gas fireplaces require attention too. Although they produce less creosote, they generate carbon monoxide, water vapor, and acidic byproducts that can corrode flue liners and create dangerous blockages over time. Our technicians are experienced with both wood-burning and gas systems.
What's Included
- Visual inspection of accessible chimney components
- Full creosote, soot, and ash removal
- Removal of animal nests, leaves, and debris
- HEPA-vacuum containment to keep your home clean
- Smoke chamber and damper cleaning
- Post-sweep condition report
Benefits
- Reduces the risk of chimney fires caused by creosote ignition
- Improves draft and heating efficiency
- Eliminates smoke and odor problems
- Prevents carbon monoxide from backing up into your home
- Extends the lifespan of your chimney liner and masonry
Fireplace & Flue Inspections
A chimney inspection is the single most important step you can take to ensure the safety of your fireplace or heating appliance. Cracks in the flue liner, deteriorating mortar joints, or hidden blockages can lead to chimney fires, carbon monoxide leaks, or costly structural damage. Our inspections catch these problems before they become emergencies.
Friendly Fire Chimney offers two levels of inspection in accordance with NFPA 211 standards. A Level 1 inspection is a visual examination of all readily accessible chimney components and is the standard inspection performed during routine annual sweeping. It verifies that the chimney structure is sound, the flue is clear, and all connections are intact.
A Level 2 inspection goes further with a specialized video camera scan of the interior flue lining. This level is recommended whenever there has been a change in the fuel type, after a chimney fire or weather event, or during a real estate transaction. The video scan reveals cracks, gaps, or liner damage that cannot be seen with the naked eye.
After every inspection, we provide you with a detailed written report that includes our findings, photographs or video where applicable, and our professional recommendations. We believe in honest assessments — we will never recommend work that is not necessary.
What's Included
- Level 1: Visual inspection of firebox, damper, smoke chamber, flue exterior, and chimney crown
- Level 1: Verification of proper clearances and connections
- Level 2: Everything in Level 1 plus interior video camera scan of the flue
- Level 2: Inspection of accessible attic, crawl space, and basement areas around the chimney
- Written inspection report with photos and recommendations
Benefits
- Identifies cracks, damage, or blockages before they become hazards
- Satisfies home insurance and real estate transaction requirements
- Ensures safe operation after a chimney fire or severe weather
- Gives you peace of mind that your system is safe for the season
- Prevents costly repairs by catching problems early
Masonry Repair & Tuckpointing
St. Louis weather is tough on chimneys. Freeze-thaw cycles, heavy rain, and summer heat cause mortar joints to crack, bricks to spall, and chimney crowns to deteriorate. When water penetrates your chimney's masonry, the damage accelerates rapidly — leading to leaning structures, interior water stains, and eventually the need for a full rebuild. Timely masonry repair stops deterioration in its tracks and protects your investment.
Tuckpointing is the process of removing damaged mortar from between the bricks and replacing it with fresh, color-matched mortar. This restores the structural integrity of the chimney and prevents water from seeping into the masonry. Our technicians take care to match the mortar color and profile to your existing brickwork so the repair blends seamlessly.
Crown repair addresses the concrete cap at the very top of your chimney. A cracked or missing crown allows rain and snowmelt to pour directly into the chimney structure. We repair or rebuild crowns and apply a waterproof sealant to guard against future weather damage.
We also perform brick replacement for spalling or crumbling bricks, flashing repair where the chimney meets the roofline, and full chimney waterproofing using breathable sealants that keep water out while allowing moisture vapor to escape. Every masonry job starts with a detailed assessment so you understand exactly what needs to be done and why.
What's Included
- Comprehensive masonry condition assessment
- Tuckpointing with color-matched mortar
- Crown repair, rebuild, or waterproof coating
- Spalled or damaged brick replacement
- Flashing inspection and repair
- Breathable waterproof sealant application
Benefits
- Stops water infiltration that causes interior damage and mold
- Restores structural integrity and prevents leaning or collapse
- Extends the life of your chimney by decades
- Preserves your home's curb appeal with seamless repairs
- Far more affordable than a full chimney rebuild
Dryer Vent Cleaning
According to the U.S. Fire Administration, clothes dryers cause an estimated 2,900 house fires each year, and the leading cause is failure to clean the dryer vent. Lint is highly flammable, and when it accumulates in the vent duct, it restricts airflow, causes the dryer to overheat, and creates the conditions for a fire. Professional dryer vent cleaning eliminates this hidden hazard in your home.
Our technicians use specialized rotary brush systems and high-powered blowers to thoroughly remove lint, debris, and blockages from the entire length of your dryer vent duct — from the dryer connection all the way to the exterior exhaust hood. We also inspect the vent for damage, improper materials (like vinyl or foil ducts that are a fire risk), and ensure the exterior flap opens and closes properly.
Beyond fire prevention, a clean dryer vent makes a noticeable difference in your dryer's performance. Clothes dry faster, your energy bills go down, and your dryer runs cooler, which extends its lifespan significantly. Most homeowners see their drying times cut in half after a professional cleaning.
Gas dryers add another safety concern: a blocked vent can cause carbon monoxide to back up into your home instead of venting outside. If you have a gas dryer, regular vent cleaning is especially important for your family's health and safety. We recommend cleaning every one to two years depending on usage.
What's Included
- Full-length lint and debris removal from dryer duct
- Rotary brush and high-powered blower cleaning
- Inspection of vent duct material and connections
- Exterior exhaust hood inspection and cleaning
- Airflow verification after cleaning
- Recommendations if vent duct material needs replacement
Benefits
- Dramatically reduces the risk of a dryer fire
- Lowers energy bills by improving dryer efficiency
- Cuts drying times — clothes dry faster
- Extends the lifespan of your dryer
- Prevents carbon monoxide buildup from gas dryers
- Reduces wear and tear on clothing from excessive heat
Ready to Protect Your Home?
Schedule your chimney sweep, inspection, or repair today.
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