If you’re using your Everett fireplace regularly this winter, a professional chimney sweep is essential and these 7 tips will help you avoid costly repairs, dangerous creosote buildup, and masonry damage common in older Snohomish County homes.
1. Inspect your masonry before the first burn of the season — older brickwork in Everett homes often hides unseen cracks
A chimney inspection is a visual check of your chimney’s exterior and accessible interior components to spot deterioration before it becomes a major repair. In Everett, where many homes were built in the 1950s–1970s with solid masonry chimneys, freeze-thaw cycles and Pacific Northwest moisture can turn small mortar cracks into major water leaks or structural risks. Before you light your first fire, walk around your chimney and look for spalled bricks, missing mortar joints, or white efflorescence (salt stains) on the face of the chimney. If you see any of these, call a certified chimney sweep like us to assess whether tuckpointing or a chimney crown repair is needed. Ignoring these signs can lead to water intrusion that damages interior walls and accelerates deterioration — a costly mistake in older Everett neighborhoods like Lowell or Beverly Park.
2. Upgrade to a stainless steel liner if your Everett home’s chimney is unlined or has a deteriorating clay tile liner
A chimney liner protects your home from heat transfer and chimney fires by containing combustion byproducts. In Everett, many older homes built before the 1980s have no liner or have cracked clay tile liners that let creosote seep into the brickwork. If your chimney was constructed without a liner or shows signs of liner failure, upgrading to a stainless steel liner is a smart investment. It improves draft, reduces creosote buildup, and meets modern safety codes. The Chimney Safety Institute of America recommends liners in all masonry chimneys, especially in older homes. We’ve installed stainless steel liners in homes throughout Everett, from the historic neighborhoods near downtown to newer developments in Silver Firs, and the difference in performance is immediate. See our full list of services.
3. Schedule a Level 2 chimney inspection if you’ve recently bought your Everett home or had a chimney fire scare
A Level 2 chimney inspection includes a video scan of the flue and is required by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) when you buy a home, after a chimney fire, or if you’ve made changes to your chimney system. In Everett, where many homes change ownership frequently and older chimneys are common, this inspection is critical. It reveals hidden damage like cracked flue tiles, deteriorated mortar, or obstructions that a standard visual inspection misses. If you’re buying a home in the Martha Lake or Harbour Pointe areas, insist on a Level 2 inspection — it’s a small cost compared to the risks of a hidden chimney fire or carbon monoxide leak. We offer Level 2 inspections with a full report and video footage so you can see the condition of your flue firsthand. Explore request a free estimate / contact us.
4. Burn only dry, seasoned hardwood in your Everett fireplace — softwoods and green wood create more creosote
The type of wood you burn directly affects how much creosote builds up in your chimney. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Burn Wise program recommends burning only dry, seasoned hardwoods like oak, maple, or cherry, which have been split and dried for at least six months. Softwoods like pine and fir, or green (unseasoned) wood, produce more smoke, more creosote, and more hazardous emissions. In Everett, where many homeowners use fireplaces for ambiance and supplemental heat, burning the wrong wood can lead to rapid creosote accumulation — a major fire hazard. Keep your wood stored in a dry, covered area and use a moisture meter to ensure it’s below 20% moisture content before burning.
5. Install a chimney cap and crown repair if your Everett chimney lacks protection from rain and debris
A chimney cap is a metal cover that sits on top of your chimney flue, while a chimney crown is a concrete or mortar slab that seals the top of the chimney. Both are critical for preventing water intrusion, which is the leading cause of masonry deterioration in Snohomish County. In Everett, where rain is frequent and wind can drive moisture into unprotected chimneys, a missing cap or cracked crown can lead to spalled bricks, rusted liners, and costly interior damage. We’ve seen chimneys in the Pinehurst and Silver Lake neighborhoods fail prematurely due to water damage that could have been prevented with a simple cap and crown repair. If your chimney lacks these protections, installing them is one of the most cost-effective upgrades you can make.
6. Check your damper operation and gasket condition before each burn season — a stuck damper wastes heat and risks carbon monoxide
Your fireplace damper controls airflow and prevents heat loss when the fireplace isn’t in use. In Everett homes, especially older ones, dampers can become stuck due to rust, debris, or warped metal. A damper that doesn’t open fully reduces draft, leading to poor combustion and more smoke in your home. Worse, a damaged damper gasket can allow carbon monoxide to leak into your living space. Before lighting your first fire of the season, open and close the damper to ensure it moves freely. If it’s stiff or doesn’t seal tightly, it’s time for a repair or replacement. We offer damper servicing as part of our Everett chimney sweep packages, and it’s a quick fix that improves safety and efficiency.
7. Plan for annual chimney sweeping if you use your Everett fireplace more than once a week during burn season
The Chimney Safety Institute of America recommends annual chimney sweeping for fireplaces used regularly, and in Everett, where many homes rely on fireplaces for heat, this is especially important. Creosote, a byproduct of wood burning, builds up in the flue and can ignite a chimney fire if not removed. If you use your fireplace daily during the winter, you may need sweeping every 6–12 months depending on the wood you burn and the condition of your chimney. We’ve serviced homes in the Lowell neighborhood where heavy use led to creosote buildup in just a few months. Don’t wait for a smoky fireplace or a chimney fire to remind you — schedule your annual sweep now and enjoy a safer, more efficient burn all season long.
| Usage Level | Recommended Sweeping Frequency | Typical Cost Range (Everett) | When to Schedule |
|---|---|---|---|
| Occasional (1–2 burns/month) | Once per year | $120–$180 | Before burn season (fall) |
| Regular (1 burn/week) | Twice per year | $180–$250 | Fall and mid-winter |
| Heavy (daily or multiple burns/week) | Every 6 months | $250–$350 | Every 6 months during burn season |
| New home purchase or after chimney fire | Level 2 inspection + sweep | $300–$500 | Immediately |
| Older home (pre-1980s masonry) | Annual inspection + possible liner upgrade | $400–$800 | Fall, with liner quote if needed |
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I schedule a chimney sweep in Everett before buying a home in Martha Lake or Harbour Pointe?
Yes. A Level 2 chimney inspection is essential before purchasing a home in these neighborhoods, where older chimneys are common. It reveals hidden damage like cracked flue tiles or deteriorating mortar that could lead to costly repairs or safety hazards. Don’t skip this step — it’s a small investment compared to the risks of a hidden chimney fire or carbon monoxide leak.
Is it worth upgrading to a stainless steel chimney liner in my Everett home’s older masonry chimney?
Absolutely. If your chimney is unlined or has a deteriorating clay tile liner, upgrading to stainless steel improves draft, reduces creosote buildup, and meets modern safety codes. It’s a smart long-term investment, especially in older Everett homes where liner failure is common. We’ve seen dramatic improvements in performance and safety after liner installations.
Do I really need a chimney cap if my Everett chimney is already protected by a roof?
Yes. Even if your chimney is under a roof overhang, a chimney cap is still necessary. It prevents rain, debris, and animals from entering the flue, which can cause blockages, water damage, and draft issues. In Everett’s wet climate, a cap is one of the simplest ways to protect your chimney from moisture-related deterioration.
How often should I have my Everett chimney swept if I use it every weekend in winter?
If you use your fireplace every weekend during burn season, you should schedule a chimney sweep at least once per year, or more often if you burn softwoods or green wood. Heavy use accelerates creosote buildup, increasing the risk of a chimney fire. We recommend a free estimate here to assess your specific needs.