Chimney Liner Inspection
Services in Seattle, Washington
What is a Chimney Liner Inspection?
A chimney liner inspection checks the inside of the chimney flue. It makes sure that the liner is intact, not cracked, corroded, or blocked by creosote or debris. Think of it like checking a tunnel for cracks before traffic goes through. One rainy day in West Seattle, a customer called us after smelling smoke even when the fireplace was barely used. Our inspection revealed a cracked clay liner that could have turned dangerous in winter.
We use cameras, smoke tests, and manual inspection to see every inch. Homeowners are amazed at how small cracks can cause big problems if ignored.
Why Chimney Liners Are Important in Seattle Homes
Seattle’s damp climate makes liners even more critical. Water can seep into cracks, corrode metal liners, or deteriorate clay liners. Common problems include:
Cracked clay liners
Rusted stainless steel liners
Creosote buildup
Chimney blockage
I remember inspecting a home near Gas Works Park. The family had old brick and a clay liner. Years of rain caused tiny cracks that allowed smoke to leak into their living room. Repairing it fixed the odor and improved safety.
How Chimney 360 Services Conducts Liner Inspections
We start with a visual check of the chimney exterior. Then, using specialized cameras, we go inside the flue to look for cracks, gaps, or buildup. Our team also checks the mortar joints and the chimney cap.
In Capitol Hill, a condo owner noticed unusual smoke patterns. Our liner inspection showed a small misalignment and minor corrosion. After we repaired it, the fireplace worked perfectly, and the home smelled fresh again.
Customer Stories About Chimney Liner Inspection
One memorable story comes from Queen Anne. A couple recently bought a vintage home with a wood-burning fireplace. During our inspection, we found a cracked liner hidden behind soot. The repair was minor but prevented future smoke damage.
Another story is from Ballard. A family had just renovated their living room. They noticed a faint smoke smell after using the fireplace once. Our inspection revealed a corroded liner. After fixing it, the fireplace was safe, and they could enjoy their new space worry-free.
Dryer Vent Cleaning Services – Extra Safety for Your Home
While we focus on chimneys, we also provide dryer vent cleaning.
Clogged dryer vents are a common fire hazard, especially in Seattle homes where indoor drying is more frequent during rainy seasons.
Cleaning vents improves airflow, reduces energy bills, and keeps homes safe. For more safety tips, check the City of Seattle Fire Department’s dryer safety guide.
Other Chimney Services Offered in Seattle
Chimney 360 Services also provides:
Chimney sweeping
Chimney repair
Crown repair and waterproofing
Chimney cap installation and replacement
Serving neighborhoods like Ballard, Queen Anne, Green Lake, West Seattle, and Capitol Hill, we make sure homes stay safe and comfortable. Learn more about fireplace safety from the EPA guide on wood-burning appliances.
Tips for Maintaining Your Chimney Liner
Schedule annual liner inspections
Clean creosote and soot regularly
Repair small cracks immediately
Check the chimney cap and flashing
Keep gutters clean to prevent water pooling near the chimney
Following these steps protects your home and extends your fireplace’s life.
Seasonal Considerations for Chimney Liners in Seattle
In winter:
Heavy rain and snow can seep into weak liners. One Ballard family experienced water pooling inside their chimney during a January storm.
In fall:
In places like Crown Hill and Green Lake, leaves fall into chimneys nonstop. A mesh cap helps.
In spring:
Melting snow and ice expose hidden cracks in the clay liners. A Green Lake homeowner noticed faint water stains after March rains.
In summer:
Even though dry, the occasional heavy rainstorm can reveal liner problems. A West Seattle resident’s old stainless steel liner showed rust spots after a July downpour.
Regular inspections prevent these seasonal issues from turning into expensive repairs.
Landmarks, Areas, and Local Spots Where We Work
Serving Seattle and areas listed:
Auburn, Bellevue, Bothell, Burien, Des Moines, Edmonds, Everett, Federal Way, Issaquah, Kenmore, Kent, Lake Forest Park, Lynnwood, Mercer Island, Mountlake Terrace,
Redmond, Renton, Sammamish, Shoreline, Tacoma, Tukwila, Woodinville, pretty much all the places where fireplaces are older and need more love.
FAQs
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Look for smoke inside the house, unusual odors, or water stains near the fireplace.
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Yes, cracks or gaps can allow smoke or CO to enter your home. Inspections help prevent this.
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Once per year is recommended, especially before rainy seasons.
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Yes, we cover all Seattle neighborhoods, including Ballard, Queen Anne, Green Lake, and West Seattle.
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Absolutely. We use cameras and smoke tests to locate hidden damage.
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Yes, we use non-invasive methods that protect vintage chimneys and modern homes alike.
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We report findings and can recommend repairs, but repair work is optional.
