A chimney has to move combustion products safely out of the home while keeping rain, animals and outside air from entering the structure. Fix Cheetah provides chimney inspection, cleaning and repair across Vancouver, Metro Vancouver, the Fraser Valley and Sea-to-Sky corridor for wood-burning fireplaces, stoves, inserts and applicable gas venting systems.
BC's wet climate is hard on masonry and exterior components. Rain, freeze-thaw exposure and roof moisture can damage crowns, mortar, flashing and caps, while older clay liners may develop cracks or become unsuitable for a later appliance conversion.
We inspect the system from the firebox to the termination, explain what we find and provide a clear repair scope before work begins. Where appropriate, photographs and a written summary help homeowners understand the condition of the chimney.
Chimney cleaning and creosote removal
Wood combustion produces deposits that condense inside a cooler flue. Creosote can build faster with damp wood, low-temperature fires and poor drafting. We sweep accessible flues using equipment appropriate to the liner, clean the smoke shelf and chamber where applicable and control soot during the process.
- Light, flaky first-stage deposits
- Harder, porous second-stage deposits
- Glazed third-stage creosote that may require additional treatment
- Leaves, nests or debris in the flue or smoke shelf
Chimney inspections, including before buying a home
A basic inspection examines accessible parts of the firebox, damper, visible liner, masonry, crown, cap and flashing. When the condition of the flue cannot be established visually, camera inspection can reveal cracked tiles, gaps, separated liner sections and heat damage.
A pre-purchase chimney inspection can identify defects that a general home inspection may not fully evaluate because it requires specialized access or equipment. If an insurer or lender requests a specific report format, confirm the required scope before booking.
Liners, caps and crowns
The liner helps contain heat and combustion products and must suit the appliance. Older clay tiles can crack with age and thermal stress. Where relining is appropriate, a correctly sized stainless-steel system may be considered.
Caps keep rain, animals and debris out. Crowns and masonry are vulnerable to moisture, and small cracks can allow water to enter brickwork and accelerate deterioration.
Flashing, leaks and masonry repair
Chimney flashing seals the junction between the chimney and roof. Failed flashing, cracked crowns, damaged caps and porous masonry can all create water stains. We inspect the likely entry points and recommend repair according to the source of the leak.
Masonry work may include mortar repointing, replacement of damaged brick and appropriate water-repellent treatment. Roof access is hazardous and should be handled by trained professionals.
Wood-burning and gas venting
Wood-burning chimneys require attention to creosote and combustion residues. Gas fireplaces do not create wood-fire creosote, but their venting still needs to remain intact, unobstructed and appropriate to the appliance. Gas appliance work is handled separately by appropriately qualified gas technicians.
What we work on
Wood-burning fireplaces, wood stoves, inserts, masonry chimneys, factory-built chimneys and applicable gas venting systems.
5 Most Common Chimney Issues and How to Fix Them
Chimney leaking when it rains
Common sources include deteriorated flashing, cracked crown, damaged cap, porous masonry or a rusted chase cover on factory-built systems. Do not climb onto a wet roof to investigate; professional access and inspection are safer.
Smoke coming into the house
Poor draft can result from a closed or obstructed damper, creosote, debris, a cold flue or pressure differences in a tightly sealed home. If smoke continues to enter the room, stop using the fireplace and arrange an inspection.
Chimney damper stuck
Creosote, rust and corrosion can cause throat dampers to seize. A damaged damper can restrict draft or allow excessive heat loss and moisture entry. Avoid forcing a seized mechanism because components can break.
Cracked chimney liner
Thermal stress, settlement and age can damage clay or other liners. Cracks can affect the containment of combustion products. A camera inspection can help establish the condition and whether repair or relining is appropriate.
Loose or damaged chimney cap
A missing or damaged cap leaves the flue exposed to rain and animals. It can also allow debris to enter. Cap condition should be checked from a safe location and repaired before the problem becomes an interior leak.
Chimney problems usually get worse with each storm or each fire. Book an inspection and we'll sweep the flue, find the leak or draft problem and carry out the repair, with service across Metro Vancouver, the Fraser Valley and the Sea-to-Sky corridor.
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Chimney FAQ
How often should a chimney be cleaned?
The correct interval depends on how often and how you burn, the appliance and the amount of deposit present. Annual inspection is a useful baseline for active wood-burning systems, with cleaning whenever deposits warrant it.
What is creosote and why is it dangerous?
Creosote is a combustible deposit created as wood smoke condenses in the flue. Heavy deposits can increase chimney-fire risk, so they should be removed and the cause of excessive buildup addressed.
Should I inspect a chimney before buying a house?
It can be valuable, especially with an older fireplace, wood stove or visible masonry concerns. A dedicated inspection can evaluate areas and conditions that may not be fully assessed during a general home inspection.
Can a cracked chimney liner be repaired?
The correct solution depends on the liner type, appliance and extent of damage. In some cases relining is more appropriate than patching individual sections.
Why is my chimney leaking?
Flashing, crown, cap and masonry are common sources. Factory-built chimneys can also have chase-cover or enclosure issues.
Do gas fireplaces need chimney cleaning?
Gas appliances use different venting systems and do not produce wood-fire creosote, but their vents still need inspection for blockage, corrosion and proper termination.
Can you repair chimney flashing and masonry?
We inspect accessible flashing and masonry defects and can address appropriate repair work within our service scope. Larger roofing or structural work may require a qualified specialist.
Chimney service locations
Local technicians based in Surrey and Whistler, serving Metro Vancouver, the Fraser Valley and Sea-to-Sky daily, with scheduled trips to the Sunshine Coast, Vancouver Island, the Gulf Islands and the Interior.