Frequently Asked Questions

We lay protective floor-to-ceiling coverings, run a rotary brush system from top or bottom depending on access, and vacuum all loosened creosote and debris with HEPA filtration. Every Spokane cleaning includes a visual or video inspection of the flue, smoke chamber, damper, and firebox. We finish with a written condition report and burn-safety recommendations. Most appointments take 60–90 minutes.

The National Fire Protection Association recommends annual inspection; cleaning frequency depends on use. Spokane residents burning Douglas fir or ponderosa pine — common local softwoods — typically need cleaning after every 1.5–2 cords due to faster creosote accumulation. If you're in Opportunity or Spokane Valley and burn 3+ cords per winter, schedule mid-season and end-of-season cleanings. Anthony Perez can assess your burn habits and recommend a schedule.

You can brush superficial soot from a fireplace, but professional cleaning requires roof access, specialized rotary equipment, and camera inspection to spot hidden hazards. Spokane's steep-pitched roofs — especially in hilly neighborhoods like South Hill and Five Mile — create serious fall risks, and DIY brushing often packs creosote tighter rather than removing it. For safety and thoroughness, we recommend hiring a certified technician for annual service.

A Level 2 inspection includes video scanning of the entire flue interior and accessible portions of the chimney structure, required when buying or selling a home, after a chimney fire, or when switching fuel types. In Spokane's active real estate market, we've performed hundreds of Level 2 inspections for buyers in Fairwood, Country Homes, and Cheney — often revealing $2,000–$5,000 in needed repairs invisible from the firebox. We provide same-day digital reports for real estate deadlines.

Standard cleanings take 60–75 minutes; Level 2 inspections with video run 90–120 minutes. Homes in Veradale or Otis Orchards-East Farms with multiple flues (fireplace plus wood stove or furnace) add 30–45 minutes per additional flue. We schedule specific arrival windows — not all-day waits — because we respect that your time matters as much as ours.

We install Olympia Chimney stainless steel liners for wood-burning systems and Gelco alloy liners for gas applications — both rated for Spokane's temperature swings from below-zero winters to 100°F summer peaks. For relining projects where the existing clay flue is structurally sound, we apply HeatShield cerfractory foam, which seals gaps and restores insulation without full replacement. Anthony Perez selects the right product based on your fuel type, appliance, and chimney configuration.

Yes — Famco's stainless steel and copper caps with integrated spark arrestors solve two Spokane-specific problems: keeping out pine needles from our heavy conifer coverage and preventing ember escape during dry summer months when burn bans are common. A proper cap also blocks rain that accelerates freeze-thaw damage to crowns and mortar. We stock Famco caps in standard sizes for same-day installation; custom sizes ordered typically arrive within 3–4 business days.

HeatShield is a repair system that fills cracks and gaps in existing clay flue tiles, preserving your chimney's original structure; stainless steel liners are new pipes inserted inside the chimney. HeatShield works when tiles are mostly intact — we see this in 60% of Spokane homes built 1960–1990. For pre-1950 chimneys with deteriorated mortar or shifted flue tiles, Olympia Chimney stainless steel provides a complete, code-compliant solution. We diagnose with camera inspection and recommend honestly.

Yes — we're fully licensed, insured, and bonded for chimney and fireplace work throughout Spokane County and Kootenai County, Idaho. Our technicians carry Washington State specialty contractor registration and maintain general liability and workers' compensation coverage. We've served Spokane for 11 years with zero insurance claims against us, which matters when technicians are working on your roof and inside your home.

Washington doesn't require state-level chimney sweep licensing, but we voluntarily maintain CSIA (Chimney Safety Institute of America) certification — the industry's recognized standard. Anthony Perez earned his CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep credential in 2014 and requires ongoing training for all technicians. In an unregulated trade, certification is your protection against inexperienced operators who can miss dangerous conditions or damage your flue.

Absolutely — we work regularly with Spokane County Building and Planning Services and understand local amendments to the International Residential Code, including clearance requirements, liner sizing tables, and earthquake strapping for masonry chimneys. For rebuilds or liner replacements in Airway Heights, Cheney, or Liberty Lake, we pull permits and coordinate inspections so your project is fully compliant. We handle the paperwork; you get peace of mind.

We offer same-day emergency service for chimney fires, carbon monoxide alarms, blocked flues, and animal intrusions throughout Spokane, Spokane Valley, and Post Falls. During heating season (October–March), our typical response is 2–4 hours for true emergencies; non-urgent same-day bookings usually have afternoon availability. If you smell smoke in rooms, hear animals scratching, or your CO detector activates, evacuate and call (833) 749-2788 immediately — we'll prioritize your call and walk you through immediate safety steps.

True emergencies include active chimney fires (loud cracking, dense smoke, hot exterior masonry), carbon monoxide detector activation with suspected flue blockage, sudden water pouring through the fireplace during rain, and animal entry with young present. A smoky fireplace, minor odor, or scheduling an annual cleaning is routine. When in doubt, call (833) 749-2788 — Anthony Perez or a senior technician will assess your situation and prioritize accordingly.

Yes — we cross the state line daily for chimney cleaning and repair in Post Falls, with the same pricing structure as our Washington clients. Idaho doesn't require chimney sweep licensing either, but our CSIA certification and insurance coverage extend across state lines. Many Post Falls and Liberty Lake commuters appreciate having one trusted company handle both their primary residence and rental properties.

Our workmanship warranty covers all labor for 5 years, and manufacturer warranties apply to materials: HeatShield carries 20 years, Olympia Chimney liners 15 years, and Famco caps lifetime against defects. In Spokane's climate, we've found crown repairs and waterproofing typically last 8–12 years before needing refresh. If any issue arises from our work, we return at no charge — that's been our policy since Anthony Perez founded the company in 2013.

We guarantee your satisfaction or we'll re-clean at no charge and refund your payment if you're still unhappy. In 11 years and 892 verified reviews across Spokane, Cheney, and Spokane Valley, we've issued fewer than 10 refunds — and learned from each one. Your review and referral matter more to us than a single transaction. Call (833) 749-2788 if anything falls short of your expectations.

We guarantee that we'll answer your call, assess your urgency honestly, and fit you into the earliest appropriate slot — sometimes same-day, sometimes next-day during peak demand in December and January. Spokane's first cold snap typically triggers a 3–4 day backlog; we recommend booking your annual cleaning in September or October to avoid the rush. Existing maintenance-plan customers receive priority scheduling guarantee.

Burn only seasoned hardwood (20% moisture or less), never trash or treated lumber, and inspect your firebox monthly for cracked bricks or deteriorating mortar. In Spokane's dry summers, check that your Famco cap and crown are intact before fall — our freeze-thaw cycles exploit any water intrusion. Keep our number handy: (833) 749-2788 for mid-season concerns, and schedule your annual cleaning with Anthony Perez's team before October 15th for best availability.

Written by Anthony Perez, Owner at Premier Chimney Cleaning Greater Spokane, serving Spokane, Spokane Valley, Cheney, and surrounding communities since 2013.