Level 1 sweep and inspection to the NFPA 211 annual standard - flue, crown, cap, and flashing checked and photographed
Chimney sweep logs do not sweep chimneys. They loosen some creosote - which then falls where a brush and vacuum still have to collect it.
Before
After
Before
After
Before
AfterChimney Cleaning in Burien, WA
Chimney cleaning in Burien typically costs $189-$329 for a standard sweep with a Level 1 inspection, and most jobs are completed in 60-90 minutes. Homes here, especially the 1950s-1970s ranch houses and split-levels that dominate the city, have original masonry chimneys that collect creosote differently than newer builds, and the salt-laden air rolling in off Puget Sound attacks the exterior while damp fir needles and moss spores settle into the crown. If you’re seeing soot stains above the fireplace or haven’t had the flue looked at in two years or more, call (980) 580-8641 and we’ll put a written price in your hand before anything gets started.
Why Burien Homes Are Different
Burien sits right on Puget Sound, and the neighborhoods west of 1st Ave S get the brunt of it. Three Tree Point, Seahurst, and the bluff streets rising above the water all face year-round marine air that pushes salt into mortar joints and eats at chimney crowns faster than you’d see in Tukwila or Renton, just a few miles inland. Add Burien’s 38-plus inches of annual rain and the persistent fog that hangs over the waterfront, and you get chimney exteriors that stay damp for weeks at a time. Moss and lichen establish themselves on crowns, and water finds its way into hairline cracks that would stay benign in a drier climate.
The housing stock compounds the problem. Burien built out heavily after World War II, and most of those original brick chimneys have never been relined or repointed. Clay flue tiles crack, mortar beds crumble, and the damp Pacific Northwest air does its work whether you burn fires or not. Homes along Three Tree Point Road and the bluff above Seahurst deal with a second layer: overhanging Douglas fir limbs dropping needles and debris directly into the flue, which holds moisture against the tile liners and accelerates deterioration. We see the combination constantly: salt air corroding from outside, fir debris rotting inside.
Our Main Burien Services
Beyond cleaning, two services generate the most calls from Burien homeowners: fireplace work tied to aging masonry and chimney cap or crown repairs driven by marine moisture. Here’s what each involves.
Fireplace Services in Burien
Many Burien ranch homes still have their original site-built masonry fireboxes, and after 50-70 years of Puget Sound damp, the firebrick floors crack and the mortar between the brick softens. We inspect the firebox, smoke chamber, and damper assembly with a camera, then quote repairs like firebrick replacement, smoke chamber parging, or damper work before any labor begins. That written price includes a documented photo record of everything we found. If your fireplace smokes back into the room on windy days, the camera usually shows exactly why. Full details here: Fireplace Services in Burien.
Chimney Cap & Crown in Burien
Chimney crowns in Burien take punishment from salt spray, heavy rain, and freeze-thaw cycles that open small cracks into channels for water. A deteriorated crown lets moisture soak into the masonry below, which leads to spalling brick and eventually liner damage. We replace crowns with a proper overhang and drip edge, and install or repair caps that keep rain, fir needles, and nesting birds out of the flue while still venting properly. Chimney Cap & Crown in Burien covers the full scope and local costs.
What happens when you call
- 1
A real person answersNo phone trees - you reach a local pro.
- 2
You get an upfront price rangeHonest numbers before anyone is dispatched.
- 3
A background-checked tech heads outLicensed & insured, dispatched right away.
- 4
You approve before work beginsNothing starts until you say go.
BeforeAfterChimney Sweep in Burien
Chimney sweep in Burien is the service these 1950s-1970s homes need most, partly because of how they’re used. Winters here are mild enough that many residents burn only sporadically from November through February, which means creosote accumulates slowly but moisture damage never pauses. The salt air and rain keep the exterior damp year-round while fir needles and moss from overhanging branches settle into the crown and flash.
A standard sweep removes the creosote, soot, and debris that restrict the flue, but the camera-scan inspection that comes with it is what actually protects your home. You can’t see a cracked clay tile from the rooftop with a flashlight. The camera shows it. Our full service guide lives here: Chimney Sweep.
Level 1 Inspection
Signs you need it
You’ve used the fireplace 20-30 times since the last cleaning, or it’s been more than a year since anyone looked inside the flue.
What it costs in Burien
A Level 1 inspection in Burien typically runs $129-$199 when completed alongside a standard sweep.
How we do it
We run the brush through the flue, then inspect the accessible portions of the chimney interior and exterior with a light and camera to confirm the flue is clear and the structure is sound.
Level 2 Inspection
Signs you need it
You’ve just purchased the home, changed fuel types, had a chimney fire, or the chimney hasn’t been used in years and you’re starting it up again.
What it costs in Burien
A Level 2 inspection in Burien typically runs $250-$450, depending on the condition of the flue and what the camera drag reveals.
How we do it
We run a high-definition camera down the full length of the flue and send you the footage, then hand over a written condition report with photos and any recommended next steps.
Creosote Removal
Signs you need it
You see a dark, tar-like glaze on the flue walls, or smoke drains upward slower than it used to.
What it costs in Burien
Creosote removal for light to moderate buildup in Burien typically runs $100-$200 on top of the standard sweep when it requires extra mechanical or chemical treatment.
How we do it
We assess the creosote class, then use rotary rods and stiff brushes to break up the glaze, followed by a chemical treatment when needed and a final camera pass to verify the flue is clean.
Soot Removal
Signs you need it
A dull black powder coats the damper, smoke shelf, and firebox, or the fireplace emits a deeper odor even when cold.
What it costs in Burien
Soot removal in Burien is generally $80-$150 for light buildup, bundled with a standard sweep.
How we do it
We brush the smoke chamber and firebox, remove soot from the smoke shelf and damper assembly, and capture the debris with a HEPA-filtered vacuum so it never touches your living room air.
Annual Sweep
Signs you need it
It’s been twelve months or more since the last cleaning, even if the fireplace saw only occasional use over the winter.
What it costs in Burien
A standard annual sweep in Burien typically runs $189-$329, including the Level 1 inspection and documented photo record.
How we do it
We protect the hearth with drop cloths, run a properly sized brush through the full flue, vacuum the firebox and smoke chamber, then complete the Level 1 inspection with photos and a written report.
What Chimney Sweep Costs in Burien
| Item | Typical range in Burien |
|---|---|
| Standard sweep with Level 1 inspection | $189-$329 |
| Level 1 inspection (standalone) | $129-$199 |
| Level 2 camera inspection | $250-$450 |
Three things push chimney cleaning prices up in Burien: heavy tar-glazed creosote that requires rotary cleaning, fir needle debris packed tightly around the smoke shelf, and access problems on steep bluff properties. All of it is quoted in writing before we start, no exceptions.
How often should I have my chimney cleaned in Burien?
Every year, even if you burn only a few fires. Moisture and fir debris damage continues whether the fireplace is used or not, and annual cleaning is the only way to spot early-stage flue deterioration before it becomes structural. Call (980) 580-8641 for a written quote.
Do I need a Level 2 inspection if I just bought a Burien house?
Yes. Burien’s 1950s-1970s chimneys rarely come with maintenance records, which means the condition of the clay flue tiles and mortar joints is unknown. A Level 2 inspection documents everything by camera before you light the first fire. Call (980) 580-8641 to schedule.
Chimney Repair in Burien
Chimney repair in Burien usually starts with the same two problems: crumbling mortar joints from decades of salt air and rain, and firebrick or liner damage that was never addressed because the flue was never inspected. A 1960s split-level with its original brick chimney has spent sixty winters absorbing Puget Sound moisture, and the damage typically sits hidden below the waterline until the camera finds it. Our full repair scope is documented here: Chimney Repair.
Mortar Repointing
Signs you need it
Mortar joints are recessed by a quarter inch or more, with crumbling or grainy texture between the brick courses.
What it costs in Burien
Mortar repointing in Burien typically runs $15-$25 per square foot, depending on access and joint depth.
How we do it
We grind out the failed mortar to a proper depth, then pack in new mortar color-matched to your existing brick, preserving the original look.
Spalling Brick Repair
Signs you need it
Brick faces are flaking, popping off in thin layers, or leaving rusty-colored dust on the roof or ground below.
What it costs in Burien
Spalling brick repair in Burien typically runs $40-$75 per brick with a $300 minimum, depending on location and extent.
How we do it
We remove the damaged brick, check for trapped moisture behind it, then set in a replacement brick with mortar matched to the original joint profile.
Chimney Waterproofing
Signs you need it
The masonry darkens or stays visibly damp for days after rain, or moss and lichen have taken hold on upper courses.
What it costs in Burien
Chimney waterproofing in Burien typically runs $250-$450, depending on chimney height and surface condition.
How we do it
We clean the masonry, let it dry completely, then apply a vapor-permeable siloxane water repellent that blocks liquid water while allowing the brick to breathe.
Flashing Repair
Signs you need it
You see water stains on the ceiling near the chimney, or the flashing metal is lifted, rusted, or pulling away from the roofline.
What it costs in Burien
Flashing repair in Burien typically runs $350-$850, depending on whether we’re resealing, patching, or replacing and how much roofing needs to be lifted.
How we do it
We replace step flashing and counter-flashing with new metal, cut a proper reglet into the mortar joint, and seal everything with a roofing-grade polyurethane sealant.
Chimney Rebuilding
Signs you need it
The chimney is visibly leaning, bricks are loose in a stack of three or more, or large sections have spalled away leaving gaps in the structure.
What it costs in Burien
A partial rebuild in Burien starts around $1,500 and runs up to $5,000, while a full teardown and rebuild runs $4,000-$12,000 depending on height and materials.
How we do it
We dismantle the damaged section to the nearest stable point, then rebuild with new brick and mortar that matches your home’s existing profile, adding a new crown and cap when the structure requires it.
What Chimney Repair Costs in Burien
| Item | Typical range in Burien |
|---|---|
| Mortar repointing | $15-$25 per sq ft |
| Flashing repair | $350-$850 |
| Partial rebuild | $1,500-$5,000 |
Salt air and rain drive most repair costs in Burien. The western neighborhoods see the worst of it, but even homes a mile inland deal with moss, damp brick, and rusted flashing from the persistent marine fog.
Can you match the original brick on a 1960s Burien home?
In most cases, yes. We source through the Haven buying network and color-match carefully. Some discontinued brick types require a close visual match, and we’ll show you samples in writing before any brick is set. Call (980) 580-8641 for an assessment.
Do I need a permit for chimney repair in Burien?
Most repointing and flashing repairs don’t require a permit, but rebuilding projects above a certain height usually do. We’ll confirm Burien’s current requirements on your specific scope and include any permit fees in the written estimate. Call (980) 580-8641 to discuss your job.
Chimney Liner & Rebuild in Burien
Chimney liner and rebuild work in Burien typically follows the same pattern: a homeowner calls for a sweep, the camera shows cracked clay tiles or missing mortar in the flue, and the decision comes down to relining now or rebuilding later. On Burien’s 1950s-1970s chimneys, the original clay tile liners have often deteriorated to the point where they’ll no longer safely vent a fire, even if the exterior brick still looks fine. We use DuraFlex stainless steel liners, HeatShield cerfractory, and other materials sourced through the Haven buying network. Here’s the full scope: Chimney Liner & Rebuild.
Stainless Steel Liner
Signs you need it
The camera inspection shows cracked, missing, or misaligned clay tiles inside the flue, or the liner size doesn’t match the appliance it’s venting.
What it costs in Burien
A stainless steel liner install in Burien typically runs $1,800-$3,700, depending on flue height and whether insulation is required.
How we do it
We size the liner to the appliance, pull it down the flue, insulate it when the chimney passes near combustibles, connect the appliance, and run a final camera pass to document the installation.
Flexible Liner
Signs you need it
The flue has a slight offset or irregular shape that makes a rigid liner impractical, and the current liner is cracked or beyond repair.
What it costs in Burien
A flexible liner install in Burien typically runs $1,800-$3,500, comparable to rigid stainless but better suited to offset flues.
How we do it
We pull the flexible liner through the flue path, secure it at the top and bottom, connect and seal it to the appliance, then photograph the full installation for your records.
Liner Replacement
Signs you need it
The existing liner is cracked, spalling, or you’re converting to a different fuel type that requires a different liner material or size.
What it costs in Burien
Liner replacement in Burien typically runs $1,700-$3,600, including removal of the old liner where possible and installation of the new one.
How we do it
We remove the failed liner sections, prep the flue, pull the new liner into place, connect and secure everything, then document the completed job with photos and a written warranty.
Partial Rebuild
Signs you need it
The top few feet of the chimney are crumbling or leaning while the lower section is still structurally sound.
What it costs in Burien
A partial rebuild in Burien starts around $1,500 and typically runs up to $5,000, depending on how many courses need to come down and access conditions.
How we do it
We dismantle the damaged upper section, rebuild it with new brick and mortar, then cap it with a properly overhung concrete crown and a new cap assembly.
Full Chimney Rebuild
Signs you need it
The chimney is leaning, brick has spalled across the full height, or the structure has failed at multiple points including the foundation or roof line.
What it costs in Burien
A full chimney rebuild in Burien typically runs $4,000-$12,000, varying with chimney height, access, and the chosen brick or stone material.
How we do it
We tear down the existing structure to the roof line or further if needed, rebuild with new materials, install a new crown, cap, and flashing, and document each phase with photos.
What Chimney Liner & Rebuild Costs in Burien
| Item | Typical range in Burien |
|---|---|
| Stainless steel liner install | $1,800-$3,700 |
| Liner replacement | $1,700-$3,600 |
| Full chimney rebuild | $4,000-$12,000 |
Burien’s bluff-street access and wet conditions push rebuild costs up. When a chimney can’t be reached easily from a ladder or the masonry is saturated from years of fog and rain, the work takes longer and the quote reflects it.
Do I really need a new liner, or can it wait?
If the camera shows cracked tiles or gaps between them, you’ll see the evidence in the footage and photos we send you. Waiting means heat and carbon monoxide can move through those cracks toward the house framing. Call (980) 580-8641 for a written quote.
Can you reline my Burien chimney without tearing out walls?
In most cases, yes. We pull the liner down the existing flue from the top, which means no interior wall demo. A tight flue or severe offsets may require a different approach, and we’ll tell you that before any work begins. Call (980) 580-8641 to discuss your chimney.
Brands We Service in Burien
We stock and install liners and components from DuraFlex and HeatShield, along with caps and dampers from Famco and Copperfield. Parts are sourced through the Haven buying network, which keeps the pricing honest and turnaround quick. Our brands page shows the full product line.
Pricing for Chimney Cleaning in Burien, WA
| Service | Typical range in Burien |
|---|---|
| Standard sweep with Level 1 inspection | $189-$329 |
| Level 1 inspection (standalone) | $129-$199 |
| Level 2 camera inspection | $250-$450 |
| Creosote removal (add-on) | $100-$200 |
| Soot removal (add-on) | $80-$150 |
| Mortar repointing | $15-$25 per sq ft |
| Spalling brick repair | $40-$75 per brick |
| Chimney waterproofing | $250-$450 |
| Flashing repair | $350-$850 |
| Stainless steel liner install | $1,800-$3,700 |
| Partial rebuild | $1,500-$5,000 |
| Full chimney rebuild | $4,000-$12,000 |
Salt air, fir debris, and steep bluff access are the three things that most often push a Burien job past the base price. Whatever the quote, it’s written before work starts, and the price on the page is the price we honor.
Neighborhoods We Serve in Burien
We cover the full city, from the bluff streets above Seahurst up through downtown and out to the eastern neighborhoods near the Tukwila line. Our scheduling team coordinates from the Seattle office, and we typically reach Burien homes across the city within two business days of a booked call.
- Three Tree Point
- Seahurst
- Gregory Heights
- Southern Heights
- Boulevard Park
Service Area - Cities Near Burien
We also serve the broader Puget Sound region, with the same camera-scan standard and written-price promise in every city we cover. Our nearby coverage includes Seattle, WA, Tacoma, WA, Vancouver, WA, and Spokane, WA. If you’re anywhere in the corridor, the truck will come to you.
Serving Burien, WA - Our Local Coverage Area
We’re based in the Burien area and know this community well. Use the map below to see our service coverage - if you’re nearby, we can almost certainly help.
FAQs About Chimney Cleaning in Burien
Yes. Steep driveways and roofs are common along the bluff streets, and our crews carry the ladders and access equipment to reach them safely. If your chimney is unreachable from the ground, we’ll tell you before the appointment and adjust the plan. Call (980) 580-8641 to confirm your address.
Some Burien HOAs, particularly in newer planned subdivisions, require prior approval for exterior masonry or cap changes. We’ll prepare the written scope of work and photo documentation you need for your board, and you can sort the approval before we start. Estimates are free at (980) 580-8641.
September and October are the busiest months. Book in August or early September and you’ll typically get a same-week slot. If you wait until the first cold snap, the wait stretches to two or three weeks. Call (980) 580-8641 to schedule now.
If your Burien chimney hasn’t been looked at in a year or more, call (980) 580-8641. We’ll give you a written price, run the camera down the flue, and hand you the evidence before any work begins.
What happens when you call
- 1A real person answersNo phone trees - talk to a local chimney cleaning pro.
- 2You get an upfront price rangeHonest numbers before anyone is dispatched. No surprises.
- 3We come out and measureLicensed & insured, at a time that suits you - the visit and the quote are both free.
- 4You get the price in writingLine-itemed, yours to keep, and nothing starts until you say go.
What Burien Customers Say
"Found a bird nest and a blocked flue we had no idea about. Photographed everything, cleared it, and explained what the smell had been."
- Curtis V."They told me the flue was fine and I did not need a liner. Charged me for the inspection and nothing else. That is why I have called them twice since."
- Hal M."Cap and crown replaced after water was getting in. Price was quoted in writing, and they showed me the mortar failure first."
- Neil O.