A fireplace should feel simple. It should light fast. It should draft clean. It should not smoke into the room. It should not smell like soot. Our chimney sweep services make that happen. Ductech protects your home. We sweep from top to hearth. We keep dust contained. We share photos and plain notes. We offer same-day service when the schedule allows. Our work carries a clear warranty. Any parts we install are original-spec and include a parts warranty. Our method is eco-friendly and low-odor.
Soot builds with every burn. Creosote can harden into a shiny glaze. That buildup restricts draft. It can ignite. Smoke may spill at startup. Odors can linger. Moisture and acids damage mortar and metal. A proper sweep removes the fuel that should not be there. Draft improves. Fires start easier. Your living room stays clear.
We brush the main flue. We clean the smoke chamber. We vacuum the smoke shelf. We tidy the firebox area we open. We free sticky dampers. We clear the cap screen when accessible. We remove light nesting and debris. We capture everything with HEPA filtration. No dusty clouds. No mess on rugs or sofas. We wipe the hearth area and reset screens or doors.
We look for cracked tiles and missing mortar. We note any glaze, not just soft soot. We check prefab liners for warping or corrosion. We review crowns for hairline splits. We look at flashing for leak tracks. We inspect cap and spark screen condition. We test damper travel and seal. We verify draft with a quick live check. We document findings with photos. We explain in plain words.
Older homes in Baywood and Aragon often have masonry flues. Hillsdale and Lauriedale include prefab systems and roof caps. Shoreview and Parkside can have windy exposures near the Bay. North Central includes multi-unit buildings with tight access. We plan for each layout. We bring the right brushes and rods. We protect landscaping and finishes. Kids at home? We stage noisy steps. Pets around? We keep paths secure.
Use seasoned hardwood. Keep it split and dry. Warm the flue with kindling at start-up. Open the damper fully. Add larger logs once draft is strong. Never burn trash or treated wood. Store ash in a metal can with a lid. Keep décor and rugs clear of the opening. Test smoke and CO alarms monthly. Small habits prevent big problems.
Most homes: once a year.
Frequent burning: every 6–12 months.
After a long idle period: clean before the season.
After repairs: sweep and test draft.
New home to you? Sweep and inspect to set a baseline. If glass blackens fast, smoke spills at start, or you smell soot with the damper open, schedule sooner.
Need a sweep now? Ask for same-day openings. We keep urgent slots when possible. Our workmanship includes a service warranty. If parts are needed, we install manufacturer-approved/original-spec caps, dampers, chase covers, and spark arrestors. Parts include a parts warranty. No gimmicks. No surprise add-ons.
We use mechanical sweeping. We capture debris with HEPA filtration. We avoid harsh chemicals by default. If odor control is needed, we offer a low-odor, eco-friendly option. We recycle packaging. We dispose of waste responsibly. We respect your air.
Chimneys differ. Height, roof pitch, access, and buildup all affect time. We explain the scope. We give a clear quote. You approve before we start. If we discover a new issue mid-visit, we pause, show photos, and discuss choices.
We serve all of San Mateo: 94401, 94402, 94403, 94404, 94497.
Dryer vents collect lint fast. Elbows trap fibers. Exterior flaps stick. Heat builds. Cycles drag. Sensors trip. A clear vent restores airflow and cuts run time. Our dryer vent cleaning clears the lint-trap cavity, the connector, the full in-wall run, and the outside hood. We set floor protection and contain dust with HEPA equipment. We free stuck dampers and confirm full travel during a live test. If parts are crushed or outdated, we install UL-2158A semi-rigid connectors, proper clamps, and a code-compliant hood. All parts are original-spec and include a parts warranty. Most homes benefit once a year. High-use homes or long roof runs may need every 6–9 months. Many San Mateo clients pair dryer vent service with a chimney sweep for a complete safety reset in one visit. Learn more here.
Your HVAC touches every room. Dust and pollen settle in supply and return runs. Airflow drops. Rooms feel uneven. Cleaning the ducts resets comfort and reduces dust on surfaces. We set negative pressure, brush and vacuum trunks and branches, and wipe grilles. We tidy accessible plenums. We capture debris with HEPA gear. We avoid harsh chemicals by default. On request, we can apply a low-odor, eco-friendly sanitizer. Most homes do well every 2–3 years. With pets or allergies, plan 18–24 months. Pairing air duct cleaning with a chimney sweep is common before the cool season. One appointment. Fresh airflow through the house. Details are here.
How long does a sweep take?
Most visits take 45–90 minutes. Steep roofs, heavy buildup, or tight access can add time. We confirm the window on arrival.
Do you need to get on the roof?
Sometimes. If the cap is safe to reach, we may go up. If not, we work from below. We choose the safest, cleanest method for your home.
Do you clean gas fireplaces and inserts?
Yes. Gas produces soot and haze over time. We clean the flue path where applicable and tidy the firebox area we open. We also check draft and damper function.
Will there be a mess?
No. We stage floor protection, seal the opening as needed, and use HEPA capture. We wipe the hearth area and show before/after photos.
Do you use chemicals?
Not by default. We rely on mechanical sweeping and HEPA containment. If odor control is needed, we offer a low-odor, eco-friendly product.
How do I know it’s time again?
If glass blackens fast, smoke spills at start-up, or a soot smell appears with the damper open, it’s time. Frequent burning often requires 6–12 months between sweeps.
For more details, please visit the FAQ
What services do chimney sweeps in San Mateo provide?
They remove soot, creosote, and blockages. Many also perform inspections for cracks, leaks, and cap damage.
How much does a chimney sweep service cost in San Mateo?
On average, prices range from $150 to $350. Costs vary depending on chimney height and buildup.
When is the best time to book chimney sweep services in San Mateo?
Late summer or early fall is ideal. This ensures your chimney is safe and ready before winter.
For more details, please visit the Blog
Ductech — San Jose
San Jose, CA 95128
Winchester Blvd
Phone: +1 650-220-1180
Email: office@ductechservices.com