Licensed, insured, and backed by a 24-hour response team. We clear creosote buildup, fix draft issues, and eliminate dryer vent fires—so you don’t have to guess if your system is safe. Free estimates, same-day service for most jobs.
Comprehensive chimney sweep for San Leandro homes and businesses.
Stage 1, 2, or 3 creosote? We don’t just scrape—we use high-pressure rotary brushes and vacuum systems to eliminate buildup **completely**, then inspect for cracks or blockages that could trap toxic gases. San Leandro’s older homes (especially those near the bay) often hide hidden issues—we find them.
Not all inspections are equal. We perform **Level 2 chimney inspections** (the gold standard) to check for structural damage, gas leaks, and hidden hazards—including **carbon monoxide risks** in San Leandro’s older brick homes. You’ll get a **detailed report** with photos and a clear ‘pass/fail’ grade.
Lint fires cause **$100M+ in damages yearly**—and most San Leandro homes have **restricted airflow** in their dryer vents. We use **flexible rods and high-powered vacuums** to remove lint **all the way to the exterior vent**, not just the duct inside your home.
Cracked, corroded, or missing liners **void your home’s insurance** and create CO hazards. We install **stainless steel liners** that last 20+ years—no cheap clay or single-wall shortcuts. Includes **seismic bracing** for San Leandro’s fault-line homes.
Switching from wood to gas? We handle **full conversions**, including **venting adjustments**, **thermostat recalibration**, and **seismic compliance** for San Leandro’s building codes. Fix drafty gas logs, pilot light issues, or **carbon monoxide leaks** in one visit.
Pellet stoves in San Leandro’s **high-humidity climate** need **specialized cleaning** to prevent **moisture buildup** in the burn pot. We service **all brands**, including **Jøtul, Pacific Energy, and Harman**, with **ash removal, belt inspections, and combustion testing** to ensure **maximum efficiency**.
We hold ourselves to the highest standards so you can hire with total confidence.
San Leandro’s **humid summers** and **cool, damp winters** create the **perfect storm** for creosote buildup. If you burn **softwoods** (like pine) or **low-quality firewood**, you’re **doubling the risk** of Stage 2 creosote in just **30 fires**. Most sweeps tell you ‘once a year’ is enough—but **that’s a myth**. We recommend **spring and fall sweeps** to catch **hidden moisture damage** in your flue. **Pro move:** Schedule your **dryer vent cleaning** at the same time—we’ll bundle it for **20% off**. **Fact:** The **NFPA reports 25,000+ chimney fires yearly**—most start from **neglected creosote**. Don’t be a statistic.
That ‘drafty’ fireplace? It might be **leaking CO**. That **‘normal’ smoke smell**? It could mean **a cracked liner**. We use **thermal imaging, smoke puff testing, and **3D flue inspections** to find **what others overlook**. In San Leandro, **older brick chimneys** (especially those near **Sunol**) often have **undisclosed cracks** from **soil shifts**. We’ll **flag them in your report** before they become a **$10K+ repair**. **No ‘eyeballing’—just science.** **Warning:** If your **fireplace glass turns yellow**, you’ve got **excessive creosote**—**not just soot**. We’ll clean it **thoroughly**, not just ‘scrub the glass’.
Lint is **highly flammable**—it ignites at **413°F**, and your dryer’s exhaust hits **200°F+**. Most San Leandro homes have **restricted airflow** in their vents, turning lint into a **tinderbox**. We’ve pulled **lint fires** from ducts **just 3 feet long**—**no exaggeration**. Our **rigid-rod cleaning** removes **100% of lint**, not just the surface layer. **Pro tip:** If your dryer **takes over 60 minutes** to dry a load, your vent is **90% clogged**. **Fact:** The **USFA reports 13,000 dryer fires yearly**—**most start in the vent**. Don’t wait for the **‘lucky’ spark**—schedule a cleaning **today**.
Using **untreated firewood** (like pine or cedar) **doubles creosote buildup** in **just 20 fires**. If you’re burning **wet or resinous wood**, you’re **accelerating damage** to your flue. We’ll **test your wood moisture** (it should be **<20%**) and **show you the best local sources** in San Leandro. **Warning:** If your **fireplace smoke smells like ‘burning plastic’**, you’re **breathing in toxic gases**. We’ll **inspect your combustion** and **adjust your airflow** to **eliminate excess CO**. **No guesswork—just results.**
Winston Chimney and Dryer Vent Cleaning LLC isn’t just another chimney sweep in San Leandro—we’re the no-nonsense pros who cut through the fluff and get your chimney right the first time. Too many homeowners in the Bay Area fall for the myth that ‘if it’s not smoking, it’s fine,’ only to wake up to a creosote fire or a clogged dryer vent that turns their laundry room into a sauna. We don’t sell inspections we don’t need or upsell services you don’t. Our checklist-driven approach means you get a thorough sweep, a clear report, and zero guesswork—whether you’ve got a vintage fireplace in your Craftsman home on 14th Street or a modern insert in a new build near the San Leandro BART station.
"I ignored my chimney for **5 years**—until Winston found **Stage 3 creosote** and a **cracked liner** during my inspection. They **fixed it the same day** and gave me a **discount for bundling my dryer vent cleaning**. Now I **sweep twice a year** like they recommended. **No more ‘smoky’ fires.** Worth every penny."
"My **pellet stove kept jamming**—turns out the **auger was rusted** from moisture. Winston **replaced the parts on-site**, adjusted my **pellet type**, and **tested my CO levels**. My stove runs **cleaner and hotter** now. **No more ‘burning plastic’ smell.** Best service in the area."
"I thought my **dryer vent was fine**—until Winston pulled **a foot of lint** from the duct. They **cleared it completely** and **sealed the connections**. Now my dryer **dries clothes in 30 minutes**. **No more ‘hot’ lint smell.** **Highly recommend.**"
"My **gas fireplace wouldn’t stay lit**—turns out the **thermostat was faulty**. Winston **recalibrated it**, **checked for CO leaks**, and **adjusted my venting**. Now it **works perfectly**. **No more ‘weak flame’ issues.** **Fast, honest, and affordable.**"
"I was **charged $300 for a ‘chimney sweep’** elsewhere—then Winston found **a blocked flue liner** I didn’t know about. They **fixed it for $800** (with a **10% discount** for being a new customer). **Saved me from a CO leak.** **Best decision I’ve made.**"
"My **older brick chimney** had **hidden cracks**—Winston **sealed them** and **installed a new liner** for **20% off**. Now my fireplace **drains better** and **no more soot on the glass**. **No upsells, just good work.** **Would call them again in a heartbeat.**"
Expert local advice for San Leandro homeowners.
San Leandro’s humid summers and older homes make dryer vents a ticking fire risk. Learn the hidden dangers, how often to clean, and why DIY ‘fixes’ fail—plus local costs and red flags to watch for.
Read more →San Leandro’s damp winters and older homes demand a *licensed* chimney sweep—not just anyone with a brush. Here’s how to pick a pro (and avoid the red flags).
Read more →San Leandro’s humid summers and wood-burning fireplaces create the perfect creosote buildup conditions. Learn how to safely remove it, avoid costly chimney fires, and schedule a professional chimney sweep before winter—with local pricing and timing details.
Read more →We arrive with **thermal imaging and a CO detector**, inspect your chimney **top to bottom**, and **flag every issue**—creosote, cracks, draft problems, or hidden moisture. No upsells, no jargon. You’ll get a **clear ‘pass/fail’ grade** and a **prioritized repair list** if needed. **San Leandro homes near the bay** often have **undisclosed moisture damage**—we’ll find it. **Time:** 20–30 minutes.
We use **rotary brushes and industrial vacuums** to remove **100% of creosote**, not just the surface layer. If we find **Stage 3 buildup** (hard as rock), we’ll **break it down with specialized tools**—no ‘quick scrape’ nonsense. **Dryer vents?** We **clear them all the way to the exterior**, not just the duct inside. **Time:** 1–2 hours for most chimneys.
You’ll get a **printed report** with **photos, safety grades (A-F), and a repair checklist** if we find issues. **No ‘we’ll fix it later’**—just **clear next steps**. If your **chimney liner is failing**, we’ll give you **three repair options with upfront pricing**. **San Leandro’s building codes** are strict—we’ll **certify your system meets them**. **Time:** 10 minutes to review with you.
Our **30-day warranty** covers **re-sweeps for new creosote buildup** (if you’ve followed our firewood tips). We’ll **schedule a follow-up** if we find **hidden damage** (like a **cracked liner**). **No fine print.** **Pro move:** Ask about our **annual maintenance plan**—**10% off** for San Leandro residents who book **spring and fall sweeps**. **Time:** 5 minutes to explain your warranty.
Proudly serving San Leandro and these nearby communities.
A standard chimney sweep in San Leandro runs **$150–$300**, but prices jump if we find major issues like heavy creosote buildup or structural damage. The variation comes from two things: (1) *What’s included*—some ‘sweeps’ only brush the flue and call it a day, while we inspect the entire system, including the smoke chamber and damper. (2) *Your chimney’s condition*—if it’s been 5+ years since your last sweep and you burn wood regularly, expect to pay closer to $300. Pro tip: Ask if the quote covers *re-inspection* after repairs—some companies lowball you, then hit you with extra charges later. We don’t.
Yes, **even if it looks clean**, because creosote (the flammable tar left by wood smoke) builds up *inside* the flue—where you can’t see it. San Leandro’s dry summers might fool you into thinking your chimney’s safe, but winter humidity turns that creosote into a sticky, combustible mess. The **National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)** recommends sweeping at least once a year if you use your fireplace, and more often if you burn soft woods like pine. We’ve pulled chimneys in Oakland Hills neighborhoods where homeowners *swore* they were fine—only to find Stage 2 creosote (the kind that glows like embers when it ignites). Don’t gamble with your home.
You *can* rent a chimney brush and DIY it, but here’s the catch: **Most homeowners miss critical spots**, like the smoke chamber or the transition from masonry to flue liner. In San Leandro’s older homes (especially near the downtown historic district), chimneys often have **brick deterioration or cracked liners** that a brush alone won’t fix. Plus, if you damage the damper or liner, you’re looking at a $1,000+ repair. We’ve seen DIY ‘sweeps’ leave behind **loose soot in the fireplace**—which just settles back down. For $200, you get a certified inspection, a *real* clean, and peace of mind. That’s a no-brainer.
San Leandro’s **mild but humid summers** and **cool, damp winters** create the perfect storm for chimney problems. The moisture accelerates rust in metal components, while the dry heat in summer can turn creosote into a hard, glass-like coating (Stage 3) that’s nearly impossible to remove without specialized tools. If you live near the bay, salt air also corrodes metal dampers faster. **Bottom line:** You need sweeps *more often* here than in drier inland areas. We adjust our recommendations based on your specific wood type, usage frequency, and even the direction your chimney faces (north-facing chimneys in San Leandro stay wetter longer).
The **ideal window** is **late spring (April–May)** or **early fall (September–October)**—before you fire up the fireplace for winter or summer BBQ season. Why? Fall sweeps let you test your chimney *before* holiday gatherings, while spring clears out the gunk from winter use. **Avoid scheduling in December:** We’re booked solid, and if we find major issues, you’ll wait weeks for repairs. Pro move: Book your sweep *now* (even if you don’t plan to use your fireplace for months) to lock in your preferred date. Prices also hold steady outside peak seasons—no last-minute price hikes.
A **Level 1 inspection** (what most homeowners need) checks the parts of your chimney *visible during a sweep*—like the flue, liner, and smoke chamber. A **Level 2** (required if you’re buying/selling a home or after major repairs) includes *removing access panels* to inspect hidden components, like the chimney crown or supporting masonry. **Here’s the San Leandro twist:** If your home was built before 1980 (common in areas like the Old City neighborhood), we often recommend a Level 2 *even for routine maintenance*—because older chimneys hide deterioration behind walls. We’ll tell you upfront if you need the deeper dive, no upselling.
Yes—**even light use builds creosote**. The NFPA’s guideline is *at least once a year* for any fireplace user, but in San Leandro’s climate, we recommend **every 6–12 months** if you burn wood less than 10 times/year. Here’s why: A single cord of oak wood can deposit **1/8 inch of creosote** in your flue. Over time, that adds up. **Real-world example:** We inspected a home on 23rd Street where the owner used their fireplace *once a year* for Christmas. Their chimney had **Stage 2 creosote**—enough to cause a chimney fire. Don’t assume ‘rare use’ means ‘no risk.’
Three reasons: **1) Labor rates**—San Leandro’s higher cost of living means our crew earns more, and we pass that on to maintain top talent. **2) Older homes**—Many San Leandro homes (especially near the hills) have **longer, more complex vent runs** that take extra time to clean properly. **3) Local demand**—With more high-rise apartments and older single-family homes, dryer vent fires are a bigger issue here. **Here’s the trade-off:** Cheaper services often cut corners—like not cleaning the lint trap *and* the vent, or using low-quality tools that leave residue. We charge what we’re worth because we *actually* prevent fires, not just move lint around.
Fast response, upfront pricing, and workmanship guaranteed. Get your free estimate today.