What Are the Different Types of Chimney & Fireplace Services?
Chimney and fireplace services typically fall into three main categories: installation, sweeping, and repairs.
- Installing a new chimney or fireplace requires experienced professionals to construct them properly for optimal correct use and performance.
- Sweepings and inspections are both vital, as this helps prevent dangerous chimney fires, as well as aids in catching any damage early on – long before it becomes a serious issue that necessitates costly repairs.
- Repair services include fixing broken parts (such as flashing or tiles in chimneys), repairing brickwork and masonry (like crumbling fireboxes and flaking/missing mortar), and more.
Taking advantage of these different types of services can ensure your home stays low-risk throughout the year.
That said, when it comes to chimney and fireplace maintenance and repair, finding the right service for your unique needs is essential. The quality team of professionals at Winston’s Chimney Service can take a look, then advise you on the best path forward. We’re here to help keep your home safer, more efficient, and looking its best.
You can schedule an appointment, get a free appliance estimate, or call us at 703-379-5006 when you are ready for service.
What Chimney & Fireplace Services Do We Offer?
Winston’s provides the following quality services. If you have any questions or would like to get something booked, reach out soon!
Chimney & Fireplace Inspections
Did you know that it’s recommended homeowners invest in chimney inspections every single year? That means that you should be getting this maintenance on the calendar well before the start of your burning period each fall. This will give sweeps ample time to get any damages and blockages addressed, so you can use your system safely and with ease.
We offer three levels of inspections, ensuring you’re taken care of, no matter where your home and chimney stand.
Chimney & Fireplace Sweepings
If creosote or other debris has built up inside of your flue, your system won’t be able to properly vent, and you could experience smoke and gas backing up into your home. In addition, these blockages can create fire hazards, increasing the risk of chimney fires and encouraging damages to form throughout the system.
Need your oil flue cleaned? We offer that as well. There isn’t much we can’t take care of in regards to your venting needs.
Fireplace Installation
Ready to upgrade or invest in something new? We can install a range of beautiful and energy-efficient appliances, all in a wide variety of fuel types.
Whether you need a gas insert, a wood stove, a prefabricated fireplace, or something else, we’ve got options for you. We’d be happy to answer your questions and guide you along the process, keeping your needs and preferences in mind every step of the way.
Chimney & Fireplace Restoration
Do you have a fireplace and chimney that just isn’t in good shape? There’s no denying that a fireplace makes a great addition to any household, but if yours is run down and not safe to operate it can feel more like a burden than anything else. And planning a restoration can feel like a heavy job to tackle.
When you work with us, though, we make the process smooth and streamlined, taking the weight off of your shoulders and using our skills to get your system back to its former glory.
Chimney & Fireplace Repairs
Since we’re a full-service chimney company, our chimney and fireplace repair services cover it all. Rely on us for chimney relining services, leaky chimney repairs, replacement parts (chimney caps, dampers, etc.), chimney waterproofing, preventive maintenance, chimney odor troubleshooting, smoky fireplace troubleshooting, and more.
We want to be the go-to team you trust in for it all.
Tankless Water Heaters
Tankless water heaters offer endless advantages over the traditional big-tank options.
They take up less space, they never run out of hot water, and they actually heat up water only as it’s used, so less energy is used in the process.
And while these models tend to cost more up front, they also should last a lot longer too (if regularly maintained).
Looking for Quality Chimney & Fireplace Services?
You’re in the Right Place
Concerned about the lack of chimney regulations and wondering who is really skilled and trustworthy enough to invite into your home?
You deserve someone who won’t just get the job done but will do it with expertise, certifications, and care.
If you’re in Northern Virginia or Washington, DC, rest easy knowing you’ve found the right team. We’re not just experts in chimney care – we’re the friendly, reliable professionals you’ll feel good about welcoming into your home. For expert knowledge and service you can trust, we’ve got you covered.
We’re Certified & Put Your Safety First
Lack of industry regulations is just one reason Winston’s Chimney Service has been involved with reputable organizations like the National Chimney Sweeping Guild (NCSG), Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA), National Fireplace Institute (NFI), the Fireplace Investigation, Research & Education Service (F.I.R.E.), and other regional associations to establish ongoing certifications.
Earning these credentials requires hands-on training to acquire specialized knowledge and experience – and most require investing in a recertification process every few years to keep your knowledge and skills sharp.
If you’re looking for quality chimney, fireplace, and venting services in Northern Virginia and Washington DC, look no further than the experts at Winston’s Chimney Service. We have been serving the area for over 45 years, meeting home and business owners’ residential and commercial chimney and masonry needs year after year.
From repairs and maintenance to installations and replacements, we can handle any job – big or small.
Plus, we offer competitive rates and strive for 100% satisfaction for every customer in all of our work. These are just some of the many reasons folks around here consider us the best.
We Can Handle Any Job – Big or Small
We Offer Competitive Rates
Strive for 100% Customer Satisfaction
Ready to schedule services? Book your appointment with us today.
Why Trust Us For Fireplace & Chimney Service?
We’ve been our clients’ number one choice for chimney care for decades. Why? Because we care about putting their needs first, and we take their concerns, questions, and budget into account throughout the entire process. This also means we’re highly experienced – there’s not a lot we haven’t seen or dealt with in the chimney and fireplace industry.
And there’s no worry about us not knowing our stuff. We take education seriously, and our technicians hold the following certifications:
- CSIA Chimney Sweeping-Certified
- FIRE Inspector-Certified
- FIRE Chimney Technician-Certified
- NFI Wood Appliance-Certified
We’re also enrolled in the 1st nationally-accredited Chimney Repairer Apprenticeship Program. We leave no stone unturned to educate, train, and give our chimney sweeps an edge.
Long story short, when consumers hire us, they know they are hiring someone they can trust and someone who knows what they are doing.
Why Is It Important to Choose the Right Chimney & Fireplace Company for Your Household?
Keeping your home appliances working as efficiently as possible is a priority for any homeowner. That’s why it’s essential to choose the right company for the important services of repairing, maintaining, and cleaning chimneys and fireplaces. These services can be overlooked, but are vital in keeping your home and family safer and out of harm’s way.
How do I know which chimney company is best for me?
When it comes to chimney, fireplace, and venting services, we believe it is advantageous to consider a local company like Winston’s. That way, if anything does go wrong, you’re able to work with someone who lives and works in your area and cares about our shared community.
Also, consider:
- any warranties associated with the services
- customer reviews and ratings
- the expertise of the technicians on staff
- how quickly turnaround times for services can be expected
- whether or not service is offered within your geographic area
- their credentials and certifications
Ultimately, doing your research ahead of time can help ensure that you are making an informed decision to get the best services for your needs.
Our goal is to make sure that Winston’s Service is a good fit for anything you’re requiring, so you can move forward with confidence. We hope you will consider all the factors – our reputation, education/certification, insurance coverage, pricing structures, our customer service, and more – because we know we excel in every area.
What should I know, as a homeowner, about my chimney and the maintenance it needs?
As a consumer, it’s important to understand the basics of chimney and fireplace services. Knowing how often a chimney or fireplace should be serviced is key to ensuring continued correct use. This can depend on a variety of factors, such as how much the particular appliance is used, what type of fuel is burned in it, and local regulations.
In general, though, professional chimney inspections should be carried out at least once a year and, if used heavily, more frequent maintenance may be necessary.
It’s also essential that your chosen contractor has either an NFI or a CSIA certification before you hire them for any work or repairs. We carry both of these certifications and stay on top of the latest training and safety requirements to ensure you get satisfactory value for the work and services performed, as well as the money spent.
Why Should I Consider Routine Maintenance for My Chimney & Fireplace?
Please remember – professional chimney and fireplace services are vital for keeping your home heating appliance ready for use and functioning well. The most important aspect of these services is routine maintenance. Regular sweeping (brushing) and inspection of all appliance vents can save you from dangers such as carbon monoxide leaks, bird and rodent infestations, water intrusions and damage, and more.
Additionally, chimney service should be scheduled every year to remove stubborn creosote buildup that could lead to hazardous situations. Installing full cover mounts over fireplace flues will help protect against embers spreading outward onto the roof, as well as prevent water leaks from rain and ice dams and critter invasions.
Without the right maintenance of your hearth system, there is the potential for any number of hazardous situations, including:
| Hazardous Situation | Description |
| Chimney fires | Can occur when creosote, a combustible byproduct of burning wood, builds up in the chimney and ignites. |
| Carbon monoxide poisoning | Carbon monoxide (CO) is a toxic gas produced by burning fuel that can build up in the home if the chimney is blocked or not functioning properly. |
| Fire spread | A chimney fire can spread to other parts of the home if the chimney is not properly constructed or maintained. |
| Structural damage | Over time, the heat and moisture produced by a fireplace or wood stove can weaken the structure of the chimney, causing it to crack or collapse. |
| Water leaks | Water can enter the chimney through cracks or gaps in the masonry or flashing, causing damage to the structure and surrounding walls. |
| Improper installation | If a hearth or chimney system is not installed correctly, it can pose a hazard to the home and its occupants. |
Again, to prevent these hazardous situations, it’s important to have your hearth and chimney system inspected and cleaned regularly by a professional chimney sweep. Additionally, you should have smoke and carbon monoxide detectors installed in your home and ensure that your chimney is in good condition and free of blockages.
Schedule Chimney & Fireplace Services Today
We’re the Right Chimney Company for Homeowners in Northern Virginia
We understand that having the right company perform your fireplace, chimney, and venting services can be the difference between an amenity you enjoy or an eyesore you would rather ignore. Not just any contractor should be trusted with these tasks, as the chimney and venting systems in your home are different from any other part of the house.
This is why it’s important to ensure that you hire properly licensed and trained professionals – like us – who are not only knowledgeable about the specialties of the chimney and venting systems, but about the local building codes and safety regulations as well.
Many homes and businesses in Northern Virginia and Washington DC have been there for many years, and their chimneys and masonry structures have taken a beating over time. We have seen far too many subpar repairs that have not addressed the issues properly, resulting in structures not being as sound as they should be. Getting a basic inspection every year will go a long way in maintaining these wonderful chimney systems.
Reliable contractors should always carry a variety of high-quality, reliable products so that, no matter the issue, they can get it taken care of quickly and efficiently. Winston’s Chimney Service has been doing these types of services, repairs, and installations for over 45 years in Washington DC and counties throughout Northern VA, including Alexandra, Arlington, and Fairfax, as well as in Maryland’s Prince George and Montgomery counties.
Call Now – We Offer a Service Excellence Guarantee
Winston’s Chimney Service employs the most highly-trained, certified and experienced technicians in the areas served, which includes all of the Washington, DC Metro Area and parts of Northern Virginia and Maryland. We are so sure of our staff that we offer a Service Excellence Guarantee and will do whatever it takes to get the job done right every time, and to keep you, the customer, satisfied and happy.
All of our technicians are required to meet customer service and satisfaction standards and receive routine in-house training on all aspects of customer relations before ever setting foot in your home. We understand that you have choices when hiring a chimney company to maintain your fireplace and chimney systems every year – and we strive to be the company you choose every time.
We can be reached by phone or on our contact form. We stand ready to help you with any and all of your chimney and fireplace needs. Let’s get it done.
Winston’s Chimney Service provides the best in gas fireplace services to all our new and existing customers.
