STL Clean Sweep and Inspection

10/23/2026

Beautiful patio fireplace I inspected today!

I was called out because the fireplace wasn’t performing well and smoke wasn’t drafting properly.

Unfortunately, I found quite a few issues. Improper clearances at the mantel, issues with the hearth extension, no smoke chamber, cracks in the flue tiles, missing mortar at flue joints, insufficient chimney height, missing bond break, improperly constructed crown, water infiltration, and masonry repairs needed in both the firebox and exterior stonework.

Beautiful fireplace to look at, but unfortunately, not so beautiful when you start looking at how it was built.

Just goes to show that appearances don’t always tell the whole story!

10/20/2026

I was hired to perform a chimney sweep and inspection today. When I arrived, I noticed a questionable wood stove insert installation inside a factory-built fireplace.

This type of installation generally isn’t allowed unless the fireplace and stove manufacturers specifically approve it. Factory-built fireplaces can’t just be modified to accommodate a wood stove.

I called the client and explained that I could still proceed with the sweep and inspection, but based on what I was seeing, I couldn’t recommend using the fireplace until the installation was verified.

The client decided not to move forward, and instead of charging for the full service, I only charged a small trip fee.

Saved the client some money and potentially prevented a much bigger problem.

And the client lived happily ever after.

10/14/2026

https://youtu.be/zTFN0yPBpOw?is=mW8gjRtb-C6veWkr

We talk with James Dick about building a more profitable home inspe...

09/30/2026

Afternoon Chimney Sweep and inspection

09/24/2026

Not what I expected to see at my chimney sweep/inspection job this morning.

09/22/2026

4 chimney inspections at this beauty this afternoon.

09/05/2026

Time to start thinking about getting those chimneys swept!

07/24/2026

Chimney sweep and inspection out in Innsbrook this morning.

07/23/2026

Chimney sweep this morning in Town and Country.

Fall fills up fast, so this homeowner decided to get ahead of the rush and have their chimney cleaned now instead of waiting until cooler weather.

If you use your fireplace each season, summer is a great time to have your chimney cleaned. It’s one less thing to worry about when fireplace season arrives.

Send me a message if you’d like to get on the schedule.

06/29/2026

Level 2 chimney inspection in Dogtown this morning.