Smoky Fireplace and Chimney Help in Santa Monica, CA
Where Santa Monica smoke calls come from, by ZIP
Postal codes on our draft-check route
Smoky, smelly or stalled: Santa Monica hearth fixes
Smoke and draft fixes come first on beach-adjacent blocks and older residential streets from Ocean Park up to North of Montana, and every job below is weighed against 1920s Spanish houses, Craftsman bungalows, post-war duplexes, and newer modern homes on narrow lots.
Chimney Sweep in Santa Monica
Soot, nests and creosote narrow the flue until smoke backs up; brushing them out is usually the first draft fix we try.
Read how we handle itChimney Inspection in Santa Monica
Flashlight, mirror and a smoke test: a visual look at every reachable part of the chimney, priced at $57 for Level 1.
Read how we handle itChimney Repair in Santa Monica
Cracked liners, gaps in the smoke chamber and broken caps all leak draft; we repair the part that lets smoke escape.
Read how we handle itFireplace Inspection in Santa Monica
Firebox, damper, lintel and hearth looked over with a draft test at the opening, so you learn why smoke spills.
Read how we handle itFireplace Repair in Santa Monica
Warped dampers, oversized openings and missing smoke guards push smoke indoors; we fix the one causing your spillage.
Read how we handle itChimney Level 2 Inspection in Santa Monica
Camera footage from the full flue, used when smoke, a chimney fire, a sale or an earthquake raises questions; $355.
Read how we handle itChimney Cap Installation in Santa Monica
Downdraft from gusty canyon wind often stops with the right cap; we fit stainless caps sized to the flue, $170 to $695.
Read how we handle itChimney Flashing Repair in Santa Monica
Damp, musty fireplace smells often start where roof meets chimney; we reseal that joint so the masonry dries out.
Read how we handle itChimney Masonry Repair in Santa Monica
Loose brick and crumbling joints let air leak into the flue and water into the walls; we repoint and rebuild them.
Read how we handle itChimney Rebuilds in Santa Monica
Sometimes a short or damaged stack can only draw properly once rebuilt taller or straighter; we quote that honestly.
Read how we handle itFireplace Cleaning in Santa Monica
Lingering campfire odour usually comes from ash and creosote left in the firebox; a deep clean removes most of it.
Read how we handle itGas Fireplace Cleaning in Santa Monica
Yellow, lazy flames and soot on the glass mean the burner or logs need attention; we clean and reset them yearly.
Read how we handle itGas Fireplace Repair in Santa Monica
Pilot that will not hold, burner that shuts off, a gas smell or a headache near the unit: we find the failed part.
Read how we handle itFireplace Remodel in Santa Monica
Remodeling a smoky fireplace? We fix the draft first, then change the surround, mantel or opening so it stays fixed.
Read how we handle itFireplace Inserts in Santa Monica
Sealed inserts with their own liner end most smoke spillage for good; gas inserts installed run $2,900 to $5,800.
Read how we handle itPellet Stove Repair in Santa Monica
Sooty glass, smoke puffs on startup or a stove that shuts down: often a dirty exhaust path or a tired fan.
Read how we handle itWood Stove Repair in Santa Monica
Smoke leaking from the door, a stove that runs hot or will not hold a fire: worn gaskets and baffles are the usual culprits.
Read how we handle itGas Logs in Santa Monica
Burning wood but tired of smoke? Vented gas logs in the existing firebox give a cleaner fire, with the damper clamped open.
Read how we handle itWhat pulls or pushes smoke in Santa Monica
Many Santa Monica houses share a lot line closely with taller neighbors, and a two-storey addition next door can leave an old chimney sitting in a wind shadow. That is a common cause of smoke rolling out of the fireplace on a breezy evening even when the flue is clean. Marine fog keeps brick and mortar damp, which brings out a musty smell from the firebox in summer. Damp flues also start cold, so we often suggest warming the flue before a full fire and keeping the crown sealed.
The Houses
Draft checks here usually mean 1920s Spanish houses, Craftsman bungalows, post-war duplexes, and newer modern homes on narrow lots.
Weather at the Flue Top
Marine fog keeps brick and mortar damp, which brings out a musty smell from the firebox in summer. Damp flues also start cold, so we often suggest warming the flue before a full fire and keeping the crown sealed.
Next Door
Ocean Park, Venice, Brentwood sit on the same drive for our crew.
Booking
Santa Monica draft tests, sweeps and gas checks are usually set within the week.
A fireplace in Santa Monica smoking right now?
Put the fire out, open a window, and ring us. We will talk you through it and book the soonest visit.