Our Services

Complete Chimney & Home Maintenance Services

We specialize in chimney sweeping and inspection services. In addition, we have over 20 years experience in the trades and home maintenance solutions to keep your property in optimal condition year-round. Our dedicated team ensures every aspect of your home is well cared for, whether you’re a first-time customer of a returning client. Each service is completed with precision and care, reflecting our commitment to quality and integrity when serving our customers. Your home deserves the best, and we’re here to provide it.

Chimney Sweep & Level 1 Inspection

We follow NFPA 211 and CSIA standards for annual chimney maintenance which consists of a routine examination and cleaning designed to prevent fire hazards and ensure proper venting. This process centers on a Level 1 inspection to verify structural integrity and the mechanical removal of combustible creosote and soot buildup from the flue.



Process Outline:

• Prep: Apply protective coverings to the work area and seal the fireplace or appliance connection to contain soot and protect the living area.
• Inspection: Perform a visual Level 1 assessment of all readily accessible interior and exterior components to ensure the system is free of obstructions and damage.
• Mechanical Cleaning: Utilize specialized brushes or rotary tools to mechanically scrub the flue walls, dislodging accumulated creosote, ash, and soot.
• Extraction: Extensively vacuum the flue and all collection areas (such as the smoke shelf or clean-out) using professional-grade, HEPA-filtered equipment to ensure no flammable material remains.
• Verification: Conduct a final visual check to confirm the chimney is in safe, operational condition and document the results for the homeowner.
  

Chimney Sweep & Level 2 Inspection

A Level 2 inspection is required under NFPA 211 when changes are made to the system—such as switching fuel types, a chimney fire, or a real estate transaction—and involves a more rigorous evaluation than the standard annual maintenance. This process combines the visual assessment of a Level 1 inspection with an internal, video-based examination of all accessible portions of the chimney to ensure hidden, structural defects are identified.



• Prep: Apply protective coverings to the work area and seal the fireplace or appliance connection to contain soot and protect the living area.
• Level 2 Video Access: Use a specialized chimney camera to inspect the entire length of the flue, checking for internal masonry cracks, gaps in the liner, or structural failures that a standard eye-level inspection would miss.
• Level 1 Functional Check: Confirm the basic integrity and clear venting of accessible exterior and interior components.
• Mechanical Cleaning: Utilize specialized brushes or rotary tools to mechanically scrub the flue walls, dislodging accumulated creosote, ash, and soot.
• Debris Extraction: Extensively vacuum the flue and all collection areas (such as the smoke shelf or clean-out) using professional-grade, HEPA-filtered equipment to ensure no flammable material remains.
• Final Verification & Reporting: Conduct a post-cleaning review to ensure the flue is clear and the structural findings from the Level 2 camera inspection are documented for the homeowner’s safety records.

**A Level 2 Inspection is required for all new customers**

Level 1 Inspection

According to NFPA 211 and CSIA standards, a Level 1 inspection is the minimum requirement for a chimney that continues to be used under the same conditions as its previous operational status. It is a fundamental visual assessment focused on the safety and structural integrity of the “readily accessible” portions of the chimney, ensuring the system remains free of significant obstructions and hazardous combustible deposits.



Level 1 Inspection Process Outline:

• Exterior Assessment: Visually examine the chimney’s exterior (from the ground or safe roof access) for signs of masonry deterioration, mortar joint gaps, or liner/cap damage.
• Interior Accessibility: Check the readily accessible portions of the chimney interior, including the firebox, smoke shelf, and damper area, to identify any significant accumulation of creosote or debris.
• Structural Verification: Ensure the chimney connector is secure, properly attached, and that the chimney’s structural components are stable and in good repair.
• Obstruction Check: Verify that the flue is free of blockages (such as animal nests or excessive soot buildup) that would impede the safe venting of flue gases.
• Operational Suitability: Confirm that the appliance, venting system, and chimney system are appropriately sized and functioning in a manner that maintains fire safety within the structure.

Level 2 Inspection

According to NFPA 211 and CSIA standards, a Level 2 inspection is a more comprehensive assessment required under specific circumstances, including the sale of a property, the addition of a new appliance, or following a chimney fire or weather-related event. It encompasses all elements of a Level 1 inspection but mandates a more rigorous, invasive visual examination—typically involving video scanning—to ensure the internal flue liner and structural integrity are sound throughout the entire length of the chimney system.



Level 2 Inspection Process Outline:

• Expanded Access: Gain access to all accessible portions of the chimney, including attics, crawl spaces, and basements, to inspect the chimney’s exterior and clearance to combustibles.
• Video Scanning: Perform a internal inspection using a chimney camera to examine the entire flue liner for cracks, gaps, missing mortar, or structural failures that are not visible from the firebox or roof.
• Detailed Joint Assessment: Verify the integrity of the flue liner joints to ensure that smoke and high-temperature flue gases cannot escape into the building structure.
• Verification of Sizing and Clearances: Confirm that the chimney is properly sized for the connected appliance and maintains the required NFPA-mandated clearances from combustible materials (e.g., framing, insulation).
• Comprehensive Reporting: Document the results of the internal and external examination, providing a detailed report on any necessary repairs, liner replacements, or safety concerns discovered during the inspection.

**A Level 2 Inspection is required for all new customers**

Service Call

Whether you are preparing for heating season or addressing a specific maintenance need, our expert Service Calls ensure your fireplace or stove remains safe and efficient. We provide comprehensive troubleshooting and professional repairs, including fire brick and catalytic converter replacements, chimney cap installation, and precision door gasket sealing to optimize your unit’s performance. Our certified technicians evaluate your entire system to identify worn components and restore your fireplace to peak operational integrity.



Common Service Call Solutions:

• Firebox Restoration: Replacing cracked or damaged fire bricks to protect the wood stove or masonry and maintain efficient heat reflection.
• Airtight Gasket Upgrades: Installing high-quality seals on stove doors and glass to ensure proper air control and prevent smoke leakage.
• Emissions Efficiency: Replacing worn catalytic converters and gaskets to restore clean-burning performance and fuel efficiency.
• Chimney Protection: Installing or replacing chimney caps to block pests, moisture, and debris from entering your flue.
• System Refurbishment: Identifying and replacing faulty hardware, dampers, or secondary components to extend the lifespan of your appliance.

Dryer Vent Cleaning

Clogged dryer vents pose serious risks, leading to overheating and fire hazards for your home and family. Lint buildup restricts airflow and strains your dryer. We carefully remove lint from your vents, ensuring safe and efficient operation while extending its lifespan. Regular maintenance enhances performance and offers peace of mind against fire risks from unsafe dryer vent conditions.

Gutter Cleaning

We clear debris from your gutters to ensure proper drainage and prevent costly structural damage. This maintenance step eliminates blockages from leaves and twigs, allowing water to flow freely. By doing so, we protect your foundation, roof, and structure from water leaks, mold growth, and erosion. Regular gutter cleaning is essential for maintaining your property's longevity and safeguarding your investment.

Roof Moss Removal

Moss buildup can significantly damage roofing materials over time, leading to more severe structural issues if left untreated. Our specialized removal service is designed to effectively eliminate this harmful growth, helping to maintain not only your roof’s integrity but also its overall appearance. By taking proactive measures, you can extend the lifespan of your roof and ensure it continues to protect your home for years to come.

Window Cleaning

Professional window cleaning enhances your home’s curb appeal and longevity by removing corrosive environmental pollutants like hard water deposits, oxidation, and acidic grime that can permanently etch glass or degrade window frames over time. Beyond the immediate aesthetic boost of a streak-free, clear view, professional service preserves the integrity of your screens and seals, preventing premature wear and potential moisture leaks. By utilizing specialized equipment and techniques, experts achieve a level of clarity and safety that standard DIY cleaning often misses, ultimately protecting your investment and maintaining the pristine condition of your property’s exterior.

Handyman / Other Home Maintenance Work

Hiring Soot & Tie for professional handyman provides a reliable, single-source solution for maintaining your home’s functionality and value through a wide range of repair, assembly, and improvement tasks. By delegating projects—from minor plumbing fixes and electrical troubleshooting to drywall repair and carpentry—to a skilled professional, you save valuable time, eliminate the frustration of complex DIY tasks, and ensure that work is performed to code and with proper workmanship. A professional handyman helps you stay ahead of deferred maintenance, protecting your property from premature decay and ensuring your home remains a safe, efficient, and well-maintained asset for the long term.