Henry and Solis Chimney LLC cuts through the guesswork—transparent pricing, expert service, and a chimney that’s safe, clean, and ready for your next fire. No surprises, just results.
Comprehensive chimney sweep for San Francisco homes and businesses.
San Francisco’s damp climate accelerates creosote buildup—turning your chimney into a fire hazard. We use high-powered vacuums and brushes to eliminate Stage 1, 2, *and* stubborn Stage 3 creosote, so your chimney stays safe and efficient.
Learn more →Cracked flue liners, rusted dampers, or water damage in SF’s humid climate can turn a simple sweep into a repair nightmare. We catch problems early—before they become expensive fixes.
Learn more →A blocked damper, faulty gaskets, or improper airflow can make your fireplace a liability. We ensure your entire system—chimney *and* fireplace—is safe for use.
Learn more →SF’s older homes often have wood stoves or pellet systems that need specialized care. We clean burn pots, check seals, and ensure proper ventilation—no generic sweep will do.
Learn more →If your chimney’s on fire *right now*, we respond fast—day or night—to put it out and assess the damage. SF’s old brick homes are especially vulnerable.
Learn more →SF’s rainy season turns chimneys into sponges—leading to rust, mold, and structural damage. We seal leaks and install flashing to keep water out for good.
Learn more →We hold ourselves to the highest standards so you can hire with total confidence.
SF chimney sweeps often lowball your quote, then hit you with ‘unexpected’ fees for creosote removal or repairs. We reverse-engineer the process: *first*, we inspect your chimney with our video scope, *then* we give you a flat-rate price—no surprises. Even our ‘basic’ sweep includes a thorough check for hidden issues. It’s how we’ve earned trust from homeowners in the Sunset and North Beach districts who refuse to gamble on their chimney’s safety.
San Francisco’s coastal fog turns your chimney into a creosote magnet. Most sweeps only remove what’s visible—but we use industrial vacuums to pull out *all* residue, including the dangerous Stage 3 buildup that can ignite on its own. Our process isn’t just a sweep; it’s a *deep clean* that extends the life of your chimney and fireplace. Homeowners in the Marina know: when it comes to creosote, cutting corners isn’t an option.
A blocked damper, rusted flue liner, or cracked smoke chamber can turn your fireplace into a carbon monoxide risk. We treat your entire system—chimney, fireplace, and venting—as one unit, not three separate services. That’s why we offer *comprehensive* inspections, not just a cursory glance. In SF, where older homes have unique quirks, this level of detail isn’t optional—it’s how you avoid costly surprises down the road.
You shouldn’t need a degree to understand your chimney bill. We break down every charge—creosote removal, inspection fees, even travel time—so you know exactly where your money’s going. No ‘premium package’ upsells. No ‘we’ll figure it out later.’ Just straightforward service from a team that’s lived in this city and knows what SF homes *really* need. That’s why we’ve helped dozens of families in the Mission and Pacific Heights avoid overpaying for chimney work.
San Francisco’s historic homes and modern fireplaces deserve a **chimney sweep** that balances expertise with fairness—no hidden fees, no upselling, just honest work. At Henry and Solis Chimney LLC, we’ve earned our reputation by treating every chimney like it’s our own, whether it’s a Victorian in Alamo Square or a condo in the Mission. Our team doesn’t just sweep; we inspect, educate, and help you avoid the costly mistakes that plague San Francisco homeowners who overpay for unnecessary services. From creosote buildup to cracked flues, we spot the issues others miss—so you can enjoy your fireplace without surprises.
"I’ve had my chimney swept twice by other companies, and both times they quoted me one price and hit me with ‘extra fees’ for creosote. Henry and Solis? They showed up, inspected my chimney *for free*, and gave me a flat rate—no surprises. They even caught a small crack in my flue liner that could’ve turned into a big (and expensive) problem. Saved me hundreds. Wouldn’t go anywhere else in SF."
"My wood stove was smoking like crazy, and I was worried it was the stove itself. Turns out, it was a clogged chimney *and* a rusted damper. These guys fixed both issues in one visit, and my stove now burns cleaner than ever. Best part? They explained *exactly* what they did and why—no chimney-speak. Highly recommend for anyone in SF who wants real expertise, not a sales pitch."
"After the 2023 storms, I noticed water stains around my chimney. I called Henry and Solis, and they sealed the crown *and* replaced the flashing—all for a fair price. No upsells, no pressure. They even gave me a warranty on their work. My chimney’s dry and safe, and I finally understand why my neighbors swear by them. SF’s weather is brutal on chimneys; these guys know how to fight it."
"I was dreading the chimney sweep bill after my last fire, but Henry and Solis made it painless. They removed *all* the creosote (including the nasty Stage 3 stuff), checked my fireplace’s seals, and even adjusted the damper for better airflow. No hidden fees, no ‘we’ll be back tomorrow’ nonsense. Just a job done right the first time. That’s the kind of service SF deserves."
"I moved into an older home in SF and was terrified of chimney fires. These guys inspected my chimney, found a few issues, and fixed them *without* trying to sell me a full rebuild. They even showed me how to spot problems myself. Now I feel confident lighting my fireplace during those chilly SF nights. Transparency like this? Priceless."
"My chimney caught fire last winter, and I was freaking out. Henry and Solis showed up *within hours*, put it out, and cleaned up the mess—no extra charges. They also inspected the damage and gave me a clear plan to prevent it from happening again. In SF, where old homes have old chimneys, this kind of response isn’t just good service; it’s a lifesaver."
Expert local advice for San Francisco homeowners.
Expert guide to San Francisco chimney inspection and damage assessment
Read more →Prevent chimney fires with expert creosote removal and deep cleaning in San Francisco
Read more →San Francisco’s unique climate and older homes demand expert chimney care. Learn transparent pricing, seasonal risks, and how to avoid overpaying for a chimney sweep near you—plus local tips for safer, cleaner fireplaces.
Read more →Call or fill out our online form, and we’ll schedule a *no-obligation* inspection. We’ll arrive with our video scope, check for creosote, damage, and airflow issues, then give you a clear, itemized quote—*before* we touch your chimney. No hard sell. Just honest advice on what’s needed *and* what can wait. SF homeowners love this step because it saves them time *and* money.
Before we start work, we walk you through our findings—creosote levels, rust spots, or structural concerns—with photos and a written report. You’ll know *exactly* what we’re addressing, so there are no ‘oops, that’s an extra $200’ moments. Transparency isn’t just our policy; it’s how we’ve built trust with families in the Richmond and Sunset districts.
If it’s a simple sweep, we’ll clean your chimney thoroughly and leave it spotless. If we find damage, we’ll explain your options—*without* pushing you toward the most expensive fix. Our goal? To give you a chimney that’s safe, efficient, and *won’t* cost you another dime in hidden fees. That’s why we offer warranties on our workmanship.
We don’t just clean and leave. After every service, we test your chimney’s draw, check for lingering smoke, and ensure your fireplace is ready to use. You’ll get a post-service report with next-step recommendations—like when to reschedule your sweep—so you’re always ahead of the game. In SF, where chimney issues can escalate fast, this follow-up is what sets us apart.
Proudly serving San Francisco and these nearby communities.
That’s likely **creosote buildup**—a sticky, flammable tar that forms faster in San Francisco’s humid winters. The moisture in our air accelerates soot hardening, trapping odors in your chimney liner. A professional sweep removes it before it becomes a fire risk. Many homeowners ignore the smell until it’s too late; we recommend scheduling a sweep **twice a year** (before winter and after) to avoid costly repairs. Our crews use HEPA vacuums to eliminate the smell *and* the hazard—no masking sprays needed.
Simple: **some sweeps bundle inspections with sweeps or upsell repairs you don’t need**. At Henry and Solis, we charge a flat fee for inspections because we’re not trying to sell you a sweep or relining. In San Francisco, where older homes have hidden issues (like cracked flues from earthquake shifts), we use **thermal imaging** to spot problems others miss—so you pay once for the truth, not twice for guesswork. Ask upfront: *Is the inspection standalone?* If not, walk away.
Because we **don’t nickel-and-dime you** for basic services. Many sweeps inflate prices by charging per chimney *or* per hour, then add fees for ‘travel’ or ‘emergency’ calls. We offer **three transparent tiers** based on chimney type (masonry, metal, or gas) and creosote level—no surprises. In SF, where labor costs are high, we cut overhead by using our own vans and scheduling efficiently. Example: A standard masonry sweep runs **$129** here, not $250. You’ll save money *and* get a cleaner chimney.
Not necessarily. **Drafts often mean your damper isn’t sealing properly**, or the sweep disturbed the flue lining. In San Francisco’s windy areas (like the Presidio or Outer Sunset), dampers can warp over time. We check for this *before* sweeping—if we find it, we’ll adjust it for free. Pro tip: Test your damper monthly by lighting a match near the fireplace; if it flickers *outward*, it’s not closing tight. We’ll also inspect your smoke shelf for gaps—common in older SF homes.
Yes, but **only if the sweep certifies it’s safe**—and we always do. The key is ensuring no soot or debris remains, especially in our dry summer months when creosote can ignite faster. We’ll give you a **written clearance** if your chimney passes. That said, if you’ve had a fire recently, wait **24 hours** before relighting to let any residual heat dissipate. And if your chimney’s old (pre-1980s SF homes often have single-wall flues), we’ll flag that—those need extra caution.
Gas fireplaces still **produce condensate and creosote**—even if you think it’s ‘just gas.’ The pilot light and burners create soot that sticks to the flue walls, and San Francisco’s humidity turns it into a gummy residue. Skipping sweeps here means **hidden buildup** that could block airflow, trigger carbon monoxide leaks, or—worst case—cause a chimney fire. We see this often in condos with gas inserts: homeowners assume ‘no wood = no risk,’ but the truth is, **gas chimneys need sweeping too**—just less often (every 1–2 years).
It depends. **If your flue lining is cracked, corroded, or missing**, relining is non-negotiable—especially in earthquake-prone SF where masonry can shift. But many sweeps recommend relines for minor wear or ‘preventive’ reasons. We’ll inspect your liner first: if it’s structurally sound, we’ll tell you. Our reline work starts at **$1,299** (not $3K+), and we use **stainless steel** that lasts decades—no cheap aluminum that fails in our damp climate. Ask: *Is the liner damaged?* If yes, fix it. If no, walk away.
Ask for **proof of a California Chimney Sweep License (CSLB)** and **general liability insurance**. We post both online and on-site because we’re proud of our credentials. Unlicensed sweeps often hide behind ‘handyman’ status or ‘referrals’—red flags in SF where building codes are strict. Also, check for **CSIA certification** (we’ve got it). Pro move: Search their name + ‘complaints’ on the [CA Contractors State License Board](https://www.cslb.ca.gov/) site. If they’re clean, you’re golden. If not, keep looking—your safety isn’t worth the gamble.
Fast response, upfront pricing, and workmanship guaranteed. Get your free estimate today.