Fireplace Cleaning & Service in Independence, MO
Fireplace service covers the part of the system you can see: the firebox, damper, smoke shelf and, on gas units, the logs and burner. Jake And Son Chimney Sweep cleans and services wood and gas fireplaces in Independence, MO and 20 nearby towns.
We follow NFPA 211
Our fireplace work follows NFPA 211, the National Fire Protection Association’s standard for chimneys, fireplaces, vents and solid fuel-burning appliances, which calls for a yearly inspection of every fireplace and its flue.
What fireplace service includes
Fireplace service includes cleaning and checking the firebox, the damper, the smoke shelf and smoke chamber, the hearth and surround, and any glass doors.
- Firebox. Ash and soot are cleaned out and the firebrick and mortar joints are checked for cracks and gaps.
- Damper. The damper is cleaned and tested to see that it opens fully and closes tightly.
- Smoke shelf and smoke chamber. The area just above the damper collects soot and debris and is cleaned.
- Hearth and surround. Checked for cracks and for clearance to anything that can burn.
- Glass doors and gaskets, where fitted.
Wood-burning fireplaces
An open wood fireplace needs its firebox and smoke chamber cleaned along with the flue. The firebrick takes the direct heat of every fire, and gaps in its mortar joints let that heat reach the structure behind. Small gaps can be repaired; they should not be left.
What you burn matters as much as how often you clean. Dry, seasoned hardwood burns hotter and leaves less creosote than green or wet wood. Wood is ready when it has dried for six months to a year, the ends are cracked, and two pieces knocked together sound hollow.
Gas fireplaces
Gas fireplaces and gas log sets burn cleanly, which leads many owners to skip maintenance. They still need a yearly check: the burner ports clog with dust, the logs shift out of position, and the vent can be blocked by nests like any other flue. A gas appliance with a blocked vent produces carbon monoxide.
Smell gas?
Leave the house and call your gas utility or 911 from outside. Do not operate the fireplace, light switches or anything that can spark. Call us once the gas company has made it safe.
Common fireplace problems
The most common fireplace problems are smoke coming into the room, a smell in summer, a cold draft, fires that are hard to start, and soot from gas logs.
| Problem | Common causes |
|---|---|
| Smoke comes into the room | Damper partly closed, blocked or dirty flue, cold flue, or exhaust fans pulling air down the chimney |
| Smell from the fireplace in summer | Creosote deposits plus humidity, with air being drawn down the chimney |
| Cold draft from the fireplace | Damper warped or not sealing |
| Fire is hard to start | Wet wood, cold flue, or restricted draft |
| Gas logs produce soot | Logs out of position or burner ports partly blocked |
Fireplace not working the way it should?
Call (816) 239-8989What affects the price
Fireplace cleaning and service starts at $159 (see pricing). The final price depends on whether the fireplace burns wood or gas, whether the flue is swept on the same visit, and whether any parts need repair.
- Wood-burning or gas
- Whether the flue needs sweeping on the same visit
- Any repairs to the damper, firebrick or doors
Call (816) 239-8989 and describe your fireplace for a price.
Related reading
Our chimney care guide explains how the whole system works, and chimney and fireplace problems covers smells, smoke, leaks and animals.
Related services
Fireplace service is usually booked together with a chimney sweep or inspection.
Common questions
Why does my fireplace smell bad in the summer?
Creosote in the flue absorbs humidity and gives off a sharp, smoky odor, and summer air conditioning can pull that air down the chimney into the room. Cleaning the flue and making sure the damper seals reduces it. A top-sealing damper, which closes the flue at the top, stops the downdraft that carries the smell indoors.
Why does smoke come back into the room when I light a fire?
The most common reasons are a damper that is not fully open, a flue that is blocked or coated with creosote, or a cold flue that has not started drafting. Kitchen and bath exhaust fans can also pull air down the chimney.
How often should a gas fireplace be serviced?
Once a year. Burner ports clog, logs shift and vents can be blocked, and a yearly check catches these before they cause soot or carbon monoxide problems. Have it done before the heating season so it is ready and safe the first cold evening you want it.
What kind of wood is best to burn in a fireplace?
Dry, seasoned hardwood such as oak, hickory or ash. It burns hotter and produces less creosote than softwood or freshly cut wood. Never burn painted, treated or wet wood. Split wood dries faster than whole rounds, and wood stored under cover with the sides open is ready sooner.
How do I get rid of ashes safely?
Let ashes cool for at least 24 hours, shovel them into a metal container with a tight lid, and keep the container outside, away from the house, deck and anything that can burn. Ashes can hold live embers for days.