Malcolm Chimney Company provides licensed, insured chimney sweeping and inspection services to homes and businesses in Everett, MA. We’re the local pros who show up on time, clean up after ourselves, and stand behind every job with a 100% satisfaction guarantee. Call us today for a free estimate and a safer chimney before the next Chelsea winter sets in.
What is a chimney sweep and why Everett homes need one
A chimney sweep removes soot, creosote, and debris from your flue to prevent chimney fires and carbon monoxide poisoning. In Everett’s older triple-deckers and 1920s Colonials—many built before modern building codes—chimneys often have narrow flues or offset bends that trap creosote faster than newer homes. The Chelsea River’s damp air also speeds up creosote buildup, especially in chimneys used more than once a week. We use CSIA-certified brushes and vacuums to clean every flue from roofline to firebox, leaving your chimney ready for the next Chelsea winter. Not sure if your chimney needs sweeping?
Everett’s unique chimney risks: what we see on every job
Everett’s housing stock—row houses along Broadway, Victorian homes near the Mystic River, and post-war Capes in Woodlawn—often share one common flaw: shared chimneys. When multiple units use the same flue, creosote buildup accelerates and flue fires become a real risk. We also see many older masonry chimneys with cracked mortar joints from freeze-thaw cycles along Route 16’s salt spray corridor. Our crews check for missing chimney caps (a $20 fix that prevents water damage) and cracked flue liners that can leak carbon monoxide into second-floor apartments. We document every issue with photos and send a free repair estimate within 24 hours.
How often should Everett homeowners schedule a chimney sweep
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommends sweeping when creosote reaches 1/8 inch or after burning 1 cord of wood. In Everett, that usually means once per year for wood-burning fireplaces and every other year for gas inserts. If you use your fireplace more than twice a week during Chelsea winters, we recommend a mid-season sweep to prevent dangerous buildup. We’ll send you a reminder email each fall—just reply to schedule. Many Everett homeowners mistakenly wait until they see smoke backing up or smell a campfire odor, but by then, the creosote is already a fire hazard.
What to expect during a Malcolm Chimney sweep in Everett, MA
When our crew arrives at your Everett home—whether it’s a triple-decker on Ferry Street or a Colonial on Lexington Avenue—we’ll set up drop cloths, wear shoe covers, and protect your furniture before climbing onto the roof. We use HEPA vacuums to contain soot and a camera to inspect the flue liner for cracks or obstructions. Most Everett jobs take 60–90 minutes for a standard sweep, but shared chimneys or steep roofs can take longer. We finish with a walkthrough, a free estimate for any repairs, and a 100% satisfaction guarantee. See our full service list and pricing ranges.
Creosote removal: the Everett-specific dangers we tackle every week
Creosote is the sticky, tar-like residue that coats flues after burning wood. In Everett’s damp climate, it hardens into a glaze that’s nearly impossible to remove without professional tools. We’ve pulled 2-inch-thick creosote logs from Everett chimneys that were one spark away from a flue fire. Our crews use rotary brushes and chemical treatments to dissolve glaze creosote, then vacuum it out. We’ll show you before-and-after photos so you can see the difference. Never trust a chimney sweep that claims to “power wash” your flue—water can damage masonry and push soot into living spaces.
Why Everett homeowners choose Malcolm Chimney over big-box sweep services
We’re a local, family-owned business with CSIA-certified technicians who live and work in Chelsea, Everett, and surrounding towns. Unlike national chains, we don’t upsell unnecessary repairs—we provide clear photos, written estimates, and a 30-day guarantee on all work. Our crews are licensed (#CS-12345) and insured, and we offer free estimates for Everett homeowners. Compare our approach to the competition. We also stock common repair parts like chimney caps and flue liners, so you’re not waiting weeks for a part to arrive.
Everett’s seasonal chimney checklist: what to do before winter hits
Before the first Chelsea frost, check your chimney cap for rust or missing mesh (a $30 fix at Home Depot). Test your damper to ensure it opens fully—many Everett homeowners find theirs stuck shut from summer humidity. Inspect the mortar joints on masonry chimneys for cracks, especially on chimneys facing Route 16 where salt spray accelerates wear. Schedule a pre-season inspection with us and we’ll check these items for free. If your chimney hasn’t been swept in over a year, book a sweep now—Chelsea winters are no joke, and a dirty flue is a fire waiting to happen.
| Service | Typical Frequency in Everett | Cost Range (Everett homes) | What’s Included |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chimney Sweep (wood-burning) | Once per year | $160–$250 | Full flue cleaning, soot removal, free estimate for repairs |
| Chimney Sweep (gas) | Every 2–3 years | $120–$180 | Flue cleaning, carbon monoxide check, damper inspection |
| Chimney Inspection (Level 1) | Annually or with new home purchase | $90–$140 | Visual inspection, photo report, written summary |
| Chimney Inspection (Level 2) | After a chimney fire, major storm, or before relining | $200–$350 | Camera inspection, flue liner assessment, repair recommendations |
| Chimney Cap Installation | As needed (often after winter) | $120–$250 | Stainless steel cap, mesh screen, 1-year warranty |
| Masonry Repair (pointing) | Every 10–15 years | $400–$1,200 | Mortar repointing, crack sealing, chimney crown repair |
Frequently Asked Questions
My chimney in Everett smells like a campfire even when I’m not using it. Why?
That campfire smell is usually creosote residue trapped in your flue. Everett’s damp air makes it worse by keeping moisture in the chimney. We’ll clean the flue, install a stainless-steel liner if needed, and recommend a chimney cap to keep rain and critters out. Book a free inspection to diagnose the issue.
Why does my Everett chimney have white stains on the bricks?
White stains are efflorescence—salt deposits left behind when water evaporates from masonry. In Everett, this happens when chimneys lack proper caps or have cracked mortar. We’ll repoint the joints, seal the flue liner, and install a new cap to prevent future water damage. See our masonry repair options.
Can I burn pine in my Everett fireplace without damaging the chimney?
Pine burns hot and fast, leaving behind sticky creosote that coats your flue. In Everett’s damp climate, this creosote glaze hardens quickly and becomes a fire hazard. Stick to seasoned hardwood like oak or maple, and burn it hot for short periods to minimize buildup. We’ll show you the right wood to burn.
How do I know if my Everett chimney needs a liner replacement?
Signs include smoke leaking into rooms, a rusted damper, or visible cracks in the flue liner. In Everett’s older homes, many chimneys were built without liners or have clay tiles that cracked from freeze-thaw cycles. We’ll scope your flue with a camera and recommend a stainless-steel liner if needed. Get a free liner estimate.
Need chimney sweep in Everett, MA? Malcolm Chimney Company is licensed, insured, and ready to help.