What Chimney Work You Can Safely DIY in Everett, and What You Should Never Touch

By Birch Chimney and Dryer Vent Cleaning Inc · Updated October 20, 2026

In Everett’s pre-1980s brick homes, some chimney checks can be done with a ladder, but most require a pro. You might spot creosote buildup from outside, but never crawl into the flue or try fixes yourself. If you notice smoke backing up, rust streaks on the masonry, or a damp, stale smell, stop DIYing. Those signs mean your chimney’s brickwork or liner needs expert attention to prevent fires, carbon monoxide leaks, or water damage from Everett’s relentless rain.

4 Simple Chimney Checks You Can Do in Your Everett Home (Without Risking Damage)

Everett’s historic brick homes often have chimneys built to last, but they still need regular attention. Here’s what you can handle yourself without risking damage or injury: 1. Visual Creosote Check (No Climbing Required) Use a flashlight and a chimney mirror (available at hardware stores) to inspect the top of your chimney from a sturdy ladder. Look for black, tar-like buildup (creosote) on the flue walls. If it’s thin and flaky, you’re fine for now. If it’s thick or glossy, call a chimney sweep. Learn more about creosote stages in our Everett Chimney Maintenance Calendar>>/blog/everett-chimney-maintenance-calendar-safety/. 2. Cleaning the Firebox and Smoke Chamber After each fire, remove ash from the firebox with a metal ash bucket, never a plastic one. Use a stiff brush to scrub soot from the glass doors and chamber walls. For brick chimneys, check mortar joints for cracks; if you see gaps wider than 1/8 inch, stop and call a mason. 3. Testing for Draft Issues Light a small piece of newspaper near the damper. If smoke rises straight up, your draft is fine. If it billows sideways or back into the room, your chimney may need relining or a professional inspection. Everett’s windy winters can worsen draft problems in older chimneys. See our guide on Everett chimney draft fixes>>/blog/everett-chimney-problems-fixes-smoky-fireplaces-water-damage/. Worth a look: the services we offer page.

When Your Everett Chimney Sends These 3 Warnings: It’s Time to Call a Sweep

Behind those Everett brick facades, older chimneys hold hidden risks, especially if the liner’s cracked or the masonry’s worn. If you spot these, put down the ladder and call a pro: Smoke or Soot in Your Home A smoky fireplace after lighting isn’t just annoying, it’s a sign of blockages, creosote buildup, or a cracked liner. In Everett’s damp climate, moisture can turn creosote into a flammable tar. Our Everett Chimney Problems guide covers fixes for smoky fireplaces>>/blog/everett-chimney-problems-fixes-smoky-fireplaces-water-damage/. Rust Stains or Water Leaks Rust around the damper or water stains on your ceiling/walls mean your chimney cap is missing or damaged. Without it, rain and snow from Everett’s winters will erode your flue and masonry. Learn how to spot water damage early>>/blog/everett-chimney-waterproofing-moisture-control/. Strong Odors or Carbon Monoxide Alarms A musty smell or CO detector going off while your fireplace is off? That’s gas leaking through cracks in your liner. Older brick chimneys often have deteriorated liners, this isn’t a DIY fix. See our CO safety guide for Everett homes>>/blog/7-critical-signs-everett-chimney-needs-carbon-monoxide-smoke/. Animals Nesting in Your Chimney Birds, squirrels, or raccoons in your chimney create fire hazards and block airflow. If you hear scratching or see debris near the cap, don’t try to remove them yourself. Our Mukilteo service area covers similar risks>>/areas/mukilteo/. Everett’s wildlife is just as persistent.] Learn more about contact the office page.

The 5 Chimney Jobs in Everett Homes That Should Never Be a DIY Project (And What Happens If You Try)

Some chimney work looks simple but carries serious risks, especially in Everett’s older brick homes where masonry and liners are often decades old: Climbing Inside the Flue Ever seen YouTube videos of ‘chimney cleaning hacks’ with people crawling up flues? Stop. The walls are unstable, creosote is flammable, and you could get stuck or inhale toxic fumes. Professional chimney sweeps use rotating brushes and cameras to clean safely. Compare DIY vs. pro cleaning>>/compare/diy-vs-professional-chimney-cleaning/. Repairing or Replacing Liners If your chimney liner is cracked, corroded, or missing, you can’t just ‘patch it.’ DIY liner repairs often fail, leading to CO leaks or chimney fires. Everett’s older homes often need stainless steel liners installed by a licensed pro. See our Everett historic home chimney services>>/blog/7-essential-services-every-evertt-historic-home-chimney/. Ignoring Masonry Cracks Hairline cracks in brick chimneys might seem minor, but they let in water, which freezes and expands in Everett’s winters, causing bigger damage. Repointing mortar is a job for a mason, never use cement or caulk. Our Lynnwood service area sees similar issues>>/areas/lynnwood/. Everett’s brick chimneys need expert care. Using Chemical Cleaners Some homeowners spray ‘chimney cleaner’ down the flue. This can corrode liners and create toxic fumes. The only safe way to remove creosote is with mechanical brushing by a certified chimney sweep. Our pricing guide explains why pros charge more for safety>>/pricing/, it’s worth it to avoid disasters.] Learn more about who we are and how we train.

Your Everett Home’s Chimney Needs Help: Here’s When to Call Birch Chimney & Dryer Vent Cleaning

We’re licensed to handle Everett’s toughest chimney challenges, from creosote removal in older brick flues to dryer vent fires in townhomes. Call us if: - Your chimney hasn’t been swept in over a year (Everett’s damp climate speeds up creosote buildup). - You’re selling your home, lenders require a chimney inspection. - Your dryer vent is hot to the touch or lint is backing up into your laundry room (a fire risk). - You’re upgrading your fireplace and need a liner installed or old masonry assessed. See our Everett service areas>>/areas/, we cover Stanwood to Bainbridge Island, including historic homes in Arlington and Mountlake Terrace. Check our pricing for Everett chimney sweeps>>/pricing/ to plan your seasonal maintenance. Our Mukilteo team also handles similar older-home chimneys>>/areas/mukilteo/, let us inspect yours before winter.] Learn more about the towns we cover page.

Everett-Specific Chimney Tips: Protecting Your Brick Chimney from Rain and Wind

Everett’s rainy winters and windy summers take a toll on chimneys. Here’s how to shield yours: Install a Chimney Cap with a Splash Guard A proper cap (not just a screen) keeps rain out and prevents debris buildup. In Everett, choose one with a 45-degree slope to shed water. Our Carnation service area sees the same issues>>/areas/carnation/. Everett’s weather is just as harsh. Check Your Crown The concrete or brick ‘crown’ at the top of your chimney should slope outward to divert water. If it’s crumbling or flat, water pools and seeps into your masonry. A chimney sweep can assess if it needs sealing or rebuilding. Seal Mortar Joints Annually Use a waterproof mortar sealer (available at hardware stores) to protect joints from Everett’s moisture. Reapply every 1–2 years, especially after heavy rains. See our Everett waterproofing guide>>/blog/everett-chimney-waterproofing-moisture-control/ for more.]

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