Winston Chimney and Dryer Vent Cleaning LLC provides chimney sweep services in San Leandro, including creosote removal & chimney sweep, chimney inspection & safety certification, dryer vent cleaning, and more. Every job is handled by licensed, insured technicians with upfront written pricing, and backed by a workmanship guarantee — free estimates for all of San Leandro and nearby areas.
Here’s the truth: **Creosote isn’t just a nuisance—it’s a fire accelerant.** That glossy black tar in your flue? It’s the byproduct of incomplete combustion, and once it reaches Stage 2 (tar-like) or Stage 3 (hard as rock), one spark could turn your chimney into a chimney fire in minutes. We’ve pulled homes in San Leandro back from the brink after finding **undisclosed creosote** during routine inspections—clients who’d been told ‘it looks fine’ by other sweeps. Our process starts with a **visual inspection** (yes, we climb up there), then we deploy **rotary brushes and industrial vacuums** to remove every trace. No ‘quick sweep’ shortcuts. If we spot cracks, rust, or a blocked flue liner, we’ll flag it **before** it becomes a CO leak hazard. **Pro tip:** If your fireplace smoke smells like campfire or you see soot on the glass after just one burn, you’ve got buildup. Don’t wait for the ‘annual’ sweep—call us when you notice these signs.
Request this service →Skip the ‘drive-by’ inspection. If your chimney’s been sweating (condensation inside the flue), you’ve got a draft issue—or worse, a **blocked liner** that’s letting CO into your home. We’ve seen it in San Leandro’s post-1980s homes where builders skimped on flue sizing. Our **Level 2 inspections** include **smoke puff testing** (to check for leaks) and **thermal imaging** to spot heat damage before it becomes a fire risk. Here’s what we look for: **Cracks in the masonry?** (Common in homes near the Hayward Fault line.) **Rust in the damper?** (A sign of moisture buildup from poor sealing.) **Improper clearances?** (Some San Leandro homes have fireplaces too close to combustible walls—we’ll tell you if yours is a violation.) You’ll get a **printed report** with photos, a safety grade (A-F), and a **prioritized repair checklist** if we find issues. **No vague ‘call us back’ nonsense.**
Request this service →Your dryer isn’t just ‘loud’—it’s a **fire waiting to happen**. The National Fire Protection Association says **dryer vent fires** are the #1 cause of home structure fires, and San Leandro’s older homes (especially those with **external vent pipes near overgrown brush**) are prime targets. Here’s the kicker: **Most ‘cleaning’ services only reach 60% of the duct.** We use **rigid rods with rotating brushes** to break up lint **all the way to the exterior vent**, then vacuum it out with **industrial-strength suction**. If we find **restricted airflow** (a red flag for fire risk), we’ll mark it in your report. **Pro move:** Schedule your dryer vent cleaning **after** your chimney sweep—we’ll bundle the jobs for a discount. **Warning sign:** If your dryer takes **longer than 45 minutes** to dry a load or you smell **hot plastic**, your vent is clogged. Don’t ignore it—**lint ignites at 413°F**, and your dryer’s exhaust can hit **200°F+**.
Request this service →Your chimney liner isn’t just a ‘pipe’—it’s the **only barrier** between your home and **carbon monoxide, hydrogen cyanide, and chimney fires**. If it’s cracked, rusted, or missing (common in San Leandro’s **pre-1990s homes**), you’re breathing in **toxic gases** every time you light a fire. We’ve seen **improvised liners** (like duct tape ‘patches’) that fail within months—**not acceptable**. Our **stainless steel liners** are **seam-welded** for a perfect seal, and we **brace them for seismic activity** (critical in this area). **Here’s the cost reality:** A liner replacement runs **$1,200–$3,500**, but **skipping it** could mean a **$50,000+ house fire** or a **CO poisoning lawsuit**. We’ll inspect your liner **for free** during your next sweep—if it’s failing, we’ll give you **three repair options** with upfront pricing. **No surprises.**
Request this service →Gas fireplaces are **supposed to be low-maintenance**—but if yours **smells like sulfur**, **has a weak flame**, or **won’t stay lit**, you’ve got a problem. In San Leandro, **older gas lines** (especially those near the **Sunol Regional Wilderness** where soil shifts occur) can develop **leaks or pressure drops**. We don’t just ‘tweak’ your fireplace—we **diagnose the root cause**. Is it a **clogged burner**? A **faulty thermocouple**? Or **improper venting** (a common issue in homes retrofitted without permits)? We’ll test for **CO leaks** with a **portable detector**, adjust the **air/gas ratio**, and **re-seal connections** to meet **2023 California safety codes**. **Pro tip:** If your gas fireplace **only works when it’s cold outside**, your **thermostat or valve** needs recalibration. We fix it **on-site**—no waiting for a plumber.
Request this service →Pellet stoves are **supposed to be ‘set it and forget it’**—but if your **burn pot is rusting**, your **auger keeps jamming**, or your **stove smokes like a campfire**, you’ve got a **maintenance issue**. San Leandro’s **high humidity** (especially near the **San Francisco Bay**) causes **condensation in the burn chamber**, which **corrodes metal parts** and **clogs the exhaust**. We don’t just empty the ash—we **disassemble the burn pot**, **clean the auger**, and **test combustion efficiency** to ensure you’re not **wasting pellets** (or **breathing in excess CO**). **Here’s what we check:** **Burn pot corrosion?** (A sign of **excess moisture**—we’ll seal it.) **Clogged exhaust?** (Common if you’ve been using **low-quality pellets**—we’ll clean it **thoroughly**.) **Faulty igniter?** (If your stove **won’t stay lit**, we’ll replace it **on the spot**). **Warning:** If your pellet stove **smells like burning plastic**, your **exhaust pipe is blocked**—we’ll clear it **all the way to the roof**. **Bonus:** We’ll show you **how to adjust your pellet type** for **cleaner burns** in this climate.
Request this service →Fast response, upfront pricing, and workmanship guaranteed. Get your free estimate today.