Business Details
44 Years
experience
Your Trusted Chimney & Fireplace Service Experts in Alameda, CA
The Irish Sweep has been a trusted name in chimney and fireplace services since 1982. Founded by Sally McKnight, our team combines decades of hands-on experience with industry certifications to deliver safety-focused solutions. We specialize in chimney cleaning, inspections, repairs, and installations, prioritizing customer education and transparency. Our commitment to quality is reflected in our three-year warranty on repairs and adherence to national safety standards. With a focus on the Bay Area, we utilize advanced camera inspections and patented techniques to address seismic, fire, and structural concerns.Our teams expertise extends to dryer vent cleaning and masonry work, ensuring comprehensive home safety. We operate with integrity, offering honest assessments and referrals when projects fall outside our scope. Certified by the Chimney Safety Institute of America, we maintain licenses in masonry and metalwork to serve residential clients comprehensively. Our mission is to protect homes through meticulous service and customer empowerment.
Services
Chimney Cleaning
Fireplace Inspections
Masonry Repairs
Dryer Vent Cleaning
Chimney Removal
Insert Installation
Flue Cap Installation
Dampers Installation
Liner Replacement
Camera Inspections
Details
- Year established: 1982
Highlights and features
- 40+ years of experience in chimney safety and maintenance.
- Certified technicians with expertise in seismic and fire safety.
- Transparent assessments with no unnecessary repairs.
- Three-year warranty on repair and installation work.
- Adherence to National Fire Protection Association standards.
Associations and certifications
- Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA)
- California State Contractors License #564792 C29 Masonry License
- C61/D34 Specialty License for Metal-Related Work
What people say
Professional and thorough
Competitive pricing
Spotless cleanup
Expertise in seismic safety
Honest assessments
Services
Chimney Cleaning
Regular chimney cleaning prevents creosote buildup, reducing fire risks and improving ventilation. Our technicians use specialized tools to remove debris and soot from open fireplaces, wood stoves, and inserts. Clients benefit from safer, more efficient heating systems and compliance with NFPA safety codes.
Fireplace Inspections
We conduct photographic camera inspections to assess chimney structural integrity and identify fire hazards. Our evaluations cover liner condition, creosote levels, and seismic stability. Homeowners receive detailed reports to guide maintenance decisions and ensure compliance with safety standards.
Masonry Repairs
Our licensed masons repair mortar degradation and damaged bricks to restore chimney stability. We address water intrusion risks and reinforce structures against earthquake damage. Services include repointing and HeatShield ceramic coating applications for long-term durability.
Dryer Vent Cleaning
Professional dryer vent cleaning eliminates lint buildup that causes fire hazards and energy inefficiency. We disassemble units when necessary to clear blockages, improving appliance performance and reducing utility costs for residential clients.
Insert Installation
We install energy-efficient wood-burning and gas fireplace inserts to upgrade traditional fireplaces. Custom solutions ensure proper fit and function, enhancing heating efficiency while maintaining aesthetic appeal and safety compliance.
People
Sally McKnight
Owner
Sally McKnight has been a certified chimney professional since 1982. She specializes in fireplace safety, seismic retrofitting, and masonry restoration. Her expertise includes CSIA-certified chimney and dryer vent cleaning.
Questions
What services does The The Irish Sweep offer?
We provide chimney cleaning, fireplace inspections, masonry repairs, dryer vent cleaning, and insert installations across the Bay Area.
Are your technicians certified?
Yes, our team holds certifications from the Chimney Safety Institute of America and California state licenses for masonry and metalwork.
How often should chimneys be cleaned?
The NFPA recommends annual inspections and cleaning as needed, especially after earthquakes or heavy usage.
Do you offer emergency services?
We currently do not provide emergency on-site visits but offer urgent scheduling for critical maintenance needs.
What areas do you serve?
We operate throughout the Bay Area, including Alameda, Berkeley, Oakland, Walnut Creek, and Lafayette.
What warranties do you provide?
We offer a three-year warranty on all repair and installation workmanship.
Reviews (7)
Betsy B.
Jan 05, 2022
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New Years resolution: reduce fire hazards. It's been quite a while since we had the chimney swept. I've been getting email newsletters from The Irish Sweep as cheery reminders for easy DIY maintenance (furnace filters). So we started the New Year with a mid-January appointment to check/scrub the flue and remove ashes. Then they called and said there's a cancellation, would you like us to come tomorrow? Yes! Mary Poppins taught me that a chimney sweep is good luck. Sally and her crew arrived on time, fully masked, and laid out their tarps and went to work. Before you could finish
Natasha F.
Nov 05, 2021
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We booked the Irish Sweep for our annual chimney cleaning. They were prompt (actually the crew arrived early) and so professional. They informed me of what they would be doing and were quick and efficient. They are also taking extra precautions for COVID and they explained all of this in their initial emails and when they arrived.
Afterwards they explained the process and how much soot and ash they had scraped. Good thing we did this now because we could have had a chimney fire on our hands! The crew also cleaned up very thoroughly - you would have had no idea there had been a cleaning done.
Afterwards they explained the process and how much soot and ash they had scraped. Good thing we did this now because we could have had a chimney fire on our hands! The crew also cleaned up very thoroughly - you would have had no idea there had been a cleaning done.
Paloma V.
Oct 23, 2021
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Sally and her crew have been taking care of us and our chimney AND our dryer for years. Always prompt, wearing full covid-safety equipment. And charming as well!
M. C.
Sep 05, 2021
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It took awhile for me to hear a response (not sure how my text and voicemail were missed) but I ended up getting a call back from Sarah who was very professional, honest and knowledgeable. She provided me with a wealth of information on how to care for our fireplace and when we would need to have our chimneys swept. She was patient and took the time to answer all my questions. We ended up not needing the services just yet but the price I was quoted was better or on par with other companies I reached out to. When we are due to have the chimneys swept, I plan to bring our business to The Irish Sweep
Ben Henry
Jul 30, 2021
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Positive:Professionalism,Punctuality,Responsiveness
Sally did an inspection after we purchased a house with a wobbly chimney. She was professional and told us what needed to be done to put the chimney into shape for an insert. Her crew worked quickly, quietly and cleanly. We are very happy with this work and would recommend The Irish Sweep.
Services:Chimney inspections,Chimney cleaning
Sally did an inspection after we purchased a house with a wobbly chimney. She was professional and told us what needed to be done to put the chimney into shape for an insert. Her crew worked quickly, quietly and cleanly. We are very happy with this work and would recommend The Irish Sweep.
Services:Chimney inspections,Chimney cleaning
Mary A.
Jul 23, 2021
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Sally the owner's 40 years of chimney-service experience is reflected in her knowledge and professionalism and in the speed and meticulousness of her well-seasoned team. Sally enjoys her work and is a genuine pleasure to work with. Stop your search now: The Irish Sweep is the best chimney service you can find. Sincerely, a Super-Satisfied SF East Bay Customer
Peter H.
May 13, 2021
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We love these guys! We've used them for many years. Did the job quickly and efficiently with a great attitude. They left the fireplace area cleaner than they found it!
