Frequently Asked Questions

We start with a Level 2 camera inspection - a high-resolution scan of the full flue interior, from firebox to crown. Then we seal the fireplace opening, run a rotary sweep system with polypropylene brushes sized to your flue liner, and vacuum all debris. We finish with a second camera pass to confirm the flue is clean and document its condition. You receive the photos, a written report, and any repair recommendations before we leave.

Most residential sweeps in Puyallup take 60 to 90 minutes from arrival to departure. Older homes in Midland or Milton with steep roof access, multiple flues, or heavy glazed creosote may run closer to two hours. We book specific arrival windows - not all-day waits - and text when the tech is en route. That's Clause 2 of the Haven Standard: arrive on schedule, with a named technician.

The National Fire Protection Association recommends annual inspection for all chimneys, and sweeping when creosote buildup exceeds 1/8 inch. In Puyallup's wet climate, where homeowners often burn Douglas fir and western red cedar from late October through March, we find most wood-burning systems need sweeping every year. Gas and pellet systems typically need inspection annually but sweeping only every two to three years unless debris or animal nesting is found.

Skipping a sweep increases fire risk and can void your homeowner's insurance if a chimney fire occurs. In Puyallup's damp winters, creosote absorbs moisture and becomes more acidic, accelerating flue liner deterioration. Carbon monoxide backup is the less visible danger - a partially blocked flue can force exhaust into living spaces. We don't use scare tactics, but we do show you what we found. If the camera shows clean flue walls, we'll tell you that honestly too.

Yes - we need interior access to the fireplace or appliance, and we want you to see the camera footage in real time. Most Puyallup homeowners find the inspection itself interesting. You'll watch the screen as we scan for cracks, gaps, or buildup, and you'll have the evidence in front of you if we recommend any follow-up work. If you cannot be present, we can arrange for a trusted representative to be on site.

We specify Gelco and Olympia Chimney stainless steel liners for most Puyallup relining jobs - both carry UL 1777 listings and hold up well in our wet, marine-influenced climate. For caps, dampers, and exterior flashing, we often use Famco and Copperfield components. We don't source from big-box retailers; these are trade-grade products with manufacturer warranties we can honor because we buy through authorized distribution.

We inspect and sweep all solid-fuel and gas-burning chimney systems regardless of manufacturer. For repairs and component replacement, we stock common parts and can source manufacturer-specific items for most major brands. If your system is older or obscure, we'll research availability and give you a straight answer before ordering anything. We don't guess, and we don't charge you to find out.

Gelco specializes in heavy-gauge stainless liners with smooth-wall interior options that improve draft and reduce creosote adhesion. Olympia Chimney offers strong value in standard corrugated liners with solid corrosion resistance for typical residential duty cycles. Famco and Copperfield both produce durable exterior components - caps, chase covers, and termination fittings - with Copperfield particularly known for copper and stainless aesthetic options on historic homes in Puyallup's older neighborhoods.

Every pro working under our name is required to hold the license and insurance their state requires, and we verify it before they ever reach a Puyallup driveway. Their license numbers are on the page and on the written scope you sign. That's Clause 3 of the Haven Standard: verified crews. We are not a gig-matching service; these are tradespeople who work under our name, our standards, and our documentation system.

Look for CSIA (Chimney Safety Institute of America) certification, which is the industry standard for sweep training and ethics. Our technicians maintain active CSIA credentials and participate in continuing education on code changes, new appliance types, and safety protocols. Washington State does not license chimney sweeps specifically, but our business holds all required state and local registrations for contracting work.

Yes. This branch is independently owned and operated by Corrine Halstead, serving Puyallup, South Hill, Sumner, Milton, Midland, and surrounding communities. We are part of the Level Two Chimney Co. family of brands, which means we follow the Haven Standard for documentation, pricing, and customer protection. The standards come from the brand; the trucks, the license, and the neighbor relationships are local.

We're open seven days a week: Monday through Sunday, 7:00 AM to 7:30 PM. We do not promise same-day dispatch, but during peak season (September through November) we typically book within 3 to 5 business days. Off-season appointments in spring and summer often have more flexibility. The real urgency in Puyallup is getting inspected before the first sustained cold snap, not the hour of the call. Book early and you're covered.

An active chimney fire - flames or dense smoke visible at the top of the flue, or a roaring sound like a freight train in the walls - requires calling 911 first. After the fire department clears the scene, we can perform a post-fire Level 2 inspection to assess structural damage. For carbon monoxide detector alarms, evacuate and call your gas utility or fire department; we inspect afterward. Smoky fireplaces, draft issues, or suspected animal entry are urgent but not emergencies - book a standard inspection.

We sweep year-round in Puyallup, though ice, snow, or high wind on steep roofs may delay exterior work for safety. The South Hill and Federal Way areas see more freeze-thaw cycles than lower Puyallup, so January and February bookings sometimes shift by a day or two. We communicate proactively if weather affects your appointment - Clause 2 again: a real window, and a text when we're on the way.

Our sweep and inspection service carries a 90-day warranty on the workmanship of the cleaning itself. If you experience a draft or smoke issue we should have caught and documented, we return at no charge. Repair work carries its own written warranty, typically 1 to 10 years depending on the component and manufacturer. Every warranty term is spelled out in writing before work begins - Clause 1: have it in writing.

The Haven Standard is a five-clause code that governs every job we do. Clause 1: flat price, written scope, written warranty before anyone starts. Clause 2: arrive on schedule, named tech, text en route. Clause 3: verified crews - licensed, insured, background-checked. Clause 4: evidence on every job - photos and readings of what we actually found. Clause 5: no surprises - no door upsell, no scope creep. It was built on a practice Level Two pioneered back in 2009: archiving camera-scan footage as standard, years before the industry asked for it.

You get a written condition report with dated photos from the camera inspection, a summary of what we found, the sweep method used, and any repair recommendations with priority rankings. We note whether issues require immediate attention, can wait until next season, or are simply worth monitoring. This documentation belongs to you - submit it to your insurer, your home inspector, or your own files. It's the evidence that protects you.

NFPA 211, the national chimney safety standard, defines three inspection levels. Level 1 is a visual check with a flashlight - what most companies call an "inspection." Level 2 requires a camera scan of the full flue interior and is what a home sale, a chimney fire, or a new appliance installation actually demands. Level 3 involves dismantling components and is rare. Our name states the standard we work to: we don't charge for Level 1 and call it done. The camera goes down every flue, every time.

Written by Corrine Halstead, Owner at Level Two Chimney Puyallup, serving Puyallup and surrounding communities since 2009.