Quality Chimney Services Throughout Pasadena

CSIA-certified chimney sweep professionals serving Pasadena and surrounding areas. Expert chimney cleaning, inspection, repair, and fireplace services with same-day availability.

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Artistic capture of a lamp post shadow on a house with a brick chimney under blue skies.

What this visit covers

Fireplace and chimney care for older and newer homes

Thorough sweep, inspection, and repair coordination

Clear scheduling and phone-first support

Fireplace and chimney care for older and newer homes

Thorough sweep, inspection, and repair coordination

Clear scheduling and phone-first support

Classic British architecture with a brick chimney against a blue sky in Shrewsbury, England.

How We Work

Measured findings, clear scheduling, and fireplace care that respects the home.

Our Approach

Calm, premium service for homeowners who want clear answers.

Forge Path Services Chimney Sweep has been serving Pasadena homeowners with professional chimney and fireplace services. Our team of certified technicians is dedicated to keeping your home safe and your fireplace functioning efficiently.

We walk homeowners through the condition of the flue, firebox, cap, crown, and visible masonry so the next step is easy to understand.

We keep things focused on home safety, clean job sites, and repair advice that matches how you actually use your fireplace.

Certified and insured

Phone-first scheduling

Trusted local reputation

Clear inspection notes

What Clients Want

A fireplace team that explains the condition, handles the work cleanly, and keeps scheduling simple.

That standard guides every sweep, inspection, repair visit, and phone callback.

Built for Craftsman Chimneys

Pasadena's 1910s-1930s Craftsman bungalows and Spanish Colonial homes have masonry chimneys that crack and shift after a century of seismic activity. We specialize in structural chimney repair and crown rebuilds that match original mortar profiles and period aesthetics, so your chimney holds up for another hundred years.

CSIA-Certified Inspections

Every technician on our crew holds current CSIA certification and performs inspections to NFPA 211 standards. When you're buying or selling a home in Pasadena's competitive market, our Level 2 camera inspections give you documentation that agents and buyers actually trust.

Serving the Foothills Year-Round

From Bradbury estates backing up to the Angeles National Forest to older neighborhoods in Azusa and Irwindale, we know how wildfire exposure, ember intrusion risk, and seasonal Santa Ana winds affect chimney safety across the San Gabriel Valley. We schedule service within the week, not the month.

Earthquake Damage, Caught Early

Pasadena sits near the Raymond Fault, and even moderate shaking causes micro-cracking in mortar joints and chimney crowns that you can't see from ground level. We inspect for seismic damage during every visit and flag structural issues before water intrusion turns a small crack into a full rebuild.

What We Do

Full-service chimney and fireplace care.

Every job starts with a full assessment. We document the condition, explain what needs attention, and match the right service to your home.

01

Chimney Sweep

One visit, one price: we sweep the chimney and check its condition. Same-day slots open in Pasadena and Pasadena and the San Gabriel Valley.

Complete creosote and soot removal
Smoke chamber deep cleaning
HEPA-filtered vacuum - no mess guaranteed
Damper inspection and cleaning included
Review service details
02

Chimney Inspection

A full top-to-bottom chimney inspection in Pasadena. Every part gets checked, your report comes same day, and we can sweep while we're there.

Level 1: Visual inspection for annual maintenance
Level 2: Camera inspection for real estate or damage assessment
Level 3: Invasive inspection for suspected hidden damage
Detailed digital photo report delivered after every visit
Review service details
03

Chimney Repair

Crown repair, tuckpointing, and liner work in Pasadena. Licensed and insured, with materials color-matched to your chimney.

Mortar joint repair and tuckpointing
Chimney crown repair and replacement
Flue liner repair and relining
Chimney crack repair and sealing
Review service details
04

Fireplace Inspection

A fireplace inspection in Pasadena that catches refractory cracks, sticky dampers, and worn smoke shelves before they turn into bigger problems.

Full firebox and refractory panel inspection
Damper operation and sealing test
Smoke shelf and smoke chamber evaluation
Hearth extension and surround condition check
Review service details
05

Fireplace Repair

Fireplace repair in Pasadena, built around what your inspection turns up. Licensed, insured, materials matched to your fireplace.

Refractory brick and panel replacement
Damper repair and replacement
Smoke shelf and smoke chamber repair
Hearth tile and surround restoration
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06

Chimney Level 2 Inspection

Selling or buying in Pasadena? Our Level 2 chimney inspection covers the camera scan and same-day report you need. CSIA-certified.

360° video camera scan of entire flue interior
Full inspection of accessible portions per NFPA 211
Required for real estate transactions - meets lender standards
Required after chimney fire, storm, or seismic event
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07

Chimney Cap Installation

New or replacement chimney caps in Pasadena. Stainless steel, spark arrestor mesh, keeps animals out too.

Stainless steel and copper cap options
Spark arrestor mesh included on every cap
Custom sizing for multi-flue chimneys
Animal and debris exclusion guaranteed
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08

Chimney Flashing Repair

Flashing repair and replacement in Pasadena. We stop roof leaks right where the chimney meets the roof.

Step flashing and counter flashing repair
Cricket installation for wide chimneys
Lead and aluminum flashing options
Sealant application at all chimney-to-roof joints
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09

Chimney Masonry Repair

Tuckpointing, brick replacement, mortar restoration, all done by licensed masons in Pasadena, color-matched to your home.

Tuckpointing and repointing services
Brick replacement with color matching
Mortar joint restoration (Type N and Type S)
Waterproofing sealant applied after repair
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10

Chimney Rebuilds

Partial or full chimney rebuilds in Pasadena, for earthquake damage, structural failure, or bringing an old chimney up to code.

Partial rebuild (above roofline)
Full chimney reconstruction
Earthquake damage repair and retrofit
California building code compliance
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11

Fireplace Cleaning

Fireplace cleaning in Pasadena for wood-burning, gas, and electric units alike.

Firebox ash and soot removal
Glass door cleaning and gasket check
Hearth stone and surround cleaning
Smoke stain removal from masonry
Review service details
12

Gas Fireplace Cleaning

Gas fireplace cleaning and maintenance in Pasadena. We service the pilot, thermocouple, burner, and logs.

Pilot assembly and thermocouple cleaning
Ceramic log inspection and repositioning
Burner port cleaning for even flame
Glass panel cleaning and gasket inspection
Review service details
13

Gas Fireplace Repair

Gas fireplace repair in Pasadena. We diagnose pilot lights, thermocouples, gas valves, and ignition trouble.

Pilot light and ignition system repair
Thermocouple and thermopile replacement
Gas valve diagnosis and replacement
Direct-vent and ventless unit service
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14

Fireplace Remodel

Fireplace remodels and surround upgrades in Pasadena. Stone, tile, mantels, or a full insert conversion.

Stone and tile surround installation
Custom mantel design and fabrication
Gas or electric insert conversion
Hearth extension and floor protection
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15

Fireplace Inserts

Fireplace insert installs in Pasadena. Gas, wood, or electric, all fit into your existing masonry fireplace.

Gas, wood, and electric insert options
Existing masonry firebox compatibility check
Stainless steel liner installation included
Gas line connection for gas inserts
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16

Pellet Stove Repair

Pellet stove repair in Pasadena. We troubleshoot augers, igniters, blowers, and control boards.

Auger motor and feed system repair
Igniter replacement for all brands
Combustion and convection blower service
Control board diagnosis and replacement
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17

Wood Stove Repair

Wood stove repair in Pasadena. Baffles, firebrick, gaskets, catalytic combustors, we fix them all.

Baffle plate replacement
Firebrick and refractory repair
Door gasket and glass replacement
Catalytic combustor service
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18

Gas Logs

Gas log installs in Pasadena. Vented or ventless sets, built for your existing masonry fireplace.

Vented and ventless gas log options
BTU sizing for room and firebox dimensions
Gas line connection with shut-off valve
Damper clamp installation for vented sets
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Common Questions

What homeowners ask before booking

Straightforward answers to the most common chimney and fireplace questions. Still unsure? Call us at (818) 671-0728.

A Level 1 inspection is a visual check of the firebox, damper, and accessible flue areas. It's appropriate when you're using your chimney regularly and nothing has changed. A Level 2 inspection adds a camera scan of the entire flue interior and checks concealed areas like the attic and crawlspace. In Pasadena, a Level 2 is required anytime a home changes hands, which matters here because so many properties in neighborhoods like Madison Heights and Bungalow Heaven are selling with original 1920s chimneys that buyers assume are functional but often aren't.
A Level 3 inspection is invasive. It involves removing parts of the chimney structure, such as interior wall material, crown sections, or portions of the masonry, to access areas that can't be seen or reached any other way. It's only called for when a Level 2 reveals something concerning, like hidden structural damage behind the flue liner. In Pasadena, we sometimes see Level 3 inspections triggered after earthquake micro-cracking from the Sierra Madre fault zone has compromised mortar joints deep inside the chimney stack where a camera alone can't tell the full story.
A Level 1 inspection typically takes 30 to 45 minutes. A Level 2 with camera scanning runs closer to 60 to 90 minutes, depending on flue length and accessibility. Your report includes photos of every deficiency found, a condition rating for the flue liner, firebox, crown, cap, and flashing, plus written repair recommendations. For Pasadena homes, especially Craftsman-era properties in the Oak Knoll or South Pasadena border areas, we document mortar condition carefully because soft lime mortar from pre-1940 construction deteriorates differently than modern Portland cement joints.
Cracked flue tiles top the list. Pasadena sits near active fault lines, and even minor seismic events cause hairline fractures in clay tile liners that go unnoticed for years. We also frequently find deteriorated chimney crowns from decades of UV exposure and the dry heat cycles typical of the San Gabriel Valley. Missing or damaged spark arrestor screens are common too, which is a serious concern given Pasadena's proximity to the Angeles National Forest and mandatory brush clearance requirements. In older neighborhoods like Garfield Heights, we regularly find unlined chimneys that predate modern building codes.
In Pasadena, a standard chimney sweep runs between $200 and $350 depending on creosote buildup and flue accessibility. A Level 1 inspection is often included with a sweep or costs $100 to $200 on its own. A Level 2 inspection with camera scanning runs $300 to $500. The price difference reflects the equipment and time involved. If you're buying a 1930s Tudor in San Rafael or a mid-century home near Caltech, the Level 2 pays for itself by catching hidden damage before you close escrow.
A masonry fireplace is built from brick, stone, or block with a clay tile or steel flue liner. It's a permanent structure integrated into the home's foundation. Most Pasadena homes built before 1960, particularly the Craftsmans and Spanish Colonials throughout the Arroyo Seco corridor, have masonry fireplaces. A prefab zero-clearance unit is a factory-built metal firebox designed to sit close to combustible framing. These became common in Pasadena condos and tract homes built from the 1980s onward. The two require completely different maintenance, parts, and repair approaches.
Most prefab fireplaces last 20 to 30 years with proper maintenance. In Pasadena, the intense summer heat in the San Gabriel Valley accelerates wear on metal firebox panels and refractory linings. Homes built during the 1980s and 1990s development around East Pasadena and Hastings Ranch are now hitting the age where panels crack and warp. Once the refractory panels fail, the metal firebox behind them is exposed to direct flame, which is a fire hazard. Replacement panels are available for many models, but if the unit is discontinued, full replacement is the only safe option.
The most common cause is a cold flue that won't draft. Pasadena's mild winters mean your chimney flue stays at ambient temperature most of the year, and when you light a fire on a cool evening, the cold air column inside the flue pushes smoke back into the room until the flue warms up. Other causes include an undersized flue relative to the firebox opening, a damper that doesn't open fully, or a blocked flue from debris or animal nesting. In hillside homes near the Arroyo or Linda Vista, downdrafts caused by Santa Ana winds hitting the roofline at odd angles also force smoke back inside.
Dampers warp over time from repeated heat exposure, and in Pasadena's older homes, many throat dampers have been in place since the 1920s or 1930s without replacement. Rust and creosote buildup along the damper plate and frame also prevent a tight seal. A damper that won't close is essentially an open hole in your roof. Conditioned air escapes straight up the flue, which is especially costly during Pasadena's hot summers when your AC is running hard against 95-degree San Gabriel Valley heat. A top-sealing damper installed at the flue top solves both the seal and the draft problem.
Yes, in most cases. Pasadena's masonry fireplaces, particularly the large fireboxes found in Craftsman and Period Revival homes throughout the Prospect Park and Orange Heights neighborhoods, are well suited for gas log conversions. You'll need a working damper (or a damper clamp if code requires a partially open flue), a gas line run to the firebox, and a permit from the City of Pasadena Building and Safety Division. Vented gas logs look more realistic and use the existing flue. Ventless logs produce more heat but have air quality restrictions under SCAQMD rules that apply across the San Gabriel Valley.
How It Works

From first call to clean chimney

A straightforward process with no surprises. Here is what to expect when you book with us.

01

Book Your Pasadena Inspection

Call or book online, and we'll schedule a visit within the week. We ask about your chimney's age and any visible damage so our CSIA-certified technician arrives with the right equipment for Pasadena's older masonry construction.

02

Pre-Visit Structural Briefing

Before we show up, you'll receive our technician's CSIA credentials and a checklist of what we'll evaluate, including crown condition, mortar joint integrity, and earthquake micro-cracking common in pre-1940s Pasadena brick chimneys. If you've noticed spalling or water stains, send us photos ahead of time so we can plan accordingly.

03

On-Site Inspection and Sweep

We perform a full NFPA 211 inspection, sweep the flue, and give the crown and cap a hands-on structural assessment. Many Pasadena homes near the Arroyo Seco and in Bungalow Heaven have original mortar crowns that have cracked over decades of thermal cycling and seismic activity, and we document every crack, gap, and deterioration point with close-up photos.

04

Photo Report with Repair Plan

Within 48 hours, you get a detailed photo report showing your chimney's current condition and a prioritized repair plan. If your crown needs a rebuild or your mortar joints need repointing, we spec out the exact scope of work, materials, and timeline rather than giving you a vague estimate.

05

Structural Repair Follow-Through

We schedule crown rebuilds, cap replacements, and masonry repairs based on urgency. After every structural repair, we re-inspect with a camera scan to confirm the flue is sound and the crown sheds water properly, then send you updated documentation for your records.

Call (818) 671-0728

Available 7 AM to 7 PM daily. Same-day service available.

California Chimney Coverage

Local chimney care for every neighborhood we serve

We work across 14 communities in Pasadena and the San Gabriel Valley. Search below or browse the full list to find your area.

Los Angeles

the City of Los Angeles and its many neighborhoods

A visit to a Los Angeles chimney starts with a full walkthrough of the firebox, flue, and crown, whether the home has an older masonry build or a newer factory-built system. We photograph what we find in each neighborhood so the visit leaves you with a clear record, not just a verbal summary.

HollywoodSilver LakeLos FelizEcho Park

ZIP codes: 90012, 90025, 90026, 90027, 90034 +1

Alhambra

Alhambra and the neighborhoods stretching across the western San Gabriel Valley

Most of the original brick chimneys we open up in Alhambra go back to the 1920s, so before we touch the mortar we photograph every joint and note where decades of seismic activity have left cracks or shifting. That photo set becomes the record we compare against on the next visit.

AlhambraEmery ParkGranada ParkMidwick Tract

ZIP codes: 91801, 91802, 91803, 91804, 91896 +1

Altadena

Altadena, set against the San Gabriel Mountain foothills a few miles north of Pasadena

This foothill community carries one of the densest concentrations of early-1900s Craftsman and masonry construction in the region, and after the Eaton Fire moved through in January 2025, a lot of our visits here start with photographing structural condition before any rebuild conversation goes further. That documentation is what insurance adjusters and contractors both end up asking for.

AltadenaPasadenaLa Canada FlintridgeSierra Madre

ZIP codes: 91001, 91003

Arcadia

Arcadia and the central San Gabriel Valley

Arcadia features some of the most valuable residential real estate in the San Gabriel Valley. Many properties have been extensively renovated or rebuilt, creating a mix of original masonry chimneys and modern fireplace systems.

ArcadiaSierra MadreMonroviaDuarte

ZIP codes: 91006, 91007, 91066, 91077

More areas

10 more areas in our directory

All areas →

Why it matters locally

Coastal corrosion, foothill wildfire, valley heat - all handled differently

Where you live changes what your chimney needs. Salt air, seismic age, Santa Ana winds - we plan each job around what your neighborhood actually faces.

Historic masonry

Older Craftsman and bungalow neighborhoods across the region have original brick chimneys that need mortar, crown, and seismic review - not just a sweep.

Foothill fire prep

Homes near canyon and foothill areas need tighter spark arrestors and annual cap inspections. We know which neighborhoods carry the most ember risk.

Coastal hardware

Salt air chews through standard chimney caps and dampers fast. Stainless steel and copper components are the practical choice for anything near the coast.

Get Scheduled

Get a free chimney estimate in Pasadena

CSIA-certified technicians. Same-day scheduling. Written estimates. Call now or fill in the form and we will call you back.

(818) 671-0728

Available 7 AM to 7 PM daily including weekends

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