Sweep & inspection
Caps & crowns
Flue relining
Masonry repair
Gas fireplace serviceLevel 1 sweep and inspection to the NFPA 211 annual standard - flue, crown, cap, and flashing checked and photographed
Chimney sweep logs do not sweep chimneys. They loosen some creosote - which then falls where a brush and vacuum still have to collect it.
Chimney Cleaning Before & After in Ventura, CA
Photos tell the truth faster than any claim we could make. Below are real transformations from chimneys we’ve swept and inspected around Ventura, the Avenue, Midtown, and the foothill neighborhoods. You’ll see creosote buildup, blocked flues, and neglected fireplaces brought back to safe, working condition. Every job shown includes the written price upfront and the 365-Day Done Right Promise behind it.
Styles & brands we work with





Recent Transformations
Heavy Creosote Removal in a Midtown Ventura Fireplace
Before
AfterThe homeowner had burned unseasoned wood for two winters and the flue was coated with glazed creosote, the tar-like buildup that causes chimney fires. Our sweep ran a rotary cleaning head up the full length of the flue, then did a hand-scrape on the smoke shelf where buildup was thickest. The after photo shows raw masonry again, and the fireplace drafts noticeably better. We left the creosote in sealed bags for the homeowner to see, which is standard practice for us.
Blocked Flue with Nesting Debris Near the Ventura River Bottom
Before
AfterThis home near the river bottom had a flue blocked about four feet down by nesting debris. The homeowner noticed smoke backing into the living room on the first cold night of the season. We removed the nest material, swept the flue, and ran a camera inspection to confirm there was no damage to the liner. We also noted the missing rain cap that let the birds in, and the written quote for a replacement cap was on the table before we left.
Gas Fireplace Soot and Glass Restoration in East Ventura
Before
AfterSoot film on gas fireplace glass is usually a sign of improper log placement or a burner that needs adjustment, not a failing fireplace. On this East Ventura job, we pulled the glass, cleaned it with a ceramic-safe cleaner, repositioned the logs to manufacturer spec, and vacuumed the burner ports. The glass came back clear and the flame pattern looked right again. This is exactly the kind of repair we write up with a guarantee, if it fails within the coverage period, the second visit is free.
Smoke Chamber Parquet and Smoke Shelf Cleaning in the College Area

Most sweeps clean the flue, but the smoke chamber above the damper holds creosote too. On this College Area home, the chamber walls had a thick layer that had never been addressed. We brushed the parquet walls and scraped the smoke shelf clean, then ran the camera to show the homeowner the difference. The after shot looks like a different chamber. It drafts better because the smoke path is wider than it had been in years.
Level 2 Inspection Revealing a Cracked Flue Tile in the Foothills

A routine sweep on this foothills home turned into a Level 2 inspection when we noticed unusual resistance in the flue. The camera found a cracked flue tile about twelve feet up. We showed the homeowner the footage on the spot, the photo report was emailed before we left, and the written quote for a DuraFlex stainless liner system was in their hands the same day. No pressure to decide, just the evidence and the numbers. That’s how it should work.
Want Results Like These?
Every chimney in these photos belongs to a Ventura homeowner who now knows exactly what’s inside their flue. That’s what a sweep with Alcott Chimney Ventura gets you, a clean fireplace and the camera evidence to prove it. Call (559) 282-2695 for a written price before we start. Ruben Castellano and the team have served Ventura since 2002, and the 365-Day Done Right Promise backs every job.
Written by Ruben Castellano, Owner at Alcott Chimney Ventura, serving Ventura since 2002.
See the difference
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