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 Company in Montclair, CA
Chimney repair in Montclair usually means addressing what 50 to 70 years of Southern California weather does to original clay flue tiles and mortar. Most homes here were built between the 1950s and 1970s, and many of those chimneys have never had their liners inspected, let alone replaced. We handle everything from cracked crowns to full relining jobs, and we’ve worked on Montclair chimneys since 2014. If you’re not sure what your chimney needs, call (833) 467-7685 and we’ll help you figure it out.
Why Montclair Homes Are Different
Montclair’s housing stock is largely mid-century tract construction: single-story ranch and Spanish-style homes from the 1950s through the 1970s. That matters because the fireplaces in these homes were built with clay flue tiles and brick or slump-stone surrounds that are now decades past their expected service life. Cracked mortar joints and deteriorated liners are common findings when we inspect chimneys in the 91763 ZIP code.
The local climate adds another layer. Hot, dry summers followed by Santa Ana wind events create conditions where creosote hardens into a stubborn glaze instead of staying soft and brushable. Strong downdrafts during Santa Ana episodes can push smoke back into living spaces when a flue is partially obstructed or a liner is failing. And because Montclair winters are mild, many fireplaces sit unused for long stretches, which lets creosote deposits set up between cleanings rather than burning off incrementally. Technicians here regularly find original 1960s fireplaces that have never been swept, often because the homeowner only burns a few Duraflame logs each season. That leaves a deceptive glaze on the flue walls that looks harmless but is highly flammable.
What this means in practice: Montclair chimney work tends to involve more liner assessment and repair than sweeping alone. The original clay tiles crack under thermal stress, and once they crack, the chimney is no longer safely containing combustion gases. We approach every Montclair job with that history in mind.
Styles & brands we work with
Our Main Montclair Services
Most Montclair homeowners reach out to us about two things: getting a fireplace back into safe working order and making sure their dryer vent isn’t a fire risk. Here’s what each involves in this area.
Chimney Sweep in Montclair
A proper chimney sweep in Montclair means more than running a brush up the flue. We’re looking at the condition of clay tiles that have been absorbing heat and moisture for five to seven decades, and we’re checking for the hardened creosote glaze that Santa Ana season tends to produce. The work involves protecting your living space, mechanically removing creosote and soot from the flue walls and smoke chamber, and documenting what we find. Homeowners who burn only occasionally often assume their chimneys are fine, and that’s exactly when we find the buildup that needs attention. For the full scope of what a sweep includes in Montclair, see our dedicated page on Chimney Sweep in Montclair.
Dryer Vent Cleaning in Montclair
Dryer vent cleaning is fire-safety maintenance, and it’s a standalone service with us, not an add-on. Lint accumulates inside the vent run regardless of how clean the lint trap is kept, and in Montclair’s dry air, that lint becomes especially combustible. We clean the entire vent run from the dryer connection to the exterior termination, including roof terminations that are common on ranch-style homes here. The NFPA identifies dryers and washing machines as a leading cause of home fires involving clothes dryers each year. For details on how we clean vents in Montclair homes, visit our page on Dryer Vent Cleaning in Montclair.
What happens when you call
- 1
A real person answersNo phone trees — you reach a local pro.
- 2
You get an upfront price rangeHonest numbers before anyone is dispatched.
- 3
A background-checked tech heads outLicensed & insured, dispatched right away.
- 4
You approve before work beginsNothing starts until you say go.
Chimney Repair in Montclair
Chimney repair in Montclair typically starts with a cracked clay liner or a crown that’s been letting water into the masonry for years. Homes built here in the 1950s and 60s are at the age where original fireplaces need structural attention, and the region’s hot, dry summers followed by Santa Ana wind events accelerate the deterioration. We’re the same company that handles Chimney Repair from inspection through completion, so you’re not coordinating between a cleaner who found the problem and a contractor who might fix it.
Chimney Cap Installation
Signs you need it
Water stains on the firebox floor, rust on the damper, or a missing cap that’s letting rain and birds into the flue.
What it costs in Montclair
Chimney cap installation in Montclair typically runs from $190 to $420, depending on the flue size and whether a custom stainless cap is needed.
How we do it
We measure the flue opening, select a properly sized cap with the right mesh to keep animals out without restricting draft, and secure it to the flue tile or crown using mechanical fasteners and high-temperature sealant.
Chimney Liner Installation
Signs you need it
Cracked or missing clay flue tiles visible during a sweep, smoke odors in adjacent rooms, or a level 2 inspection that shows gaps between tile sections.
What it costs in Montclair
Chimney liner installation in Montclair typically costs $1,900 to $3,700, with DuraFlex stainless systems running at the mid to upper end of that range due to the offset flues common in older tract homes.
How we do it
We clean and prep the existing flue, then install a properly sized DuraFlex stainless liner down the full length of the chimney, insulating it where required and connecting it to the appliance or firebox with the appropriate top plate and cap.
Chimney Flashing Repair
Signs you need it
Water staining on the ceiling near the chimney, damp drywall in the attic around the chimney chase, or visible gaps where the flashing meets the roofline.
What it costs in Montclair
Chimney flashing repair in Montclair typically runs $275 to $570, with the final price depending on how much flashing needs replacement and the roof pitch involved.
How we do it
We remove the old flashing, inspect the surrounding roof penetration for rot or damage, install new step and counter flashing, and seal the junction with a weatherproof sealant that holds up to Southern California sun exposure.
Chimney Crown Repair
Signs you need it
A crown with visible cracks, crumbling concrete, or a crown that’s flush with the flue tile instead of overhanging it and shedding water away from the chimney.
What it costs in Montclair
Chimney crown repair in Montclair costs $320 to $890, and the range depends on whether we’re sealing hairline cracks or pouring a new crown with the proper overhang.
How we do it
We build a form around the flue that creates the correct 2-inch overhang and downward slope, then pour a new crown using a mix formulated for exterior chimney exposure and finish it with a waterproof sealant.
What Chimney Repair Costs in Montclair
| Item | Typical range in Montclair |
|---|---|
| Chimney cap installation | $190 – $420 |
| Chimney flashing repair | $275 – $570 |
| Chimney crown repair | $320 – $890 |
Prices in Montclair can move toward the upper end when access is difficult, like steep roof pitches on some of the Spanish-style homes in the northern part of town, or when an existing repair was done incorrectly and has to be undone first. We quote a flat price before starting, so the number you approve is the number you pay.
How long does chimney repair take in Montclair?
Most repairs are done in a single visit. Crown and flashing work typically takes 2 to 4 hours, while liner installation is usually a full day.
Do I need a permit for chimney repair in Montclair?
In most cases, like-for-like repairs such as cap replacement or crown repair don’t require a permit. A full liner replacement or structural rebuild may, and we’ll tell you before scheduling if that’s the case.
Brands We Service in Montclair
We work with a curated set of professional-grade brands: Famco caps and dampers, DuraFlex liner systems, and HeatShield ceramic resurfacing materials. These are the same products certified chimney professionals specify, sourced through Copperfield and Olympia supply channels. Most common parts are stocked locally, so there’s no multi-week wait on standard repairs. See our brands for more detail.
See the difference
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After
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AfterPricing for Chimney Company in Montclair, CA
| Service | Typical range in Montclair |
|---|---|
| Chimney sweep | $139 – $239 |
| Dryer vent cleaning | $95 – $160 |
| Chimney cap installation | $190 – $420 |
| Chimney cap replacement | $230 – $550 |
| Chimney liner installation | $1,900 – $3,700 |
| Chimney flashing repair | $275 – $570 |
| Chimney crown repair | $320 – $890 |
| Chimney crown rebuild | $750 – $1,400 |
What pushes a Montclair price toward the high end is usually the condition of what was built in the 1960s: heavily damaged clay liners take longer to remove, and roofs with unusual pitches make access slower. We’ll quote you a flat price after the inspection, before any work starts, and that number doesn’t change on you mid-job.
Neighborhoods We Serve in Montclair
We work throughout the 91763 ZIP code and the surrounding Montclair area, including the tract-home neighborhoods north of the 10 and the older subdivisions closer to Holt Boulevard. If you’re in one of these areas, we’re not far away.
- North Montclair above the 10 freeway
- The neighborhoods around Monte Vista Avenue
- Ramona Park area
- Alma Hofman Park area
- The southern tract blocks near Mission Boulevard
Response time for most Montclair addresses runs about 2 to 3 business days from your call to the appointment, depending on our schedule that week.
Service Area – Cities Near Montclair
From our base in Ontario, we run routes through the Pomona Valley and the foothill cities, and we schedule chimney work in nearby communities on the same rotation. That means our technicians are in Claremont, CA, Ontario, CA, Upland, CA, and La Verne, CA regularly, and those customers get the same flat-price quote and the same camera-verified inspection before any work is recommended.
Serving Montclair, CA — Our Local Coverage Area
We’re based in the Montclair area and know this community well. Use the map below to see our service coverage — if you’re nearby, we can almost certainly help.
FAQs About Chimney Company in Montclair
Most Montclair appointments are scheduled within 2 to 3 business days. If you’re smelling smoke inside or you see water staining near the chimney, call and we’ll prioritize the visit based on what you describe.
No. We bring drop cloths, protective equipment, and a camera inspection system. Just clear the area immediately in front of the fireplace so we have room to set up, and make sure the fireplace hasn’t been used for a few hours before we arrive.
Yes. We work with landlords and property managers across Montclair, and we provide the written inspection documentation that most property owners want for their records. We can schedule multiple units in one visit if the properties are close together, which is common in the tract-home neighborhoods.
If your Montclair chimney hasn’t been checked in a few years, or you’re seeing signs of water or hearing odd drafts, call Ontario Chimney at (833) 467-7685 for a free estimate. We’ll inspect it, show you what we find on camera, and give you a flat price before any work begins. Our home page covers our full service area and what to expect from an appointment.
What happens when you call
- 1A real person answersNo phone trees — talk to a local chimney cleaning pro.
- 2You get an upfront price rangeHonest numbers before anyone is dispatched. No surprises.
- 3We come out and measureLicensed & insured, at a time that suits you — the visit and the quote are both free.
- 4You get the price in writingLine-itemed, yours to keep, and nothing starts until you say go.
What Montclair Customers Say
"Drop cloths everywhere, HEPA vac, and not a speck of soot on the carpet. I'd been dreading the mess for nothing."
— Bethany Padgett"Level two inspection before we bought the house. The report was detailed enough to use as a negotiating point and he explained every photo in it."
— Sarah Sullivan"Good work. The written inspection report took about a week to arrive after I asked for it, which was slower than I expected."
— Adriana Morales