The Irish Sweep

Business Details

44 Years

experience

Expert Chimney & Fireplace Services in Alameda, CA

Founded in 1982, The Irish Sweep has established itself as a trusted leader in chimney and fireplace services. Our team, led by owner Sally McKnight, brings decades of hands-on experience and industry-specific certifications, including recognition from the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA). We specialize in comprehensive solutions such as chimney cleaning, inspections, masonry repairs, and fireplace insert installations, prioritizing safety and structural integrity.

Our commitment to excellence is reflected in our three-year warranty on repairs and installations, adherence to national standards like the National Fire Protection Association, and a client-centric approach that emphasizes transparency and education. With a focus on the unique needs of Bay Area homeowners, we combine technical expertise with personalized service to ensure optimal performance and safety of every chimney we service.

Services

Chimney Cleaning Chimney Inspections Fireplace Insert Installation Masonry Repairs Dryer Vent Cleaning Chimney Removal

Details

Year established: 1982

Highlights and features

We have over 40 years of experience in chimney and fireplace services.
Certified by the Chimney Safety Institute of America for chimney and dryer vent cleaning.
Offer a three-year warranty on all repair and installation work.
Licensed under California State Contractors License #564792 with C29 Masonry and C61/D34 specialty licenses.
Prioritize safety and only accept projects we are highly qualified for.

Associations and certifications

Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA)

What people say

Spotless work Highly recommend Saved us thousands Professional and thorough Expertise evident

Website

Update Listing

Services

Chimney Cleaning

Regular chimney cleaning prevents fire hazards by removing creosote buildup and ensures proper ventilation. Our technicians use advanced tools to clean deposits from open fireplaces, wood-burning stoves, and inserts. This service enhances safety, improves efficiency, and extends chimney lifespan, protecting homes from carbon monoxide risks and structural damage.

Chimney Inspections

We conduct detailed camera inspections to assess chimney condition, structural integrity, and seismic safety. Our evaluations identify blockages, liner damage, or deterioration that could compromise performance. This service ensures compliance with safety standards and provides documented reports for homeowners, addressing fire, water, and earthquake-related risks.

Fireplace Insert Installation

Our team installs wood-burning and gas fireplace inserts to improve heating efficiency and aesthetics. These units reduce emissions while maximizing heat retention. We customize installations for existing fireplaces, ensuring proper fit and function, even for non-standard sizes, to deliver safer, eco-friendly heating solutions.

Masonry Repairs

We repair chimney masonry by replacing damaged bricks and repointing mortar joints to restore structural stability. This service prevents water intrusion, mold growth, and collapse risks. Using licensed masonry expertise, we address wear from weather and use, preserving chimney integrity while maintaining visual appeal.

Dryer Vent Cleaning

Professional dryer vent cleaning eliminates lint buildup that causes fire hazards and energy inefficiency. Our process includes disassembling units for deep cleaning, reducing fire risks and lowering utility bills. This service extends dryer lifespan and improves indoor air quality by preventing overheating and moisture retention.

People

Sally McKnight

Owner

Sally McKnight has been a certified chimney professional since 1982, specializing in fireplace safety and seismic retrofitting. She holds multiple industry licenses and certifications, including CSIA accreditation. Her expertise in chimney diagnostics and customer education drives The Irish Sweeps reputation for integrity and technical excellence.

Questions

Are chimney services available during the current stay-at-home order?

We are accepting calls for consultations and future appointments but not conducting on-site visits until restrictions lift.

How often should chimneys be inspected?

The National Fire Protection Association recommends annual inspections to ensure safety and optimal performance.

What does a chimney camera inspection involve?

We use high-resolution cameras to examine internal chimney conditions, identifying cracks, blockages, or liner damage without invasive methods.

Can you install fireplace inserts for non-standard fireplaces?

Yes, we customize installations for irregular sizes, including creating bespoke components to ensure proper fit and efficiency.

What areas do you service?

We serve Alameda, Berkeley, Oakland, Walnut Creek, Lafayette, and other Bay Area communities.

Do you offer warranties on repairs?

Yes, we provide a three-year warranty covering all repair and installation workmanship.

Reviews (6)

Write a Review

G. W.

Feb 01, 2022 Report

Overall an excellent experience! The staff was professional, knowledgeable, responsive, and punctual. Very good covid and cleanup protocols. I highly recommend them and would use their services again.

Betsy B.

Jan 05, 2022 Report

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

Sandra S.

Nov 26, 2021 Report

Sally and her crew are very competent, respectful, and professional. A number of years ago, they installed a new damper and related cable in my living room fireplace. For some unknown reason, the cable broke. They came and replaced it. When I asked how they wanted to be paid, Sally told me there was no charge since the cable must have been defective. These people are great.

Natasha F.

Nov 05, 2021 Report

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.

Paloma V.

Oct 23, 2021 Report

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 Report

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