Chimney Sweeping & Repair in Tacoma, WA

The Tacoma Narrows Ap station averages 21 nights a year at or below 32°F - a short freeze season.^1,2 Water that enters a crown or a mortar joint expands on freezing nights, so a Level 1 inspection looks hard at the crown, cap and flashing. The median home in the city of Tacoma was built in 1967, older than the U.S. median of 1980 and older than the Washington median of 1985.³ Older masonry chimneys may be unlined or have cracked clay tile liners; a Level 2 camera inspection is the standard way to confirm the liner before the first fire of the season.

Somewhat more of Tacoma's housing predates 1980 than the national share: 64% against 50%, with 9% built since 2010.³ Pre-1940 chimneys were often built without a liner at all; relining with stainless is the usual remedy when the scan shows bare brick. Rainfall is substantial: about 42 inches a year, 6 days of it an inch or more.^1,2 Heavy rain tests the flashing and crown; most chimney leaks enter there rather than through the brick, and the inspection report should say which.

Heating dominates the year: about 4,884 heating degree days against 132 cooling degree days (base 65°F).^1,2 In a heating-led climate, insulation and air sealing carry most of the energy-code weight for any work that opens the envelope. Building permits in Tacoma are normally issued by the city building department.^4,5 Where a liner or rebuild needs a permit, the contractor files it with the city before work starts.