Chimney Sweeping & Repair in Yakima, WA

Winters are long: the Yakima Air Terminal station averages 147 nights a year at or below 32°F and 33 at or below 20°F.^1,2 In long winters, chimneys work hard and masonry sees many freeze-thaw cycles; annual inspection and a sound cap and crown are the maintenance baseline. The median home in the city of Yakima was built in 1972, 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 Yakima's housing predates 1980 than the national share: 63% against 50%, with 8% built since 2010.³ The climate is arid: annual precipitation is only about 8 inches.^1,2 Snowfall averages about 20 inches a year.^1,2 Snow sitting against the stack keeps masonry wet for weeks; a cap, a sound crown and sealed counterflashing are what keep it out.

Heating dominates the year: about 5,756 heating degree days against 606 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 Yakima 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.