Professional chimney sweep done right — for Los Altos Hills and beyond.
Max Chimney and Dryer Vent Cleaning Inc provides chimney sweep services in Los Altos Hills, including chimney sweep & inspection, dryer vent cleaning, chimney relining & repair, and more. Every job is handled by licensed, insured technicians with upfront written pricing, and backed by a workmanship guarantee — free estimates for all of Los Altos Hills and nearby areas.
Los Altos Hills homes with fireplaces or wood stoves don’t need a ‘routine’ chimney sweep—they need a *smart* one. We use rotary brushes and high-pressure air to blast through creosote stages 1–3 (yes, we’ll tell you which stage yours is in), then inspect for mortar cracks, rusted caps, or animal nests that most sweeps miss. Pro tip: If your chimney’s older than your house (common in Hills neighborhoods like the 1920s bungalows on Los Altos Avenue), we’ll flag corrosion spots that could turn a cozy fire into a chimney fire in minutes. Our tools? Rotary brushes for stubborn buildup, vacuum systems to contain dust, and a moisture meter to check for water damage—because water in your chimney is like inviting termites to a party. No ‘we’ll be back in a month’—we leave your chimney cleaner, safer, and with a checklist of what to watch for before your next burn.
Request this service →That ‘clean’ dryer vent you *think* you cleaned with a vacuum? Not even close. Lint packs into bends and behind dryer traps like a snowdrift in winter—except instead of a pretty view, you’re risking a $5,000+ house fire. We pull the vent *all the way* to the exterior, blast out the gunk with a high-powered air hose, and use a camera to spot hidden blockages (like that forgotten sock lodged in the elbow joint). Here’s the Los Altos Hills reality: If your dryer takes over an hour to dry a load, your vent’s 80% clogged. If your clothes come out *hotter* than they went in, that’s lint insulating your vent like a furnace liner. We don’t just ‘clean’—we test airflow with an anemometer to ensure your dryer’s venting *safely*, and we’ll show you how to keep it that way between cleanings (spoiler: It’s not just ‘every other year’).
Request this service →That hairline crack in your chimney liner? It’s not ‘just a crack’—it’s a direct path for carbon monoxide into your Los Altos Hills home. We use stainless steel liners or ceramic tiles to seal gaps, reinforce weak mortar joints, and even replace rusted damper assemblies before they fail mid-winter. No ‘we’ll come back next season’—we fix it *now* so you’re not staring at a $3,000 repair bill after Thanksgiving dinner. Our relining process? We start with a thorough inspection (because a liner won’t help if the flue’s collapsed), then install the new liner from the top down to prevent debris from falling into your fireplace. And yes, we’ll explain *why* your chimney’s acting up in terms you’ll actually understand—no ‘chimney speak.’
Request this service →Your wood stove isn’t just a heat source—it’s a $3,000+ investment that’s working harder (and costing more) if it’s not maintained. We clean combustion chambers, adjust air intakes for optimal burn efficiency, and check gaskets for leaks that waste fuel. Here’s the Los Altos Hills trick: If your stove’s smoking more than it’s heating, it’s not ‘just old wood’—it’s a clogged or misaligned system. We’ll show you how to split wood properly (yes, it matters) and which local firewood sources near Foothill Expressway are *actually* dry. And if your fireplace’s drafty? We’ll seal gaps, check the damper mechanism, and even recommend upgrades like a heat-resistant glass screen if yours is cracked. No ‘one-size-fits-all’ fixes—just adjustments tailored to your stove’s age, fuel type, and how you use it.
Request this service →Carbon monoxide doesn’t announce itself with a smell or a sound—it just *is*, and by the time you notice symptoms (headaches, nausea), it’s already too late. We use high-precision detectors to scan your chimney, dryer vent, and wood stove for leaks, then pinpoint the source: cracked liners, blocked flues, or even a faulty gas valve. Los Altos Hills homes with attached garages or older HVAC systems are especially vulnerable, so we don’t just test—we walk you through how to prevent future leaks (like keeping vents clear of snow in winter or never running the dryer while the house is empty). Our CO tests are quick, thorough, and come with a written report so you know *exactly* what’s safe—and what needs fixing *before* you light another fire.
Request this service →Selling your home? Updating your insurance policy? Some Los Altos Hills lenders and insurers now require *documented* dryer vent safety checks—especially in neighborhoods with older homes or shared walls. We perform a full inspection, test airflow with a certified anemometer, and issue a report that meets California’s Residential Building Code standards. No ‘we’ll just tell you it’s fine’—we’ll show you the exact measurements, highlight any code violations, and even recommend upgrades if your vent’s too long or lacks proper clearance. It’s not just a cleaning; it’s peace of mind for your next home inspection or premium audit. And if your current vent setup is a fire hazard (like that flexible ducting taped to the wall), we’ll tell you *why* and how to fix it—no sugarcoating.
Request this service →Fast response, upfront pricing, and workmanship guaranteed. Get your free estimate today.