Chimney Sweep and Wood-Burning Safety for Santa Cruz Mountain Homes
By Tom Bradley
For residents of the Santa Cruz Mountains, from Scotts Valley and Felton through Ben Lomond and Boulder Creek, a wood-burning fireplace or stove is more than a luxury. During winter storms that can knock out power for days at a time, a wood-burning heat source can be essential for keeping your family warm and safe. But heavy reliance on wood burning means heavy creosote accumulation, and in a community surrounded by dense forest, chimney fire safety is a concern that demands professional attention.
The Santa Cruz Mountains experienced the devastating CZU Lightning Complex Fire in 2020, and fire safety awareness remains deeply ingrained in the community. A chimney fire may seem minor compared to a wildland fire, but an uncontained chimney fire can easily spread to your roof and surrounding vegetation, potentially threatening not just your home but your neighbors and the forest itself. The Monterey Bay Air Resources District also regulates wood burning in the Santa Cruz area, making efficient and clean combustion an environmental responsibility as well.
Our VENTNEX chimney sweep service for Santa Cruz Mountain homes includes a comprehensive Level 2 inspection that examines the entire chimney system from firebox to cap. We remove all creosote buildup using professional rotary equipment, clean the smoke shelf and damper assembly, and inspect the flue liner for cracks or deterioration that could allow heat to reach combustible materials. For wood stove installations, we also inspect the stovepipe connections and clearances to ensure code compliance.
We recommend that Santa Cruz Mountain homeowners who use their wood-burning appliances regularly schedule a chimney sweep at least once per year, ideally in September or October before the heating season begins. For homes that burn more than two cords of wood per season, a mid-winter inspection may also be warranted. Our technicians are experienced with the unique chimney configurations found in mountain homes, from traditional masonry fireplaces in older cabins to modern prefabricated units in newer construction. Keep your home and your community safe with regular professional chimney maintenance.