Fire prevention, carbon-monoxide protection, and code compliance — backed by licensed professionals who know Cambridge homes inside and out. Call (857) 265-7643 for your free estimate today.
Cambridge homeowners live with some of the most architecturally rich — and fire-risk-prone — chimneys in New England. From triple-decker flue systems in Inman Square to century-old masonry stacks in Mid-Cambridge, the stakes around chimney safety are real and local. Steves Brothers Chimney was founded on a single principle: every family deserves to know exactly what is happening inside their chimney before they light a single fire. We lead with education, not upselling. Our licensed, CSIA-certified technicians perform thorough sweeps, video-assisted inspections, and precision repairs that meet Massachusetts building codes and NFPA 211 standards. Whether you have been using your fireplace for decades or just moved into a Cambridge Victorian, we will give you an honest assessment, a clear plan, and the confidence that your home is safe.
Comprehensive chimney sweep for Cambridge homes and businesses.
Professional cleaning that eliminates fire hazards and restores proper draft in Cambridge fireplaces and stoves.
Learn more →Code-compliant video inspections that uncover hidden cracks, liner damage, and carbon-monoxide pathways before they become emergencies.
Learn more →Stainless-steel and cast-in-place liner systems that protect Cambridge homes from heat transfer and dangerous gas infiltration.
Learn more →Waterproofing and mechanical repairs that stop moisture intrusion, animal entry, and draft problems at the source.
Learn more →Structural mortar and brick restoration that preserves Cambridge's historic chimneys and prevents water-driven collapse.
Learn more →Lint-removal and airflow testing that eliminates a leading — and frequently overlooked — fire hazard in Cambridge triple-deckers.
Learn more →We hold ourselves to the highest standards so you can hire with total confidence.
"I bought an older Victorian near Avon Hill and the home inspector flagged the chimney as 'needs evaluation.' Steves Brothers came out within two days, ran a full camera inspection, and found three cracked flue tiles and an open mortar joint that was directing exhaust gases toward the second floor. The written report was clear, the repair quote was fair, and the work was done in one visit. I sleep easier knowing the carbon-monoxide risk has been eliminated. Highly recommend to any Cambridge homeowner with an older brick chimney."
"We had another company out last year who said everything was fine. When Steves Brothers did our annual sweep they caught significant creosote glaze that the previous tech had completely missed. They showed me photos from the camera before and after cleaning so I could see exactly what was removed. Their HEPA vacuum left zero dust in our living room. The price was honest and the team was professional from start to finish. This is now the only chimney company I trust for our family's fireplace."
"Steves Brothers replaced the liner on our oil-heating chimney after our furnace technician said the existing liner was compromised. The team explained exactly why an undersized or cracked liner is a carbon-monoxide hazard, walked me through the liner sizing calculation, and had the new stainless system installed in a single day. Massachusetts inspector signed off without a single comment. The craftsmanship warranty gave me real peace of mind. If you need liner work in the Cambridge area, these are your people."
"I called Steves Brothers after smelling smoke in our upstairs bedroom during fireplace use — a scary situation. They diagnosed a collapsed smoke chamber brick and a top-damper that had seized in the half-open position, both contributing to the backdraft. Repairs were completed within the week and they filed all the necessary documentation for our insurance company. No more smoke smell, no more worry. Their safety-first approach is genuine — they explained every step and never made me feel pressured."
"Our triple-decker has three separate flue systems and getting a company willing to inspect all three in a single visit was a challenge until we found Steves Brothers. They sent two technicians, completed all three Level 2 inspections with full camera documentation, and gave us a consolidated report that satisfied our property insurer's requirements. One flue had a bird-nest blockage we had no idea about. The whole job was professionally managed and fairly priced. Will be scheduling annual sweeps going forward."
"I was skeptical about getting the dryer vent cleaned — it seemed like an upsell. Steves Brothers showed me the airflow reading before cleaning: it was at 40% of spec. After cleaning it measured correctly. They also found that the previous owner had routed part of the duct through an interior wall using a foil accordion hose — a fire-code violation. They corrected it on the spot. That one visit probably prevented a serious house fire. Very grateful for their thoroughness and honesty."
Steves Brothers Chimney grew out of a straightforward frustration: Cambridge homeowners were being sold services they did not need, or worse, missing dangerous conditions that a thorough inspection would have caught. Founded by two brothers with deep roots in the Greater Boston trades, our company was built on the conviction that chimney safety is a public-health issue as much as a home-maintenance one. Carbon monoxide has no smell, no color, and no mercy — and most of the Cambridge families we serve had no idea their aging brick flues were quietly channeling it toward their living spaces. We started with a commitment to education first, and that commitment has never wavered.
Call (857) 265-7643 or book online and we schedule your free estimate within 48 hours. We ask about your fuel type, appliance age, and any symptoms — smoke odor, draft problems, visible cracks — so our technician arrives prepared with the right tools for your Cambridge home.
Before any brush touches your flue, our technician performs a systematic inspection — rooftop, firebox, and camera scan if indicated. We document every finding photographically and explain what we see in plain language, not trade jargon, so you understand the safety picture clearly before any work is authorized.
Our crew lays drop cloths, seals the firebox opening, and connects HEPA-filtered vacuum equipment before cleaning begins. Repairs are completed with professional-grade materials meeting Massachusetts code. We work efficiently and respect your Cambridge home as if it were our own — because our reputation depends on it.
Every visit ends with a written service report detailing what was found, what was done, and any recommended follow-up — prioritized by safety urgency so you know what is critical now versus what can wait. We file records so your next visit is seamlessly informed by your service history.
Every Steves Brothers technician is trained to identify carbon-monoxide pathways, fire-risk conditions, and code violations before recommending any service. We will tell you honestly when your chimney is fine and nothing is needed — because a customer who trusts us comes back, and refers their neighbors on Brattle Street and beyond.
We carry full Massachusetts contractor licensing, general liability insurance, and workers' compensation — protecting your Cambridge property and your family from day one. Our technicians track changes to NFPA 211, Massachusetts 780 CMR, and Cambridge building ordinances so every job meets current code without guesswork or callbacks.
Hidden charges erode trust. Steves Brothers Chimney provides itemized written estimates before any work begins, with no surprise material fees or upsell pressure. Our flat-rate sweep pricing is published up front, and every repair quote explains exactly what is being done, why it is necessary, and what happens if you choose to defer it.
We have inspected chimneys in nearly every Cambridge neighborhood — Cambridgeport, The Port, West Cambridge, North Cambridge, and MIT's row houses alike. That hands-on local experience means we recognize the specific failure patterns of Cambridge's building stock and can diagnose problems faster, more accurately, and at lower cost than generalist contractors.
Expert local advice for Cambridge homeowners.
Creosote is the leading cause of chimney fires in Cambridge homes. Learn the three stages, real dangers, removal methods, and prevention strategies.
Read more →Confused about chimney inspection levels? This Cambridge-focused guide breaks down exactly what Levels 1, 2, and 3 mean for your home's safety and code compliance.
Read more →Everything Cambridge, MA homeowners need to know about chimney sweeping — costs, scheduling, fire safety, carbon monoxide risks, and choosing a certified pro.
Read more →Proudly serving Cambridge and these nearby communities.
Yes — inspection frequency should not depend on usage alone. Moisture, freeze-thaw cycling, and animal intrusion cause chimney deterioration regardless of how often you light a fire. Cambridge winters are particularly hard on brick mortar. An annual inspection catches structural damage, carbon-monoxide pathways, and animal blockages before they become emergencies, even in a lightly used fireplace.
Replacement is almost always worth it. A cracked or absent liner allows combustion gases — including carbon monoxide — to seep into living spaces and exposes your home's wood framing to dangerous heat transfer. Patching rarely passes a Level 2 inspection required for Cambridge property sales, and the long-term cost of a liner replacement is far lower than fire damage or a CO incident.
A general home inspection is not sufficient for chimneys. Home inspectors visually check accessible areas but do not perform camera flue scans. NFPA 211 requires a Level 2 inspection for any change of ownership. Only a Level 2 reveals cracked tiles, offset flues, and liner gaps — the hidden defects responsible for most chimney-related carbon-monoxide events in Cambridge homes.
Absolutely. Carbon monoxide is lighter than air and migrates upward through gaps in flue liners, deteriorated mortar joints, and improperly shared flue systems — all common in Cambridge triple-deckers. Upper-floor occupants are often exposed at higher concentrations than those nearest the appliance. This is one of the most critical safety issues we find during multi-unit inspections in Cambridge's dense housing stock.
Lighting a fire the same day is safe once the technician confirms the system is clear and structurally sound — which we do before we leave. We perform a final draft check and remove all equipment and drop cloths. If any repair was completed using refractory mortar or sealant, we will specify a 24-hour cure window, which is the exception rather than the rule.
You should still have annual cleanings. Seasoned hardwood produces significantly less creosote than wet wood, but it does not eliminate accumulation — especially in Cambridge's colder months when short, low-temperature fires are common. Even a thin layer of creosote can ignite at temperatures reached during a normal fire. Annual sweeps maintain safety margins and let our technicians catch structural issues unrelated to fuel type.
Yes. Massachusetts State Building Code 780 CMR requires a permit and inspection for any new solid-fuel or gas appliance installation, which includes confirming the existing chimney is compatible and code-compliant. Cambridge's Inspectional Services Department enforces this requirement. Installing without a permit can void your homeowner's insurance coverage and create liability issues if a fire or CO incident occurs.
For most Cambridge homes, a stainless-steel liner is the superior long-term solution. Clay tile repairs are limited to isolated cracks and cannot address widespread spalling or structural misalignment. Stainless steel liners are sized precisely to your appliance, handle higher thermal cycling, carry manufacturer warranties, and pass all levels of NFPA 211 inspection. They also eliminate the gaps and joints where carbon monoxide can escape from terra-cotta systems.
Fast response, upfront pricing, and workmanship guaranteed. Get your free estimate today.