We here at Mike’s Clean Sweeps always encourage our clients to do their own research. The folks who write the codes that govern this profession sit on national and international code committees and spend their time combing through the data on structure fires. It is through the collaborative effort of dedicated specialists that we have a standard of care in the chimney and venting industry. But, due in part to the scarcity of qualified technicians, realtors are reluctant to follow national guidelines with regard to requiring Level 2 Inspections, and, as a result, a great many homeowners are unknowingly operating fireplaces that are unfit for use.
That’s why we employ a variety of cutting-edge specialized cameras from top to bottom every time we service a chimney. We follow the National Fire Protection Code, which maintains that if a chimney is cleaned it must be inspected, that these guidelines represent only the minimum standard, and all technicians certified by the Chimney Safety Institute of America are obligated to meet or exceed this minimum standard for fire safety. This is earthquake country. What good is sweeping a chimney if it is riddled with voids and dangerously close to combustibles? A cleaning, while useful, does not render a fireplace fit for use.
This is why a camera-based chimney inspection is the only meaningful approach to preventing structure fires related to fireplace use. We often find cracked lining tiles, large mortar voids between tiles, or, especially in older homes, no flue tiles at all. Home heating remains the second leading cause of structure fires in the United States. Technicians that claim to inspect a fireplace who do not run a camera are gravely misleading their clients about what they know regarding the condition and potential hazards of the system.
About the Owner
Michael Carlson is the owner at Mike’s Clean Sweeps. A Bay Area native with diverse interests and talents, Mike grew up with one parent in construction and the other a second-generation realtor, helping to shape his appreciation for the hard work it takes to make a house a home.
After touring the United States several times with his high school band, Mike soon found himself studying history at Reed College. He was offered a publishing deal for his 380 page diploma thesis by Verlag Dr. Mueller, a German publishing firm specializing in undergraduate work. Following graduation Mike worked as a construction laborer for six months, saved his money, and took off to Europe for four months of backpacking.
In his spare time Mike enjoys discussing history, geography, the immigrant experience, and fields related to race and labor studies.
Yelp Reviews
Gary N.November 11, 2023We were having trouble with water incursion in our fireplace, and had Mike come out to do a cleaning and inspection. Mike was thorough and very careful to protect our flooring and the landscaping outside our home (he had to place his ladder to inspect the chimney at the roof level). He recommended putting in a liner in the chimney, a new cap, and sealing various points against water entry. Mike's price was very reasonable, and he and his crew worked diligently to get the work done. It is a pleasure working with a business where you can deal directly with the owner and with an owner who will spend the time and effort to communicate honestly about the work that needs to be done and will follow through to make sure it gets done as planned!
Donna W.October 13, 2023Mike examined the fireplace in our newly purchased condo, certifying it for use. he arrived on time, e plained the process in detail, prepared the work space carefully, with great regard for our floors and furniture. His work was thorough and meticulous, he examined the length of the chimney, cleaning off years of buildup, took many photographs, which he reviewed with us, checked the chimney on the roof, and gave us a clean bill of health. He vacuumed up the last bits of dust and grit as he was leaving. Highly recommend his services. Will definitely use his service again.
Robyn M.December 15, 2022Had a great experience with Mike's Clean Sweep. I wanted to get expert to evaluate our fireplaces before we used them. So glad that we did so we can operate safely. His reporting was clear and recommendations noted so I can follow up at a later date with working knowledge to develop a scope of work. Mike answered my questions and was transparent about reaching out to organization(s) that make the rules to offer the best solution for my situation. I really like that! I will absolutely continue to work with Mike for annual fireplace cleanings. They do dryer vent cleanings as well which I will add to my list for Mike to handle.
Ryan T.March 18, 2021I recently purchased an almost 100-year-old home in Albany and was told by someone (who in retrospect probably had no idea what they were talking about) that the chimney was too old and "too short to be operable". When I moved in, the chimney was plugged up with insulation and looked like it hadn't been used in ages. I was super bummed because I love having a fire in the fireplace. Winter was approaching so I called in Mike's Clean Sweeps to come and do an inspection/cleaning to find out if it was going to be at all possible to get it up and running by Christmas. I was bracing myself for a HUGE price tag to make the chimney taller or to do a completely new flue lining, or maybe even worse... Mike and his assistant were super friendly, professional, COVID-safe, and treated my house with care. They wore masks, kept 6-feet distance, and laid down canvas to protect my floors. These guys are no-frills. They've got their awesome-looking chimney cleaning tools and they are there to do a job, nothing else. I appreciate that. They did a very thorough cleaning and inspection and - instead of slapping me with a huge price tag or a sales pitch to replace replace replace - Mike explained to me that my chimney was actually in great condition, and all it needed was a damper/cap to be operable. He pointed out various things in the firebox and showed me a video of the inside of the flue. He took the time to explain to me how exactly chimneys work and how they tend to degrade over time, but told me that mine hadn't been used all that much (or had been used properly), and had avoided a lot of the common build-up and erosion. He said that despite what I had been told it was the correct height and that all it was missing was a damper/cap at the top, which was required for use. He had one in his truck ready to go and put it on right then and there for an extra (very manageable) fee. In addition, Mike gave me tips on how to use the chimney properly (no paper/trash, crack a window, don't run your kitchen or bathroom fan at the same time), and online resources to learn more if I wanted. We got to chatting, and bonded over being locals and being into music. He even gave me his demo tape (he's in a band!). Good stuff! They were in and out in just a few hours, and just like that, I had a clean, functioning chimney in great condition with a brand new damper just in time for Christmas. It has added value to my house, and warmth to my life. When a contractor provides efficient, professional service, doesn't try to up-sell me, does a fantastic job, and goes above and beyond to give me lots of useful information (tips that technically might even prevent me from needing his cleaning services sooner rather than later), then that contractor has just made a customer for life.
Paola S.December 17, 2019Mike and his female co worker did an outstanding job cleaning my chimney and giving me a lot of information about how to ensure thTR when i light the fireplace I don' get smoke in the house. They arrived promptly, put protective material on the floor so my carpets weren't touched and left the fireplace a while lot cleaner than they found it! I would recommend him enthusiastically!!
Donald D.July 17, 2019I can't recommend this guy enough. This review won't even do this man justice. Mike came to my house and gave me an estimate and stuck to it. He did a nice job, he's clean and organized, and he's knowledgeable. The one time I didn't use him, I actually used another home services. The guy for home services cut so many corners, we ended up with a problem that destroyed our cabinetry and floors. On top of that the home services guy used our bathroom and left poo in the toilet. He dragged dirt all over our house and also he left a mess all over our house. MIke came out and wrote up what had happened and took care of the situation swiftly. Now that we have $10-30 thousand dollars worth of damage we have learned our lesson. A) never use an untrusted home services b) always use a five star professional and that's what Mike is: a five star professional
Nancy G.June 1, 2019I needed my fireplace checked out and so I called Mike. He was able to provide an analysis of my system for a fair price. I decided to have Mike install a gas insert to enable me to use the fireplace year round. He also cleaned the dryer vents both at my residence as well as my properties. I highly recommend Mike as the price was very fair and the work was very professionally done.
Jane C.May 1, 2019Our thanks to Mike Carlson for his prompt and responsible help with our fireplace concerns. Mike had to make 2 trips to our place because we had our fireplace running and hot at his first appointment ( our bad)...but he graciously returned and helped us out with a cleaning and advice. Our thanks to Mike and his team.
Jean Q.March 20, 2019Mike just helped me to install a chimney cap and clean the chimney today. He responded to my request fast and the price is reasonable. He came on time and finished the project in a fast and clean way. Very professional.
Kent M.February 2, 2018Mike was great. He arrived on time and was very professional. he took great care to get access to the fireplace and ensure our house remained free of any debris. He had all the equipment and training to do a very thorough job. his advanced video scanning service will cost you extra, but it is the only way to really know if your chimney is safe and sound or not. If you have an older fire place this is a definite must. He is very well informed in his trade and knows what to look for, how to fix it and can provide multiple alternatives.