Professional Chimney Cleaning & Inspections in North Bay | Trusted Since 1981
Keep your family safe and your wood-burning system running efficiently. Our WETT-certified technicians provide thorough chimney cleaning and professional inspections for homes throughout North Bay and Northern Ontario. Creosote buildup is the leading cause of chimney fires—we remove it completely.
Family-owned since 1981
Commercial-grade extraction system triple filtered with 99.9% dust/debris extraction
David Mason is a WETT-certified inspector in the North Bay region.
+ WSIB registered — Your property is fully protected
Your home stays cleaner than we found it
Why Creosote is the Leading Cause of Chimney Fires
1.Highly Combustible Nature: Creosote is extremely flammable and can ignite from extreme heat or flames licking up the chimney
2.Rapid Accumulation: Under normal conditions, 3mm of creosote accumulates after approximately 50-60 burns
3.Intense Heat Generation: When ignited, creosote fires burn with “blast-furnace intensity,” reaching temperatures that can ignite wood structures on the other side of the chimney
4.Progressive Danger: Creosote exists in three stages, with Stage 3 (glazed creosote ) being extremely flammable and producing the longest-duration, highest-intensity fires
Risks and Dangers
- Structural Damage: Chimney fires can crack flue liners, warp metal liners, crack masonry, and cause sections of chimneys to blow out
- Home Fire Spread: Flaming creosote can shoot out of chimney tops onto roofs; flames can spread to home structures
- Carbon Monoxide Poisoning: Blocked chimneys from creosote prevent toxic gases from escaping
- Health Hazards: Incomplete combustion emits fine particulate matter affecting indoor and outdoor air quality
- Corrosion: Acidic creosote causes premature degradation of chimney materials
Prevention and Maintenance
- Annual Inspections and Cleaning: The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommends annual chimney cleanings
- Proper Burning Practices:
- Burn only seasoned hardwood (dried 6-12 months, moisture content below 20%)
- Build hot, efficient fires rather than slow-burning, smoldering fires
- Ensure adequate airflow and oxygen supply
- Avoid burning artificial logs, trash, or green wood
- Professional Maintenance: Hire WETT-certified or professional chimney sweeps for inspection and cleaning
- Chimney Sizing: Ensure chimney is properly sized for the appliance it serves
Recommendations for Ontario Homeowners
- Schedule Annual Chimney Inspections: Have a certified professional inspect and clean your chimney annually
- Use Seasoned Firewood: Only burn wood that has been dried for 6-12 months
- Monitor Creosote Buildup: Chimneys should be swept when creosote reaches 3mm thickness
- Install Carbon Monoxide Detectors: Place detectors near fireplaces and in bedrooms
- Maintain Proper Burning Practices: Build hot fires with good airflow; avoid smoldering fires
- Professional Installation: Ensure fireplace inserts and stoves are installed by certified professionals in compliance with Ontario building codes
Why North Bay Homes Need Professional Chimney Cleaning
The Problem
Every time you burn wood, creosote—a highly flammable, tar-like substance—deposits on the inside of your chimney flue. In North Bay, where many homeowners rely on wood heat for 6-8 months of the year, this buildup accumulates faster than you might realize.
Just 1/8" of creosote buildup creates a significant fire hazardNorthern Ontario's long heating season means more burning and faster accumulationChimney fires can spread to your home's structure in minutesDIY cleaning often misses dangerous buildup in smoke shelves and hidden flue areasBlocked or damaged chimneys can cause carbon monoxide to back up into your homeInsurance claims may be denied if your chimney hasn't been professionally maintained
The Mason Solution:
Our WETT-certified technicians use professional-grade brushes sized specifically for your flue diameter, combined with high-power vacuum systems that capture all debris during the cleaning process. We don't just brush the visible areas—we inspect and clean the entire flue system from firebox to cap, including the smoke shelf where dangerous buildup often hides.
The result? A chimney that's safe for another season of use, complete peace of mind, and documentation for your insurance company if required.
The result? A chimney that's safe for another season of use, complete peace of mind, and documentation for your insurance company if required.
What to Expect When We Clean Your Chimney
When you book a chimney cleaning with Mason Cleaning Systems, here's exactly what happens:
Step 1: Preparation (10 minutes)
Our uniformed technician arrives, introduces themselves, and assesses your chimney system. We lay protective drop cloths around your firebox and seal the opening to prevent any debris from entering your living space. Our vacuum is connected and running before any brushing begins.
Step 2: Professional Sweeping (30-45 minutes)
Using professional chimney brushes sized specifically for your flue diameter, we remove all creosote buildup from the firebox to the chimney cap. Our vacuum runs continuously throughout, capturing all debris as it’s dislodged. Nothing enters your home.
Step 3: Inspection (15 minutes)
We inspect the entire flue for cracks, deterioration, or damage. We check the damper operation, smoke shelf condition, and chimney cap. We measure creosote levels and document any concerns that need attention.
Step 4: Completion (15 minutes)
We remove all equipment, clean the firebox area thoroughly, and walk you through our findings. You’ll know exactly what condition your chimney is in and when to schedule your next cleaning. Total service time: approximately 60-90 minutes.
WETT Inspections for Insurance & Real Estate
If you have a wood-burning stove, fireplace, or insert, your insurance company may require a WETT inspection—Wood Energy Technology Transfer certification. This is the only inspection recognized by insurance companies throughout Ontario for wood-burning appliances.
When You Need a WETT Inspection:
Your insurance company requires certification for coverageYou're buying or selling a home with wood-burning appliancesConverting a cottage to year-round residenceInstalling a new wood stove, fireplace, or insertYour previous inspection was more than 3 years agoYou've noticed smoke entering the room or unusual odors
Our WETT Inspection Process:
David Mason holds WETT certification, ensuring your inspection meets all insurance requirements. We inspect the entire wood-burning system including the appliance, chimney connector, chimney, and all clearances to combustibles. You receive a comprehensive inspection report—delivered on-site or electronically within 24 hours—formatted for direct insurance submission.
Warning Signs Your Chimney Needs Attention
Performance Issues:
Smoke enters the room when you light a fireFires are difficult to start or don't burn as hot as they used toStrong odors coming from the fireplace, even when not in useDamper is difficult to open or closeVisible creosote flakes falling into the firebox
Safety Warnings:
You haven't had your chimney cleaned in more than a yearYou burn more than 2 cords of wood per seasonYou've heard crackling sounds or seen sparks from the chimney topThere's visible damage to the chimney cap or crownWhite staining (efflorescence) on exterior chimney brickYour insurance company has requested documentation
Residential & Commercial Chimney Cleaning
Homeowners & Families
Whether you're dealing with allergies, just completed a renovation, or simply haven't had your ducts cleaned in years, we're here to help. Our residential duct cleaning service is designed to improve your indoor air quality and keep your HVAC system running efficiently.
Property Managers & Businesses
We serve commercial properties throughout Northern Ontario, including retail spaces, office buildings, multi-unit residential, and municipal facilities. Fully Insured + WSIB registration provides the coverage your contracts require, and we provide full documentation for every commercial job.
Cottage & Seasonal Property Owners
Opening or closing your cottage? We can coordinate service around your visits. If your cottage has a wood-burning stove or fireplace, we can provide the WETT inspection your insurance company requires.
Serving North Bay & Surrounding Areas
Based in North Bay, our trucks travel Highway 11 and Highway 17 daily to serve homeowners throughout the region. You'll see us parked in driveways across the city—we're not strangers here.
North Bay & Area:
- North Bay (HQ), Callander, Corbeil, Astorville, Bonfield
- Neighborhoods: Birchaven, Ferris, Pinewood, Airport Hill, Thibeault Terrace
Muskoka Region:
- Huntsville, Bracebridge, Gravenhurst, Burk's Falls, Sundridge, South River, Port Carling
Temiskaming Region:
- New Liskeard, Haileybury, Cobalt, Temiskaming Shores, Englehart
West Nipissing & East:
- Sturgeon Falls, Verner, Mattawa, Cache Bay, Warren, Powassan, Trout Creek
What Makes Us Different
Get a Fast QuoteFully Insured
Full liability coverage + WSIB registered. Your property is protected. Our team is covered. No risk to you.
Upfront Pricing
Please call for your free written estimate. No hidden fees, no bait-and-switch, no surprise upsells. The price we quote is the price you pay.
Commercial-Grade Equipment
Our 5,000 CFM commercial- grade vacuum system is 25-50x more powerful than normal handyman equipment. We extract up to 99.9% of dust & debris—we don't just move it around.
45+ Years of Experience
Family-owned and operating in North Bay since 1981. We've cleaned thousands of homes and businesses throughout Northern Ontario.
WETT Certified
David Mason is a WETT-certified inspector in the North Bay region. If you need certification for insurance or real estate, we're the team to call.
Zero Mess Guarantee
We seal every register and use sealed access points. All debris captured in our commercial-grade vacuum system capturing up to 99.9% of dust and debris. Your home is cleaner when we leave than when we arrived.
Trusted by Your Neighbours
Common Questions About Chimney Cleaning
Q: How often should I have my chimney cleaned?
A: For most North Bay homeowners using wood heat, we recommend annual cleaning—typically in late summer or early fall before heating season begins. If wood is your primary heat source and you burn more than 2 cords per season, you may benefit from cleaning twice per year.
Q: Will chimney cleaning make a mess in my home?
A: Never. We seal your firebox opening and run continuous vacuum suction throughout the entire cleaning process. All debris is captured before it can enter your living space. Your home stays cleaner than we found it.
Q: How long does chimney cleaning take?
A: A standard chimney cleaning takes approximately 60-90 minutes, including preparation, cleaning, inspection, and cleanup. We take the time to do it right.
Q: What is a WETT inspection and do I need one?
A: WETT (Wood Energy Technology Transfer) inspection is the certification your insurance company recognizes for wood-burning appliances. You likely need one if: your insurance requires it, you’re buying or selling a home with wood heat, or you’re installing a new wood-burning appliance.
Q: Can any chimney sweep provide a WETT inspection?
A: No. Only technicians with WETT certification can provide valid inspection reports. David Mason holds WETT certification, so we can both clean your chimney and provide the official documentation your insurance company requires.
Q: What's included in a chimney cleaning?
A: Our service includes: complete creosote removal from firebox to cap, smoke shelf cleaning, damper inspection, flue condition assessment, chimney cap inspection, and a walkthrough of our findings. We’ll tell you exactly what condition your chimney is in.
Q: Are you licensed and insured?
A: Yes. We carry $3 million in liability insurance and are WSIB registered. David Mason holds WETT Inspector certification. We’ve been in business since 1981.
You May Also Need
Dryer Vent Cleaning
Unmaintained dryer vents are a serious fire hazard. Lint buildup is the #1 cause of residential dryer fires. While we’re at your home, consider having your dryer vent professionally cleared—it could save your family from disaster.
WETT Inspections
Need documentation for your insurance company? We can provide a full WETT inspection during the same visit.
Schedule Your Chimney Cleaning Today
Protect your family and your home. Schedule your chimney cleaning with North Bay's trusted professionals—Mason Cleaning Systems.
When You Call, You Get:
Upfront pricing—no surprises45+ years of experience5,000 CFM commercial vacuum powerZero mess guaranteeFully Insured + WSIB RegisteredThe region's only WETT-certified chimney sweep team
ABOUT the Owner
David Mason, WETT-Certified Inspector & Installer, Serving Northern Ontario Since 1981
At Mason Cleaning Systems Inc., we're not a franchise or a call center—we're a family-owned Northern Ontario company built on one purpose: protecting homes and buildings from fire hazards and poor indoor air quality.
I'm David Mason, and I founded this company in 1981. For more than 45 years, I've worked in attics, crawl spaces, boiler rooms, and rooftops across the Near North. I hold both WETT Inspector and WETT Installer certifications—the credentials your insurance company recognizes for wood-burning appliances. Many companies can sweep a chimney. Very few can legally certify it.
Our trucks roll Highway 11 and Highway 17 every week. When you call, you're not getting a subcontractor—you're getting a local team that's been accountable to this region since 1981, and will be here long after the job is done.