Gas fireplace service
Sweep & inspection
Caps & crowns
Flue relining
Masonry repairLevel 1 sweep and inspection to the NFPA 211 annual standard - flue, crown, cap, and flashing checked and photographed
Chimney sweep logs do not sweep chimneys. They loosen some creosote - which then falls where a brush and vacuum still have to collect it.
Why San Antonio Homeowners Choose Gelco Chimney Cleaning
Gelco in San Antonio chimney cleaning is a specialized service we provide as an independent contractor, not an authorized Gelco dealer. We work on more Gelco fireplaces across San Antonio than most installers ever see, which means we understand the full lifecycle of these units: the dampers that rust shut, the refractory panels that crack, and the creosote that builds faster in our humidity. Call (361) 491-3153 for a free estimate on any Gelco fireplace, stove, or outdoor masonry unit.
We’re not affiliated with Gelco and we don’t sell their products. That independence matters because our diagnostics aren’t shaped by a sales quota or a manufacturer’s preferred repair path. When we tell a homeowner in Alamo Heights that a Gelco 42-inch firebox needs new refractory panels, we’re telling them what the fireplace actually needs, not what we’d like to sell them that month. Danny Cortes, our owner, has spent nearly two decades working chimneys across the Southwest, and he still sketches flue conditions in a small notebook so customers can see exactly what he sees before any work is approved.
Why Trust Kindling Chimney San Antonio for Your Gelco Chimney Cleaning?
Our technicians know Gelco fireplaces by sight, not by searching a manual on the truck. A Gelco 20 Series open-hearth fireplace has a different damper assembly than a Gelco 36-inch wood-burning firebox, and treating them the same way leads to misdiagnosis. We see the patterns: the smoke shelf that catches creosote in San Antonio’s damp air, the cast-iron damper plate that warps after years of heat cycling, the mortar joints on outdoor units that absorb limestone-heavy water and spall. A generic our Chimney Sweep services provider might miss these. We don’t.
We work to a written care promise on every visit. Shoe covers and drop cloths go down before equipment comes in. Nothing gets moved without asking. A photo of the cleanup is taken before the crew leaves. Danny grew up in Los Angeles and learned his trade fundamentals at Los Angeles Trade-Technical College before spending decades on chimneys from Arizona to Texas. He brings that same unhurried specificity to every Gelco fireplace in San Antonio, and he’ll tell you the best part of the work is knowing a family can light a fire that evening without a worry in the world.
Styles & brands we work with
Common Gelco Chimney Cleaning Problems We Fix in San Antonio
- Rusted or warped damper plates on Gelco 20 Series open-hearth fireplaces. San Antonio’s high humidity accelerates rust on cast-iron dampers, especially in homes where fireplaces sit unused through hot summers. A damper that won’t fully open causes smoke spillage into the living room, and one that won’t fully close sends conditioned air up the flue year-round. We replace these with stainless steel assemblies that resist the same corrosion.
- Creosote buildup in Gelco open-hearth fireplaces without insulated liners. Our humidity makes creosote stickier and more likely to adhere to flue walls. In older San Antonio homes with unlined or clay-tiled chimneys, stage 2 creosote can form after just one burning season. We remove it thoroughly and recommend a liner if the flue can’t handle the heat load safely.
- Failed refractory panels in Gelco fireboxes. These panels crack after only a few seasons in many cases, especially in Gelco 36 and 42-inch wood-burning fireboxes that see regular use. The cause is usually heat stress combined with moisture intrusion through the chimney. We replace panels with OEM Gelco components when available to maintain the exact fit and clearance ratings.
- Deteriorated mortar joints on Gelco outdoor masonry fireplaces. In the Hill Country north of Loop 1604, stone chimneys built with local limestone absorb water. Freeze-thaw cycles cause spalling and efflorescence, what locals call “Texas leprosy.” Gelco outdoor fireplaces are especially vulnerable because their mortar joints are exposed to the same limestone-heavy water without the protection of a full chimney chase. We repoint joints and apply breathable water repellents that stop the cycle.
- Gas log sets and burner pans that produce yellow flames and soot. A Gelco gas log set with a lazy yellow flame and soot on the glass is usually a venting problem, not a gas problem. Blocked flues, closed dampers, or improper log placement cause incomplete combustion. We clean the burner ports, check the vent path, and verify the damper is properly set for gas operation.
Gelco Parts & Our Repair-vs-Replace Approach
We prefer original Gelco components for dampers and refractory panels because the fitment tolerances matter. A damper that’s off by a quarter inch won’t seat properly, and a refractory panel that’s slightly undersized leaves gaps that let heat reach combustible framing. For wear items like gaskets, log grates, and glass clips, we use heavy-duty aftermarket parts that often outlast the originals. We stock common Gelco damper assemblies, refractory panels, and gas burner components locally in San Antonio, which means most repairs don’t wait on a shipping truck.
Our repair-vs-replace conversation is honest. If a Gelco firebox has multiple failed refractory panels, a rusted damper, and a deteriorated smoke shelf, the repair cost can approach the price of a new unit. We’ll tell you that plainly. We’ll also tell you when a repair is genuinely worth doing, like a single cracked panel or a damper that just needs replacement. You’ll get a written price before any work starts, every time. Call (361) 491-3153 and we’ll give you a straight answer.
Our Gelco Service Process – Step by Step
- 1
Diagnosis. We inspect the entire Gelco unit, from the firebox floor to the chimney cap. We check the damper operation, refractory panel condition, mortar joints, and flue liner. We photograph everything so you can see what we see.
- 2
Repair or cleaning plan. We give you a written price for the work, broken down line by line. Nothing gets started until you approve it. We explain what’s urgent, what can wait, and what will likely need attention next season.
- 3
Service. For cleanings, we use brushes sized to your flue and vacuum equipment with HEPA filtration to keep dust out of your living room. For repairs, we remove damaged components carefully, clean the surrounding area, and install new parts to manufacturer specifications.
- 4
Testing. We test the damper operation, check the draft, and run the fireplace if conditions allow. We verify the flue is clear and the unit operates safely. For gas log sets, we check the flame pattern and carbon monoxide levels.
- 5
Cleanup and warranty. We photograph the cleaned work area before we leave. Every job is backed by our 365-Day Done Right Promise: if it’s not done right, we make it right, no fine print.
See the difference
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After
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AfterGelco Products We Service & Install in San Antonio
We service the full Gelco lineup: 20 Series open-hearth fireplaces, 36 and 42-inch wood-burning fireboxes, gas log sets and burner pans, and outdoor masonry fireplaces. We stock common replacement parts locally for faster turnaround, including damper assemblies, refractory panels, gas burner components, and log grates. If your Gelco unit is older or discontinued, we can often source parts through our supplier network or recommend a compatible aftermarket option that meets the same safety standards.
We Also Service These Brands
While this page focuses on Gelco, our Converse Gelco service technicians and San Antonio team work on all major chimney and fireplace brands. We service DuraFlex liner systems and HeatShield resurfacing systems, along with most wood-burning, gas, and masonry fireplaces. If you have a mixed-brand setup, like a Gelco firebox with a DuraFlex liner, we can handle the whole system in one visit.
FAQs – Gelco Chimney Cleaning Service in San Antonio
No. We are an independent Gelco service provider. We are not affiliated with or authorized by Gelco, and we don’t represent the company. That independence is the point: our advice is based on what your fireplace actually needs, not what a manufacturer wants to sell you. Call (361) 491-3153 for an unbiased assessment.
For dampers and refractory panels, yes, we source original Gelco components whenever they’re available. Fitment matters on these parts, and a slightly off-spec aftermarket damper won’t seat correctly. For wear items like gaskets and grates, we use heavy-duty aftermarket parts that often outlast the originals. We’ll tell you which parts we’re using and why before any work begins.
A standard Gelco chimney cleaning takes 45 to 90 minutes. Damper replacement typically runs 1 to 2 hours. Refractory panel replacement can take half a day, especially if the old panels are stubborn to remove. We’ll give you a time estimate with your written price so you can plan around naptime or work schedules. Call (361) 491-3153 to schedule a visit that fits your day.
We service the entire Gelco lineup: 20 Series open-hearth fireplaces, 36 and 42-inch wood-burning fireboxes, gas log sets and burner pans, and outdoor masonry fireplaces. If you have an older Gelco unit that’s been discontinued, we can usually identify it by the firebox dimensions and damper design, then source compatible parts through our supplier network.
No. Using an independent chimney service does not void a Gelco warranty, provided the work is done to manufacturer specifications. We follow those specifications exactly, especially for damper and refractory panel replacements. We also document the work with photos and a written service report, which helps if you ever need to submit a warranty claim.
Most standard Gelco chimney cleanings in San Antonio run between $189 and $289, depending on the size of the firebox and the amount of creosote present. Damper replacement typically adds $150 to $350 depending on the model. Refractory panel replacement usually runs $250 to $600 per panel including labor. These are honest ranges, not teaser prices. Call (361) 491-3153 for an exact quote, free of charge.
Usually because the damper isn’t opening fully or the smoke shelf is still coated with creosote. We recently worked on a home near McAllister Park where a Gelco 42-inch fireplace filled the living room with smoke on every use. The cast-iron damper plate had rusted shut and stage 2 creosote was coating the smoke shelf. After removing the creosote and replacing the damper with a new stainless steel assembly, the fireplace drafted cleanly and passed a Level 1 inspection.
Yes, in most cases. Refractory panels are designed to be replaceable, and we do this work regularly on Gelco fireboxes throughout San Antonio. We remove the old panels, clean the firebox, and install new OEM panels with the correct clearance and fitment. If the firebox structure itself is damaged, we’ll tell you that separately and explain what a rebuild would involve.
Usually yes. A yellow, lazy flame with soot buildup indicates incomplete combustion, which is typically caused by a blocked flue, a closed damper, or improper log placement. We clean the burner ports, verify the vent path is clear, and reposition the logs according to Gelco’s specifications. Carbon monoxide testing is part of every gas fireplace service we perform.
Once a year if you burn regularly, or every 40 to 50 fires, whichever comes first. San Antonio’s humidity makes creosote formation faster than in drier climates, especially in unlined or clay-tiled chimneys. If you notice smoke spillage, a campfire smell, or excessive soot on the glass, give us a call before the next burn. We’ll assess the buildup and recommend a schedule that matches how you actually use the fireplace.
Yes. We repoint mortar joints on Gelco outdoor fireplaces throughout San Antonio and Gelco in New Braunfels, especially in Hill Country homes north of Loop 1604 where limestone-heavy water accelerates spalling. We remove damaged mortar, repoint the joints with a compatible mix, and apply a breathable water repellent that prevents future water absorption. Outdoor fireplaces should be inspected annually, just like indoor units.
Book Your Gelco Service in San Antonio, TX
If you have a Gelco fireplace that needs cleaning, repair, or an honest assessment, call (361) 491-3153. We’ll give you a free estimate, a written price before any work starts, and a chimney that’s ready for the next burn. A clean flue is the quietest safety feature in your home, let’s make sure yours is doing its job.
Written by Danny Cortes, Owner at Kindling Chimney San Antonio, serving San Antonio since 2003.