Chimney and Fireplace Service in Des Moines, Washington
Des Moines runs along the east shore of Puget Sound just south of Sea-Tac, and its homes are older than most in South King County. We inspect their chimneys for free.
The first known settler arrived around 1867, and the town was platted in 1889 after F. A. Blasher persuaded friends in Des Moines, Iowa, to help pay for it. Lumber mills were the early employers. The city incorporated on June 17, 1959, as the area filled in with suburbs, and its marina opened in 1970. Des Moines Beach Park, once a church camp, is a city landmark, and Saltwater State Park sits in a ravine between the Zenith and Woodmont neighborhoods. The 2020 census counted 32,888 people.
Census figures (ACS 2024) put the median year built at 1974. About 18 percent of homes date from the 1940s and '50s and 38 percent from the 1960s and '70s. Gas heats about 37 percent of homes and electricity 54 percent, but 5.6 percent still heat with fuel oil. That is the highest share of any town in our South King County area, and nearly double Seattle's 2.9 percent. Oil heat means a furnace flue inside the chimney, and that changes what we look for at the free inspection.
Old oil-furnace flues and what to do with them
An oil furnace usually vents through its own flue inside the chimney. When the furnace is replaced, the old flue is often left in place. If a new gas furnace or water heater is vented into an old masonry flue, it usually needs a properly sized liner. A furnace or water-heater liner typically runs $625 to $2,250.
If the chimney is no longer used at all, taking it down is an option. FEMA's guidance on earthquake hazards says an unused chimney can be cut down to 1 or 2 feet above the roof. Removing the stack below the roof typically runs $1,000 to $2,500. Before any chimney is capped or removed, we check that it isn't still venting a gas water heater.
Sea-Tac rain on a 1970s chimney
Des Moines sits right next to Sea-Tac, which averages about 39 inches of rain on roughly 156 days a year (NOAA 1991–2020 normals). Snow is rare, at about 6 inches a year. The trouble is steady wet: crowns crack, flashing pulls away, and moss on the roof holds water against the masonry. Oregon State University Extension notes that zinc moss treatments corrode copper flashing, so we use care with them.
Typical ranges: a new crown $600 to $2,200, flashing $300 to $1,800, waterproofing $300 to $800 and leak repair $300 to $2,500.
Where we work in Des Moines
Zenith · Woodmont · Redondo · North Hill · North Central · Central Des Moines · Marina District · Pacific Ridge · South Des Moines
FAQ
Des Moines chimney questions
We switched from oil heat. Do we still need the old chimney?
Maybe not. If nothing vents into it anymore, you can leave it capped, take it down below the roof, or reline it for a new appliance. We check what is still connected at the free inspection, including any gas water heater.
Why does my chimney leak only in heavy rain?
Usually the water gets in at the top: a cracked crown, a missing or rusted cap, or worn flashing where the chimney meets the roof. We find where it enters and photograph it at the free inspection.
How much does a chimney cleaning cost in Des Moines?
We price the cleaning at the free inspection, after we have seen the fireplace, the flue and the buildup. The price is in writing before any work starts.
Can I use my fireplace during a burn ban?
Not if it burns wood. The Puget Sound Clean Air Agency bans open wood fireplaces in Stage 1 and all wood burning in Stage 2. Natural gas and propane units are allowed in both. Status is on pscleanair.gov or 800-595-4341.
Book online
Book in Des Moines. The inspection is free.
Free inspection in a 3-hour window: 8 to 11, 11 to 2, or 2 to 5. We call to confirm before we arrive.