Level 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.
Gelco Chimney Cleaning & Sweep in Leesburg: What to Know First
We provide independent Gelco chimney cleaning and sweep services in Leesburg, with most appointments completed in a single visit and upfront pricing agreed before we start. A standard Gelco annual sweep and Level 1 inspection runs between $189 and $279, while Level 2 camera inspections for suspected flue damage or real-estate transactions range from $289 to $425. We are not affiliated with or authorized by Gelco - we are an independent service provider who has worked on their equipment in Leesburg homes for the better part of two decades.
This page is for homeowners in neighborhoods like Morven Park, Lansdowne, and the older colonials along Catoctin Circle who burn regularly in a Gelco-equipped fireplace or stove and need straightforward service without the runaround. If you are unsure which model you have, we will identify it on arrival. Call (571) 701-7519 - a live person answers, 24 hours a day.
How Gelco Products Fail - and How We Fix Them
- Gelco pre-fabricated chimney chase covers (Model 1000 and 2000 series) develop pinhole rust at the welded seams after 12 to 18 years in Leesburg’s freeze-thaw cycle. The galvanized coating holds up well inland, but the combination of wood-burning acidity and our wet winters attacks the seam welds first. We pull the cover, document the rust pattern with photos, and install a Gelco replacement or upgrade to a stainless chase cover from Olympia Chimney if the chase framing is still sound.
- Gelco top-sealing dampers (Model TD series, especially TD-1435 and TD-1842) accumulate creosote on the silicone seal gasket faster than cast-iron throat dampers. The gasket hardens, the damper loses its airtight seal, and you feel a cold downdraft even when it is “closed.” During a sweep, we remove the damper assembly, clean the gasket seat with non-abrasive solvent, and replace the gasket with OEM Gelco parts or a compatible high-temp silicone from Famco if the frame geometry allows.
- Gelco stainless flue liners (ProFlex and SmoothWall series) can separate at the collar joint where the liner meets the appliance adapter, particularly in systems that see frequent hot-to-cold cycling. We spot this with a Level 2 camera inspection - the gap is often invisible from below - and re-secure with a Gelco compression collar or, if the liner is ovalized, transition to a DuraFlex rigid liner section at that joint.
- Gelco chimney caps (Model CG and WG series with mesh sides) clog with creosote flakes and ash in homes that burn unseasoned oak or hickory, common in Leesburg because of the hardwood supply from western Loudoun County. The mesh spacing is finer than some competitors, which protects against animal entry but requires more frequent cleaning. We remove the cap, soak and brush the mesh, and advise on wood moisture content - 20% or below - to extend the interval.
- Gelco firestop radiation shields in manufactured chimney systems can shift or compress if the original installer used too few support brackets across a long vertical run. We find this during a Level 2 inspection when the camera catches light leak around the shield perimeter. We re-seat the shield with proper Gelco support hardware and document the repair for your insurance file.
Our Gelco Chimney Cleaning & Sweep Process
- 1
Call and schedule. A live person answers, asks what you are burning and how often, and schedules a arrival window. Russell Haines has a phrase: “Tell me what you are burning and how often, and I can tell you what your chimney looks like before I even climb up.”
- 2
Arrival and identification. Our background-checked, uniformed technician confirms your Gelco model from the data plate or physical characteristics, then lays down protection and reviews the upfront price.
- 3
Inspection and documentation. We perform the agreed Level 1 or Level 2 inspection, photographing every stage. For Gelco systems, we pay particular attention to chase cover seams, damper gasket condition, and liner collar integrity.
- 4
Cleaning and repair. We sweep with brushes sized to your Gelco flue diameter, remove creosote and soot, and complete any minor repairs - gasket replacement, cap cleaning, chase cover resealing - with OEM Gelco parts or professional-grade equivalents from DuraFlex, HeatShield, or Famco.
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Testing and final documentation. We run a draft test, verify damper operation, and provide photos and a plain-English verdict. If we found something that can wait, we say so. If it needs attention, we explain exactly why.
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Cleanup and guarantee. We leave the work area as we found it. Every job is backed by our 90-Day Done Right Promise - in writing, no arguing.
What Gelco Chimney Cleaning & Sweep Costs in Leesburg
| Service | Typical Range | What Affects Price |
|---|---|---|
| Annual sweep + Level 1 inspection | $189 - $279 | Roof height, creosote buildup severity, cap removal required |
| Level 2 camera inspection | $289 - $425 | Number of flues, access difficulty, documentation for real estate |
| Gelco damper gasket replacement | $145 - $220 | Model series, gasket material (OEM silicone vs. aftermarket) |
| Chase cover replacement (Gelco or upgrade) | $485 - $875 | Chase dimensions, material (galvanized vs. stainless), access |
| Flue liner collar repair/reseat | $340 - $590 | Extent of separation, need for DuraFlex transition section |
Prices move up if we need specialized access equipment for a steep roof, or down if we are already on site for another service and can bundle. We agree the number before we start - the number on the estimate is the number on the invoice. Call (571) 701-7519 for an exact quote; estimates are free.
Why Leesburg Homeowners Call Hearthstone Chimney Co. for Gelco Work
We have been serving Leesburg since before the Route 15 bypass changed traffic patterns, and we plan to be here when it changes again. Our 90-Day Done Right Promise means if something is not right, we come back - in writing, no arguing. Our technicians are background-checked, uniformed, and trained on Gelco specifics, not just generic chimney anatomy. When a Gelco part is back-ordered or discontinued, we have relationships with DuraFlex, HeatShield, and other professional-grade brands to keep your system safe without waiting weeks. And a live person answers the phone, every hour of every day, because a chimney issue does not wait for business hours.
FAQs
No - routine maintenance by a qualified professional does not void Gelco’s product warranty. The warranty covers manufacturing defects, not maintenance neglect. We document our work with photos and dated invoices, which actually support any future warranty claim you might need to file. Keep your records with your home files. Call (571) 701-7519 if you need copies.
Common Gelco gaskets, caps, and chase covers are usually in stock or available within 3 to 5 business days. Older Model 1000 chase covers and discontinued damper sizes can take 10 to 14 days. When time matters, we often have a compatible professional-grade alternative from Olympia Chimney or Famco that meets or exceeds Gelco specifications and installs the same day. We will explain both options and let you decide.
Repair is usually the right call if the flue liner is sound, the chase structure is solid, and the repair cost is under 40% of a full replacement. We replace when we find multiple failure points - rusted chase cover, separated liner, and deteriorating firestop - or when the system is past 25 years and repairs would be patching. Our camera inspection gives you the evidence to decide with confidence, not pressure.
Once per year for normal use, which we define as 2 to 3 fires per week during burning season. If you burn daily as primary heat, or if you burn unseasoned hardwood common in Loudoun County, schedule a mid-season inspection. Creosote builds faster in cold, humid flues - exactly what Leesburg winters provide. Call (571) 701-7519 to set your annual appointment.
Stage 2 or 3 creosote accumulates, increasing chimney fire risk and restricting draft so smoke or carbon monoxide can back up into living space. Gelco’s finer mesh caps compound the problem by trapping more particulate. The repair cost rises too - a neglected damper gasket becomes a warped damper frame, and a small chase cover rust spot becomes a leaking chase and damaged framing. An annual sweep catches these early. Call (571) 701-7519 for a free estimate.
Written by Russell Haines, Owner, Hearthstone Chimney Co. at Hearthstone Chimney Co., serving Leesburg and nearby areas.





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