Pasadena homeowners take pride in their properties, and many of the city's most beloved neighborhoods feature homes with original masonry chimneys dating back to the 1920s. Eco Grizzly provides complete chimney and fireplace services throughout Pasadena, including Old Town, South Pasadena, Altadena, San Marino, Sierra Madre, and the San Gabriel Valley. Our certified technicians understand the specific needs of Pasadena's Craftsman bungalows, Spanish Colonial Revival homes, and mid-century modern residences.
Why Local Expertise Matters in Pasadena
Pasadena's combination of historic architecture and seismic activity means chimneys here face unique challenges. Unreinforced masonry from the early 20th century requires careful inspection for earthquake damage, mortar deterioration, and structural settling. Our team has extensive experience working on these systems and maintains the highest standard of preservation while meeting modern code compliance.
Home Types We Service in Pasadena
Craftsman bungalows with original brick chimneys, Spanish Colonial Revival homes with decorative chimney tops, mid-century modern residences with low-profile fireplace systems, and newer construction throughout the San Gabriel Valley. Each style demands a different approach, and our technicians are trained to handle them all.
Common Chimney Issues in Pasadena
Cracked mortar from seismic movement, deteriorated chimney crowns from sun exposure, spalling bricks on north-facing chimneys, creosote buildup in heavily used wood-burning fireplaces, failed gas valve assemblies in older gas fireplace systems, and missing or damaged chimney caps that allow raccoons and birds into flue systems.
Neighborhoods We Serve
We serve all Pasadena neighborhoods including Old Pasadena, Madison Heights, Bungalow Heaven, Linda Vista, Oak Knoll, and the Arroyo Seco corridor. We also cover South Pasadena, Altadena, San Marino, Sierra Madre, La Canada Flintridge, and surrounding San Gabriel Valley communities.
A standard 30-foot ladder wasn't enough to safely reach this two-story chimney, so Eco Grizzly set up proper scaffolding to get the job done right. The previous contractor had left a poorly installed chase cover and shroud that was loose and on the verge of falling — a serious hazard to the roof and anyone below. Our team removed the failed installation, corrected the mounting, applied sealant at all seams and fastener points, and provided the homeowner with permanent options to prevent future issues. Another job done right, and another incredibly happy client.
We started with a 3D design preview so the homeowner could see the finished look before any demolition began. After opening up the old firebox, our crew framed the new opening to spec, installed the fireplace insert, and finished with a clean custom surround. The result is an efficient, modern focal point that transformed the living room.
The original roof had reached the end of its service life, with worn and lifted shingles across multiple slopes. Our crew tore off the old roofing material down to the deck, checked the sheathing for damage, and installed fresh synthetic underlayment before laying new architectural shingles at every ridge, valley, and penetration. The finished roof gives the home a clean, uniform look along with a full weather-tight seal.
The breastplate (the sloped front wall of the smoke chamber above the firebox opening) had developed significant cracks and spalling that allowed carbon and gases to escape into the surrounding masonry. Our crew cleaned out all loose material, rebuilt the damaged area with refractory-grade mortar, and smoke-tested the repair to confirm a complete seal. The homeowner can now operate the fireplace safely without risk of CO migration.
The existing cap was rusted through and no longer keeping water out of the flue. We removed the failed cap, cleaned up the crown edges, and installed a heavy-gauge stainless steel chimney cap paired with a top-sealing damper. The top-seal closes the flue completely when the fireplace is not in use — eliminating cold downdrafts, preventing animal entry, and cutting heating and cooling energy loss. A second angle shot confirms the tight, level fit.
This chimney had been operating without a functional cap, leaving the flue open to rain, debris, and animals. Our technicians measured the flue tile, fitted a new multi-flue stainless cap, and paired it with a top-sealing damper. The assembly locks down tight between uses, dramatically reducing heat loss and preventing moisture damage inside the flue liner.
Without a chimney cap, the flue is exposed to rainwater that accelerates liner deterioration and masonry damage. We removed the old broken cap, cleaned the crown surface, and secured a correctly-sized stainless steel spark-arresting cap. The mesh sides prevent bird and animal entry while still allowing proper smoke exit — a simple upgrade with major long-term protection benefits.
The old cap was undersized and heavily corroded, allowing wind-driven rain to enter the flue on the sides. Our crew sourced a correctly-sized stainless steel cap, cleaned the crown, and installed the new cap with a secure fit. The homeowner now has reliable rain and animal protection without the rust staining that was streaking down the masonry.
The concrete crown had developed deep radial cracks — a common result of Southern California's temperature swings — allowing rainwater to penetrate the masonry below. Our crew chiseled out all loose material, applied a bonding primer, and finished with two coats of elastomeric crown coat that flexes with seasonal movement. The finished crown sheds water cleanly away from the flue tile and masonry, halting further damage.
Years of UV exposure and rain cycles had left this crown pitted and porous. Water was wicking through and freezing inside the masonry during cold nights, accelerating spalling in the brick below. We ground down high spots, filled voids with hydraulic cement, and applied a full elastomeric waterproof crown coat. The gray finished surface is smooth, sloped to drain, and flexible enough to move with the structure without cracking.
The original crown was beyond patching — it had separated from the flue tile and broken into large sections. Our masonry crew demolished the failed crown, built new formwork around the flue tile, poured a properly-sloped Portland cement crown, and finished with an elastomeric waterproof coat once cured. The rebuilt crown projects slightly past the masonry on all sides to throw water clear of the chimney stack.
The existing throat damper plate had corroded and no longer closed fully, allowing constant cold downdrafts and energy loss. Rather than an expensive full damper replacement at this time, we installed a heavy-duty damper clamp that holds the damper plate securely shut. The clamp features a chain release so the homeowner can open it easily before lighting a fire. A cost-effective solution that immediately solved the draft and energy issue.
This homeowner wanted to enjoy their fireplace without the hassle of wood and cleanup. We inspected the existing firebox and flue for gas-log compatibility, ran the gas line to the firebox with a hidden shut-off valve, and installed a premium vented gas log set with a realistic ceramic fiber log arrangement and glowing ember media. The result looks exactly like a wood fire but lights with a wall switch and requires zero cleanup.
The existing gas log set had discolored and the ceramic logs had cracked after years of use. Our technicians safely disconnected the old set, replaced the burner tube, and installed a new premium vented log set with fresh ember media and an upgraded burner for a taller, more realistic flame pattern. The homeowner was immediately impressed by the improvement in appearance and flame quality.
This project was a complete pool build from scratch on a residential backyard. Starting with excavation and full rebar/steel cage installation, our crew sprayed the gunite shell, hand-troweled the bond beam, benches, and steps, applied the interior plaster finish, and installed the surrounding paver deck. Every stage was executed cleanly and on schedule. The result: a beautiful, durable gunite pool that the homeowner can enjoy for decades. Browse the full gallery below to see every stage of the build.
The homeowner wanted to reduce heat loss and update the look of their masonry fireplace. We measured the firebox opening, sourced a correctly-sized bi-fold glass door set with a matte black frame, and completed the installation in a single visit. The doors open fully for use with a fire and close tight when the fireplace is not in use, stopping the constant draw of conditioned air up the chimney. The finished result is clean, functional, and a clear upgrade over the original open firebox.
This project combined a large concrete patio pour with a structural room addition. The crew installed a full rebar grid over a vapor barrier, poured and finished the concrete slab, and completed the room addition framing and exterior to match the existing home. The finished patio features a stamped concrete surface with a built-in outdoor kitchen island, creating a seamless indoor-outdoor living area.
Starting from the bare deck, our team installed synthetic underlayment across the full roof surface, followed by proper flashing at all penetrations and valleys. The final layer of architectural shingles was installed to manufacturer spec, giving the home a fresh look and full weather protection.
A persistent roof leak caused water damage and mold growth in the ceiling and wall cavity. Our team identified and repaired the leak source, removed all affected drywall and insulation, treated the framing with antimicrobial solution, and rebuilt the area with new materials. Final paint and texture match the surrounding surfaces so the repair is invisible.
The existing roof had reached the end of its lifespan with visible wear and multiple leak points. Our crew performed a complete tear-off, inspected the deck for damage, replaced compromised sheathing, applied synthetic underlayment, and finished with new architectural shingles. The homeowner now has a roof built to last 30+ years.
Electric Fireplace Remodel with Stone Slab Surround
Southern California
The homeowner wanted to transform their dated brick fireplace into a sleek, modern focal point. We demolished the existing brick surround, framed the new opening to spec, ran electrical, and installed a modern linear electric fireplace. The surround was finished with a full-height polished stone slab that runs floor to ceiling, creating a dramatic and clean look. The result is a stunning upgrade that completely transformed the living room.
The existing attic insulation had settled and degraded over time, leaving large areas with minimal thermal protection. Our crew removed all old insulation down to the ceiling joists, cleaned the attic space, sealed air leaks around penetrations, and installed new blown-in insulation to current energy code requirements. The homeowner saw an immediate improvement in indoor comfort and lower utility bills.
Full Backyard Remodel with Outdoor Fireplace, Fire Pit, and Kitchen
Southern California
This was a full backyard renovation, not a single feature. Our crew built the outdoor living space from the ground up. We set cinder block foundations for the fireplace and the fire pit seating area, framed and poured the concrete structures, built the outdoor kitchen with a grill and concrete counters, and finished the surrounding patio decking. The completed backyard ties the fireplace, fire pit, kitchen, and pool together into one connected outdoor space the homeowner can use year round.
This fireplace sits in the middle of a double height great room, so it had to be right from every angle. Our crew masked the entire room and protected the floors before touching anything, then stripped the existing stone cladding back to the concrete block and brick underneath. We rebuilt the surface in new cement board, taped and prepped every seam, and set full height scaffolding so the plasterers could work the column from floor to vaulted ceiling in one continuous pass. The finish is a hand troweled Venetian plaster in a soft off white, wrapped around a see through gas firebox that opens to the seating area on both sides. The result is a single clean column that anchors the whole room.
The plaster on this pool and spa had gone blotchy and stained after years of service, and the dark square waterline tile dated the whole backyard. We drained the pool, chipped the old plaster back to a sound surface, and stripped the waterline tile off both the pool and the raised spa. New black and white penny round mosaic tile went in along the waterline and around the spa, then the shell was replastered in a light blue finish and refilled. The pool holds the same shape the homeowner already liked, but the water reads clean and bright again and the tile brings the spa and pool together.
Backyard Pool Remodel with New Coping and Concrete Decking
Southern California
The pool itself was sound, but everything around it had aged out. Our crew stripped and reset the coping, graded and formed the surrounding yard, and poured a new concrete deck that wraps the full perimeter of the pool. Block work went in for an outdoor bar and the remaining yard was finished with artificial turf and concrete stepping pads. The homeowner kept the pool they already had and gained a backyard that works as one connected space, right down to the lighting in the water at dusk.
The original chase cover had begun pulling away from the stucco chase, leaving an open gap along the top edge under a set of weathered galvanized caps. Our crew lifted the old cover off to expose the wood chase framing and the three flue pipes running up inside it. We fitted new white sheet metal to the chase with a raised standing edge and an overhang that drops water clear of the stucco below, then sealed the perimeter and installed new flue caps with mesh screens. The finished chimney sits clean and bright against the tile roof and is sealed against rain, debris, and animals.
This home had two fireplaces, and both were fitted on the same visit. In the room with the carved cast stone mantel, our crew set the logs and grate inside the brick firebox and spread a fresh bed of black lava rock across the floor of the opening. At the second fireplace, with its tall arched stone surround and herringbone brick firebox, we fitted a matching log set on its own steel grate. Each set was lit and the flame pattern checked across every log before we wrapped up. The drop cloths and lava rock bucket visible in these shots are ours, taken while the crew was still on site.
Our crew set the posts and framed a solid aluminum patio cover across the back of the home, running the full length of the pool deck. Wiring was run through the structure for recessed can lights and two ceiling fans so the covered patio stays usable after dark. The insulated roof panels were fitted and sealed, then finished in a dark trim that matches the posts and the existing rooflines. The concrete patio, artificial turf, and black mesh pool safety fence were kept working together so the whole backyard reads as one finished outdoor room.
“Sebastian came out today to give me a quote on a house I am purchasing. He was very knowledgeable, professional, and genuine. Would highly recommend him! 5 stars!”
Jeffrey Stevenson
Los Angeles, CA
Pasadena Chimney Service FAQs
Common questions from Pasadena homeowners.
We provide chimney sweep, inspection, repair, cap installation, crown repair, flue liner installation, fireplace remodeling, gas log installation, fireplace insert installation, and gas fireplace repair services throughout Pasadena.
Call (424) 258-9882 or fill out our online form. We provide on-site quotes for all Pasadena homeowners. There is no obligation.
Most appointments in Pasadena can be scheduled within one to two business days. Same-day service may be available if you call before noon.
Yes. All Eco Grizzly technicians hold active California contractor licenses (License #1077111) and are certified by the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA). We carry full general liability and workers compensation insurance for every job.
Cracked mortar from seismic movement. Contact us for a professional assessment of your chimney system.
Yes. We service, clean, and repair all major gas fireplace brands including Heat & Glo, Heatilator, Napoleon, Majestic, and Regency. We carry common replacement parts for same-visit repairs.
Tuckpointing is the process of removing deteriorated mortar from chimney joints and replacing it with fresh mortar. Here is why it matters for your home.