Business Details
17 Years
experience
Trusted Chimney Sweeps in Virginia Beach
At A Step in Time Chimney Sweeps, we prioritize your family's safety and home integrity through professional chimney cleaning, inspections, and repairs. Founded in 2009 by licensed engineer Ray Gessner, our company combines over 15 years of industry experience with technical expertise in structural engineering. We serve Virginia and Maryland, maintaining an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau and adhering to strict licensing and insurance standards. Our services include chimney sweeping, video inspections, wood stove insert maintenance, dryer vent cleaning, and stainless steel chimney liner installations.We emphasize thoroughness, affordability, and customer education, ensuring compliance with safety regulations to prevent fire hazards and insurance policy violations. Our team undergoes rigorous training to deliver efficient solutions, backed by warranties on labor and materials. We actively engage with communities, offering transparent pricing and prioritizing long-term client relationships over short-term gains.
Services
Chimney Inspection
Chimney Sweeping
Wood Stove Insert
Dryer Vent Cleaning
Chimney Repair
Stainless Steel Liner
Structural Engineering
Video Inspections
Details
- Year established: 2009
Highlights and features
- We have over 15 years of experience in chimney maintenance and structural engineering.
- Our owner is a licensed professional engineer with advanced civil engineering credentials.
- We maintain an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau for service excellence.
- Our technicians use drop cloths and vacuums to ensure mess-free chimney cleanings.
- We offer competitive pricing below industry averages without compromising quality.
Associations and certifications
- Better Business Bureau (BBB)
Services
Chimney Inspection
Our standard chimney inspection identifies structural issues and safety hazards through rooftop assessment. Technicians check for cracks, leaks, and flue obstructions to prevent fire risks. This service forms the foundation for all maintenance and repair recommendations.
Chimney Sweeping
Professional chimney sweeping removes creosote buildup using protective drop cloths and industrial vacuums. The process includes standard inspection and adapts to chimney construction type for thorough cleaning without property damage.
Stainless Steel Liner
We install durable stainless steel chimney liners that handle high temperatures better than traditional materials. These UL1777-compliant liners come with lifetime warranties and improve venting efficiency for gas or wood-burning systems.
Dryer Vent Cleaning
Our dryer vent cleaning service removes lint buildup from internal wall lines to prevent fire hazards. The process improves appliance efficiency and reduces drying times through complete line clearance using specialized equipment.
Chimney Repair
We repair cracked chimney crowns, damaged flashing, and flue tile issues with one-year labor warranties. Structural repairs incorporate engineering expertise to ensure long-term safety and code compliance for masonry systems.
People
Ray Gessner
Owner & Licensed Engineer
Ray Gessner, founder of A Step in Time Chimney Sweeps, holds a civil engineering degree from Virginia Tech and a master's from Old Dominion University. With over 15 years in chimney systems and structural engineering, he oversees technical operations and staff training.
Questions
Why are chimney liners important?
Chimney liners safely vent flue gases, prevent house fires, and require proper sizing. Stainless steel liners offer durability and lifetime warranties.
Do dryer vents need regular cleaning?
Yes, clogged dryer vents increase fire risk and reduce efficiency. Our cleaning service starts at $199.
What causes chimney leaks?
Missing caps, cracked crowns, roof issues, or damaged flashing commonly cause chimney leaks during rain.
Are wood stove inserts dangerous?
Modern inserts meet safety codes, but require full reline chimney liners to prevent creosote buildup.
Why install a chimney cap?
Caps prevent water intrusion, animal entry, and ember-related roof fires while extending chimney lifespan.
