Chimney sweeping removes a residue of condensed smoke called creosote that can cause a chimney to catch fire. A Chimney sweep should also include inspecting for damage such as missing mortar or cracked tiles.
Typical costs:
Sweeping a regular open fireplace can cost $79-$200.
Cleaning a freestanding wood burning stove with liners runs $109-$209.
Cleaning wood burning stove inserts with liners is about $109-$149.
For Do-It-Yourslefers, a brush and rod set runs about $20-$30 for a masonry chimney and $29-$36 for a metal chimney. Also helpful are a shop vacuum, ladder, scrubbing brush, safety goggles, stiff scrubbing brush, dust mask and drop cloths.
What should be included:
Chimney sweepers use tarps to cover the hearth and floor around the fireplace and a high-powered vacuum to control dust. If the chimney is less than 35 feet tall, they clean from both the top and the bottom.
Tip: Fire safety officials recommend cleaning chimneys once a year or after every cord of wood burned.
Inspections are classified as Level 1, Level 2 or Level 3, according to the Chimney Safety Institute of America. Level 1 is recommended for a chimney under continued service and conditions. An in-depth Level 2 inspection is required when changes are made to the system including fuel type, shape, or relining, or after seismic events, building fires, or sale. When Level 1 or 2 inspections suggest a hidden hazard, Level 3 addresses the proper construction and condition of concealed portions of the structure.
Additional costs:
Stove inserts that do not have liners that run to the top of the chimney need to be pulled out for access and run an extra $40-$50. Any insert pipes that have to be removed to be cleaned can cost around $20.
When a camera inspection is used during a cleaning, the cost increases by $10-$300.
Creosote buildup, an odd-shaped flue, or needed repairs can increase the cost of a chimney sweep.
Discounts:
Some companies offer a 10% senior discount and up to $10 off for repeat customers.
The house got smoky when we used the fireplace, so I called Chimney Safe, which was recommended locally. Their price was the same as the other places I called -- $80 for a basic 1 story ranch house. After the sweep, they said they chimney wasn't too dirty and another sweep wouldn't be needed after a cord of wood. When I asked about the smoke, they said the flue was clear and the cause was probably inadequate ventilation. The guy suggested putting bricks under the fireplace screen, so enough air flows into the fireplace, pulling the smoke out the flue. At least the chimney got all vacuumed and nice and clean.
He took all of 5-10 minutes to replace the chimney cap but left one of the side walls off. Now a bird has made a nest and sticks and grass from the nest is falling down my flue into the fireplace.The bird sounds like he's in the flue and is driving my dogs and me crazy. I don't know why he did't replace the sidewall or remove the other three. Is this standard practice? It's been a little over a month since he did the job. I've tried contacting him several times over the last three weeks leaving messages on his machine to call me, but haven't gotten any response. I feel I was robbed and at this point I'm considering filing a complaint to the BBB in my area. Before they leave your property make sure every thing is done, cause you probably won't see them again. I would $150.00 is way not worth the job he did on my chimney.
Chimney was hit by lighting and had to be removed from the house, it took 4hrs one brick at a time with four guys doing the work,in a snow storm on a slate roof, unnreal, they stacked the old bricks in the basement for me to reuse.
They were not the cheapest but were recommended by a friend. After I had the other guys in the fall, WHAT A DIFFERENCE.
Clean, courteous and oh so helpful
Found out why my chimney smoked sometimes and how often I should sweep, what type of wood to burn.AND how to build the perfect fire.
The extra cost was much worth it
The workers were very professional when they came to my home. The workers were dressed in clothing stating the company name and even wore top hats, to my surprise! They made no mess in my home, laying out drop cloths and explained to me exactly what would be happening during the cleaning process. I was very impressed with the professionalism and quality of service. The man even offered a repeat customer discount for next year!
I had my chimney cleaned by the owner himself. After he was finished he actually used endust on my coffee table.He said:"If you leave a womans house a mess she never invites you back"!I was floored!!No mess whatsoever!
Came and swept chimney, cleaned out firebox, oiled screen and damper, swept flue, inspected and made a minor crack repair. He explained how to properly use the fireplace, told me to use oak and pecan woods, showed me how to stack the logs to get faster burn. Also explained draft problems and what to do if there is smoke or a chimney fire. He was very good, clean and knowledgeable. Also, he let me know that he could repair any problems withe the fireplace, chase, crown and roofing around chimney. I felt very confident I got the right company!
Worker was super fast and really clean. I would never have known he was here if I hadn\'t seen him for myself. He explained everything that he was doing and told me afterwards that my chimney was in good shape.
Had the owner of the Chimney Guy come over and cleaned my chimney and wood stove. He did an excellant job. Diffently knew his stuff. Explained everything to me. We talked about what type of wood to burn. My house was clean after they left.
Was Very nice Went over everything wrong with chimney and at a goo price A chimney rebuild for 1200 everyone else in cincinnati wanted around 2100 or more Good Company will tell everyone to use them
he really showed me how to keep my chimney clean. he also was very nice, on time and gave me a big discount for using him the first time.i would use him for the rest of my life.
WOW, what a great company. Work was preformed by one of the owners. Courtious, knowledgeable, and overall nice experience. Offered many options for future maintance issues. Looking forward to next years viwsit.
they put drop clothes in front of the fireplace and cleaned the chimney from the bottom all the way to the top, they removed all debris from inside the fireplace. The tech also went up on the roof and inspected the exterior of the chimney and made sure the chimney cap was properly installed. They protected my house from dust and explained everything they where doing to me. We will use this firm again next year.
I was very please with the service Everlast ChimneySweep provided. Very informative. On time and very nice. I would definitely use this service again. While cleaning by the fireplace they were very careful and kept everything clean. They took pictures of the chimney and the inside of it and told me what needed to be fixed.
WOW! They came to my home and and scrubed the chemney clean. Mr Anderson, the owner went right in and got dirty with his worker. Fotunately for me, They had put cloths down to keep my home clean. I will definately use them next year and there after.
I had my fireplace cleaned. Mike was very nice, and did a great job. He was also showed me how to light and pre heat my chimney flue. I look forward to his return next year.
Just moved into our new place. Our neighbor recommended them because of their great service and certifications. They were on time. I had the chimney and furnace cleaned. They did a stage 1 & 2 cleaning on our fire place. They used drop cloths on the floor to avoid making a mess. Vacuumed everything up and made recommendations on our furnace. They were helpful in answering questions regarding using our fireplace.
Eric Glukowsky-Chimney Cleaning Service-970-599-5941
Amount: $150.00
Posted by: Gina Brown in Ft. Collins, CO.
Posted: March 18th, 2011 11:03AM
Type of Chimney: 2-story Masonary
firm: Eric Glukowsky
All I can say is "WOW" and "thank you" to Eric Glukowsky for the incredibly detailed work he did on my two story brick chimney. He cleaned out the fire pit, lightly sanded the bricks within the fire pit to reduce the stains and restore it to a newer looking condition. He dis-lodged my flue that was stuck and oiled it along with the damper. Before discovering and using Eric Glukowsky, I had a different company quote me at $650. They told me that I needed a new chase, damper, crown, and several large cracks needed filled and sealed. Luckily, my neighbor was visiting at my house and discussing my chimney issues with her. respectful, polite, extremely detailed, honest, and very fair with pricing. My friend gave me his number, I called & set-up a time for him to take a look at my chimney and give me a quote. Eric told me that none of the items that the previous company tried to convince me I needed, didn't need replaced at all. They were simply in need of some tough cleaning and oil/etc. He placed drop-cloths throughout my entire living-rm. to protect my furniture and belongings, used a high-powered vacuum to suck-in the drifting dust. After picking up the drop cloths, to my surprise, he brought in a regular house vacuum and vacuumed my living rm., hallway, & cieling fan to ensure that no dust remained to settle and crate later stains. Before starting, he removed my family photos from the room and explained that the dust is very fine and can find its way into and onto my pictures, thus possibly ruining them. When he replaced them, he actually took a leveler to make sure they were all perfectly even and straight-He's a former Marine-Go Figure! Overall, Eric saved me over $500! Instead of replacing parts the other company said I needed replaced, Eric scrubbed & sanded those parts until they appeared nearly new. Eric's work was above 7beyond, his personality is charming, positive & up-lifting.
Mike came out on time and did a great job they made my fireplace burn a lot better and no mess its cleaner around the fireplace then before I well have them come out next year.
Posted by: Janet from Nashville TN in Nashville, TN.
Posted: August 24th, 2011 10:08AM
Type of Chimney: Masonry
firm: A Clean Sweep
These guys are great. They were on time, affordable, answered all of my questions, left no mess and really went the extra mile to please me. I was so impressed with the service, I have referred A Clean Sweep to my family and my neighbor. I will definitely use this company again! Thanks guys!
Wow. Very clean, very professional. They came on time and inspected the chimney. They did a very thorough cleaning, answered all my questions and even made a minor repair to a crack in the chimney for extra charge. I will definetly use them next year.