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[1] 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.
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.
Shopping for a chimney sweep:
To find a chimney sweep, The National Chimney Sweep Guild[2] offers an online membership guide.
The Chimney Safety Institute of America lists certified technicians by area code in their online locator.
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We tried a low cost (under $100) company first, which proves you get what you paid for because this company NFC came a little higher but had to clean everything the low cost company left behind. They were knowledgable, friendly, efficient and prompt. I highly recommend Nashville Fireplace & Chimney.
Posted by: Tanya & Jack Peterson in Nashville, TN.
Posted: September 15th, 2015 07:09AM
Type of Chimney: Masonry
firm: Nashville Fireplace & Chimney
We called 3 chimney companies about cleaning our fireplace. Weaks chimney was a no show, no call. Ashbusters was so rude when I called that I was dead set against using them, but gave them a chance against my better judgement, which turns out, my instinct was right. They were over priced, pushy, rude and when I declined further service the office lady actually got a crappy attitude and slammed the phone in my ear. This year, we used Nashville Fireplace & Chimney. They were polite, explained everything to me without trying to sell me something and did an excellent job cleaning the fireplace. We will definitely be using them and only them from now on! So hard to find honest, dependable workers these days. My experience with Nashville Fireplace & Chimney was wonderfully refreshing.
Called and set up appointment based off of reviews I read. Techs showed up on time neat and orderly, did find dome loose bricks I had ,showed me pics , I was happy with them
I had Chris from Reliable Roofing & Chimney Corp at my house he was honest and very professional. I see all these ads for $29 or up $49 chimney cleanings but with my experience its a SCAM!!!! Chris and his worker came in did the job and did it write and did not try to sell me anything. if i have to say anything is use Reliable or if not don't go with one of those cheap sweeps....
They came out at approximately 9:10 was scheduled between 10:00-1:00 Dispatch called to inform me the workers would be here in 20 minutes As I'm hanging up the phone my door bell rings, someone's yelling my name and banging on the door at the time. Still half asleep I jump up run to the bathroom,splash my face,brush my teeth as they continue to bang ring and yell. Bottom line, when I let them in one claimed to have been on the roof shows me a picture of something saying the crown needs repairing right away because carbon monoxide was seeping into my home if not later replacement would cost over $7,500.00 but he'd give me a deal for everything including the sweep for $300.00 That took all of 15 minutes including the conversation to complete the entire visit. I did inform him about my homeowners insurance but he said insurance don't cover this. he then asked to make the check out to Christopher Brown and not Colonial Way even though I was asked why.
WOW!!! Victor Lopez did an excellent job. He was very courteous and clean. He protected the furniture and floors with coverings. I was very impressed with his work and level of professionalism. He went as far to clean out the gutters while working on the roof. He went above and beyond my expectations. I would definitely recommend him.
Found this company online and then read their reviews on the BBB. They were punctual, professional, and very clean. They took their time to answer all of my questions and explain things to me being a new home owner.
Quick, courteous, and clean. They gave us a report with images in it just so we know what we are looking at. We will have to rebuild the top part of the chimney but that is unrelated to the quality of service.
Posted by: Beth in Dutchess County in Wappingers Falls, NY.
Posted: February 18th, 2013 08:02PM
Type of Chimney: Furnace & Fireplace
firm: NC Chimney Sweep
Chimney was smoking and I'd found NC in the Southern Dutchess News (look for their ad) Jimmy was personable and explained why cleaning was important. I'd just bought the place and thought all the upkeep was done. He showed me the the buildup in the furnace chimney and in the woodstove, no hard sell at all. I had him do everything right then and got a price break on top of the ad. Clean, courteous and professional. rnI've been recommending NC to everyone and will use them next year as well.
I recieved 2 other estimates,I choose Complete Chimney because Mike (the owner) sounded very knowlegable and was more concerned with the overall safety operation of my fireplace then trying sell me extra items, I had him clean my fire place and oil chimney, and he took pictures of everythig, inside/outside chimney then sent me an email explaining his evaluation, he did a great job and i would highly reccomend his services
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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