Chimney Sweep Near Me: Find Certified Professionals in Your Area

The National Fire Protection Association recommends annual chimney inspections and cleaning as needed. For frequently used chimneys (3+ times per week during heating season), cleaning may be needed once or twice a year. Wood-burning fireplaces typically need more frequent cleaning than gas fireplaces.

Chimney cleaning typically costs between $150 and $350, depending on your location, chimney condition, and additional services needed. Stage 2 or 3 creosote removal, repairs, or animal removal will increase costs. Annual maintenance is much less expensive than emergency repairs.

Signs include: excessive soot buildup (1/8 inch or more), animals or birds in the chimney, white staining on exterior brick, strong odor from the fireplace, poor draft or smoke entering your home, or if it has been more than a year since your last inspection.

Professional cleaning includes: inspection of chimney structure and liner, removal of creosote and soot from flue, cleaning of firebox and damper, checking chimney cap and crown, evaluating for repairs needed, and providing a detailed service report. Many also include basic safety checks.

Professional chimney sweeps use specialized equipment including high-powered vacuums and drop cloths to contain soot and debris. When done properly, chimney cleaning should not create a mess in your home. Professionals clean up completely before leaving.

While you can burn pine and softwoods, they produce more creosote than hardwoods due to higher resin content. If you burn softwoods, ensure they are completely dry (seasoned for at least 6 months) and schedule more frequent chimney cleanings to prevent dangerous buildup.

An inspection evaluates the chimney's condition and identifies issues, while cleaning removes creosote and debris. Level 1 inspections are basic visual checks, Level 2 includes video scanning (required when buying/selling homes), and Level 3 involves removing chimney components for detailed examination.

Late summer or early fall is ideal, before the burning season begins. This allows time for any needed repairs and ensures your chimney is ready for winter use. Spring cleaning is also good for removing winter buildup and addressing any weather damage.

Yes, we verify that all listed businesses are properly licensed and insured. Many also hold CSIA (Chimney Safety Institute of America) certification, which requires extensive training and testing on chimney and venting system maintenance.

This could indicate a serious problem like creosote buildup, a blocked chimney, or negative air pressure in your home. Stop using the fireplace immediately and schedule a professional inspection. This smell, especially in summer, often means your chimney needs cleaning.