| How Much Does a Chimney Sweep Cost? |
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| | | 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.
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| 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.
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| 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 build up, an odd-shaped flue, or needed repairs can increase the cost of a chimney sweep.
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| Discounts: | - Some companies offer a 10% senior discount and up to $10 off for repeat customers.
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| Shopping for a chimney sweep: | |
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Article updated April 2007 |
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Recent Posts |
| Amount: $80.00 |
Paid $80, but it probably wasn't necessary
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| Posted by: First Time Homeowner in San Jose, CA. | Purchased: November, 2006 |
| Type of Chimney: normal | firm: Chimney Safe |
| 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. |
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| Amount: $150.00 |
Had chimney cap replaced
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| Posted by: Edy in Clarksville, TN. | Purchased: April, 2007 |
| Type of Chimney: prefab | firm: |
| 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. |
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| Amount: $155.00 |
CHIMNEY SWEEP
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| Posted by: Ruth in Edmonton Alberta, Other. | Purchased: March, 2008 |
| Type of Chimney: SELKIRK | firm: HigherPowerCanada |
| An Excellent Job!! Courteous,knowledgeable, and Safety Oriented. Pointed out deficiencies that could save my life. |
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