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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.
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.
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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| Amount: $1,900.00 |
Remove chimney
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| Posted by: T Bop in Washington, PA. | Purchased: December, 2008 |
| Type of Chimney: brick | firm: ChimneyCleanman,Captial Roofing |
| 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. |
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| Amount: $249.00 |
Chimney |Service
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| Posted by: Marie in Midland, Other. | Purchased: April, 2009 |
| Type of Chimney: brick | firm: AIM Chimney |
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 |
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| Amount: $150.00 |
Chimney Cleaning
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| Posted by: SherriB in Clarksville, TN. | Purchased: October, 2009 |
| Type of Chimney: Pre-fab | firm: Dr. Clean Sweep Chimney Service |
| 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! |
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| Amount: $99.00 |
chimney cleaning
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| Posted by: kelly n in bethesda, MD. | Purchased: October, 2009 |
| Type of Chimney: prefab | firm: My Chimney Sweep Service |
| 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! |
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| Amount: $70.00 |
Chimney Cleaning
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| Posted by: Pete Martinez in Killeen, TX. | Purchased: December, 2009 |
| Type of Chimney: Insert | firm: CHIMNEY PRO |
| 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! |
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| Amount: $139.00 |
Standard Chimney Cleaning
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| Posted by: Viretta in Carmel, IN. | Purchased: October, 2008 |
| Type of Chimney: Brick | firm: The Cinder Box |
| 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. |
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| Amount: $229.00 |
Chimney Sweep
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| Posted by: Pamala Pues in Freedom, WI. | Purchased: October, 2008 |
| Type of Chimney: HT | firm: Chimney Guy |
| 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. |
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| Amount: $89.00 |
Chimney Sweep And Inpection
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| Posted by: Duke in Cincinnati, OH. | Purchased: May, 2010 |
| Type of Chimney: Masnory | firm: ApefectChimney&Masnory |
| 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 |
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| Posted by: KD in zirconia, NC. | Purchased: January, 2010 |
| Type of Chimney: insert | firm: taylor made chimney cleaning and repair |
| 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. |
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| Amount: $197.00 |
Chimney Sweep
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| Posted by: Fuzzy McFadzen in Waukesha, WI. | Purchased: May, 2010 |
| Type of Chimney: Masonary | firm: Quality Chimney and Fireplace |
| 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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| Amount: $145.00 |
Chimney Cleaning
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| Posted by: Sarah D in Toms River, NJ. | Purchased: July, 2010 |
| Type of Chimney: Brick | firm: Chimneys Etcetera |
| 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. |
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