Chimney Sweeping + Level 1 Inspection $149.95
WOOD STOVE CLEANING $199.95
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Chimney sweeping is critical to maintaining the integrity of your chimney. Fireplace and utility flues should be cleaned regularly in order to remove soot and creosote (in the case of fireplaces) and to ensure appropriate draft, so that dangerous fumes and smoke have a way out and do not build up inside your home. Having your chimney cleaned and any blockages removed will improve draft and provide free passage of the byproducts of combustion from your home. Removing flammable deposits of soot and creosote will also help prevent chimney fires. A poorly maintained, deteriorating, or dirty chimney/flue poses a risk to your home and to your family. An annual chimney sweeping is affordable, especially when compared with the potential cost of not doing so.
The main aim of chimney sweeping is the removal of creosote. Creosote is a black tar-like substance that forms as a byproduct of burning wood. Over time, it coats the inside of your chimney and becomes a fire hazard. Regular chimney cleaning will help rid its interior of this dangerous buildup. In addition, chimney sweeping removes any debris or blockages, which can occur even in an unused chimney--often the result of animals nesting, and the absence of a chimney cap. For further reading: 5 Reasons to Consider an Annual Chimney Cleaning and Inspection. |
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the service
During the chimney sweeping service, the technician will do the following:
Optional rooftop inspection (add $50.00):
- Sweep flue free of creosote buildup from the bottom up (through the fireplace) using a flexible-rod, steel-wire brush.
- Remove debris with a HEPA-filter vacuum.
- Inspect for repair issues or potential hazards from ground level.
Optional rooftop inspection (add $50.00):
- The technician will conduct a Level 1 inspection from your rooftop, checking for the presence of a chimney cap and assessing its condition.
- Examine the readily accessible portions of the exterior chimney structure above the roofline, including the crown, bricks, mortar, and flue tiles, noting any cracks, wear, spalling, or other visible signs of deterioration.
- Any damage noted will be documented with photos, which will be provided digitally to the customer.
not-so-fine print
- Service is applicable to wood-burning chimneys only; we do not service gas chimneys.
- If disassembly is required for cleaning, additional charges may apply.
- Service does not include emptying of ash pit.
- Because of the additional labor and equipment wear resulting from the removal of pre-existing ashes and unburned wood from the firebox, this removal is not included in the cost of the service. You can either remove this debris yourself before our technician's arrival, or our technician will perform this task for an additional $25.
Flue cleaning $149.95
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Many homeowners are unaware that their furnace flue and water heater flue, sometimes mistakenly referred to as "chimneys," also need to be regularly cleaned. (Newer, high-efficiency furnaces and water heaters that have PVC "power vents" are an exception.) Uncapped flues especially are prone to clogs from debris and nesting animals, a potential fire hazard. The process for cleaning these utility flues is similar to that of chimney cleaning, with use of either a chimney rod and brush system, or, if necessary (as in the case of twists and turns), air whips.
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For further reading on flue cleaning, please visit our blog post: No Fireplace? Why You Still Probably Need a Chimney Cleaning.
Recommended Frequency
Several factors determine how often you should have your chimney and fireplace or wood stove cleaned, including the frequency of use, the type and dryness of wood burned, and the temperature of the resulting fire. Typically, the dryer and harder the wood and the hotter the fire, the less creosote buildup results. Creosote is highly flammable and has the potential to create dangerous chimney fires.
Most experts agree you should have your chimney or wood stove cleaned approximately every 50 fires and have it inspected every 2 years—even if you don't use it. A chimney that is not inspected regularly may deteriorate quickly and end up being a very costly repair.
Most experts agree you should have your chimney or wood stove cleaned approximately every 50 fires and have it inspected every 2 years—even if you don't use it. A chimney that is not inspected regularly may deteriorate quickly and end up being a very costly repair.
The Process
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Our standard method of chimney sweeping is the "bottom-up" method, from below through the fireplace, rather than from above through the chimney, for reasons of efficiency. The technician will place a tarp around the fireplace and hook up a HEPA vacuum to minimize mess and to prevent tiny soot particles from entering your home. With the vacuum running, the technician inserts a wire brush attached to long, flexible fiberglass poles into the chimney flue, cleaning the inner walls by moving the brush up and down. In this fashion, he scrubs the creosote buildup off the chimney flue liner. Finally the technician vacuums up the soot and debris and inspects the fireplace, damper, and smoke shelf to ensure everything is in working order.
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Chimney Caps
Every chimney needs a cap. Without one, the interior of your chimney is subject to deterioration from rain, snow, and other elements. A chimney cap also prevents birds, rodents, and other wildlife from entering your chimney. Our technician can properly install or replace a chimney cap or furnace flue cap for you at a cost of $150. Learn more.
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Multiple services discount
Save money by grouping services. Purchase one service and receive $30 off every additional service performed on the same visit. (Not available with promotional pricing.)