The average cost of a chimney sweep is $223. Chimneys that receive regular maintenance are priced at $85 per cleaning. Those that have more build-up from years of neglect could run homeowners as much as $800. A typical price range per visit is $124 and $325.
Using a wood-burning fireplace in the winter can lower your electric bills, not to mention its cozy appeal. However, smoke in your chimney leaves behind ash and carbon residue. This residue needs to be removed periodically because it can lead to chimney fires, carbon monoxide leaks and lack of airflow to the outside.
On This Page
- What Does a Chimney Sweep Include?
- Cleaning
- Inspection
- Additional Chimney Service
- Creosote Logs
- FAQs
- Hire a Pro
Your chimney sweep service will include an inspection and cleaning. The level of inspection will depend on how long it has been since your last service and whether there are structural concerns. A basic service will involve a Level 1 inspection.
If youre not sure that you need your chimney swept, there are a few signs to look for:
- Built-up soot and creosote: You can check the build-up yourself. For safety reasons, make sure that there isnt a draft coming down the chimney. If there is, open a door or window to reverse it. Make sure to wear a dust mask and safety goggles. Shine a bright flashlight up into the flue and scrape into the soot. The soot should only measure up to ⅛ thickness. Any more and it needs to be cleaned.
- Smoke entering room: If smoke is coming into your living space, there may be significant blockage in your flue.
- Odor: A rich tar smell emanating out of your fireplace is a sign you have creosote build-up.
- Weak fire: If your fire isnt as strong as it used to be, you probably need to have your chimney cleaned. Handle this as soon as possible because insufficient wood burning can lead to faster creosote deposits.
When cleaning, the professional will use a wire brush that is suited to the size of your chimney to scrub residue from the interior walls. They attach this brush to flexible rods which they can connect to extend it deeper into the flue. They will either approach the cleaning from the roof in a top-down manner or from the fireplace in a bottom-up manner.
A less common method involves weights and ropes rather than rods. In this instance, the professional approaches the work from the top. They can also enlist a second sweeper to pull from the bottom.
Working from the top is often preferred because it makes less mess. The fireplace can be closed off and less soot and residue will enter the home and air. As part of the service, tarps will be placed at the bottom of the fireplace and efforts will be made to keep mess minimal. However, you may want to remove or cover any nearby furniture to protect it.
Find a Qualified Pro to Clean Your Chimney
An inspection is necessary to ensure your chimney is safe to clean and use. Level 1 is rolled into the cost of your cleaning service. There are two other levels which get progressively more detailed. Level 2 will be necessary if you are going to do work on the chimney and Level 3 when there is definite structural damage. The costs listed are for each independent service before they are priced together.
Level 1 - $80-$200
A level one inspection is often considered free as part of your cleaning service. This inspection is for chimneys that are functioning properly and are regularly cleaned. The professional will check the condition of the exterior and the components of the fireplace. They will inspect as much of the interior as they can see with a flashlight and check for blockages and obstructions.During this service, the contractor may discover damage to the exterior brickwork of your chimney. You may need to replace individual bricks or repair the mortar. To find out more about the cost of these services, see our brick work repair cost guide.
Level 2 - $100-$500
This level is necessary before work is performed on the chimney which might compromise its stability or function. It involves sending a camera down the flue for a detailed assessment and a thorough check of surrounding structures (attic, basement). Youll need a level 2 inspection before relining the flue or retrofitting for a different type of heating component. You should also get one after an accident involving your chimney and before selling your home.Level 3 - $1,000-$5,000
This highest level of inspection is necessary when structural damage is almost certain. Parts of the chimney may need to be deconstructed so that the inspector can reach and ascertain damage.Your chimney sweep may find that there are other issues that need to be fixed. They could also find that there are ways to improve your chimney to minimize creosote and maximize efficiency. Some of these will be easy and affordable, while others will cost thousands and involve days of labor.
Chimney Caps - $150-$700 to install
These keep debris, water and animals out of your chimney. A professional is likely to recommend a chimney cap if you have issues with downdrafts. Damaged caps should be replaced for optimal efficiency.Flue/Chimney Liners - $1,600-$5,000
You may need to line or reline your chimney. Flue liners protect the masonry and mortar, extending the life of your chimney. They also retain heat and provide optimum ventilation. If you dont have a flue liner, one will likely be recommended. If yours is cracked and damaged, repairs or replacement will make fireplace use safer.Chimney Flashing - $200-$500 to install
If you dont have flashing where your chimney meets the roof, or if yours is damaged, youll want to remedy this right away. Flashing prevents leaks and water damage. You can lower your costs by doing it yourself, but much like other roofing work, its recommended that you enlist the services of a professional for proper installation of roof flashing.Fireplace Damper - $100-$225 repair / $200-$300 install
Dampers are an important means of directing smoke up and out of the chimney and preventing downdrafts. If your damper is damaged or warped, youll want to replace it. A warped damper could be pulling your indoor air out and decreasing your homes efficiency. It could also push smoke into your living space.Animal Removal - $175-$500 for removal
Raccoons tend to make homes out of chimneys, which is unsafe for them and for you. Its not uncommon for chimney sweeps to come across these and other animals or birds. The cost to have animals removed humanely and professionally varies from one species to another. Bats, for example, cost more than squirrels to get rid of safely.Creosote sweeping logs are an effective tool for loosening residue inside your chimney flue. They chemically change thick, tar-like creosote into a more flaky and manageable consistency. The ash-like creosote then falls into the fireplace. You can use these throughout the year to keep your flue in shape. However, they should not be used in place of a professional cleaning service.
Find a Certified Chimney Pro Near You
FAQs
The below are a set of questions that homeowners should ask themselves when considering when and whether or not to get a chimney sweeping.How often do you use your fireplace?
If you use your fireplace four or more times a week, you will need the chimney cleaned on a regular basis to guard against build-up. It is best to have a chimney sweep come to your home to do an assessment of what is needed before you plan on how often you will have a chimney cleaning. This will be the single-most important factor in the cost of your chimney's upkeep as it will determine how often a chimney sweeper comes to your home.How steep is your roof?
A chimney sweep must clean your chimney on both the inside and outside of your home. The outside portion involves climbing on your roof and cleaning down the chimney for as far as he can reach. If you have a particularly high or steep roof that will make it either difficult to access by way of a ladder or especially difficult to climb on, then your chimney sweep may have extra fees involved in your cleaning. This is something to address with him before the beginning of the cleaning.How long since your last cleaning?
Cleaning your chimney is an important task and must be done for the sake of your safety. If you haven't had your chimney cleaned in many years and use your fireplace regularly, the cost of the initial cleaning may be more expensive than any subsequent cleaning. Any build-up that has solidified over the years may be very difficult to remove and so the cleaning will need to be more extensive.Make Sure Your Chimney is Safe to Use
Working with a chimney is hazardous, especially if you need to approach it from the roof. You also may not have the tools and knowledge necessary to diagnose major problems. A chimney fire can be detrimental to your homes safety, and the low cost of annual maintenance is worth the investment. If you hire a certified chimney sweep, they can also make recommendations that will improve your homes safety and efficiency.
Check Credentials
Make sure you are getting certified service. We recommend hiring a sweep who is certified by the Chimney Safety Institute of America. Youll want to know how long the professional has been in business and make sure they have liability insurance. Check online reviews and ratings for chimney sweeps from other homeowners to ensure youre hiring a reputable cleaning service.
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Our past cost experience has been $75-100.
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Very helpful info before meeting the expert.
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I have always paid no more than $75.00 for this service!
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Important info given to assist with obtaining a estimate
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I have this service done yearly; however I have never use this company is there any one else for the comparison of cost
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no idea when chimney was last cleaned, i am a renter
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I just wanted to say. I have have no idea when this chimney was last cleaned as we have only been living at this residence since last October and never used the fireplace all last winter. (Our first in this home)
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appreciate the detail of information.
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no one to do my chimney
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n/a
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We bought our house in December 2014. they had the total chimney redone. We used it a couple of times last winter. Just needs to be cleaned. I need a quote.
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I'm single so this info was very helpful. I now know what to expect.
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Good Info to know
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Sorry about the previous comment - this article was very helpful. I did not know the residue can cause carbon monoxide leaks which is a safety hazard. So, cleaning it periodically is mandatory. Carbon Monoxide is odorless & fumes can cause instant death.
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I need a larger flue to cover my chimney. I have a small one but during the Hurricane Bermine, water got into the ceiling & caused the drywall around it to be damaged which needs to be replaced.
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very helpful
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thanks for info.
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Sounds great so far......
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Great info to have before he arrives.
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Great info to have before hand
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Provided good direction and expectations.
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Fast, informative and helpful.
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This information was helpful in planning and budgeting to improve the safety and efficiency of my fireplace and chimney.
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It is good to know what to expect!
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Single story home, ranch home. Hardly ever use fireplace but want it cleaned so I can use. I pulled hadle on flue and handle came off. My husband said the screw came out.
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