Service

Chimney cleaning

Every fire leaves creosote on the inside of the flue. It is flammable, it builds up faster when you burn damp wood, and you cannot see how much is there from the hearth.

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What it is and why it matters

A chimney sweep brushes the flue, smoke chamber and firebox, collects the debris with a HEPA vacuum, and tells you what they saw on the way. A clean flue also draws better, so fires start easier and less smoke rolls into the room.

What's included

A look at the firebox, damper and flue before work starts
Drop cloths and a HEPA vacuum to keep soot out of the house
Brushing of the flue, smoke chamber and firebox
Removal of debris, nests (where legally allowed) and loose creosote
A summary of what was found, with photos where possible

Chimney sweep on a roof pushing cleaning rods down a brick chimney

Creosote and soot built up in a chimney smoke chamber

Signs it's time to book

You have burned a lot of wood since the last sweep
A strong campfire or tar smell, especially on humid days
Black flakes or crusty deposits falling into the firebox
Smoke drifting into the room instead of going up
Fires are hard to start or keep going

Prices are set by each local member company. Your local page shows their starting prices where they've published them.

Book chimney cleaning near you

Enter your ZIP code to see the company that serves your area, with their phone number and prices.

Prefer to call? Dial 833-CHIMNEY ((833) 244-6639) and enter your ZIP when asked.

Chimney Cleaning FAQ

How often should a chimney be cleaned?

NFPA 211 calls for an annual inspection, with cleaning when it is needed. Heavy wood burners often need a sweep every year; light users may not, and the inspection tells you either way.

What is creosote?

Creosote is the tar-like residue left when wood smoke cools inside the flue. It ranges from soft soot to a hard, glazed coating, and all of it can burn.

Will chimney cleaning be messy?

It should not be. Professionals use drop cloths and a HEPA vacuum and seal the fireplace opening while the flue is brushed.

Do I need a sweep if I only have a gas fireplace?

Gas burns cleaner, but the vent can still be blocked by nests or debris and gas logs need checking. Ask for an inspection rather than a full sweep.

Can you remove birds or animals from my chimney?

Often, yes. Note that chimney swifts are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, so active nests are usually left until the birds leave in the fall.