That could involve multiple sessions to remove layers of soot. Most chimney fires start in the smoke chamber/smoke shelf area, so it’s the most important area to clean . Since that area is hard to reach in some fireplaces, check yours to see if you can reach into it and still have room to maneuver a brush. He and his son Jesse are certified professional chimney sweeps. Together, this father/son team inspect, clean and repair fireplace chimneys in the Minneapolis/St. Jim also holds a certificate in forensic chimney fire analysis.
That number rises if your chimney hasn’t been serviced for a while, or if the sweep discovers repairs, structural issues or pest infestations that need to be addressed. If your chimney needs a deeper clean, such as a chemical treatment to get rid of late-stage creosote glaze, the visit may last a few hours. The National Fire Protection Association recommends you have your chimneys, fireplaces, vents and solid fuel-burning appliances inspected at least once a year. This is probably true if you only use your fireplace occasionally, on the coldest winter nights. If you fire it up several times a week, you may want to arrange more frequent inspection and cleaning.
What Factors Influence the Cost to Hire a Chimney Sweep?
Leaves, small twigs, and even large branches will fall and collect around the chimney, where they can become lodged inside or damage the chimney cap, crown, or flashing. The cost for animal removal will depend on the species of animal and how many animals, but it’s usually between $155 and $575.
Personal recommendations and paywalled sites such as Angie’s List can be great resources as well. The service time for a standard chimney sweep is 45 minutes to one hour, making this a quick-and-easy service. However, if you have severe soot buildup or need your chimney pro to install new features, you can expect the service to take longer.
All you need to know for now is that the brush size should match the size of your flue or chimney. This should be just a little larger than that of the flue so that the stiff bristles with give the sides of the chimney a good brush when pulled up and down inside it. This collects on the inside of the flue or chimney and can reduce the air flow by partially blocking it, causing the fire to burn inefficiently. Instead, take this opportunity to lightly scrub up and down as you pull the rod assembly upward. When you reach a joining point, remove a rod and set it aside. When the chimney damper will not open or close or will not open or close far enough, a chimney technician may be able to repair it without completely replacing it.
With dirty or badly kept chimneys being the main cause of chimney fires, you need to make sure you keep swept up on your chimney care knowledge. Low-burning fires produce an even greater accumulation of creosote on the chimney, but don’t be so quick to burn hotter until the chimney is swept, warns Eldridge.
Is Fireplace Cleaning a DIY Job?
Then, get yourself a torch and shine it up the inside of the firebox. If you see any black build up, try to scratch away at it – if it is around a quarter of an inch thick, it’s best to not use your stove until you get your chimney swept. The method used for chimney sweeping doesn’t have a major impact on cost, but it’s useful to know in order to properly prepare the area. Read more about Chimney Sweep Littleton here. If the cleaner is working from top to bottom, for example, homeowners can seal the hearth and lay tarps for easier cleanup. When getting a quote, ask the pro for recommendations on what to do based on the cleaning method. Sweeping a chimney with excessive buildup can go as high as $800. Keeping up a regular chimney sweeping schedule means paying less per cleaning.
Cost of a Chimney Sweep by Location
Like most home repairs and contractor costs, chimney sweep prices vary depending on where you live. In some cases, this is simply due to your local cost of living.
With this type of inspection, parts of the chimney, including the crown, might need to be removed. Commercial buildings also require a level three chimney inspection. It is important to sweep a chimney regularly to remove soot, creosote, and other debris that can build up over time. This buildup can pose a fire hazard and also restrict the flow of air, leading to poor ventilation and potential carbon monoxide poisoning.
