A Real Chimney Sweep — Creosote Out, Photos to Prove It
Rotary-brush sweeping with HEPA-filtered vacuums for wood and gas flues — $249 flat with a full 21-point safety inspection.
Every fire you burn leaves creosote behind — a tar-like residue that sticks to the flue walls and hardens into exactly the fuel a chimney fire needs. The NFPA recommends a sweep whenever buildup passes roughly 1/8 inch thick; for most wood-burning households that means once a year, before the season starts.
A Chimney Pros sweep is a contained, documented job: drop cloths from the door to the hearth, the firebox sealed, a HEPA-filtered vacuum running the entire time, and rotary brushes working the full length of the flue. We clean the firebox and smoke chamber, check the damper, photograph the flue before and after, and finish with a 21-point safety inspection — all inside the flat $249 price.
Warning signs it can't wait
- Thick black or brown tar coating visible on the inside walls of the flue when you look up the chimney
- Acrid smell coming from the fireplace even when it's not in use
- Smoke backing up into the room instead of drafting up and out
- Popping or cracking sounds during or right after a fire
- Soot falling into the firebox between uses
- White or yellow crusty buildup on the exterior of the chimney
- Damper stuck or won't close completely
- Visible debris or nesting material blocking the top of the chimney
Seeing two or more at once? Stop using the fireplace and call — that combination usually means the system is struggling or unsafe to run.
What the sweep includes
- Creosote glaze — repeated heating and cooling hardens tar residue into a flammable shell
- Restricted draft — airflow blockage from buildup, animals, or damaged damper flapper
- Damaged damper — rust, warping, or broken hardware prevents seal and airflow control
- Cracked flue liner — structural failure allows heat and gases to contact combustible framing
- Chimney cap missing or corroded — exposes the flue to rain, animals, and debris infiltration
- Spalling bricks or mortar — moisture and freeze-thaw cycles break down exterior masonry
- Smoke chamber buildup — creosote and soot accumulation reduces draft efficiency
- Tilted or leaning chimney — foundation settling or structural movement affects draft and safety
- Animal obstruction or nesting — birds, squirrels, or raccoons block flue and create fire risk
What chimney sweep costs
Our chimney sweep runs $249 flat and includes the full 21-point safety inspection, before-and-after photos, and a written report. No trip fees, no surprises — one quote approved before any repair work starts.
| Repair / service | Typical price |
|---|---|
| Chimney sweep + 21-point safety inspection | $249 (reg. $349) |
| Wood or gas flue | included |
| Before/after photos + written report | included |
What you get
Creosote Is Real Fire Fuel
We remove the buildup at the source with rotary brushes — not a quick brush-and-dash that leaves the glaze behind.
Before-and-After Photos
You see the inside of your own flue when we arrive and when we leave. The difference speaks for itself.
No-Mess Guarantee
Sealed firebox, drop cloths, HEPA filtration. If we leave soot behind, we come back and make it right.
$249 Flat — Inspection Included
One price covers the sweep and the full safety inspection. No add-ons on the invoice.
$249 online special
Full sweep + 21-point safety inspection with before-and-after photos — $249 (reg. $349). Wood or gas.
How it works
Arrival and walkthrough
We inspect the firebox, damper, and exterior to understand the system and scope. This conversation tells us whether you're burning wood, gas, or both, and what you've noticed.
Set up containment
Drop cloths go from the door to the hearth, and the firebox is sealed to prevent any soot from entering the home. The HEPA vacuum is positioned and running before any brush goes up the flue.
Brush and vacuum the flue
Rotary brushes work the full length of the chimney from top to bottom, breaking up creosote and debris. The vacuum captures everything in real time — nothing gets left behind or falls into your house.
Clean firebox and smoke chamber
Once the flue is clear, we sweep and vacuum the firebox, smoke shelf, and smoke chamber. The damper is checked for smooth operation and any visible damage.
Document with photos and inspection
Before-and-after photos show exactly what was removed and the condition of the flue. We then complete the 21-point safety inspection, checking for cracks, damage, draft issues, and code compliance.
Final walkthrough and report
You'll see the before-and-after photos and receive a written inspection report. Any repairs we spot are laid out clearly with a flat quote approved before any work begins — no surprises.
See the difference
Drag the slider — creosote removed at the source, the kind of result we photograph on every job.
Chimney Sweep questions
How often should my chimney be swept?
Once a year for regular wood burners, per NFPA 211 — ideally in late summer or fall before the season rush. Occasional burners can sometimes stretch to two years, but the annual inspection will tell you honestly whether a sweep is due.
How long does a chimney sweep take?
Most single-flue homes take 60 to 90 minutes, including the inspection and walkthrough. Two flues or heavy glaze buildup can run longer — we tell you up front.
Will it make a mess in my house?
No — this is the thing we are most fanatical about. The firebox is sealed and under vacuum the entire time, so soot goes into the HEPA machine, not your living room. Drop cloths cover the path from the door to the hearth.
Do gas fireplaces need sweeping too?
Less often than wood, but yes — gas flues collect corrosive condensation deposits and debris, and caps and dampers still fail. An annual safety check with periodic cleaning keeps a gas system safe and drafting properly.
Who fixes a cracked flue liner?
A chimney professional removes the damaged liner and installs a new one, or seals the crack depending on severity and location. This is not a DIY job — a failed liner allows heat and dangerous gases to reach wood framing. The 21-point inspection will catch this.
Can I sweep my own chimney?
It's risky. You need the right brush size for your flue diameter, safety equipment to work at height, and knowledge of what damage looks like. Without a HEPA vacuum and proper containment, soot will end up in your home. A professional sweep costs $249 and includes a full inspection.
What if I smell gas coming from my fireplace?
Call immediately — suspected gas-smell calls move to the front of our schedule for same-day or emergency service. Gas leaks are serious. Do not use the fireplace until it's inspected and cleared.
Do I need a Level 2 camera inspection?
The 21-point inspection included in every sweep catches most problems visually. A Level 2 camera inspection ($199) is useful if you suspect hidden cracks, previous damage, or liner failure. It's your choice — we'll recommend it if we spot something that needs a closer look.
How much does a chimney inspection cost?
A Level 1 inspection is $69 (regularly $149). A full chimney sweep with 21-point safety inspection is $249 (regularly $349). Both include before-and-after photos and a written report. We schedule same-week and offer same-day or emergency service.
Ready for a safer, cleaner chimney?
Same-week appointments, honest flat pricing, no scare tactics — and same-day emergency service when it can't wait. Licensed and insured.