Chimney sweep: a guide for pros

What customers ask, how to win the job, and what to put on your profile.

Offering chimney sweep

Chimney sweeping is recurring work with a visible result, and customers return when the report explains what they are burning and what the flue needs. Win by documenting the flue with a camera and writing down the creosote grade every time.

What customers ask

  • How often do I need my chimney swept?
  • What is the black stuff in my chimney?
  • Is my chimney safe to use this winter?
  • Do I need a new liner?
  • Can you check for animals?
  • Why do you need to get on the roof?

How to win the job

  • On the first call, ask what fuel is burned, how often the fire runs, the flue type and the last sweep date, so you bring the right brushes.
  • Bring rods and brushes sized to the flue, a drop cloth set, a shop vacuum, a flashlight and a camera for the liner.
  • Cover the openings and set up the work area before the brushing starts, and tell the customer what the cover is for.
  • Record the creosote grade and the liner condition on the work order, with a photo of the deposit.
  • Quote the sweep, any nest removal, any cap or damper repair and any liner work as separate lines.
  • Explain the findings in plain words and recommend the next inspection date.

What to put on your profile

  • Photos of finished sweeps showing the flue before and after, and the creosote removed.
  • The flue types you clean, such as masonry, metal liner and factory-built systems.
  • Your camera inspection service, listed only if you perform it.
  • Your roof safety practices, described in general terms, and your insurance status.

Follow-up that helps the customer

  • Send the written report with the creosote grade, the liner condition and the next sweep date.
  • Remind the customer to sweep before the next season, and explain when a fire needs a closer look.
  • Offer a cap or damper check at the next visit as a planned item the customer can decline.

Licenses and permits

Chimney sweeping is commonly done under a contractor or certified chimney professional credential, and roof work carries its own safety requirements. Confirm your licensing and insurance requirements with your state or local licensing agency before you take the work.

Questions

Does infinibell charge me for leads?

Joining is free. You pay only for leads you accept, and you can decline a lead for free. Your profile is reviewed before it goes live.

Who sees a chimney sweep request?

Customers describe the job and pick the pros they want by name. Only the pros a customer picks see the request.

What does the Insured badge show?

The Insured badge appears when we have checked your current insurance.

About this guide

This national guide is written and checked by infinibell. Rules and conditions differ by place, so local pros are credited on guides for the cities they serve, not on national ones.

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