Chimney sweep: what to know

What the job involves, what changes the price, and what to ask a pro.

What chimney sweep is

Chimney sweeping cleans soot and creosote from the flue with brushes and vacuums, then inspects the liner, cap and damper for cracks, blockages or animal nests. It is the regular service that keeps a wood or gas-burning fireplace or stove venting safely.

Signs you need it

  • You burn wood or another solid fuel, and it has been more than a season since the flue was cleaned.
  • The fireplace or stove smokes into the room, or the draft has weakened.
  • Black, flaky or shiny deposits show on the inside of the firebox, the damper or the smoke chamber.
  • You hear scratching, chirping or rustling in the chimney, which can mean animals or nests.
  • The chimney cap is missing, bent or clogged, or sparks come out at the top.
  • There is a strong smell of smoke in the house after the fire goes out, or the flue has visible soot at the cleanout.

What the pro does

  • Cover the fireplace opening and the stove opening to keep soot out of the room, and set up drop cloths.
  • Inspect the flue from the bottom with a light, and check the damper, the smoke chamber and the firebox for cracks.
  • Brush the flue from the top or bottom with rods and a wire brush sized to the flue, removing soot and creosote.
  • Vacuum the debris out of the flue, the firebox and the cleanout, and remove any nests or blockages.
  • Check the cap and the spark arrestor for damage, and check the flashing and the crown from the roof if access is safe.
  • Write up the findings and grade the creosote, so the homeowner knows whether the flue needs more attention.

What changes the price

Every job is different, so we do not publish prices. These are the things that move the quote up or down.

  • Flue height and the number of bends, since each change in direction adds work.
  • Flue material and size, such as masonry or metal liner, which changes the brushing method.
  • Creosote level, since heavy buildup takes longer to remove than a light coating.
  • Roof access, including pitch, height and the need for a ladder or roof safety gear.
  • Whether the chimney has animal nests, debris or a blockage that needs removal.
  • Whether the cap, the damper or the liner needs replacing after the inspection.
  • Number of flues or appliances served by the chimney.

What a written quote should spell out

  • The number of flues cleaned and the appliance each one serves.
  • The creosote level found and the cleaning method used.
  • The inspection results for the liner, the cap, the damper and the crown.
  • Any nest or blockage removed, and how it was removed.
  • Recommended repairs, listed separately from the sweep.
  • Whether a camera inspection was used and whether the footage is shared.

Questions to ask before you hire

  • Will you brush the flue from the top or the bottom, and why that method for my chimney?
  • What creosote level did you find, and what does it mean for the next season?
  • Will you inspect the liner with a camera, and will you show me the footage?
  • Will you check the cap, the damper and the crown, and tell me if any need work?
  • If you find a nest, how will you remove it and seal the opening?
  • Will you clean the firebox and the smoke chamber as well as the flue?
  • Do you give a written report I can keep with my home records?

Red flags

  • The pro sweeps the flue without covering the openings, leaving soot in the room.
  • The pro skips the liner inspection and only brushes the flue.
  • The pro quotes a repair before inspecting the liner, cap and damper.
  • The pro cannot explain the creosote grade or does not describe what was found.

What you can do yourself

You can clean the firebox and the glass, remove ash when it is cold, and check the cap from the ground with a flashlight. Do not climb onto the roof or work on a steep roof to check the chimney, and do not attempt to brush the flue yourself if the liner is cracked or the chimney is tall. Full flue cleaning, liner inspection and any roof work belong to a licensed chimney technician.

Licenses and permits

Chimney sweeping is commonly done by licensed or certified chimney professionals, and roof work may need separate insurance and safety practices. Check with your state or local licensing agency for the requirements that apply to chimney work in your area.

Chimney sweep questions

How often should a chimney be swept?

Once a year is the usual schedule for a fireplace or stove in regular use, and more often if the fire burns a lot of wood or if the creosote is heavy. Many people sweep before the start of each season.

What is creosote and why does it matter?

Creosote is a tar-like residue left by wood smoke. It builds up in the flue and can catch fire, which is why it is removed and checked during each sweep.

Why does a chimney need a cap?

A cap keeps rain, snow and animals out of the flue and keeps sparks in. A missing or damaged cap lets water into the chimney and can let nests form.

Can I hear animals in the chimney?

Scratching, chirping or rustling can mean birds, squirrels or raccoons have entered. Do not let the fire run until a technician has removed the nest and sealed the opening.

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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