Chimney Sweeping

Important: The following is our protocol on every appointment. Every chimney should be inspected, but only swept as necessary. If you are scheduled for a chimney sweep and your chimney is not swept, then you will only be charged for the inspection. That way we aren't wasting our client's money on unnecessary services. Your first appointment with us always starts off as a level one inspection or level two inspection, depending on the circumstances. We don't do free estimates.

Why Chimney Sweeping is Important

The CSIA and NFPA recommend that you inspect your chimney annually and sweep as necessary. The natural byproduct of burning wood is creosote and, unfortunately, creosote is flammable and can burn at temperatures in excess of 2,100 degrees. Having your chimney swept will not only improve the indoor air quality of your home, but will also reduce the risk of a chimney fire or carbon monoxide.

Fireplace Insert Sweep

  • Technician will lay out drop cloths.
  • Sweep the chimney (usually done from the bottom if liner is connected to insert).
  • Remove insert (this is only done if there is no liner connected to insert).
  • Remove the soot, ash or debris from the insert & from the sides and rear if applicable.
  • Perform a level one inspection.

Fireplace Sweep

  • Technician will lay out drop cloths.
  • Sweep the chimney (usually done from the bottom).
  • Remove the soot, ash or debris from the firebox as well as the smoke shelf.
  • Sweep the track that the damper sits in as to allow the damper to pivot smoothly.
  • We don’t remove the debris from the ash pit or clean out area as part of the chimney sweeping price, however, we can do this at an extra cost.
  • Perform a level one inspection.

Wood Stove or Wood/Coal Furnace Sweep

  • Technician will lay out drop cloths.
  • Sweep the chimney (this is usually done from the roof).
  • Remove and sweep the black pipe.
  • Re-attach the black pipe with new screws and re-mortar back into the wall.
  • Remove all reachable debris from the clean out area based on accessibility.
  • Remove all debris from the appliance based on accessibility.
  • Perform a level one inspection.

Gas Furnace, Oil Furnace, or Hot Water Tank Sweep

  • Technician will lay out drop cloths.
  • Sweep the chimney (this is usually done from the roof).
  • Remove and sweep the connector pipe.
  • Re-attach the connector pipe with new screws.
  • Remove all reachable debris from the clean out area based on accessibility.
  • Perform a level one inspection.

How to Prepare for Your Chimney Sweep or Inspection 

  • 24 hours prior to your appointment, remember to stop burning your wood appliances, fireplaces, or your coal burning appliances. We can not sweep the chimney unless it is completely cooled.
  • 2 hours prior to your appointment, remember to stop using your gas or oil appliances if the chimney to these appliances are being swept. We can not sweep the chimney unless it is completely cooled.
  • Remove fragile or precious items as well as furniture from the area near the fireplace, furnace or stove. We need about 6 to 8ft around the fireplace, furnace or stove so that we can comfortably get our equipment in place and to allow our technicians to move freely.

What to Expect

  • We do a level one inspection for $199 unless your circumstances prompt a level two inspection which is $299. See our inspection information as to the circumstances that prompt what level of inspection may be necessary.
  • If we determine that the chimney needs to be swept then, it's an additional $100, but it must be done the day that the recommendation was made so please allow for the time. Please see the sweeping section that pertains to your appliance or fireplace prior to our arrival and be prepared in the event that we recommend it be swept.
  • If during your sweep we discover that your chimney is obstructed with brick, nesting, or other debris, this would be considered outside the scope of routine sweeping and you will incur a fee of $125 per half hour in addition to the inspection and cleaning cost.
  • If the creosote is sufficiently bad to the point to where a routine sweeping won’t suffice, then it will necessitate a mechanical sweeping in collaboration with chemical for an additional cost between $1,100-$1,800, depending on the extent and nature of the build up.
  • If you opt out of the recommended chemical/mechanical sweep, then you will be responsible for a trip charge of $125 for our time because we cannot inspect a dirty chimney.
  • If you hire us to inspect and/or sweep your chimney and you DON’T have a chimney, have a direct vent appliance, an aluminum lined flue, or a vent free product, then you will be responsible for a trip charge of $125 for our time because none of the above can be swept. It is important that you know your appliance and if you are uncertain, then please feel free to text us a photo or email us a photo of your fireplace or appliance.
  • Sweep and inspection fees do go toward the cost of repairs just as long as Advance Chimney Sweeps does that type of repair, the repair cost is a minimum of $1,800 and Advance Chimney Sweeps is doing the work.
  • Sweeping and inspecting a chimney does not make it functional. In fact, the sweeping and inspection is done to help ascertain whether or not the chimney has deficiencies. In the event that deficiencies exist, then Advance Chimney Sweeps will prepare an estimate just as long as they provide said service.
  • Dampers are temperamental and tend to come off the track relatively easy as it ages and wears. Please check the damper to make sure you can open and close it with ease prior to us leaving because if it comes off track, then we will charge a service charge for each trip that we make to your residence or business to put it back on track.
  • We always CLOSE YOUR DAMPER when we're done with the chimney sweep and/or inspection, so that you don’t waste energy up through your chimney, so its important that you open your damper before you light a fire or you will fill your house with smoke.
Advance Chimney Sweeps truly went above and beyond for me and my family when we needed it most. — Angela A.
Trust the Chimney Experts For the safety of your home and family, trust the area's most reliable and experienced chimney company.
  • CSIA Certified Employees
  • NFI Gas Certified Employees
  • PA Chimney Sweep
    Guild Member
  • Sweeping Chimneys
    Since 1996
  • National Chimney
    Sweep Guild Member
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  • Workers Compensation Insurance
  • General Liability Insurance
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