How Much Does a Chimney Sweep Cost?

What Factors Affect Your Chimney Sweep Price?

Numerous factors and add-on services may affect the cost to sweep your chimney. Below are the main variables that play into your bill. 

Chimney Caps

Installing a chimney cap costs $300 on average, with prices ranging anywhere between $75 and $1,000. A professional is likely to recommend a chimney cap if you have issues with downdrafts—these also help keep debris, water, and animals out of your chimney.  Damaged caps should get replaced to ensure efficiency.

Flue/Chimney Liners

During cleaning, you may need to line or reline your chimney for a cost of between $2,500 and $7,000. Flue liners protect the masonry and mortar, extending the life of your chimney. They also retain heat and provide optimal ventilation. If you have a liner that is cracked or damaged, repairs or replacement will make it safer to use your fireplace.

Chimney Flashing

Flashing installation costs $200 to $500 and helps prevent leaks and water damage. You can lower your costs by doing it yourself, but much like other roofing work, it's a good idea to hire a professional to ensure proper installation.

Fireplace Damper

Fireplace dampers cost around $200 to $400 to install and $100 to $225 to repair. Dampers are important for directing smoke up and out of the chimney, as well as for preventing downdrafts. 

If your damper is damaged or warped, you'll want to budget for a replacement, as a warped damper could be pulling your indoor air out and decreasing your home's energy efficiency. It may also push smoke into your living space, which could damage your possessions and compromise your safety.

Animal Removal

The cost for professional, humane animal removal varies from one species to another, but averages between $200 and $600.  Bats, for example, cost more than squirrels to get rid of safely. 

Small critters like raccoons tend to make homes out of chimneys, which is unsafe for your home—and for them. It's not uncommon for chimney cleaners to come across small animals and birds, so it’s wise to budget for this factor.

Creosote Logs

Creosote sweeping logs cost $16 to $25 per log, and convert thick, tar-like creosote buildup into a flaky, more manageable consistency. The creosote then falls like ash onto the hearth of the fireplace. 

You can use these logs throughout the year to loosen residue and keep your flue in shape. However, they’re not a replacement for a professional cleaning—be sure to stick to an annual professional cleaning service.

Inspection

During your cleaning, it's a good idea to invest in the cost for a chimney inspection to check for damage, pests, creosote, and other hazards. If you believe your chimney has damage, it’s a good idea to plan for extra chimney repair costs.

A Level 1 visual inspection typically gets included with your chimney cleaning, while Level 2 inspections can assess major storm damage for an extra $200 to $1,000. Level 3 inspections cost anywhere from $500 to $5,000 and are meant for chimneys with severe structural damage. 

Accessibility

If the chimney is difficult or dangerous to access, this could result in additional charges. For example, roofs with a steep pitch are more hazardous to work on, so the pro may charge extra for the job.

Level of Buildup

Sweeping a chimney with excessive buildup can go as high as $800. Keeping up a regular chimney sweeping schedule means paying less per cleaning. 

Method

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. 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.

Signs You Need Your Chimney Swept

While it’s wise to stick to an annual cleaning routine, there are a few key signs that it’s time for a chimney sweep:

• Excessive buildup and creosote (wearing a dust mask and safety goggles, you can check this yourself by shining a flashlight and scraping the soot—it should be no more than 1/8 inch thick)

• Smoke entering your living space while the fireplace is in use

• A rich tar smell emanating out of your fireplace (a sign of creosote buildup)

• A fire that’s weaker than usual

Benefits of Chimney Sweeping

Chimney sweeping has many benefits for both safety and efficiency. These include:

• Preventing chimney fires

• Improving airflow and preventing carbon monoxide poisoning

• Burning wood and heating your home more efficiently

• Keeping smoke out of your living space, which can compromise the health of your family and damage your furnishings

DIY vs. Hiring a Chimney Sweeper

While DIY chimney sweeping kits are available for around $70 to $120, the extra skill (not to mention effort and mess) required makes hiring a pro well worth the cost. Chimney sweeping is important for ensuring the safety of your chimney and fireplace—enlisting the help of a local chimney sweeper will ensure the job gets done right.