CHIMNEY SWEEP AND REPAIR TORONTO

Customer Safety & Satisfaction is Our #1 Priority

HOW OFTEN SHOULD I GET A CHIMNEY SWEPT?

As a homeowner, you should consider maintaining your chimney or fireplace at least once a year (once there is 1/8″ of creosote and/or soot buildup inside the chimney liner). Ideally before the beginning of burning season. As an example, if you plan on using your fireplace regularly starting in the fall, you should aim to have it cleaned in late summer.   It is best to have your chimney maintenance completed when it is warm outside not humid and avoid cold nights in winter. Other factors include:

• How often you use it
• Type of heating system used
• Amount and type of wood species, including water content
• Which way you light the fire

WHAT WE LOOK FOR:



We particularly look for signs of corrosion or deterioration for the following:

• On masonry /brick chimneys we look for any black or white spots;
• If you have a metal chimney, we look on the outside surface for any sign of rusting and/or corrosion;
• Abnormal increase in size, missing pieces or cracks of the lining/flue lining;
• Any signs of corrosion on a vent connector;
• and any signs of issues within walls and attics.
  

What are the typical components that affect a fireplace?

First of, structural factors of your home will affect your chimney. Most fireplaces have a smoke chamber, smoke shelf, flue, crown and clean-out door, a hearth, firebox, lintel, ash dump and damper. We’ll inspect and ensure that there are no potential problems making your fireplace more efficient and fully operational a vent connector, a catalytic combustor (if you have one), Door gaskets, Cap or crown.

Most of our chimney cleaning is completed using a high powered Hepa from the inside to keep your home soot and dust free. The goal is to ensure that is free from moisture damage and other problems that can cause deterioration. A cleaning generally takes about a 1/2 hour to an hour.

How do you know if you need your chimney swept?

Below are the things to look for when determining whether your chimney needs to be cleaned:

• The fireplace damper has black creosote buildup or walls have oily spots
• Fire burns very poorly or oddly and it takes more effort to get it started and keep going
• Odors coming from fireplace ( smells like a campfire)
• Smoke Doesn’t Rise Up the Chimney
• Smoke fills the room
• If there’s noise or any sign of living creatures inside.   

How much DOES A CHIMNEY SWEEP COST?

The cost for chimney cleaning will vary depending on whether you already receive regular maintenance or not. If you do, it can cost anywhere from $100 - $175 for a check-up and a basic cleaning, otherwise, without regular maintenance it will cost you between $150 to $350, and as much as $1000. 

There are different categories and measures required for each chimney sweep and inspection. Generally, if you’re planning on selling and listing your home or you haven’t used your fireplace in a while, consider having minor repairs done, such as, refitting the liner between your roof and chimney and replacing certain parts (chimney cap, etc). In this case, our pro’s will use a camera to do a comprehensive inspection of the surrounding areas, examining your roof and attic to and including various areas of your chimney using a camera. In short, minor repairs can cost you approximately $260 - $650 but practically speaking, most chimney repairs and inspections fall under the price category of $650.00- $2,100.00.

In the worst-case scenario, where there’s significant structural damage or extensive repairs required, it can cost you anywhere from $2,600.00- $4,500.00. 

 Can you do a chimney sweep yourself?

Typically, yes, doing a quick cleaning sweep yourself is pretty simple and we recommend doing so to reduce ordinary soot and creosote build-up, however, do-it-yourself in between professional visits as there are several factors to consider first, especially if there is heavy creosote build-up.

Cleaning you chimney is a messy job, so while you may get it clean, you might also get surrounding areas and your home covered in dirty and grimy soot at the same time. It can be difficult to control the dust and debris during and after the process. Since professionals do this regularly, they are trained to keep every workspace clean, following the highest standards of Dust Control and Fire Safety protocols. In addition, pro’s have the proper equipment to assist them in every step of the way. 

Keep in mind just some of the equipment required to help your DIY chimney cleaning:

• Heavy-Duty Cloth Tarps
• Heavy duty or Commercial Grade Shop Vacuums with Extension Hose
• A Professional Grade Respirator Mask
• Eye Protection/Safety glasses
• Safety harness
• Hand Brushes
• Flue liner brush
• Long-handled brush
• Noodle brush
• Extension Rods
• Gloves/Booties
• Duct tape

*A note about ladders. It might be necessary to climb your roof to reach your chimney from the outside, especially if you have a very steep roof pitch. Make sure you wear a safety harness even if you’re comfortable working on your roof. The most important area to clean would be the smoke chamber and smoke shelf area. This is where most chimney fires start. Nonetheless, it could be a very difficult area to reach with a brush. Ask yourself, do you really want to risk doing that yourself? If you are not trained in roof climbing safety and other safety standards, we urge you not to take that chance as it requires proper training.

Now that you have a better idea on some of the DIY kit’s to purchase, which can cost you anywhere from $50 to $100, consider the amount of time it will likely take you to learn and complete the job along with how much it will actually cost you vs. hiring a certified technician to do it for you.  See the average price it cost’s to clean a chimney professionally above.  

Another important factor to consider is that your own DIY won’t pass the WETT inspection (Wood Energy Technology Transfers) that is often required by insurance companies. Insurance companies want to ensure your wood burning stove, has been professionally installed, up to code and in good working order as to avoid the risk of fire.  Surely, it will affect the price of your home insurance.

This is yet another reason to consider a WETT certified technician to do your visual or video inspection inside of your chimney where most of the risks of danger starts and to confirm your chimney is in proper working order, further reducing the risk to your home and family. On that note, it makes sense to have your cleaning done at the time of inspection. 

5 QUICK TIPS FOR DIY CHIMNEY CLEANING