Best Chimney Sweepers 2022
Chimney USA
Chimney USA of Chicago was founded in 1997 and offers chimney cleanings for as low as $95. Other services include brick repair, waterproofing, tuck-pointing, animal removal, and more. English- and Spanish-speaking technicians are available to best meet customers’ needs. Chimney USA is a member of organizations such as the National Chimney Sweep Guild and the National Fire Protection Association. Chimney USA offers a no-mess guarantee with each job.
Kingsborough Chimney Sweeps
Kingsborough Chimney Sweeps was founded in 1988, is certified by the Chimney Safety Institute of America®, and has locations in Cary, Northbrook, and Barrington. The business offers chimney and air vent cleaning, as well as chimney cleaning and repairs. Customers can make appointment requests and view special offers on the Kingsborough Chimney Sweeps’ website. A testimonial of the business’s services reported, "The technician arrived on time and did a wonderful job! He took the time to explain the process and cleaned up thoroughly as well.”
Superior Chimney Services Corporation
Superior Chimney Services in Lombard deals with problems like cold drafts, fireplace smell, and offers services that range from furnace flue chimney sweeps to waterproofing and rebuilds. The business has received the Angie’s List Super Service Award every year from 2006 to 2015 and has a rating of 4.64 out of 5 stars based on over 400 customer reviews resulting in a HomeAdvisor Seal of Approval. Every inspection comes with a 14-point certified inspection and photo documentation via an email report.
Ashwipe Chimney Sweeps
Founded in 1981, Ashwipe Chimney Sweeps in Lincolnshire came to be as a result of high local demand and an already-existing customer base. The business offers chimney and dryer vent cleaning, cap and screen installation, and animal removal services. When doing inspections, Ashwipe uses video to record a view of the chimney’s interior so homeowners can see the problem areas for themselves. Ashwipe Chimney Sweeps also sells dry, quality-burning firewood.
Rite-a-Way Chimney Sweep
Rite-a-Way Chimney Sweep services wood burning and gas log fireplaces and performs chimney and dryer vent cleaning. The family-owned and operated company is licensed, bonded, and insured with over 20 years of experience in the industry. Rite-a-Way Chimney Sweeps is an authorized dealer of vented and ventless decorative gas logs. The business also rebuilds entire chimneys. One testimonial said, “Bob arrived on time and was very friendly and professional. He showed me with pictures from his phone what work needed to be done and why. He also explained how to properly maintain the chimney and the dryer vent for the future. He was clean and went above and beyond.”
ChicagoLand Fireplace & Chimney Restoration
ChicagoLand Fireplace & Chimney Restoration is a Chicago contractor that offers a range of services ranging from cleanings and inspections to restoration. The business has experience in masonry, installing new fireplaces, and glass doors and screens. The company’s website displays a portfolio of past work and contains a page with a form to request a quote. Also on the site is a page with brand names of products the business typically uses, as well as pictures of the different styles of items available. ChicagoLand Fireplace & Chimney Restoration takes pride in its relationship with high-quality manufacturers.
Capital City Chimney
Capital City Chimney in Addison is a team of certified fire protection specialists with over 75 years of combined experience. The business has experience with chimney and dryer vent sweeping, tuck-pointing, crown repair, and chimney rebuilds. Coupons for services are available for download on the company’s website. Five dollars of every sweep goes to Bright Pink, a foundation that spreads awareness of the battles against breast and ovarian cancer. In her testimonial, Marriane D. said, “Mike and Dan who came for the quote and fix were professional, friendly and explained every detail so I knew what was wrong and how they would repair the problems… I highly recommend these guys.”
Safeway Chimney Sweeps
Safeway Chimney Sweeps in Frankfort is fully insured and CSIA Certified, and has been serving Chicago and its southern suburbs for over 30 years. The business specializes in chimney sweeping, vent cleaning, HVAC services, and masonry. Safeway Chimney Sweeps also sells fireplace accessories. One testimonial said of the company, “Where others wanted to charge an inflated amount of money, Dan stated the FACTS and did not try to soak me with unneeded repairs. Very honest crew!”
Chicago Fireplace and Chimney
Chicago Fireplace and Chimney performs all necessary maintenance and repairs to keep such structures safe and functional. The company is certified by the National Fireplace Institute and is a member of the National Chimney Sweep Guild. Chicago Fireplace and Chimney sells accessories such as chimney fans, covers, and pots, gas valves, remote controls, and mesh screens, to name a few. The business accepts all major credit cards, and even payments via PayPal. The business’s website contains a page of before and after pictures, including the locations, of past jobs.
Cleanable Solutions
Cleanable Solutions has locations in Skokie, Naperville, and Gurnee, and offers a range of deep-cleaning services to help keep the home allergen-free and looking beautiful. The business has experience in air duct and dryer vent cleaning, chimney sweeping, floor cleaning from marble to carpet, restoration, and water damage repair. The business lists products used in cleaning on its website. Before and after pictures, videos, and other examples of the company’s work can be found on the site as well.
Any Season Chimney
Any Season Chimney serves the Chicago area in chimney cleaning, restoration, and maintenance. Any Season Chimney offers free inspections to help customers properly maintain their existing structures and guarantees all of its jobs. The company offers services in both English and Spanish. All restorations come with a warranty.
Expert Answers To Common Questions:
- Introduction
- How much does a chimney sweep cost?
- How is a chimney swept?
- How often do chimneys need sweeping?
- Do chimney sweep logs work?
- What does a chimney sweep do?
- How long does a chimney sweep take?
- Where did the chimney sweeps dance in Mary Poppins?
- Can you sweep your own chimney?
- Do chimney sweeps still exist?
- How did chimney sweeps clean chimneys in Victorian times?
- Do you need a chimney sweep for a gas fireplace?
- How do you become a certified chimney sweep?
- Are chimney sweeps licensed?
- How do you know when your chimney needs sweeping?
- How do you create a chimney sweep costume?
- Why are chimney sweeps believed to be lucky?
- How much did chimney sweeps get paid in Victorian times?
- Q: Introduction
- A: Hiring a chimney sweep can help keep your home safe from chimney fires and help you remain in compliance with your homeowner’s insurance requirements. A chimney sweep does this by removing creosote buildup, which can catch fire.Some homeowners can perform chimney sweeping tasks as DIY projects. However, some homeowners insurance policies may require a professional inspection afterward to keep coverage in effect.Chimney sweeps can often assess the condition of your chimney. Additionally, they may offer chimney maintenance and repair services, such as repairing flues or masonry work to fortify a weak chimney.
- Q: How much does a chimney sweep cost?
- A: It costs between $150 and $250 to hire a chimney sweep. This is just for basic sweeping services and doesn't include inspection and repair costs if anything is wrong. Factors that can affect the cost include the area where you live, the height of the chimney, and steepness of your home's roof.
- Q: How is a chimney swept?
- A: A chimney is swept by pushing a brush mounted on a flexible rod up through the flue to break creosote buildup loose from the interior walls. The brush and rod combo is then pushed down through the top of the chimney to clean the upper portion of the flue.
- Q: How often do chimneys need sweeping?
- A: Chimneys usually need to be swept once a year. If the chimney is heavily used, it may need to be done more often. If it’s rarely used, it may not need annual cleanings. Your homeowner's insurance may dictate how often you need to have your chimney swept to maintain coverage.
- Q: Do chimney sweep logs work?
- A: Chimney sweep logs work, but they aren’t a substitute for a full cleaning. These logs are ideal for basic chimney maintenance between professional cleanings. Burning the log dries out accumulated creosote so it flakes away more easily. This makes it easier for a chimney sweep to perform the full cleaning.
- Q: What does a chimney sweep do?
- A: A chimney sweep examines the outside and inside of a chimney to determine its condition. They then advise the homeowner on needed repairs and estimates cleaning and repair costs. Chimney sweeps then cleans the chimney and either perform repairs or recommends a mason to handle the task.
- Q: How long does a chimney sweep take?
- A: A chimney sweep usually takes about an hour to perform a complete chimney cleaning. If a home has multiple fireplaces or a very tall chimney, it may take longer. It can also take longer than an hour to remove extreme creosote buildup from a chimney. Additionally, the job will likely take longer if repair work is needed.
- Q: Where did the chimney sweeps dance in Mary Poppins?
- A: The chimney sweeps in Mary Poppins danced on the rooftops in London. The song and dance number from the 1964 Mary Poppins movie was led by Dick Van Dyke and is called Step in Time.
- Q: Can you sweep your own chimney?
- A: If you have the necessary tools, are comfortable working at elevated heights, and are confident you can complete the task, you can sweep your own chimney. You can save money by doing so, but you will most likely still have to pay to have the chimney it inspected for insurance purposes.
- Q: Do chimney sweeps still exist?
- A: Chimney sweeps still exist and provide a service that’s needed by homeowners who have fireplaces or wood stoves. However, chimney sweeps don’t dress and act like the actors who played chimney sweeps in the Mary Poppins movie. They're regular people who wear normal work clothes.
- Q: How did chimney sweeps clean chimneys in Victorian times?
- A: In Victorian times, chimney sweeps used a process similar to the one that’s used today. Brushes on rods were inserted into chimneys and turned to knock soot out of the chimney. Additionally, poor apprentice children were sent into chimney openings with scrapers and brushes to perform a lot of the work.
- Q: Do you need a chimney sweep for a gas fireplace?
- A: Chimneys that are attached to gas furnaces still need to be cleaned annually by a chimney sweep. While burning gas creates a lighter soot and makes less mess, the chimney still needs to be cleaned each year to prevent fires.
- Q: How do you become a certified chimney sweep?
- A: To become a certified chimney sweep, you can take a training course, such as the one offered by the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA). Certification is a three-step process. It involves book study, an online or in-person review, and finally an online or in-person exam.
- Q: Are chimney sweeps licensed?
- A: Not all chimney sweeps are licensed, however, choosing a certified chimney sweep can help ensure the cleaning of your chimney follows industry standards. When you hire a chimney sweep who's certified by the CSIA, you can be assured they've earned the necessary qualifications.
- Q: How do you know when your chimney needs sweeping?
- A: If it’s been a year or longer since your last chimney sweeping, it’s time to have it done. Some other signs to look for include smoke coming out of your fireplace instead of going up the chimney, soot falling down onto the hearth, or that fires don’t burn properly.
- Q: How do you create a chimney sweep costume?
- A: Choose loose-fitting clothes and apply a misting of black spray paint in spots to mimic the appearance of soot. Dust black face powder on your cheeks. Attach pipe cleaners to the end of an old broom handle to form a spiky circle, then spray paint it black to copy a chimney sweep’s tool.
- Q: Why are chimney sweeps believed to be lucky?
- A: There are three legends about the luckiness of chimney sweeps. One saved King William’s life and was invited to a royal wedding. One fell from a roof and was rescued by a woman who fell in love with him, and one rescued King George III, who then decreed all chimney sweeps lucky.
- Q: How much did chimney sweeps get paid in Victorian times?
- A: Chimney sweeps in Victorian England earned about ten shillings. One shilling was equal to 12 pence, and 10 shillings multiplied by 12 pence comes to 120 pence. So, Victorian chimney sweeps earned 120 pence, which in today's currency converts to just under $1.65 USD.