Chimney Sweep Cost

If yours is one of those few modern homes that still has a fireplace or a gas stove, periodic chimney cleaning is a must for you. The reason that chimney sweep and cleaning should be taken seriously is that many fires are caused due to unclean and clogged chimneys locked with inflammable materials. Since you are reading this article, I am sure you are one of the few who have realized the importance of getting a chimney sweep. In this article, I provide a chimney sweep cost estimate for you.

Why is Chimney Sweep Important?

Before I provide you an estimate of chimney sweep cost, let us see why chimney cleaning is important. One main reason is to make sure that the preferred entry point in Christmas for Santa Claus is cleared up and cleaned for his entry! Kidding! Chimney sweeps are primarily aimed at removing an inflammable substance called creosote that is primarily responsible for a host of fire incidents caused in clogged chimneys. It is one of the most common chimney problems. Burning wood along with certain fossil fuels in the fireplace leads to the formation of creosote.

Due to incomplete combustion, volatile oil and carbon particles mixed with smoke, arise from the fireplace and get deposited on the chimney walls due to condensation and adsorption. This mixture gives rise to a black and oily deposition on the insides of the chimney which is creosote.

If the chimney maintenance and cleaning is not undertaken periodically, creosote goes on accumulating and thick layers form, obstructing the outlet of smoke from the chimney and progressively lead to increased incomplete combustion. This leads to even more thickening of the creosote, which now is a potential bomb waiting to explode.

As and when enough heat and oxygen is supplied to it, the creosote deposit burns and explodes, leading to a rapid outbreak of fire which spreads fast if it comes in contact with other combustible substances. Sources reveal that as many as 73% of all heating fires and a quarter of household fires occur due to accumulation of creosote and negligence in getting chimney cleaning done.

There are professional chimney cleaners who perform a full chimney clean up to prevent such a problem. The reason a chimney clean up on your own is not recommended is the accumulation of carcinogenic substance on the walls that could harm your health, in case adequate precaution is not taken. Professional chimney sweepers use masks and specialized cleaning equipment to clean up your chimney, and negate the danger of a fire hazard.

How Much Does a Chimney Sweep Cost?

Whatever be the chimney sweep prices and costs, bearing them is worthwhile, compared to the risk of subjecting yourself to property damage and losses due to fire. There are professional companies out there who periodically undertake the clean up job of your chimney, on a contractual basis. Certified chimney sweep provided by these companies ensures that you can rest assured about your chimney causing any fire hazard.

Depending on the requirements of the cleaning job, a chimney sweep cost can be in the range of $80 to more than $200. Typical average chimney sweep costs are around $150 which includes a vacuum cleanup of the chimney and the fireplace. You may also get your wood stove and inserts cleaned along with the fireplace. In that case, the chimney sweep cost may be more than $200. In case you need a chimney rebuild and other replacements, the costs may go over $400. Depending on the complexity of the cleaning job, the chimney sweep costs will vary.

Delaying a chimney sweep is certainly not recommended, as ultimately you risk a fire hazard. This article has given you an idea of what is the maximum chimney sweep cost that you can expect. Contact professional cleaners in your area and look for the most reasonable chimney sweep cost quotes that you can get.