Overland Park, Prairie Village, Lenexa, Olathe Blog

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How often should my chimney be cleaned?

The National Fire Protection Agency recommends a yearly chimney inspection or after every cord of wood burned. Cleanings and repairs should be done as necessary. Homeowners with Woodstoves or Oil Fired Furnaces used to heat the home should absolutely have a professional at their home every year.

Chimney sweeping removes a residue of condensed smoke called creosote that can cause a chimney to catch fire. A Chimney sweep should also include inspecting for damage such as missing mortar or cracked tiles.

Typical costs: 

• Sweeping a regular open fireplace can cost $79-$200
• Cleaning a freestanding wood burning stove with liners runs $109-$209.
• For Do-It-Yourselfers, a brush and rod set runs about $20-$30 for a masonry chimney and $29-$36 for a metal chimney. Also helpful are a shop vacuum,, scrubbing brush, safety goggles, stiff scrubbing brush, dust mask and drop cloths.

What should be included:

• Inspections are classified as Level 1, Level 2 or Level 3, according to the Chimney Safety Institute of America. Level 1 is recommended for a chimney under continued service and conditions. An in-depth Level 2 inspection is required when changes are made to the system including fuel type, shape, or relining, building fires, or sale. When Level 1 or 2 inspections suggest a hidden hazard, Level 3 addresses the proper construction and condition of concealed portions of the structure.

Other Possible Costs:

• Stove inserts that do not have liners that run to the top of the chimney need to be pulled out for access and run an extra $40-$50. Any insert pipes that have to be removed to be cleaned can cost around $20.
• When a camera inspection is used during a cleaning, the cost increases by $100-$300.
• Creosote buildup, an odd-shaped flue, or needed repairs can increase the cost of a chimney sweep.

What is a liner?

Currently, chimneys are built with terra-cotta clay tiles inside the brick structure. These tiles are a heat resistant insulator against chimney. Without a liner or with cracked and damaged liners, there can be heat transfer or actual seepage through to the brick and mortar and can eventually melt the bricks or start an unintended fire. A liner is a stainless steel insert used in a  chimney to vent exhaust of the fireplace, wood stove, furnace, or other appliances