With regular Air Duct Cleaning, your HVAC system will run more efficiently and your indoor air quality will . Those need to be removed by a professional chimney sweep. The size of a chimney is another factor in the total chimney and fireplace inspection cost. The chemicals soak into the creosote and dry it up, causing bits of it to drop into the fireplace. During your annual visit, chimney sweeps may recommend further repairs to keep your chimney running safely and efficiently. Choose companies certified by the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA). Fireplace repairs cost $90 to $2,000, while the price of a chimney rebuild could reach $5,000. Every time you have or more of creosote buildup, schedule a cleaning. Costs can reach $5,000 if the chimney has structural damage thats impossible to see without tearing down walls. In addition to everything inspected in Level 1, the inspection covers all internal joints and surfaces with the aid of a video camera plus siding, the attic, and the roof access. Additional maintenance tips include occasionally inspecting the damper to make sure it is functioning. Examples include chimney cap damage, heavy soot or creosote buildup, crown defects, flue damage, flue blockages, rusty or damaged dampers, unlined flues, unsafe clearance, and missing cleanout doors. To get free estimates from local contractors, please indicate yours. There are different levels of inspections, just as there are different types of chimneys and different numbers of flues. The average cost of a cleaning session is $100 to $500. For example, sweeping a regular open fireplace with a single flue will cost less than sweeping one with a double flue. How hard will it be for the chimney sweep to access your chimney? When shopping around for price quotes from local chimney sweeps, mention the type of fireplace or stove to the company representative. Whats included? An annual inspection can cost from $70 to $200, depending on where you are and how your system is set up. Sweeping a wood-burning insert that must be removed costs $179 to $239. Updated the Average Cost of Chimney Inspection per Flue section. Layers of soot can build up in the fireplace if its not cleaned regularly, so chimney sweeps typically charge more for the additional time and effort it takes to remove the build-up. Expect to pay $500 to $5,000 for a level three inspection. If you have had a significant fire, or the level 2 inspection has shown serious signs of damage that cannot be fully assessed with the camera, then a level 3 inspection is done. When it comes to your fireplace, a chimney sweep is as important as fuzzy slippers and a good book. A gas fireplace inspection costs$75 to $100, or between$150 and $175if you include a thorough cleaning. Written by HomeAdvisor. There are three different levels of chimney inspections. bottle for $20. Let's take a closer look at the costs. If you own other heat-creating units that use one, it should be inspected and cleaned regularly. New construction projects should be inspected before initial use and midway through the fire heating season. The Chimney Institute of America also explains that these types of inspections are required upon sale or transfer of property after an operation malfunction or other events may have caused damage. The national average is $100 to $500, with most homeowners paying around $400 for a level 2 inspection and cleaning of a wood stove chimney. During a chimney inspection, the inspector will examine every accessible part of the chimney, including the attached fireplace or heating system. Find a Pro +. Get free, no-commitment project estimates from services near you. If a homeowner notices excessive smoke leaving their chimney or fireplace smoke entering their home, its recommended they contact a chimney inspector immediately. The average cost to repair or replace a damper in your fireplace or chimney is$323 to $439. Deposits such as soot, creosote, and debris can build up over time. Need professional help with your project? Fill all cracks, and repair damaged or missing mortar. A level two inspection costs between $200 and $1,000 and goes a step further to include a more extensive investigation into potential structural issues caused by recent damage. Level 1 chimney and fireplace inspections cost around $85 to $950. The inspector will look for cracks, excessive creosote buildup, or other signs of wear and tear and recommend any necessary repairs. According to the National Fire Protection Association, heating equipment is responsible for 15% of all residential fires and 19% of home fire fatalities. The cost breaks down by: Beyond that, heres whats typically involved in each level of inspection: Once you hire a chimney sweep near you a level-one inspection typically comes with your cleaning. Many certified chimney sweeps list a level-one inspection as "free" when lumped in with the cost of a cleaning. If you see oily spots on your fireplace walls or you smell odors coming from your fireplace, you need a chimney sweep. However, because of the vent, you will need an annual inspection. Other factors that can affect cost are additional inspection services and pathogen testing. A brief chimney inspection is typically part of a home inspection. While its not the most glamorous task, cleaning your chimney is vitally important to the safety of your home. During an annual inspection, a certified inspector looks for any potential clearance issues that could negatively affect operation. How soon can you complete a chimney inspection? Expect to pay more than the basic cost for any of the following reasons: If the fireplace insert has to be pulled out of the firebox before the chimney can be cleaned, No chimney cap (makes for a dirtier chimney). You should expect to spend between $100 and $200, which may go even higher in some areas. Updated the FAQs section with four additional questions. This level of inspection is only necessary when level 1 inspections show signs that need to be further investigated. A gas fireplace cleaning costs about$75. How Much Do Chimney Inspection Cost? An Expert's Guide. In some cases, home inspectors can also inspect the chimney. A level one chimney check-up or annual cleaning will likely cost $80 to $200, while a level three inspection may cost up to $5,000. This level is reserved for chimneys with damage from fires or storms. The Chimney Safety Institute of AmericaandThe National Fire Protection Associationclassify three levels of chimney inspections all fire professionals should adhere to. For a comprehensive assessment, homeowners may want to consider hiring a professional chimney inspector. Its very common for some homes to have multiple flues, one for a fireplace, one for a wood stove, and more for things like the HVAC system to vent through. This is an invasive inspection where some parts of the main structure will be removed to visualize the flues better. Grease increases fire risk, while creosote emits dangerous odors that can be toxic to humans. A full cleanup should be done after the chimney sweep. Gas Fireplace Inspection Cost A gas fireplace inspection costs $75 to $100. It depends on the level of inspection, chimney size, number of flues, and accessibility of the chimney itself. The necessity for this type of inspection is rare. Level three inspections can take days since they require the removal of building materials to assess severe damage. Most chimney sweeps wont give an estimate without seeing the condition of the existing liner first. Find a Pro +. Fireplace inspections can cost as little as $75 or as much as $5,000 The national average cost of a fireplace inspection ranges from $360 to $400. Waterproofing should only be done after all repairs are carried out. The information provided by our cost guides comes from a great variety of sources, including specialized publications and websites, cost studies, U.S. associations, reports from the U.S. government, contractors and subcontractors, material suppliers, material price services, and other vendor websites. Many states require an inspection when buying or selling a property. It will be inspected from the roof, as well as from the fireplace or flue opening. Will Salt Put Out a Chimney Fire? Some chimney sweeps charge by the amount of time it takes to complete a job, with rates ranging from $129 to $377 per hour. For instance, furnaces or pellet stoves might use one and leave residue inside it. This service costs more since inspectors must look from the bottom and the top to gauge the damage. A Level 1 chimney inspection is the most common and is usually includedfreeas part of your cleaning or repair service. CHIMNEY CLEANING; CHIMNEY SERVICES; CHIMNEY CAPS; . It depends on the state, but it is in some locations. Gas Fireplace Cleaning and Inspection Costs, Basic visual inspection of fireplace, chimney, and appliances without video aid, Level 1 inspection plus inspection of the roof, attic, crawl space, and basement. If you use your fireplace frequently but have been neglecting your annual cleanings, you can expect your next chimney sweep to cost more than expected. The level greatly influences how much you pay for this service. Be sure spark screens move in their track smoothly and are tangle-free. Its the calming crackle of a safe fireplace. Visual video inspection of all the internal surfaces and joints of a flue liner. For example, if cleaning is needed before the inspection or repairs are needed after, there will likely be additional costs. This level of inspection is necessary when the cleaning services are majorly for the chimney. Level 3 inspections are not conducted unless your sweep suspects serious structural issues. Signs that an inspection is needed include a burnt odor when heating a room, excessive smoke from a fireplace, and poorly burning fires. Cost data is based on research by HomeAdvisor. Sweeping a regular open fireplace with a double flue costs $340. The cleaning can be performed on your own when the fireplace is cool and the pilot light is off. Greasy black soot and creosote builds up inside your chimney. Unkempt or damaged chimneys can create chimney fires or conditions that lead to carbon dioxide inhalation. A standard fireplace inspection costs $55 to $130. Most chimney cleaning kits consist of rods which trimmed brushes are attached to at one end and a drill at the otherto rotate the rod. In addition, you should clean the firebox once a week when the fireplace is in use and wipe the firebox out entirely at the end of the season. Any issues found during the inspection may need to be resolved prior to the issuance of a certificate of occupancy. If you have a shop vac, insert the hose into the firebox, taping the plastic sheeting around it. Updated the How Often Should a Chimney be Inspected? Average DIY $140 Average Pro $220 Typical Range Most inspections include cleaning as part of the process. Over time, residue builds up into a combustible material called creosotethe leading cause of chimney fires. Whether after a storm, earthquake, or another natural disaster, a chimney should always be inspected if it has potentially been damaged. For this reason, there can be a range of costs associated with having a chimney inspected. This type of inspection is usually more thorough than an annual inspection, as any issues must be resolved prior to the execution of the sale or issuance of the certificate of occupancy. Creosote build-up on the walls can obscure some issues. Annual chimney inspections are best completed right before winter, when a chimney starts to be used regularly. The CSIA provides a thorough guide on choosing the right wood and burning it safely in your fireplace or woodstove. A level 3 inspection can last several days if major structural changes are needed. Wood fireplaces that receive regular maintenance cost$89 to $155 per cleaning, while those with heavy creosote buildup or neglect cost$300 or more. If you have not used your chimney in a while or have purchased a new home, then a level 1 inspection should also be conducted to make sure that it is in good condition and ready to use. As part of a home maintenance plan, every homeowner must hire an inspector. By using HomeAdvisor, you agree to our Terms & Conditions, Copyright 1999 - 2023 HomeAdvisor, Inc. All Rights Reserved, Fireplace & Chimney Inspection Services & Costs, Chimney Opening, Closing & Maintenance Costs. Hire a pro for a chimney inspection for peace of mindGet free, no-commitment project estimates from services near you. Some chimney cleaning equipment can do the cleaning job faster than with older methods. Addressing any issues identified during an inspection improves heating efficiency and overall safety. The additional considerations section was updated with information on cleaning unused chimneys and home inspections. How much does it cost to have a fireplace inspected? If the inspection report comes back with recommended repairs, they will likely cost anywhere from $90 to $2,000. What to Know Before Hiring a Chimney Sweep. A professional chimney sweep can clean a chimney of any of level of soot and creosote buildup. Also, debris builds up from the ceramic logs throughout the year. For more details, you have to hire a chimney inspector to take a look. In addition to the size and accessibility of the chimney, there are other elements that may affect the cost. For example, you can use creosote logs to loosen the buildup of dangerous residue inside your chimney throughout the year. Thats why its important to maintain your chimney and schedule annual cleanings from a professional. Chimney inspections vary by the level of inspection requiredand the costs vary, too. If the masonry is cracking or crumbling, a repair will be necessary to prevent it from collapsing. Chimneys that have not been properly maintained pose a serious risk to the household residents. It includes a visual examination of the inner surfaces of the chimney after sweeping them clean. Even the clean-burning gas fireplaces need occasional inspection and servicing. The time needed increases if you havent had routine cleaning, have a buildup of creosote, or the chimney has angled turns. Keep in mind that the cost of your inspection is based on factors like the accessibility of your roof, the type of chimney your home has, and what kind of cleaning is needed. These are the cost details for chimney and fireplace cleaning and sweep cost. The work is incredibly detailed and runs from $1,000 to $5,000. A level 2 inspection takes at least 60 minutes. A chimney sweep will use a video camera to see the inside of your chimney for about$145if no cleaning is done, or$195if you want the chimney cleaned too. Poorly burning fires or fires that wont start at all indicate an issue with a chimneys cleanliness or other damage. This level of a fireplace inspection will cost you about $80-$200. Prevent creosote buildup in your chimney by only burning properly dried wood, keeping your fire burning briskly, keeping a flue temperature of over 250 F, and keeping the flue clean to give the fire enough airflow. You can still do your part to keep your fireplace safe. If the creosote is not regularly cleaned and removed, the buildup can create obstructions in a chimney that could lead to a fire. However, it is possible to have an inspection done after years of disuse, before or after a sale, or after an earthquake or other natural disaster. Chimney level two inspection cost is typically around $200 for a single-flue chimney and up to $1,000 for multiple flues. Before hiring one of the best chimney cleaners or inspectors, it is important for homeowners to fully understand the inspection process. If your chimney catches fire, make sure everyone is out of the house and thencall 911. Using a cleaning kit yourself can work if the chimney is fairly straight, but buy a flexible brush kit if it is not. Do you offer written quotes and contracts? Beware of scamsin this industry who offer a suspiciously low price, pressure you to sign the contract immediately, dont have a truck with permanent signage, have no online reviews, and arent certified with the organizations they claim. DIYers can buy galvanized steel step flashing for$0.52 to $0.62per 4 x 8 piece, but a rubber boot flashing kit for a metal roof will cost about$216 to $270. These pros inspect, clean, and help maintain your fireplace so you can enjoy it safely and with peace of mind. If a fireplace has a sudden change in performance, the system needs to be checked out. Chimneys remove the smoke and chemical by-products caused by burning oil, gas, or wood in a fireplace or furnace. A convenient alternative is a gas fireplace, which only needs the occasional cleaning and an annual vent inspection (which only costs $75-$100). A chimney sweep service will take an average of45 to 60 minutesto perform. HeatShield PCR is a poultice. A level two inspection costs around $200 for a single flue chimney and up to $1,000 for ones with four flues. Each one carries a different cost, with level 1 and level 2 inspections being able to take place at the same time as cleaning, with additional costs. Oct 24, 2022 On average, chimney cleaning and repair services cost $159, and prices typically range from $149- $179. Updated the Chimney Inspection and Cleaning Cost section. If you live in an area that may be impacted by earthquakes, you may want to have your chimney inspected for defects that can lead to a collapse in the event of an earthquake. Creosote is one of the leading causes of fires. At the low end of the spectrum is a level 1 inspection and cleaning of a gas stove chimney for $85, while at the high end is a level 3 inspection and cleaning of a wood-burning fireplace chimney and multiple flues for $5,000. Does your chimney inspection include a chimney cleaning? They take about 20 to 30 minutes. If the chimney inspector does not remove built-up creosote as part of the inspection, homeowners may consider using one of the best creosote removers or hiring a separate chimney cleaning specialist. A home insurer sometimes requires an inspection. Removing the insert and baffle gives the cleaner access to the chimney. The cleaning should include a Level 1 inspection. Hearth Extension. Hire a pro for a chimney inspection for peace of mind. Step 2 The Hearth The hearth includes the floor of the fireplace and the area in front of the fireplace. Sweeping a wood-burning masonry fireplace is $159 to $200. Most of the maintenance tasks are something that you will take care of yourself. Come up with a payment schedule for the work completed. Brick is porous, so bricks and mortar can break down from numerous freeze-thaw cycles if they are not waterproofed. Inspectors include cleaning services to get a clear look at the surface. Otherwise, its typically priced at $130 to $365. Animals can make holes in the masonry of your chimney and burrow in. Their work can protect your home against chimney fires and carbon monoxide. Forgoing chimney inspections, however, poses a risk to everyone inside a home and the home itself. Dont sleep on hiring a professional chimney sweep. After the cleaning, the surfaces are clear and an accurate investigation can be completed. Your opinion matters! Chimney Inspection Costs at a Glance Level 1 inspection: $85-$950 (CAD 110-CAD 1,200) Level 2 inspection: $150-$1,000 (CAD 200-CAD 1,300 Level 3 inspection: $500-$5,000 (CAD 650-CAD 6,500) Your home's chimney keeps you safe while you enjoy a roaring fire, and there's more to it than meets the eye. Let's say your chimney weathered a terrible storm or even a recent earthquake. This is done so that the sweep can better visualize the interior chambers. Having it cleaned helps prevent this from occurring. Chimney sweeps are trained in fire prevention and work closely with the fire department. A standardchimney inspectioncosts$100 to $250depending on the type of chimney being inspected and roof accessibility. This service is only performed on chimneys with a lot of structural damage. A chimney sweep cleans the firebox, damper, smoke chamber, flue, and smoke shelf of your fireplace or wood stove and chimney by removing any blockages of creosote and soot from them. 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