Before you light your fireplace… get your chimney checked.
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(312) 555-0147Chimney services
Tap a service to request it. We'll confirm the details when we call.
Chimney Inspection
Full safety check with photos of what we find.
Chimney Sweeping
Creosote and soot removed. Drop cloths, no mess.
Crown Repair
Seal and rebuild cracked crowns before water gets in.
Flashing Repair
Stop leaks where the chimney meets the roof.
Waterproofing
Breathable water repellent that protects the brick.
Tuckpointing
Fresh mortar for loose and crumbling joints.
Cap & Damper
Keep out rain, animals and cold drafts.
Liner Installation
New flue liners for safe, clean venting.
A dirty chimney is the #1 cause of home heating fires
Creosote, the tar left behind by wood smoke, coats the inside of the flue every time you burn. It is highly flammable, and you can't see it from the fireplace.
Chicago-area homes served by our technician
U.S. home heating fires every year
of those fires involve a fireplace or chimney
contributing factor: failure to clean, mainly creosote in chimneys
of home heating fires happen in December, January and February
The NFPA 211 standard calls for chimneys, fireplaces and vents to be inspected at least once a year, including chimneys for gas appliances.
Seeing any of these? Book an inspection
Smoke backs up
Smoke drifting into the room usually means a blocked flue, a damper problem or heavy buildup.
Water in the firebox
Drips, rust or damp ash point to a failing cap, crown or flashing letting rain and snow in.
Crumbling brick
Loose mortar, flaking brick faces or pieces on the roof mean freeze-thaw damage is spreading.
Strong campfire smell
A smoky or tar smell in the house, worse on humid days, is a common sign of creosote.
White stains outside
White powder streaks on the brick (efflorescence) mean water is moving through the masonry.
Over a year since service
Just bought the house, or can't remember the last sweep? Start with an inspection.
Small fixes now, or big bills later
Typical U.S. prices for common chimney work. An inspection finds problems while they are still in the left column.
Caught at inspection
Left for another winter
What we check
A Level 1 inspection, the standard annual check under NFPA 211.
- Creosote and soot level inside the flue
- Blockages: nests, debris, animals
- Firebox, damper and smoke chamber
- Exterior brick, mortar joints and crown
- Chimney cap, spark arrestor and flashing
- Clearance from wood framing and combustibles
How it works
From form to inspection, usually within a few days.
Tell us what you need
Fill out the 30-second form or call us directly.
We call to book a time
A local tech calls you back to pick a day that works for you.
Inspection with photos
We check the full system and show you pictures of what we find.
Clear price, your call
If anything needs work, you get the price first. No pressure to book.
Chicago and nearby suburbs
Enter your ZIP code in the form and we'll confirm coverage when we call.
Common questions
Is the inspection really free?
Yes. The visual safety inspection costs nothing and you're under no obligation. If we find something that needs cleaning or repair, we give you the price first and you decide.
How often should a chimney be inspected?
Once a year. The NFPA 211 standard recommends an annual inspection for every chimney, fireplace and vent, and the Chimney Safety Institute of America recommends the same. Fall, before the first fire, is the best time.
I have a gas fireplace. Do I still need this?
Yes. Gas doesn't leave creosote, but flues still get blocked by nests and debris, and liners and caps still wear out. A blocked gas vent can push carbon monoxide back into the house.
How long does an inspection take?
Most standard inspections take under an hour. Cleaning usually adds another hour or so, depending on buildup.
Will you make a mess in my house?
No. The tech lays down drop cloths around the fireplace and uses a vacuum system while working.
Before you light the first fire
Get your chimney checked while there's still time to fix things before winter. It's free and takes 30 seconds to request.
Get My Free Inspection (312) 555-0147