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What You Need to Know About Hiring a Professional Chimney Sweep in Houston

Hiring a Professional Chimney Sweep in Houston

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The fireplace is an integral part of every household. It’s where you spend most of your time at home, especially during the cold, winter months. You might imagine yourself breaking out the fuzzy slippers and knitted blankets as you light the first fire of the season. But before you do that, make sure you get in touch with a professional to do a chimney sweep in Houston. A good sweep at least once a year is recommended by the National Fire Protection Association

In case you’re wondering, yes a chimney sweep is a necessary service. Now, it’s time to delve deeper into the costs involved and how much you can expect to pay for this service. 

What is the average cost to sweep a chimney?

The average cost of a chimney sweep in Houston is between $130 and $380. The cost can go up or down based on a number of factors, such as labor costs, the cost of the materials and equipment needed for the job, and the cleanup costs.

On average, every household is expected to spend at least $250 per cleaning service. There are also some professional service providers that charge per hour. You can choose whatever suits you best – the hourly fee or a flat rate. 

The cost of the chimney sweep service will also differ based on the level of inspection. The most basic service will include the following:

  • Inspection for creosote and other physical obstructions
  • Removal of any obstructions (if any)
  • Checking for structural damage or signs of it

As you might expect, the more extensive the amount of work required, the more expensive the fees you will have to pay. 

Level of Inspection

The first level of a chimney sweep service typically includes cleaning along with level one inspection. This is the most basic service that you can expect, and you won’t normally have to pay beyond $200 for this. 

The level two inspection is ideal for those who are planning to sell their homes. A chimney sweep is necessary, along with an inspection of the surrounding areas, such as the roof and attic. Due to the more labor-intensive work, you can pay anywhere from $100 to $500 for this type of service.

The final stage is the level three inspection that can run up to $5,000. It is recommended for homes that have weathered some storms or are in threat of structural damage. This is the most comprehensive inspection and cleaning that you can get on your chimney. 

Location

Your location is also another factor that can impact the average cost of hiring a chimney sweep. Some states and cities are more expensive than others. This could either be due to the lack of other service providers offering this specialized kind of service or the high level of demand. 

Either way, you need to research your options and get as many quotes as possible so you can have an idea of the average cost in your city. 

Other Factors

In addition to the factors stated above, there are other factors that may cause the price to slightly vary. They are as follows:

  • Type of fireplace
  • Size of the chimney
  • Access to the chimney
  • Length of time since last chimney inspection
  • Additional services required

It is important to note that you must not assume that all estimates on a chimney sweep include fees for permits, taxes, and add-on fees. Make sure to speak to your service provider about these fees beforehand or when asking for a quote.

 

chimney sweep services in Houston

What is included in a chimney sweep in Houston?

The chimney is one part of the house that you don’t get to see. However, it can accumulate a lot of dirt and damage over time if you don’t give it the cleaning and maintenance that is required. Regular chimney sweeping and cleaning is the best way to maintain your fireplace so you can get more use out of it.

When you hire a professional cleaning service for the job, it includes the following services:

  1. Sweeping and inspection of the chimney and the fireplace. It will also include cleaning all parts of your chimney to make sure that all of them are functioning as they should and there are no obstructions.
  1. Recommend repair and replacement wherever applicable.
  1. A thorough inspection might also be included, depending on the type of package you chose to book. The purpose of the inspection is to make sure there are no hidden damages. 

Is a chimney sweep worth it?

Yes. When you light the fireplace, the combustion process leaves behind an acidic material that can weaken masonry and therefore put your chimney at risk of deteriorating over time. When there is too much build-up of creosote, a type of flammable material, it can be a fire hazard.

In terms of the safety of your home and ensuring that your fireplace is in good condition, then yes, a chimney sweep is definitely worth the investment. 

How often should you sweep your chimney?

The recommendation from the National Fire Protection Association is that you sweep your chimney at least once a year. In some cases, cleaning a chimney is done as necessary – which could be more or less than a year.

houston professional chimney sweep services

How do you prepare for a chimney sweep?

Before professional cleaners can work on your chimney, there are a few things that you must take care of first. Follow these guidelines to prepare for a chimney sweep:

  • Don’t use your fireplace beforehand. Make sure it is cool enough so that the cleaners can do their job without incident. Ideally, do not use your fireplace 24-48 hours prior to the scheduled cleaning.
  • Clear the mantle and firebox. Make sure these areas are free of any decorations that can get knocked over during the cleaning and inspection.In terms of the safety of your home and to ensure that your fireplace is in good condition, then yes, a chimney sweep is definitely worth the investment. 
  • Ensure easy and clear access. Make it easy for the professional cleaners to access the fireplace and chimney, including their tools and equipment. Any immediate area must be properly cleared, too. 
  • Ask them beforehand if there are any special concerns or other ways that you can prepare for the chimney sweep in Houston. 

Whether you choose to hire a professional for a chimney sweep in Houston or you do it on your own, it is absolutely necessary that you do this periodically. This will protect your fireplace and chimney to ensure that it will serve you well during the cold winter months. 

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