Are you looking to get some spring chimney maintenance in this spring or summer? If so, you might want to budget for and get an inspection sooner rather than later to get all the facts. A lot of things can impact proper recommendations for further inspection, cleaning, or repair. Depending on the level of chimney inspection you request, to the amount of repair work you need, to the type of creosote you have in your flue things can vary quite a bit. The best way to keep a handle on the cost of inspection, maintenance and repair needs is to have your chimney and appliances inspected annually by CSIA Certified Chimney Sweeps and NFI Certified Specialists on at least an annual basis.
While pricing on repair or maintenance projects can vary greatly, here is a general guideline for what you can expect moving forward.
Inspection Costs
So, you’ve already booked your yearly inspection. Great! Springtime is a great time to get thing inspected, swept, and any needed maintenance or repairs completed. Our CSIA & NFI Certified Specialists will have plenty of time to get everything addressed and ready to go so that you are all set come fall.
But what can you expect as far as costs?
Your basic level one inspection should run anywhere from around $115 to $250 or more, depending on the condition of your chimney, the number of flues, and whether or not a certified technician spots any areas that need additional inspection.
A level two inspection is more in-depth and uses video equipment, and inspects areas adjacent to your chimney in other rooms, attics, and crawl spaces. Level two inspections are more thorough, looking at the whole system holistically. They are highly recommended in certain situations, and required for all new customers, before any repair, and in conjunction with a home sale. In a level two inspection, all flues and appliances in a single system must be inspected at the same time. Depending on how many flues and fireplaces there are in your system, how hard or easy they are to safely access and sweep, the number of connected appliances, and several other factors these typically cost between $185 to $500 or more.
Has a sweep told you a level three inspection is required? These are less common, but might be necessary if your system is in especially rough shape or if some areas cannot be properly inspected. These types of inspections are generally required when concerns exist in an inaccessible area in or near your chimney and often require the removal of permanently attached portions of the chimney or home to access. Because of their invasive nature, they will typically cost between $1000 – $5000 dollars depending on the type of access and refinishing required.
Sweeping Costs
A chimney sweeping could range from $125 – $350 or more per flue depending on How many flues are present, offsets and size or height of the flue to be cleaned, or the type of creosote present. Creosote comes in many different forms, from flaky and light, to sticky and tar-like, to hard and glazed. Glazed creosote is much harder to remove, often results in a chimney fire and damaged flue tiles. When heavy creosote is present stronger products must be used to get the job done right. Between chemical cleaning products and options like tile removal relining for systems with heavy creosote and damage prices may vary greatly.
Cost Of Repair Work
When it comes to repair work, prices tend to vary quite a bit. For example, a new chimney cap is a solid investment that could run you anywhere from 150 – $700 or more, depending on the type you purchase. Chimney flashings, as well as newer top-mounted dampers start at several hundred dollars and go up from there. The efficiency they offer by stopping heated air from leaving the home in the winter, and cool air from leaving the home in the summer, is worth its weight in gold though. Animal removal generally starts around $300 – $500 depending on what kinds of critters you have in there.
If the work is more involved, such as a chimney relining to negate broken liners or chimney clearance issues, you will be looking at spending between $3,000 – $5000 or more using the right materials and following industry best standards. If you are looking at hourly rates for general labor by certified companies expect to pay between 100-200 per hour depending on the type of work being done and the expertise required.
Safety first! Are you ready for winter?
Remember, while some services may be more or less than you anticipate the real value in hiring a professional is the safety of your home and family. Certified professionals train long hours and work hard to make sure they can give you the facts about your system and recommend the right repair options to keep your home and family safe. What is that peace of mind worth? Priceless.
In the end, talking with your preferred chimney company about their specific rates and availability will be your best bet when it comes to finding the right services for your budget and what you need to save for. Make sure you ask any chimney sweep or hearth professional if they are certified, and by who. Not all certifications were created equally and some require much more than others. Also, be sure to ask whether they are licensed and insured if required as well. Just like with fire, in the end, it’s the little things that make all the difference.
Ready to get started? Get on the phone with our team at The Chimney Doctor today. We will be happy to help you out.
Recent Comments