How much does a chimney sweep cost in Texas?

Many people forget they also have a chimney in their home when they don’t need it. But as soon as winter comes, and they find a reason to light a fire, they get to know about obstruction and dirty. In most cases, you won’t even know that your chimney needs immediate cleaning and your house is at risk of getting fire. In worst cases, dirty chimneys cause carbon monoxide to fill your rooms, leading to silent death since the gas has no smell and is poisonous.

But when you hire a professional chimney sweep in Houston, you’ll ensure the safety of your family and the entire house. If you think it’s time to call experts for a chimney cleaning service, you might wonder about its cost. Read on to find out how much you should expect to pay for professional chimney sweeps in Texas.

How Much Does a Chimney Sweep Cost?

The total cost of a chimney sweep varies depending on the area you live in, the current condition of your chimney, and whether you haven’t cleaned it for a long time. On average, you should expect to pay between $75 and $250 to have professional chimney sweeps. But if your chimney is severely damaged or in poor condition, the repairing cost can climb up to $1,000 or more.

Why Do I Need to Hire a Chimney Sweep?

It would be best for your safety and health to clean your chimney or have it cleaned regularly by professionals. An uncleansed chimney is a leading cause of home heating fires. It can also cause blockage and toxic gas buildup in your home, leading to suffocation or carbon monoxide poisoning.

Wood smoke produces creosote, which makes it easy for the working fire to spread out and start a house fire. If your chimney isn’t cleaned for a long time, it can have debris that obstructs its way outside. This can lead to dangerous gasses buildup in your living space.

While you can DIY chimney sweeping, it’s not advisable nor recommended. It’s wise to let the professionals do it as they are properly trained and equipped to conduct an inspection for potential damages and recommend necessary repairs. That’s important because even a tiny crack can open up under high temperatures, leading to severe consequences.

Here are some warning signs that indicate to clean your chimney before lighting the next fire:

• It becomes harder to light a fire.
• Blackened patches on the walls or creosote buildup in the fireplace damper.
• Signs of animals nesting in your chimney.
• Smoke builds up in your room instead of exhausting out.
• Unpleasant smell from the chimney.

Can I Use a Chimney-Cleaning Log Instead?

A chimney-cleaning log is a good product to loosen creosote buildup. However, it’s not a suitable replacement for professional sweeping services. It can’t remove obstructions, treat cracks, and tackle glazed creosote.

How often should you service your chimney?

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), you should clean your chimneys at least once per year. The Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) also recommends cleaning fireplaces whenever there’s a soot or creosote buildup inside the liner.

In most cases, you never know your chimney has issues until you allow a professional to inspect your chimney thoroughly. The best way to ensure your safety is to get it checked regularly, at least once every year, or even before that when you notice the aforementioned warning signs.

What Does a Chimney Cleaning Service Include?

A typical chimney sweeping service includes a thorough inspection of your chimney. After examination, they’ll recommend necessary repairs or cleaning. They will sweep and remove any obstruction or soot buildup and use a specialized camera to look for any warning signs of chimney damage from the inside. They may also use chemical treatments if your chimney has glazed or tarry creosote.

Final Thoughts

Chimney cleaning is a necessary service that can improve your quality of life and ensure the safety of you and your family. If you’re looking for a professional chimney sweep service in Houston or in its surrounding neighborhoods, please get in touch with Brushers Chimneys. Our team of experts is ready to help you by providing the best chimney inspection and cleaning services.