Chimney Cleaning

“We are a CSIA certified company. Our staff has been trained by the leading certification agency in our industry. Our annual cleaning keeps your family safe and gives you peace of mind that will last throughout the fireplace season. Like changing the oil in your car, chimney cleaning is REQUIRED annual maintenance (more often with frequent use or if burning soft woods). If you have not had your chimney inspected and cleaned recently, you are quite literally “playing with fire.”

Which level chimney sweeping do I need?

The chimney sweeping industry classifies chimney sweeping into 3 types of sweepings. Below is a description of the types of inspections and our cost of performing them. Depending on your situation we will recommend one of the following services:

Chimney Sweeping – Level 1 $249.95

If your appliance or venting system has not changed and you plan to use your system as you have in the past, then a Level 1 inspection is a minimum requirement. A Level 1 inspection is recommended for a chimney under continued service, under the same conditions, and with the continued use of the same appliance.

In a Level 1 inspection, our C.S.I.A. Certified Chimney Sweep will examine the readily accessible**portions of the chimney exterior, interior and accessible* portions of the appliance and the chimney connection. We will be looking for the basic soundness of the chimney structure and flue as well as the basic appliance installation and connections. We will also perform a cleaning of the firebox and sweeping of the flue system.

Below is what is included in your Level 1 Chimney Sweeping:

Visually examine portions of the chimney exterior, interior and accessible portions of the appliance / fireplace and look for potential dangers.
Check for the basic soundness of the chimney structure and flue as well as the basic appliance installation and chimney connections if applicable.
Verify the chimney is free of obstruction and combustible deposits.
Clean out the firebox and smoke chamber.
Sweep out the flue system / chimney connections.

Chimney Sweeping – Level 2 $299.95

A Level 2 inspection is required when any changes are made to the system, Changes can include a change in the fuel type, changes to the shape of, or material in the flue (i.e. relining), or the replacement or addition of an appliance of dissimilar type, input rating or efficiency. Additionally, a Level 2 inspection is required upon sale or transfer of a property or after an operation malfunction or external e vent that is likely to have caused damage to the chimney. Building fires, chimney fires, seismic events as well as weather events are all indicators that this level of inspection is warranted.

There are no specialty tools (i.e. demolition equipment) required to open doors, panels or coverings in performing a Level 2 inspection. A Level 2 inspection shall also include a visual inspection by video scanning or other means in order to examine the internal surfaces and joints of all flue liners incorporated within the chimney. No removal or destruction of permanently attached portions of the chimney or building structure or finish shall be required by a Level 2 inspection.

Below is what is included in your Level 2 Chimney Sweeping:

Visually examine portions of the chimney exterior, interior and accessible portions of the appliance / fireplace and look for potential dangers.
Check for the basic soundness of the chimney structure and flue as well as the basic appliance installation and chimney connections if applicable.
Verify the chimney is free of obstruction and combustible deposits.
Clean out the firebox and smoke chamber.
Sweep out the flue system / chimney connections.
Perform a Video Inspection using Chim-Scan Camera.
Give customer feedback on the chimney scan results.

Chimney Sweeping – Level 3 – Cost to be estimated on a per job basis.

When a Level 1 or Level 2 inspection suggests a hidden hazard and the evaluation cannot be performed without special tools to access concealed areas of the chimney or flue, a Level 3 inspection is recommended. A Level 3 inspection addresses the proper construction and the condition of concealed portions of the chimney structure and the flue. Removal or destruction, as necessary, of permanently attached portions of the chimney or building structure.

A Level 3 inspection includes all the areas and items checked in a Level 1 and Level 2 inspection, as well as the removal of certain components of the building or chimney where necessary. Removal of components (i.e. chimney crown, interior chimney wall) shall be required only when necessary to gain access to areas that are the subject of the inspection. When serious hazards are suspected, a Level 3 inspection may be required to determine the condition of the chimney system.

Below is what is included in your Level 3 Chimney Sweeping:

Includes all aspects of a level 1 & 2 chimney sweeping
Includes removal of certain components of the building or chimney where necessary. This can be extremely invasive.
NOTE: Removal of any components does not include the replacement of restoration of removed parts. Please discuss any questions with your technician.

*Accessible: may require the use of commonly available tools to remove doors, panels or covering, but will not damage the chimney or building structure or finish

** Readily Accessible: Exposed, or capable of being exposed, for operation, inspection, maintenance or repair without the use of tools to open or remove doors, panels or coverings.

***Northfield Fireplace and Grills is not responsible for the repairs needed to be done after a Level 3 inspection. The homeowner must have all repairs done at their own expense.

C.S.I.A. (The Chimney Safety Institute of America) is the ONLY nationally recognized training and certification institute for chimney sweeps. It is a Non-Profit organization that is dedicated to the proper education of chimney professionals throughout the country. For more information and great resources for homeowners go to csia.org

We provide many other types of chimney services which include:

Wood Burning Chimney Cleaning
Chimney Inspections.
Camera Inspections Available.
Pellet Unit Cleaning & Servicing.
Masonry repair and tuck-pointing.
Water proofing.
Chimney caps and dampers.
Liner installations.
Annual checkups & cleanings.