Chimney Sweep & Cleaning Services
A professional chimney sweep removes dangerous creosote, soot, and blockages that create fire hazards and performance problems. Red Brick Chimney Services has been providing professional chimney sweeping across the Lower Mainland since 2007, keeping homes safe and fireplaces functioning properly.
Do I Need Chimney Sweeping?
- You’ve burned more than 1 cord of wood since last cleaning
- It’s been more than a year since your last sweep
- You see thick, black creosote buildup inside the flue
- Your fireplace smokes into the room
- You notice reduced draft or difficulty starting fires
- Wood fireplaces: yearly or after 1 cord.
- Gas fireplaces: Every 2-3 years
- Oil furnace chimneys: Annually
- Pellet stoves: yearly or per manufacturer instructions.
Not sure when your chimney was last cleaned? We’ll inspect it for free and let you know if cleaning is needed.
What Does a Chimney Cleaning Service Cost?
Here’s what you can expect to pay:
Standard chimney sweep: $200–$350. Complex or heavily soiled: $350–$600. Gas fireplace cleaning: $150–$250. Level 1 chimney inspection included with every sweep at no extra charge.
- Creosote removal (stage 3): $400-$800
- Cap installation: $300-$800
- Damper repair: $200-$500
- Minor repairs: Quoted separately
- Complete top-to-bottom chimney sweeping.
- Removal of all soot, creosote & debris
- Basic safety inspection
- Written report of findings
Our Chimney Sweeping Process
Protection & Setup
Protect floors, furniture; contain dust, soot; prepare work area.
Initial Inspection
Inspect firebox, damper, flue before cleaning for issues.
Thorough Sweeping
Top-down sweep removes creosote; HEPA vacuum.
Debris Removal
Remove debris from firebox and smoke chamber
Detailed Inspection
Inspect entire chimney system for safety.
Report & Recommendations
Report with honest findings and recommendations.
Cleanup
Thorough cleaning leaves your home cleaner than before.
What We Clean & Inspect
Flue Cleaning
We remove creosote, soot, and debris from the flue with proper tools.
Smoke Chamber
We clean the smoke chamber above the firebox, removing heavy creosote buildup.
Firebox
We remove ash, debris, and buildup from the firebox and damper area.
Cap and Crown
We check and clean the chimney cap and inspect the crown for damage.
Damper Operation
We verify damper opens and closes properly and clean damper surfaces.
Flue Liner Condition
We inspect for cracks, gaps, or damage to clay tiles or metal liners.
Structural Issues
We look for cracks, spalling, water damage, and other problems throughout the system.
Animal Activity
We check for nests, blockages, or animal entry points.
REVIEWS
What Our Customers Say
Outstanding Chimney Brick Repair! I hired Red Brick Chimney to repair the brickwork on my dad’s 75-year-old house, and I couldn’t be happier. Mike was professional, punctual, and clearly experienced. He carefully assessed the damage, explained the work, and gave a fair estimate — unlike other companies that wanted to remove and cap the old chimney for more money. Mike’s repair was excellent: the bricks were repointed, mortar joints reinforced, and metal mesh added to keep animals out. He worked safely, cleaned up daily, and kept us updated throughout. I’m extremely satisfied with the quality and service. Mike went above and beyond — my dad’s old chimney looks brand new again! Highly recommend Red Brick Chimney Ltd.
Mike @ Red Brick was good to deal with. He provided me an estimate that was clear and detailed the work needed. He was very in tune with what had to be done to my aging chimneys. (I had issues with one chimney leaking water at the base after heavy rain.) I was impressed with the great job he did overall. My chimneys look way better. The new flashing looks good and I’m confident the leaking issue is fixed. He gave me a written warranty. I would highly recommend Mike and Red Brick Chimney!
We needed some help with a chimney removal and Mike was great. Easy to reach, prompt, reasonable, helpful and professional. Good guy, good work, best price of anyone we talked to.
Very happy with the work done on my chimney flashing. Clean, affordable and professional. Would recommend to anyone needing any chimney/masonry repair.
Proper WoodBurning Tips
Use Seasoned Wood
Burn only wood dried for 6-12 months. Wet wood creates excessive creosote.
Burn Hot Fires
Hot, active fires create less creosote than slow, smoldering fires.
Provide Adequate Air
Don’t restrict air supply excessively. Complete combustion reduces creosote.
Choose Hardwoods
Oak, maple, and ash burn hotter and cleaner than softwoods like pine.
Avoid Burning
Never burn treated wood, painted wood, cardboard, or trash. These create dangerous chemicals and excessive creosote.
We provide detailed burning guidance with every sweep.
Why ChimneySweeping Matters
Fire Prevention
Creosote is flammable; regular sweeping prevents chimney fires.
Carbon Monoxide Safety
Blocked chimneys can let dangerous carbon monoxide enter.
Improved Performance
Clean chimneys improve draft, save wood, and increase heat.
Early Problem Detection
Professional sweeps inspect and catch problems early.
Extends Chimney Life
Creosote and soot damage chimneys; regular cleaning prevents it.
Insurance Requirements
Annual chimney cleaning required; we provide documentation.
Why Choose Red Brick Chimney Services?
We’re Certified Professionals
Our technicians are trained in proper sweeping techniques and safety standards. We’re not just handymen with brushes.
Complete Service
Every sweep includes thorough inspection. We don’t just clean—we identify problems before they become emergencies.
Modern Equipment
Our chimney cleaners use professional-grade brushes, rods, and HEPA vacuum systems that contain mess and ensure thorough cleaning.
Honest Recommendations
We tell you what you need, not what makes us the most money. If your chimney doesn’t need cleaning yet, we’ll tell you.
We’re Certified & Accredited
BBB Accredited and WorkSafe BC Certified. We follow industry best practices and safety standards.
Documentation Provided
We provide written reports for your records and insurance requirements.
Senior Discounts Available
We offer special pricing for seniors on chimney sweeping services.
What Happens Without Regular Sweeping?
- Increased risk of dangerous chimney fires
- Carbon monoxide hazards from blocked flues
- Poor fireplace performance and smoking problems
- Poor fireplace performance and smoking problems
- Accelerated chimney deterioration from corrosive deposits
- Voided insurance coverage for fire damage
- Expensive repairs from undetected problems
- Reduced heating efficiency and wasted fuel
LOCATIONS
Serving the Lower Mainland Since 2007 We provide rapid-response repairs in the following cities:
Understanding Creosote Buildup
What Is Creosote?
Three Stages of Creosote:
- Stage 1: Flaky, sooty deposits that brush away easily during regular sweeping.
- Stage 2: Shiny, hardened tar that requires more aggressive cleaning techniques.
- Stage 3:Thick, hardened glaze, dangerous, requires professional chemical removal.
What Causes Heavy Creosote:
- Burning unseasoned (wet) wood
- Restricted air supply creating incomplete combustion
- Cool flue temperatures
Chimney Sweeping Myths
Myth: “Burning potato peels cleans chimneys”
False: This old wives’ tale doesn’t work. Only mechanical sweeping properly removes creosote.
Myth: “Chimney cleaning logs work as well as professional sweeping”
False: These products may reduce light creosote but don’t replace professional cleaning. They’re supplements, not substitutes.
Myth: “Gas fireplaces don’t need cleaning”
False: While they produce less creosote, gas fireplaces still need periodic cleaning and inspection for safety.
Myth: “If I don’t use my fireplace, I don’t need sweeping”
False: Debris, animal nests, and deterioration still occur. Unused chimneys need periodic inspection and cleaning.
Myth: “Chimney sweeping is messy”
False: False with professionals. We use modern equipment and techniques that contain mess completely.
Common Questions About Chimney Sweeping
How long does chimney sweeping take?
Most residential chimney sweeps take 45–90 minutes, depending on chimney height, access, and how much buildup has accumulated since the last cleaning.
How often should I sweep my chimney?
Most wood-burning fireplaces need a chimney sweep once a year, or after burning through one full cord of wood — whichever comes first. Gas fireplaces need sweeping every 2–3 years. If you’re not sure when your chimney was last swept, we offer a free inspection to check.
Will it be messy?
Can you sweep in any season?
What if you find problems?
Do gas fireplaces need chimney sweeps?
Yes. While gas fireplaces produce less creosote than wood-burning ones, they still need annual sweeping and inspection to clear carbon buildup and confirm safe venting.
How do I find a chimney sweep near me?
Look for a company that is WorkSafeBC registered and insured, includes an inspection and a written report with every sweep, and serves your city. We cover Burnaby, Vancouver, Surrey, Richmond, New Westminster, Port Moody, Port Coquitlam, and more. Our guide on how to choose a chimney sweep lists nine questions to ask before you book.