Frequently Asked Questions

On average, a chimney inspection costs $160-$180. That covers a Level 1 inspection — a visual review of every accessible portion of the chimney, firebox, smoke chamber, crown, cap, flashing, and exterior masonry — along with a written report of anything we find. Level 2 inspections (which add a camera scope for hidden or offset areas) are priced separately based on scope.

NFPA 211 (the National Fire Protection Association's standard for chimneys and fireplaces) states that any fireplace or chimney in regular use should be inspected annually. Wisconsin winters are particularly hard on chimneys — freeze-thaw cycles crack mortar joints and clay liners — so yearly inspection catches damage before it becomes a chimney-fire or carbon monoxide risk.

A Level 1 inspection is a full visual assessment of every readily accessible portion of the chimney and firebox — everything a trained inspector can see with their eyes. It's the standard annual inspection recommended for any chimney in regular use. A Level 2 inspection includes everything in a Level 1 and adds a camera scope run down the full length of the flue. That's especially valuable for flues with offsets, clay-tile liners that may have hidden cracks, or anywhere visual inspection can't reach. NFPA 211 requires a Level 2 anytime you're buying or selling a home, changing your heating appliance, or after any event that may have damaged the chimney (fire, storm, earthquake).

It's not legally required — the chimney is part of a general home inspection. But general home inspectors don't specialise in chimneys and typically only assess what's visible from the firebox opening or the roof. We strongly recommend a Level 2 chimney inspection whenever you're buying or selling a home with a fireplace. A specialist inspection gives you a full scope of the chimney's condition (including a camera scope of the flue), documents any deficiencies, and provides accurate repair estimates you can factor into your negotiation.

Sweeping prices depend on the appliance type: wood-burning fireplaces start at $260, wood-burning fireplace inserts start at $280, and wood stoves are typically $300-$360. Wood stove pricing varies based on whether pipe disconnects are required and whether we're doing a top-down or bottom-up sweep. Every sweep includes a visual inspection and a written report of anything we find.

After every burning season. Most homeowners schedule chimney cleaning once a year, but if you burn heavy amounts of wood, twice a year may be necessary to keep buildup manageable. Summer is the best time to book — it beats the autumn rush when everyone tries to schedule at once, and it means your chimney is clean and ready to go the moment cold weather starts.

They can help loosen light creosote buildup, but they don't replace a professional chimney sweep. They can't remove the loosened creosote from the flue — it still ends up in the smoke shelf or firebox — and they don't clear nesting material, debris, or heavier buildup. If you burn wood regularly, still book a seasonal sweep. Creosote logs are a useful supplement between sweeps, not a substitute for them.

Repointing (also called tuckpointing) is priced case-by-case because it depends on several factors: the height of your roof (harder access = higher labour cost), the height of the chimney itself, the degree of mortar loss, and how deteriorated the joints are. We need to see the chimney in person to give an accurate estimate — call (608) 733-0097 or use the contact form to schedule a free on-site estimate.

Four common signs your chimney needs a new liner: (1) pieces of clay flue tile flaking or spalling off inside the chimney; (2) mortar joints between clay tiles disintegrating and dropping into the firebox; (3) water leaking into the chimney or through the firebox area; (4) visible cracks in the clay tiles (usually caught during a Level 2 camera inspection). Any of these indicate the liner is no longer safely protecting the surrounding masonry from combustion heat. A stainless-steel reline sized to your appliance is the standard fix.

Two common causes. First, the gas supply to the unit has been shut off — check the shut-off valve at the unit itself and the main gas supply. Second, the pilot assembly is failing (worn thermopile, cracked ceramic, or a clogged pilot orifice). If the gas is on and the pilot still won't light, the pilot assembly likely needs professional service. Most gas fireplace repairs can be scheduled within the week.

This is almost always a failing thermocouple — the safety device that senses the pilot flame and controls gas flow. Thermocouples wear out with regular use and typically need replacement every 5-10 years. It's an affordable repair and one of the most common gas fireplace service calls we handle.

Smoky start-ups usually happen because the fireplace opening is too large relative to the flue — the flue can't move air quickly enough at first light, so smoke rolls back into the room. Two things that help: install fireplace doors to reduce the effective opening size (often fixes the problem entirely), and crack a window open while starting your fire (gives the flue extra air to pull, helping smoke draft upward instead of into the room). If neither helps, there may be a draft issue in the chimney itself — a blockage, wind-driven downdraft, or an undersized flue for the appliance. We can diagnose it during an inspection.

Most residential roof replacements complete in one day for roofs of 20 squares or less (roughly a 2,000 sq ft roof surface). Larger or more complex jobs can extend to two days — the common variables are roof height, roof steepness, tearing off more than one layer of shingles, replacing water-damaged decking, and weather. We plan the schedule around the forecast and give you a clear timeline before starting.