Top Hat Sweepers has been locally owned and operated in Columbia, SC by Ron Rust since it was established in 1982. We strive to provide Columbia and it's surrounding areas with the best customer service and workmanship to help you best enjoy your fireplace. Top Hat Sweepers - We Treat Your Chimney Like Our Own
Business highlights
43 years of trusted experience
Services we offer
We cover a full range of services from getting you prepared to burn wood or convert to gas or vice versa. We also specialize in leaky chimneys and animal removal. We also handle prefabricated fireplace removal and replacement.
Services we don't offer
We do not install gas logs or run gas lines, neither do we build chimneys from the ground up or in new construction sites.
Description of Work: Chimney cleaning and repair. Professional and meticulous service.
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
Yes, I recommend this pro
Carolyn M.
10/2016
1.0
chimney sweep
 + -1 more
I never received a reply.
Description of Work: Chimney screen installed to prevent Chimney swifts from building a nest.
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
Lynn R.
05/2016
5.0
chimney sweep
 + -1 more
unknown
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$400
John T.
01/2012
5.0
chimney sweep
 + -1 more
The service was professional and went very smoothly. I would use them again.
Description of Work: I had an inspection of my chimney and a cleaning. They cleaned a lot of stuff out of the chimney and it has worked well since this service.
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
4.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$125
William A.
01/2012
5.0
chimney caps
 + -1 more
Everything went very well. I definitely recommend him.
Description of Work: Ron Rust, the owner, installed a chimney cap. He was prompt and professional. At my request, while on the roof he also swept leaves off that I had not been able to reach.
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$428
Jackie A.
11/2011
5.0
chimney sweep, masonry
 + 0 more
They were very expensive. They were very timely however and did call back right away.
Description of Work: This was for a chimney sweep and for them to check out the masonry work.
Things went well but the bill kept going up and up and the prices for estimates were astronomical. I am not sure if my fireplace had all the problems he listed or if he was scamming me. On the other hand, they were very thorough and made sure not to make a mess in the house.
Description of Work: The chimney was cleaned; then several problems with the fireplace were diagnosed. Two problems were fixed at that time and the price to fix remaining problems was discussed.
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
1.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$799
Response from TOP HAT SWEEPERS
Thank you for the excellent ratings on the work performed on your chimney back in February of 2011 as well as your indication that you would in fact use our service again. I appreciate the opportunity to address your concerns on pricing and "scamming". Prior to any work being done, the pricing was discussed thoroughly. As my records indicate, you had had serious problems with your chimney and were concerned about the fireplace having caused carbon monoxide poisoning. The chimney cleaning was within the price range for an insert in the fireplace, and the other charges were for repairs and a cap to protect your chimney. I did not, and have never, scammed a customer about the condition of their fireplace and chimney. The service I provide is, after cleaning the chimney, to perform a visual inspection and to compare your chimney to the current International Residential Code and to report to you any deficiencies which could make your system unsafe as well as any conditions that make it less efficient. It was not my goal to be the cheapest chimney sweep in South Carolina, but to provide the best, most reliable, and most professional service I can to my customers. I, as well as my employees, strive to attain the most current and best education and certification available for industry professionals. Often there is a lack of appreciation for the value of a chimney to your home or the cost of construction of said chimney. However, they do require cleaning and maintenance and failure to have this done can lead to more costly repairs. I hope I have answered your concerns with this post. Sweep's Luck!
Susan R.
08/2011
5.0
chimney sweep
 + -1 more
I contacted the owner, Ron Rust. He returned my call in a timely manner. We set a date and time. The day before the appointment he called me to verify he would be there at 10:30 in the morning. He was here exactly when he said he would be. He and his associate came in, put down drop clothes and proceeded to do their job for the next hour. When he finished, you could not tell he had ever been here--it was so clean. He then went over exactly what he did and some further improvements I could consider to make the fireplace more safe. Our fireplace is 70 years old, so some fire safety features need to be updated. He was kind, considerate, and very professional. I highly recommend his services.
Description of Work: They removed approximately 85% of the creosote present in the chimney, power swept the flue, cleaned the fire box and smoke chamber.
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$250
Tate H.
05/2011
5.0
chimney sweep
 + -1 more
I'm a repeat customer of Top Hat and have always been impressed with the work they've done for us. They are punctual, polite, and professional; and they keep things clean. They always provide good tips for how to improve the performance and safety of our fireplace.
Description of Work: Chimney was swept and inspected.
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
4.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$212
NANCY & WARREN H.
05/2011
5.0
chimney sweep
 + -1 more
They did a great job. They gave us a detail report, we took it to over to the office and they were helpful.They were able to work around our schedule.
Description of Work: They did chimney cleaning for us.
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$270
Paula W.
02/2011
5.0
chimney sweep
 + -1 more
Very well. Ron called several times prior to the appt., let me know that he was running late and provided approximate arrival time. He and Drew were very personable from start to finish, explaining in detail what they were doing, and provided much needed education re: chimneys, flues, gas logs, etc. When I saw on Drew's t-shirt they also inspected dryer vents, they did that as well. They were here approximately 45 mins., and the charge was $369.00. I did find that a bit pricey but will readily admit that I have nothing with which to compare it; thus I will trust that it was a fair price until I know otherwise.
Description of Work: Swept firebox, flue, logs, burner assembly, checked pilot, applied chamber tech fireplace mortar, and inspected chimney. Also checked dryer vent. Gave advice on gas logs.
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
4.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$369
Patricia O.
02/2011
5.0
chimney sweep, chimney caps, fireplaces
 + 1 more
They used cloths to protect all the surrounding wood floors from dust and debris and vacuumed up after the work was completed. Both are personable, friendly and efficient. We are very satisfied.
Description of Work: Ron Rust and his assistant cleaned & inspected the chimney top to bottom. Ron notified us of an area that would cause flames to go between the chimney & the walls & offered options of repairs, or inserting a wood burning or gas firebox with a flue. He also recommend a merchant in the area who is reliable with hellping select & install this equipment. Ron fitted the chimney with an appropriately sized top to prevent rain & animals from getting into it.
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$600
Jonathan H.
01/2011
4.0
chimney sweep
 + -1 more
My husband interacted with them. They came and looked at the chimney. We decided that they were too expensive. They were very nice, and they had actually serviced the chimneys some time ago. I'm sure they would've been very good. They were just expensive. They showed up and gave an estimate on time. They gave an initial quote, and then a day they were supposed to come out, they called back. They had realized that there were two chimneys, so it was going to be twice the price.
Description of Work: They gave a quote for sweeping two chimneys.
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
professionalism
4.0
responsiveness
4.0
$500
KEL J.
08/2010
5.0
chimney sweep
 + -1 more
They were promptly on time. They inspected the chimney top to bottom after cleaning it thoroughly and took pictures to give us, which viewed the chimney from the inside and atop the roof. He did not put any pressure on us for any of the recommended additional services, but allowed us time to think about them as some of our options were pretty costly. Our chimney looks so much better now. I had no idea how badly it needed to be cleaned. The owner Ron, is very well qualified and has proper credentials and very knowledgeable about fireplace safety. I would recommend him to anyone.
Description of Work: They performed a thorough inspection (with printed photographs of inside/outside our chimney) after they had cleaned it.
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
4.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$250
JUDY B.
07/2010
5.0
chimney sweep
 + -1 more
He was a very nice guy and clearly knew what he was doing. I was having gas logs installed so it was important that the chimney was in good working order. He was helpful and took care of all of my needs.
Description of Work: I hired him to clean my chimney and to do a rough inspection of it as well.
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
Jeanette L.
06/2010
2.0
chimney caps
 + -1 more
He was very expensive. He was so expensive ($650) that I ended up going where he got it from and paid $140.00
Description of Work: He was going to put on a chimney cap.
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
value
1.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0
Adam L.
01/2010
5.0
chimney sweep, chimney repair
 + 0 more
Very professional. On-time and self-sufficient. Gave me some additional advice on vent-free logs. I would certainly hire them again.
Description of Work: Inspected and cleaned the chimney, taking digital pictures of the inside from the top and from the bottom. Showed me where the chimney was pulling away from the house (fairly typical of 30+ year old homes). Chose to have them fix the chimney while they were onsite. They charged an additional $150 to make the repair, which was a bit expensive given the fix consisted of packing mortar into the space between the chimney and house. There was certainly no pressure to add-on the service, so I would not characterize the additional work as unsatisfactory.
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
4.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$400
Dana G.
12/2009
5.0
chimney repair
 + -1 more
Work was done in a professional manner, in one visit. At the end he provided recommandations and an estimate for a flexi-liner.
Description of Work: Could smell fumes from the water heater in the house. Ron performed inspection of hot water heater and connector: found debris and connector pipe all the way into thimble. He disconnected connector pipes and cleaned. Swept flu from top down and cleaned out at thimble, adjusted connector.
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$250
Lynnette M.
10/2009
5.0
chimney sweep, fireplaces
 + 0 more
He took pictures of the inside of our chimney and showed us what it looked like. We didn't have any additional work done, because it seemed a little pricier than what we wanted to pay. His responsiveness and his punctuality were incredible. We will consider using this company again in the future.
Description of Work: This is the first time we have used them. Ron Rust, the person who came to do the work, definitely looked the part. He showed up at my door with his black top hat and trench coat. It was very similar to someone from Mary Poppins. After the initial surprise, he proceeded to clean our chimney and an inspection on it.
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$500
Russell P J.
01/2009
5.0
chimney sweep
 + -1 more
Ron Rust, the owner, called me before he came to my house to let me know he was on the way....I liked that. He would call periodically during the day to let me know if he was going to be on time so I wouldn't just sit around wondering if he was going to be late. He originally came to just sweep the chimney, but after showing me my rusted and deteriorating chimney cap, I purchased a new one. I also knew that I needed the repairs to my masonry firebox interior. After seeing his professionalism on the chimney sweep, I decided to have him do my repairs. He completed those today and I am happy with the completed job. I would recommend him highly.
Description of Work: I originally called for chimney sweeping but ended up needing a new chimney cap and and firebox repair .
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
3.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$1,180
Virginia W.
01/2009
5.0
chimney sweep, chimney caps, chimney repair
 + 1 more
I was referred to Top Hat by the fireplace store. They said it was necessary to have the chimney cleaned, measured and evaluated by a Sweep before I could order an insert for the fireplace. Ron answered his phone on the first ring and made an appointment to come out to do the cleaning and measuring. He was able to come out within a day or 2. The chimney had a strange cement and brick thing on the top that had to come off in order to put a proper chimney cap on. He did a very thorough and detailed measuring of the fireplace and chimney in order to fit the wood burning insert. Before the insert was installed, Ron came out and did the necessary work. As in the other reports, they were very careful to leave no mess and no sign they were here, except my shiny new chimney cap.
Description of Work: Chimney inspection and cleaning, measuring of fireplace and chimney for a wood burning insert and installation of a custom-made chimney cap.
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$500
ELISE M.
10/2008
5.0
chimney sweep
 + -1 more
This was a wonderful experience from the start! Arrived on time, laid out coverings to prevent dirt, soot, etc., from getting all over the house. Worked from the moment he arrived until the job was complete. When he left, except for the clean chimney, you couldn't tell he'd been here. Amazing clean-up!
Description of Work: Inspected, cleaned fireplace insert and chimney.
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$400
Mike B.
09/2008
5.0
roofing, chimney repair
 + 0 more
Fireplace leaked, we called them. They repaired.
Description of Work: Had leak in fireplace. They repaired it and did an excellent job.
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
4.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$1,000
Derek C.
09/2007
5.0
chimney sweep, chimney repair
 + 0 more
The job went as described on the phone prior to arriving. They set down sheets in my living room to keep the area rug clean. Everything was done very professionally and proficiently. They do exactly what they say they'll do, very happy with the job.
Description of Work: I called Mr. Rust, Top Hat Sweepers to sweep my chimney and to add a damper.
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$575
LIZ B.
03/2007
5.0
chimney sweep, chimney caps
 + 0 more
The job was very expertly and thoroughly done. Despite being a messy, by definition, job, there was not a mess when he was done. Ron also explained everything we had a question about.
Description of Work: They cleaned the fireplace, flue, smoke chamber, smoke shelf, damper assembly, and ash dump. They sealed cracks in crown and around flashing. They installed a stainless chimney top.
All statements concerning insurance, licenses, and bonds are informational only, and are self-reported. Since insurance, licenses and bonds can expire and can be cancelled, homeowners should always check such information for themselves. To find more licensing information for your state, visit our State Contractor License Requirements page.
*Contact business to see additional licenses.
Service Categories
Chimney Sweep,
Chimney Repair,
Chimney Caps,
Fireplaces,
Masonry,
Animal Removal,
Gas Logs,
Roofing
FAQ
TOP HAT SWEEPERS is currently rated 4.8 overall out of 5.
Sunday: Closed
Monday: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
TOP HAT SWEEPERS accepts the following forms of payment: Check
No, TOP HAT SWEEPERS does not offer free project estimates.
Yes, TOP HAT SWEEPERS offers eco-friendly accreditations.
No, TOP HAT SWEEPERS does not offer a senior discount.
No, TOP HAT SWEEPERS does not offer emergency services.
Yes, TOP HAT SWEEPERS offers warranties.
TOP HAT SWEEPERS offers the following services: We cover a full range of services from getting you prepared to burn wood or convert to gas or vice versa. We also specialize in leaky chimneys and animal removal. We also handle prefabricated fireplace removal and replacement.
We do not install gas logs or run gas lines, neither do we build chimneys from the ground up or in new construction sites.