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While it’s possible to sweep your own chimney, it’s usually not a good idea for two reasons. First, inexperienced DIYers are more likely to miss areas of the chimney, which still leaves the risk of house fire due to the remaining residue. Second, chimney sweeping seems like a simple process, but it’s highly dangerous. Soot and creosote are both carcinogenic and can cause breathing issues and lung damage. If you don’t take the same safety precautions that professionals do, you could be putting yourself at risk of serious bodily harm.

Some of the most common chimney problems include:

• Creosote buildup

• Chimney blockage

• Deteriorating brickwork or stonework

• Cracked chimney top

• Damaged flashing

• Flue liner damage or deterioration

• Damaged chimney cap

If you suspect you have a chimney problem, contact a masonry contractor for an inspection. 

The average cost for a professional chimney cleaning is around $250, but prices range from $130 to $400 or more, depending on a few factors. Some things that have an impact on your total include the size of your chimney, the number of chimneys cleaned, and how accessible the chimneys are.

The National Fire Prevention Agency (NFPA) recommends chimney sweeping once per year as a means of avoiding house fires and massive property damage. Over time, creosote and soot build up in your chimney from burning wood and a lack of ventilation. These compounds are both highly flammable, which means a build-up of them inside your chimney puts you at an increased risk of house fire. Chimney sweeping removes any residue and helps reduce the risk of property damage and personal injury from fire.

On average, chimney repairs cost about $455. However, because of the vast range of potential repairs needed, the cost to repair a chimney ranges widely from $160 to $15,000, depending on the type and extent of repairs required.