When homeowners in Denver search for chimney sweep services, the first question they almost always ask is about cost. After 15 years of cleaning chimneys across the Front Range, I can tell you that pricing varies widely—and understanding why helps you make an informed decision about this essential home maintenance task.
At Adam Chimney Sweep, our standard chimney cleaning starts at $150. This base rate covers a thorough inspection and cleaning of a standard residential chimney with normal creosote buildup. But like most home services, the final cost depends on several factors specific to your chimney’s condition and your home’s design.
What’s Included in Our $150 Base Service
Professional chimney sweep conducting a thorough inspection in the Denver metro area
Our standard chimney sweep service isn’t just about running a brush through your flue. Here’s what you get:
Pre-Cleaning Inspection: Before we begin, I thoroughly inspect your chimney system from top to bottom. This includes checking the chimney crown, flashing, damper, and firebox for visible damage or safety concerns.
Complete Flue Cleaning: Using professional-grade brushes and tools, we remove soot, creosote, and debris from the entire length of your chimney. We clean from the rooftop down, containing all mess with drop cloths and a HEPA-rated vacuum system.
Complete chimney inspection and cleaning service in progress
Damper and Smoke Chamber Cleaning: Many sweeps skip this step, but the smoke chamber and damper assembly collect significant creosote. We clean these areas thoroughly as part of every service.
Post-Cleaning Report: After completing the task, I provide a detailed report outlining what we found, what we cleaned, and any concerns that require attention. If repairs are needed, I’ll explain what’s wrong and why it matters—no pressure, just information.
Safety Check: We verify that your chimney is safe to use before we leave. This includes checking for blockages, proper draft, and any immediate hazards.
Factors That Affect Your Chimney Sweep Cost
Chimney Height and Accessibility
Denver homes range from single-story ranch houses to three-story Victorians in neighborhoods like Congress Park and Wash Park. A standard two-story chimney with easy roof access stays within our base rate. However, if your chimney extends three stories or requires special equipment to access safely, expect to add $50-$100 to the base price.
Steep roof pitches standard in areas like Bonnie Brae or Hilltop also affect pricing. When I need additional safety equipment or extra time to access your chimney safely, that’s reflected in the cost.
Creosote Buildup Severity
Detailed inspection revealing creosote buildup in Pitkin County
Creosote is the dark, tar-like substance that accumulates inside your chimney from burning wood. It comes in three stages:
Stage 1 (Light, Flaky Deposits): This brushes away easily and falls within standard pricing. If you’ve had annual cleanings, your chimney probably has only Stage 1 buildup.
Stage 2 (Shiny, Hardened Tar): This stage requires more aggressive brushing and the use of special tools. Cleaning Stage 2 creosote adds $75 to $150 to the base cost.
Stage 3 (Glazed, Rock-Hard Coating): This dangerous buildup often requires chemical treatment or professional removal techniques. Stage 3 creosote removal starts at an additional $200-$300 and may require multiple treatments.
I’ve seen chimneys in Cherry Creek and University Hills with Stage 3 buildup after years of neglect. The longer you wait between cleanings, the more difficult and expensive the job becomes.
Time Since Last Cleaning
Regular maintenance prevents costly repairs and ensures safety
If your chimney hasn’t been cleaned in several years—or ever—expect additional costs. A chimney that has gone five years without service is likely to have heavy creosote deposits, animal nesting materials, and debris accumulation. This can add $100 to $200 to the standard rate, depending on the findings.
Chimney Type and Design
Most Denver homes have masonry chimneys with clay tile liners, which fall within standard pricing. However, some situations cost more:
Metal Chimneys: Factory-built or metal chimneys require different tools and techniques, which may add $50 to the service cost.
Multiple Flues: Many older Denver homes have chimneys with two or three flues—one for the fireplace, one for the furnace, and sometimes one for a woodstove. Each flue needs separate cleaning. We charge our base rate for the first flue and $75-$100 for each additional flue.
Multiple flue chimney system requiring specialized service
Unusual Designs: Some historic homes in Capitol Hill or Curtis Park feature unique chimney configurations, including offsets, numerous bends, or unusual access points. These require extra time and specialized equipment.
Additional Services Needed
During cleaning, I often discover issues that need attention. These aren’t included in the sweep cost but are essential for safety:
- Chimney cap installation: $200-$400
- Damper repair or replacement: $150-$500
- Minor tuckpointing: $300-$800
- Waterproofing: $200-$400
- Crown repair: $400-$1,200
I always explain these items clearly and provide written estimates. You’re never obligated to have repairs done immediately, but I want to ensure you understand what’s urgent and what can wait.
Real Denver Experience: A Park Hill Success Story
Thorough chimney sweep service addressing neglected systems
Last fall, Jennifer from the Park Hill neighborhood called me after moving into a 1960s brick ranch. The previous owners claimed they “never used the fireplace,” but Jennifer wanted to make it functional for her family’s first winter in Denver.
When I arrived at her home near the Park Hill Golf Course, I could tell immediately that the chimney hadn’t been serviced in years. After setting up my equipment, I discovered:
- Heavy Stage 2 creosote buildup throughout the flue
- A partially blocked chimney crown allows water intrusion
- A damaged damper that wouldn’t close properly
- Bird nesting materials at the top of the chimney
The “simple” $150 cleaning turned into a more extensive job. The heavy creosote required chemical treatment and additional brushing time, resulting in an additional cost of $125. The removal of the bird nest and extra debris took another hour of work, adding $75. The total cost for cleaning was $350.
I also provided estimates for the damaged crown ($600) and damper replacement ($400). Jennifer opted to address the crown immediately since winter weather was approaching, but decided to wait on the damper until spring.
“I’m actually glad we found all this before lighting our first fire,” Jennifer told me. “The cost was more than I expected, but Adam explained everything he found and why it mattered. Now I know our chimney is safe, and we’ve already enjoyed several cozy fires this season.”
The job took a total of three hours—one hour for cleaning and inspection, and two hours for the crown repair. Jennifer’s chimney now has proper draft, no water leaks, and she can safely enjoy her fireplace all winter long.
Denver-Area Chimney Sweep Price Comparison
Based on my knowledge of the local market and conversations with homeowners, here’s what you can expect to pay for chimney sweep services in the Denver metro area:
| Service Provider Type | Price Range | What’s Typically Included |
|---|---|---|
| Large National Chains | $200-$350 | Basic cleaning, upselling focus, rotating technicians |
| Mid-Size Local Companies | $150-$275 | Standard cleaning, inspection, and some have certified sweeps |
| Independent Sweeps (Like Us) | $150-$250 | Thorough cleaning, detailed inspection, owner-operated care |
| Discount Services | $89-$125 | Basic cleaning only, often lacks proper insurance/certification |
Professional equipment and expertise make the difference in service quality
The cheapest option isn’t always the best value. I’ve seen homeowners pay $89 for a “cleaning” that consisted of someone quickly running a brush through the flue without inspecting anything. They ended up calling me months later to fix problems that should have been caught during that initial service.
Why Our $150 Rate Offers Real Value
I price my services to reflect the quality and thoroughness I’d want if someone were working on my own home. Here’s what sets us apart:
Owner-Operated: When you call Adam Chimney Sweep, you get me—Adam. I personally handle every job, so you’re not dealing with rotating crews or wondering who will show up.
15 Years of Denver Experience: I’ve worked on chimneys in every Denver neighborhood, from historic homes in Baker to new construction in Stapleton. This experience enables me to identify problems that less experienced sweeps often miss.
Professional tools and techniques ensure thorough cleaning every time
Proper Equipment and Training: I invest in professional-grade tools, ongoing education, and adequate safety equipment. This isn’t a side business—it’s my full-time profession.
Transparent Communication: I explain everything I find in plain language. If you need repairs, I’ll tell you what’s urgent, what can wait, and why—no scare tactics, no pressure.
Full Insurance and Certification: I carry proper liability insurance and stay current with industry certifications. This protects both of us.
When Chimney Cleaning Costs More Than Expected
I’m always upfront about pricing, but sometimes we discover issues during cleaning that weren’t visible beforehand. Here’s when costs might exceed the base rate:
Animal Infestations: Raccoons, squirrels, and birds are particularly fond of chimneys in Denver. Removing nests and ensuring animals haven’t damaged the chimney structure takes extra time.
Excessive Creosote: If you burn softwood, such as pine or fir, without proper seasoning, creosote builds up quickly. I’ve cleaned chimneys in Lakewood and Littleton, where homeowners burned exclusively construction scraps or green wood, creating a dangerous buildup.
Discovering hidden damage during the cleaning process in Castle Rock
Hidden Damage: Sometimes cracks or deterioration only become visible after cleaning away soot and debris. I’ll always show you what I find and explain your options.
Old or Deteriorated Flue Tiles: Clay tiles are prone to cracking and deteriorating over time. If tiles have failed, cleaning becomes more complex and delicate.
How to Keep Costs Down
The best way to control chimney sweep costs is regular maintenance:
Annual Cleanings: Having your chimney cleaned once a year prevents buildup from becoming severe. This keeps you in the base price range.
Burn Seasoned Hardwood: Well-seasoned hardwoods, such as oak, maple, or ash, produce less creosote than softwoods or green wood. This means less buildup between cleanings.
Use Your Damper: Closing your damper when the fireplace isn’t in use prevents animals from nesting and reduces debris accumulation.
Install a Chimney Cap: A properly fitted cap ($200-$400) prevents animals and debris from entering, reducing cleaning complexity and protecting your chimney from weather damage.
Address Small Problems Early: Ignoring a small crack in your crown can lead to a significant repair. Addressing minor issues promptly saves money in the long term.
Additional Services and Their Costs
Video inspection equipment helps identify hidden issues before they become significant problems.
Beyond basic cleaning, we offer several related services:
Level 2 Video Inspection ($150-$250): Uses a specialized camera to examine the entire interior of your chimney. Required before home sales and recommended if you’ve had a chimney fire or notice performance issues. Learn more about our inspection services.
Chimney Repair (Varies): From minor tuckpointing to complete crown rebuilds, we handle all masonry repairs. Costs range from $200 for simple fixes to several thousand for extensive restoration. Check out our repair services for detailed information.
Dryer Vent Cleaning ($100-$150): Many homeowners are unaware that dryer vents also require regular cleaning. We offer this service, often at a discount when combined with chimney cleaning.
Waterproofing ($200-$400): Protects your chimney from Denver’s freeze-thaw cycles and summer storms.
Questions to Ask Any Chimney Sweep
Price matters, but it shouldn’t be your only consideration. Before hiring anyone to work on your chimney, ask:
- Are you insured and certified?
- What exactly is included in your base price?
- How long have you been cleaning chimneys in Denver?
- Will you provide a written report of your findings?
- What happens if you discover problems during the cleaning process?
- Do you perform the work yourself or send a crew to do it?
These questions help you compare services on a level playing field when evaluating different options.
Why Chimney Maintenance Matters in Denver
Regular maintenance protects your home investment and family safety
Our climate presents unique challenges for chimneys. Cold winters mean heavy fireplace use. Rapid temperature swings cause expansion and contraction that can lead to cracking in masonry. Summer thunderstorms test your chimney’s weather protection.
Regular cleaning isn’t just about efficiency—it’s about safety. Creosote fires can reach temperatures over 2,000 degrees, hot enough to crack tile liners and ignite nearby combustibles. I’ve responded to chimney fires in Englewood and Aurora that could have been prevented with regular maintenance.
The $150-$350 you spend on annual cleaning is far less than the thousands you’d spend recovering from a chimney fire or the tens of thousands for complete chimney reconstruction after neglect.
Scheduling Your Denver Chimney Sweep
Spring and early fall are our busiest times, but I work year-round. Many homeowners prefer to schedule in September or October, before the heating season begins, to ensure everything is ready for winter.
If you’re buying or selling a home in Denver, schedule inspections early in the process to ensure a smooth transaction. Real estate transactions often require chimney inspections, and waiting until the last minute can cause delays in closings.
Our $150 base rate applies to standard residential chimneys in the Denver metro area, including neighborhoods throughout Denver, Aurora, Lakewood, Littleton, and nearby communities. I serve the entire Front Range and can usually schedule service within a week of your call.
Ready to Schedule Your Chimney Cleaning?
Don’t wait until you smell smoke in your living room or notice a drop in fireplace performance. Regular chimney maintenance protects your home, your family, and your investment.
Call me directly at (720) 207-9232 to schedule your chimney sweep service. I’ll answer your questions, provide accurate pricing tailored to your specific situation, and arrange a convenient time to service your chimney.
Our office is located at 12894 E. Villanova Dr, Aurora, CO 80014. I’m always happy to meet in person if you’d like to discuss your chimney needs before scheduling a service appointment.
Your chimney works hard keeping your family warm through Denver winters. Let me help you keep it clean, safe, and efficient—at a fair price with honest service.
