chimney sweep

**monkeywrangler71** · 09-23-2011, 08:07 AM

Yes, you can clean it from the bottom, you just need rods to attach to your brush. If you do it from the roof you can drop it down on a rope.

The chimney sweeping logs do not clean your chimney, they just release some chemical that is supposed to loosen certain types of creosote, and they don't even really do that well. It has to be physically cleaned.

It's a really filthy job, it's worth it to have someone else come do it.

**low-1** · 09-23-2011, 10:08 AM

Originally Posted by monkeywrangler71

It's a really filthy job, it's worth it to have someone else come do it.

It is dirty, but whether it's worth it to have someone else do it is a matter of opinion. I'd get a little blackened to save money and have pride in doing something myself. Not everyone would, I suppose. Getting creative with curtains made of garbage bags, those disposable tyvek suits, etc, can go a long way to keeping the job cleaner.

**TigerGirl1226** · 09-23-2011, 10:17 AM

There must be chimney cleaners in your area since there are some here in South Louisiana! lol

We have ours done every couple years, but we *might* use our fireplace 5 or 6 times a winter.

**monkeywrangler71** · 09-23-2011, 10:23 AM

Originally Posted by low-1

It is dirty, but whether it's worth it to have someone else do it is a matter of opinion. I'd get a little blackened to save money and have pride in doing something myself. Not everyone would, I suppose. Getting creative with curtains made of garbage bags, those disposable tyvek suits, etc, can go a long way to keeping the job cleaner.

Yes, it's worth it for me to have someone else do it.

**sinopa27** · 10-06-2011, 05:19 AM

thanks for everyone's help. I found a chimney sweep in my area. I hope it isn't expensive!

**sinopa27** · 10-06-2011, 05:21 AM

Originally Posted by low-1

It is dirty, but whether it's worth it to have someone else do it is a matter of opinion. I'd get a little blackened to save money and have pride in doing something myself. Not everyone would, I suppose. Getting creative with curtains made of garbage bags, those disposable tyvek suits, etc, can go a long way to keeping the job cleaner.

sounds a little fun with the tyvek suits.

**sinopa27** · 10-06-2011, 05:21 AM

Originally Posted by TigerGirl1226

There must be chimney cleaners in your area since there are some here in South Louisiana! lol

We have ours done every couple years, but we *might* use our fireplace 5 or 6 times a winter.

I have found one. Hopefully, it isn't expensive.

**frugal is fun** · 10-06-2011, 09:43 AM

when I first bought my house I had my chimney swept (2 years ago), it was more than I expected, I don't remember the exact figure but I think it was more than $250.

**khaski** · 10-06-2011, 10:48 AM

Here in NH my guy charges $125 for a sweep- and we have it done yeary. Worth every cent, IMO, to have a pro. clean it out to ensure we don't have a chimeny/house fire. I do think he's on the cheaper side for our area, but he's attended some kind of school for it and even has a certification, so we know it's not some random Joe who's just mucking around.

**OOwl** · 10-06-2011, 02:00 PM

You guys are making me NOT miss my fireplace.

I just moved and previous house had a fireplace I used twice in ten years (remember, it's Texas and likely to be shorts weather on Christmas Day). New house has no fireplace. I had no idea chimney sweeping was so expensive (or messy!). Thanks for making me feel better about missing having a fireplace.

Good luck with the task, DIY or professional.

**sinopa27** · 10-07-2011, 02:51 AM

well, I called a chimney sweep in my area. It is $75 to clean. Now that I have seen the other posts, I believe that is a good price. I initially thought that was expensive. In my area, the cost of living is really cheap. Plus, in my county, we have the highest unemployment in the state of Virginia. I made an appt for Oct 11th. I hope this is all it costs!
I hope I am not going to get "played for a fool" and told I need costly repairs.

**sinopa27** · 10-11-2011, 05:52 AM

my chimney sweeper is coming today at noon. Do I tip? Is there anything I should look for in this person so I know if it is a good job or bad job??
thank you in advance

**sinopa27** · 10-12-2011, 12:08 AM

well.....my chimney has been cleaned. It was $75 and I was told it goes down to $50 during the spring and summer.
I feel so much better! thank you so much for all of your help.
and....I did sing the "chim chim chimney" mary poppins song.
hahaha!!