Chimney Cleaning & Inspections Frequently Asked Questions

The average cost of an annual chimney cleaning is $200 to $399. Some companies are more expensive than others, but the prices vary primarily due to the type of systems being serviced. If your chimney system is showing signs of malfunction or damage our chimney company will suggest that you get it fixed or replaced. To promote transparency during inspections, our technicians take photos and videos (Extra Charge) to ensure you understand what’s going on within your flue where the bulk of issues are hidden from the view of hearth and home owners.

Your chimney should be cleaned and inspected at least once a year according to the (CSIA). It should also always be swept when any amount of glazed creosote is present. We have told customers that exact statement a thousand times. And we’ll continue to say it because it’s an essential aspect of wood-burning and gas fireplace chimney maintenance. As a fireplace owner, you should follow this maintenance tip. If you use a wood-burning fireplace year-round, your system may need to be cleaned 2 to 3 times per year. The more fires started, the more creosote that will be built-up. Spending a couple hundred dollars on inspections and cleaning is better than worrying about putting your family and home at risk.

Level 1 Inspections- Routine annual inspections to determine if the chimney or chimney systems are safe to burn. Checking Pipes for wood stoves, Checking liner systems for Wood burning Inserts, and Checking open fireplaces in the firebox to determine there are no cracks to cause a house fire.

Level 2 Inspections- Level 2 inspections are required when changes are made to the chimney system, like repair of a flue or chimney relining, replacement or addition of an appliance of dissimilar type, input rating or efficiency. A Level 2 inspection is also required upon the sale or transfer of a property, or after an operating malfunction or external event that has likely damaged the chimney. Level 2 inspections include a visual inspection by video scanning that examines the internal surfaces and joints of all flue liners in the chimney.

Every time you burn wood in your fireplace, the smoke condenses, creating a thick tar-like substance that sticks to the walls of the chimney. This buildup is extremely flammable, and left to become too thick will eventually ignite in the chimney causing a chimney fire.

No. We use a powerful vacuum that prevents soot and dust from entering the home, and we are careful to take precautions as we drop clothes in front of the fireplaces in order to prevent any mess.

If bricks are crumbling, mortar joints look worn, chimney caps are missing, or cracked flashing exists, these are all signs you may need chimney repair. Water stains near the fireplace or smoke entering the room even when the damper is open also point toward repair work. Lifetime Chimney handles brick repair, tuckpointing, and flashing repair to address these issues.

Lifetime Chimney offers stainless steel chimney liner installation and repair throughout the Portland area. Stainless steel liners are durable, resistant to corrosion, and effective with all fuel types. They help improve safety and chimney efficiency.

Lifetime Chimney is based in Portland, Oregon, and serves Northwest Oregon and Southwest Washington. Our local teams reach residents and businesses across these regions for chimney cleaning, repair, masonry, and other services.

We use quality brick, stone, and mortar materials in our masonry projects. For tuckpointing, brick repair, and stonework, we employ licensed masons who ensure restoration that matches existing structures both in durability and appearance.

During chimney sweeps, Lifetime Chimney uses protective coverings and specialized vacuums to keep soot and dust from spreading inside the home. Our technicians take steps to seal off the fireplace area and ensure the work is done neatly, with a full cleanup afterward.