What happens when you call
- You call and say what you need and where you are.
- If no one picks up, leave a message. It is passed to a local chimney sweep the same day.
- The chimney sweep confirms the price with you before any work starts.
Chimney cleaning and repair in Houston
Chimney sweeping and cleaning
A full sweep cleans the flue and smoke chamber, not just the firebox, removing creosote and debris.
Chimney inspection
A Level 1 inspection with the sweep checks the parts you can reach. A Level 2 is suggested after a sale, a change of fuel, or a storm.
Chimney caps
A cap keeps out rain and animals. In Houston, caps and grates to keep chimney swifts out go on from November to February.
Crown and flashing repair
A cracked crown or failed flashing lets water into the masonry and the house. Repairs are priced after an inspection.
Leaks after heavy rain
Water usually gets in through the cap, crown or flashing. An inspection shows which.
Gas log checks
Gas log work in Houston needs a city mechanical permit and a registered mechanical contractor.
Chimney sweeps across Houston and nearby
- The Heights
- Montrose
- River Oaks
- Memorial
- Meyerland
- Bellaire
- West University Place
- Kingwood
- Katy
- Sugar Land
- Pearland
- The Woodlands
- Cypress
- Spring
Chimneys in Houston: what to know
Rain does more damage than fire
Houston averages about 55.6 inches of rain a year. The chimney industry's certification body says water damages masonry chimneys more than fire does. A cap, a crown that overhangs and sound flashing keep it out.
Chimney swifts are protected
Chimney swifts nest in Houston chimneys from March to October and are protected by federal law while nesting. Texas Parks and Wildlife says to delay sweeping at least 6 weeks if there are eggs and 4 weeks if there are young. Caps and grates to keep them out go on from November to February.
Check before a cold snap
In February 2021 Houston Intercontinental fell to 12°F. If you only light the fireplace a few times a year, have it inspected before you rely on it for heat.
After a hurricane
Hurricane season runs June to November. High winds can loosen caps, crack crowns and damage flashing, so have the chimney looked at after a major storm.
Typical prices
| Standard sweep | $130-$385 |
| Level 1 inspection | $100-$950 |
| Cap repair or replacement | $100-$600 |
| Crown repair | $750-$1,000 |
| Flashing repair | $200-$300 |
Ranges from published cost guides, not a quote. The chimney sweep sets the price and should confirm it before starting.
Before you hire
- A full sweep covers the flue and smoke chamber, not just the firebox.
- Ask for a Level 1 inspection with the sweep, as the national fire code recommends at least once a year.
- Ask whether the sweep is CSIA-certified. It's voluntary in Texas, but a sign of training.
- Ask for photos or video of any defect, and a written estimate before repairs.
- Gas log work in Houston needs a city mechanical permit and a registered mechanical contractor.
Texas has no state licence for chimney sweeps. Houston requires permits for gas appliance work and some masonry repairs. Prices above are national ranges from published cost guides.
Questions
How often should a chimney be inspected?
At least once a year, under the national fire code (NFPA 211). Ask for a Level 1 inspection with your sweep.
Does Texas license chimney sweeps?
No. Gas log work in Houston needs a city mechanical permit and a registered mechanical contractor, and CSIA certification is voluntary.
There are birds chattering in my chimney. Can a sweep remove them?
Chimney swifts are federally protected while nesting, March to October in Houston. Sweeping usually waits until they leave, and caps or grates go on from November to February.
Why does my fireplace smell or leak after heavy rain?
Water usually gets in through a missing or damaged cap, a cracked crown or failed flashing. An inspection shows which.
What does a chimney sweep cost in Houston?
National guides put a standard sweep at roughly $130-$385, with repairs priced separately after an inspection. Ask for a written estimate.