Chimney Sweep in St. Louis, MO
A professional chimney sweep removes creosote, soot and blockages from your flue so the chimney drafts properly and will not catch fire. We quote your chimney before we start, and you approve the price first.
Creosote is what is left behind when wood smoke cools on the way up the flue. It is tar, it is flammable, and it builds up a little every fire. A chimney fire is creosote igniting inside the flue — it can reach well over 2,000°F and crack the liner in minutes. Sweeping is how you stop that from ever being a possibility.
How this gets priced
Quoted up front
Depends on chimney height, roof access, the type of appliance, and how much buildup is present. You get one fixed price before we start.
How do I know I need sweep?
If any of these describe your situation, it is worth having someone look. Most are cheap to fix early and expensive to fix late.
- You burn wood and have not had it swept in the last year
- The fire is hard to start or the room fills with smoke when you light it
- You can see black, shiny or crusty buildup inside the flue
- There is a strong smoky smell coming from the fireplace, worst on humid days
- You hear scratching, chirping or fluttering in the chimney
- Soot or debris is falling into the firebox
- The damper is stiff or will not close fully
Why it matters
The U.S. sees tens of thousands of chimney fires a year and the overwhelming majority trace back to creosote that was never removed. One sweep a year eliminates the risk.
Call (314) 887-7250What’s included
Exactly what happens when we come out, step by step.
- 1
We protect the room first
Drop cloths over the hearth and floor, and a HEPA vacuum running at the firebox the entire time. Done properly, a sweep leaves no trace in your living room.
- 2
Mechanical brushing of the full flue
Rotary and rod brushing sized to your flue, top to bottom, including the smoke shelf and smoke chamber where buildup is heaviest and most sweeps skip.
- 3
Firebox, damper and smoke shelf cleanout
We clear the areas that actually cause draft problems, not just the straight run of the flue.
- 4
Visual check and photos
While we are in there we look at the liner, crown and cap and tell you what we see. If something needs attention you get photos, not a sales pitch.
Chimney Sweep: our work
Real jobs we have done in the St. Louis metro.
Chimney Sweep: common questions
How much does a chimney sweep cost in St. Louis?
It depends on the chimney, so we quote it rather than publish a range that might not fit your house. Chimney height, roof access, the type of appliance and how much creosote has built up are what move the number. Call (314) 887-7250 and we will give you a price.
How often should I have my chimney swept?
Once a year if you burn wood regularly. The NFPA standard is an annual inspection, with sweeping whenever there is measurable creosote buildup — generally about 1/8 inch or more.
Will a chimney sweep make a mess in my house?
It should not. We put down drop cloths and run a HEPA vacuum at the firebox for the entire job. A clean sweep leaves your room exactly as we found it.
How long does a chimney sweep take?
Most sweeps take about an hour. Heavy creosote, a very tall chimney, or difficult roof access can push it to two hours.
Do gas fireplaces need to be swept?
Gas fireplaces do not produce creosote, so they do not need brushing. They do need an annual inspection — gas vents get blocked by debris and animal nests, and a blocked vent pushes carbon monoxide into the house.
When is the best time of year to get a chimney swept?
Spring and summer. Everyone in St. Louis calls in October and November, so you wait longer and have less scheduling flexibility. The chimney does not care what month it is.
Chimney Sweep across the St. Louis metro
We cover the full metro from University City. Chimney problems differ by neighborhood because the housing stock differs — here is what we see where.
Sweep in St. Louis
Predominantly 1890–1930 brick
Sweep in University City
Largely 1920s–1940s brick, Tudor and Colonial
Sweep in Clayton
1920s–1940s masonry, plus newer infill
Sweep in Kirkwood
Victorian through 1950s, wide mix
Sweep in Webster Groves
Victorian, Craftsman and 1920s bungalows
Sweep in Chesterfield
Mostly 1980s–2000s construction
Also serving Ladue, Ballwin, Creve Coeur, Maplewood, Brentwood, Florissant, St. Charles, Des Peres.
Related services
Chimney Inspection
A full chimney inspection with Total Chimney Services costs $69 anywhere in the St. Louis metro, and the entire $69 is credited back to you if you book a repair with us.
Chimney Repair
Chimney repair covers everything from a cracked crown or leaking flashing to a damaged flue liner. We start with a $69 inspection so you get photographs and one fixed price for exactly what your chimney needs — and the $69 comes off that price.
Chimney Cap Installation
A chimney cap is a metal cover with mesh sides that sits on top of the flue. It keeps out rain, animals and debris, and stops burning embers from landing on your roof. It is the cheapest part of a chimney and it prevents the most expensive problems.
Need chimney sweep in St. Louis?
Start with a $69 inspection and a photo report. Credited back in full when you book the work. Call (314) 887-7250.
Open 24/7 · Emergency service, day or night.