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Chimney cleaningChimney sweep and cleaning for the east metro
Chimney cleaning in MN takes the soot and creosote out of your flue, so the fire draws, the smoke goes up and the smell stays out of the house. Sterling sweeps wood-burning fireplaces, inserts and stoves across the east metro, with drop cloths and an industrial vacuum protecting your room.
Open 7 days, 8am-8pm
Starting prices are on our services page, and the call gets you your exact price.
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- Open 7 days, 8am-8pm
- 10+ years
- Licensed, bonded & insured
- Same-week, evenings & weekends
How often should a chimney be swept?
If you burn wood, plan on a sweep every year, and book it before the first cold snap rather than after. The national fire safety guidance calls for a chimney inspection every year, and a sweep is part of keeping that flue in shape. Read the NFPA heating safety page for the reasoning.
A fireplace burned only a few times a winter still collects deposits. Smoke smells, a fire that is slow to catch or soot on the glass doors are all signs it is time sooner.
What comes out of the flue, and why does it matter?
Soot is the light, powdery layer. Creosote is the sticky, tar-like layer that wood smoke leaves as it cools on the flue wall. It burns hot, and a heavy coat is what feeds a chimney fire.
Clearing it also lets air move up the flue the way it should, so the fire burns cleaner and smoke leaves the room.
Flames in the flue, or a roar from the chimney, mean a chimney fire: get everyone outside and call 911.
When to book a sweep
- It has been a full burning season since the last sweep.
- Smoke smell comes back into the room after the fire is out.
- The fire is slow to start or the flue seems to pull poorly.
- Black, shiny or flaky buildup shows on the damper or smoke shelf.
- You are about to light the first fire of the season in a fireplace you have not used for a while.
A sweep, start to finish
Set up
Drop cloths cover the floor and the hearth area before any brush comes out.
Look first
We check the firebox, damper and smoke chamber and note what the flue is carrying.
Brush the flue
Rods and brushes sized to the flue take soot and creosote down to the firebox.
Clear the debris
The firebox and smoke shelf are cleaned out, and the drop cloths come up with the mess on them.
Walk through
We tell you what we saw and whether the flue needs a closer look.
- What it isA scheduled cleaning of the flue and firebox.
- When it is neededYearly for wood burners, and sooner on signs of buildup.
- What it preventsCreosote buildup, poor draw and smoke in the room.
- RelatedA damaged flue needs an inspection first.
Will the sweep make a mess in my living room?
Drop cloths and an industrial vacuum keep it contained. The brushes work inside the flue, the debris falls into the firebox where we collect it, and the cloths come up with the mess inside before we tidy the hearth.
Will you find something to sell me?
You see what we saw, with a camera photo when one is used, and hear only what the flue needs. Many sweeps end with a clean flue and nothing else.
What do we look at while we are in there?
Everything the brush touches tells us something. We note the condition of the damper, the smoke shelf, the lining we can see and any water staining or loose mortar at the firebox. If something looks off, we explain what it is and what the options are.
Can you sweep in winter?
Yes. A sweep works fine in cold weather, and a fireplace that has been in use is the one most likely to need it. Book before the season if you can, but a winter sweep beats a skipped one.
What does a sweep cover, and what needs an inspection?
A sweep cleans the flue. To learn whether a cracked tile, a failed liner or a leaning stack sits behind the soot, you want a chimney inspection. If we spot signs of damage during a sweep, we say so and suggest that next step.
What does a sweep cost, and what changes it?
Height and access matter most: a tall chimney or a steep roof takes more time and gear. The type of flue and the amount of buildup count too. Our starting prices show where a sweep begins, and a call gets you the exact figure.
Chimney sweep questions
Short answers first.
How long does a chimney sweep take, and what should I do before you arrive?
It depends on the chimney: height, the type of flue and how much buildup there is all play a part. We plan the job when you call and tell you what to expect for your chimney. Let the fireplace go fully cold and move rugs and small breakables back before we come.
What is creosote and is it dangerous?
Creosote is a tar-like film from wood smoke that settles in the flue. It can ignite, so a thick layer is a fire hazard. Regular sweeping removes it before it builds up.
Do I need a sweep if I only burn a few fires a year?
Yes, a yearly look is still wise. Even light use leaves deposits, and animals or debris can settle in an idle flue. Call and describe how you use it.
Can you clean a fireplace insert or wood stove flue?
Yes. Inserts and wood stoves vent through narrower pipes and liners, so we use tools sized to the pipe. Tell us which you have when you book.
Why does my fireplace smoke into the room?
A dirty flue, a closed or stuck damper, or a blocked chimney are common causes of smoke in the room. Stop using the fireplace and call us so we can look before you light it again.
Where this comes up
We sweep chimneys in these towns and across the rest of the east metro.
What else might you need?
If the sweep turns up damage, the next step is a chimney inspection or a chimney repair. Thinking about doing it yourself first? Read can I clean my chimney myself before you climb anything.
Ready for a clean flue before the first fire?
Call with your town and what the fireplace is doing, and we will find you a slot this week.