Question 1

How often does a chimney need to be swept in Houston?

Accepted Answer

Inspect every year regardless of use; sweep based on how much you burn — roughly once per cord of wood, or any time creosote reaches about an eighth of an inch. Short, cool, smoldering fires deposit creosote faster than hot ones, which is exactly how mild Houston evenings catch people out.

Question 2

Do I need an inspection if I only have gas logs?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Gas produces water vapor and mild acids that corrode dampers and erode clay flue tile, and unused flues are where birds, squirrels and wasps nest. An annual Level 1 catches both.

Question 3

What is the difference between a Level 1, 2 and 3 inspection?

Accepted Answer

Level 1 is the annual baseline: readily accessible interior and exterior, the appliance connection, and combustible deposits. Level 2 adds video scanning of the flue plus attic, crawlspace and roof — required when buying or selling, changing appliance or fuel, or after a chimney fire or storm. Level 3 involves opening concealed areas and is only done when a Level 2 found something that cannot be assessed otherwise.

Question 4

Why does creosote matter?

Accepted Answer

Creosote is condensed, unburned wood gas — essentially tar. Stage 1 brushes off, stage 2 is hard and flaky, and stage 3 is a glazed coating that burns hot enough to crack flue tile and carry fire into surrounding framing. Removing it is the entire point of sweeping.

Question 5

How messy is a chimney sweep?

Accepted Answer

Not messy at all when done correctly. We seal the firebox opening, run a HEPA-filtered negative-air vacuum for the duration, and drop-cloth the hearth area. Soot goes into the vacuum.

Question 6

When should I schedule?

Accepted Answer

Late summer or early fall. Everyone in Houston calls the week of the first cold front and the calendar goes three weeks out. Booking early also means any crown or flashing repair we find gets done in dry weather.

Question 7

What does a sweep and inspection cost?

Accepted Answer

A standard Level 1 inspection with a sweep on a single accessible flue sits in the low hundreds in the Houston market. Level 2 with camera scanning costs more because it takes longer and produces documentation. Repairs are quoted separately and depend on height, roof pitch and access — we will not put a number on those over the phone.

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