12 Questions to Ask Chimney Cleaning Companies Before Hiring Them

Chimney fires are frighteningly common.

With 25,000 chimney fires occurring in the U.S. each year. They account for $125 million in property damage, not to mention hundreds of injuries and deaths. The leading cause of these fires is the buildup of creosote, a flammable substance that forms when treated wood doesn't burn completely.

That's why it's important to have a professional clean your chimney regularly. But how do you choose the right chimney cleaning company for your home? What factors should you consider?

Keep reading for 12 questions to ask when vetting chimney cleaning companies.

1. Do You Have a Chimney Cleaning License?

The first thing you should always ask about is if the company has a valid license. The license is proof that the company has met the required standards of training. It's also a sign that the company is legitimate and trustworthy, which is exactly what you need for such an important task.

Ask the company to provide a license number, then verify it with the relevant authorities. Avoid working with any company that isn't licensed. They may not have the proper skills or even equipment to get the job done.

2. Do You Have Adequate Chimney Cleaning Company Insurance?

The second question to ask is whether the company has adequate insurance. Coverage protects you and your property in case of any accidents or damages. A reputable company will have at least two types of insurance-liability and workers' compensation insurance.

Liability insurance covers any damages or injuries that may occur due to the cleaning service. Worker's compensation covers any injuries or illnesses that affect the team working on your chimney. Both play an essential role in protecting you from legal or financial liabilities.

Always ask for proof of insurance and check the policy details and expiration dates. Avoid working with an uninsured company. You'll risk paying for any damages or injuries out of your pocket, which can be costly.

3. Do You Have Any Chimney Cleaning Company Reviews You Can Share?

A company's reputation says a lot about how the company serves its customers. It speaks to the quality, reliability, and professionalism of their service. That's why you must check out a company's reviews before hiring them.

You can find reviews online on sites like Google, Yelp, Angie's List, HomeAdvisor, and Better Business Bureau. Many companies also post customer testimonials on their business website. Look for reviews that are recent, detailed, and honest.

Pay attention to how the company responds to negative reviews. Find out how they handle customer complaints. Prioritize companies with a reputation for ensuring that customers are 100% satisfied.

Stay clear of any chimney cleaning service with no reviews, fake reviews, or mostly negative reviews. These are red flags that indicate poor service, customer satisfaction, or business ethics.

4. How Long Have You Been in Business?

Chimney cleaning company experience is a key factor to consider when vetting your options. The number of years they've been operating gives useful insight into their longevity. It's a sign that the company offers reliable fireplace and chimney service that keeps customers coming back year after year.

Look for a chimney cleaning service with at least 5-10 years in the business. New fly-by-night operations that pop up out of nowhere should raise red flags. On the other hand, you can rely on a well-established company to deliver quality work.

Experienced technicians are also crucial for safely navigating chimney inspections and cleanings. Companies with longevity generally have the most knowledgeable, seasoned pros as opposed to newcomers still learning the ropes. In an industry where skill and expertise save homes and lives, this makes all the difference.

5. What Is Your Pricing Structure?

Having a clear understanding of the chimney cleaning company pricing structure upfront is key. It allows you to budget properly and avoid sticker shock down the company. Moreover, it reveals if a company prioritizes transparency and fairness.

A trustworthy business will have set rates rather than vague promises to "determine cost later." Hourly billing offers flexibility but can drag on and get expensive. On the other hand, a fixed quote per service ensures predictable billing even if the task takes longer than expected.

Also, find out if extra fees apply based on the height/shape/condition of your chimney. Quality companies will account for contingencies in their estimates.

6. Do You Perform Inspections Alongside Cleaning?

A basic chimney sweeping focuses on removing built-up creosote and debris. However, a proper maintenance visit should also involve careful structural inspection. Not all companies are equally thorough-some try to simply "vacuum" the chimney without assessing its overall integrity.

Ask if the technicians will perform a detailed inspection during the scheduled cleaning. Ideally, they'll check for issues like cracked bricks, damaged liners, and missing mortar. By pairing inspections with cleaning, problems get detected before they worsen.

7. Do You Offer Any Guarantees of Warranties?

Trustworthy companies often back their work with solid promises. These assurances give you peace of mind that the chimney cleaning service is confident in their work. Look for companies that provide a satisfaction or money-back guarantee.

Some businesses are even happy to clean the chimney again if you aren't satisfied with the results. Keep in mind that while verbal promises are okay, it's best to get a written legal guarantee. It holds the company accountable for their work quality.

8. How Do You Handle Unexpected Issues?

Even though chimney cleaning tries to prevent issues, unexpected issues can still crop up. Technicians may discover serious damages or blockages that make cleaning more difficult. Knowing how the company handles such surprises can tell you how flexible they are.

A reliable chimney cleaner won't give up, no matter how tough the job is. This gives you peace of mind that they'll get your chimney working well again without any hassle. You won't have to worry about them leaving you in a tricky situation.

9. What's Your Timetable for Completion?

It's important to clarify when the job will be done, rather than leaving the scheduling open-ended. Ask prospective chimney cleaning companies how long a regular cleaning takes. Enquire about what factors might delay completion.

Be sure to agree on a time when the cleaners will come to your house. A reliable company works efficiently to minimize disruptions to your daily routine. Still, unexpected issues like flue access challenges and technician availability can slow things down.

Ensure the company plans for these contingencies upfront so you know what to expect. The best sweeps also provide homeowners with courtesy check-in calls if running late. This way, you're not waiting around for someone who might not show up on time.

10. What Types of Chimneys Do You Work With?

Different chimney types call for different cleaning methods. When selecting a chimney cleaning company, explain the kind of chimney you have and ask if they have expertise working with it. Common chimney varieties include brick, metal (common with pellet fireplaces), and chimneys with caps.

You'll also want to clarify if you have a single vs. double vs. triple flue. Cleaning chimneys with more than one flue requires extra diligence, the kind that only comes with years of experience.

11. What Cleanup Precautions Do You Take?

Cleaning up the chimney can get very messy, spreading dirt and dust to other parts of your home. Be sure to ask prospective chimney sweeps how they handle clean-up afterward. The best companies take careful steps to keep your place tidy.

Specifically, they use tarps and cloths to cover outdoor areas like walkways and furniture to protect them. They go further by sweeping, vacuuming, mopping, and freshening up the inside of your home after they finish outside work.

Going above basic surface wipe-downs shows that the company cares about your convenience and satisfaction. Before hiring any chimney sweep, ensure you align with reasonable expectations for protecting the integrity of your home during messy jobs.

12. What Safety Measures Do You Follow?

Extra vigilance around safety is vital when inviting chimney cleaners into your home. After all, the work involves handling hazardous materials close to structures that keep your house standing. Ask prospective companies to explain the protocols they follow to ensure your home's safety.

The best cleaners take safety seriously, employing well-trained and vetted personnel. They also invest in safety gear and take measures to protect areas around the chimney. Chimney sweeps may even restrict certain zones of the house to keep everyone safe.

Be sure to inquire about additional safety measures like drug testing or ongoing safety enforcement measures with crews. Occasional hazards may be normal, but working with an expert intently focused on safety means minimal risk. It gives you peace of mind that your assets and loved ones stay protected amid intense chimney work.

Still Unsure Which Are the Best Chimney Cleaning Companies?

Look no further than The Grate House. As one of the leading chimney cleaning companies in Jackson, we take pride in ensuring the safety, efficiency, and reliability of your chimney. We ensure that you don't have to worry about creosote fires while trying to stay warm.

What are you waiting for? Schedule an appointment today to discuss your chimney cleaning needs.