How Much Does A Chimney Sweep Cost?

When it’s cold and blustery outside, there’s nothing quite like the cosy heat of the flames from a fireplace. But if you’ve got a chimney, you’ll know that keeping it clean and well-maintained can be a difficult exercise —especially if you don’t know what you’re doing. Therefore, considering a professional chimney sweep is often on the mind of chimney owners.

Now, you’ve probably been thinking, “How much is a professional chimney sweep going to cost me, anyway?”. Trust me, we’ve all been there. Do you need to break your piggy bank or maybe sell another one of your footy memorabilia? Don’t worry, as we’re about to delve into the specifics of chimney sweeping in Australia.

Factors Affecting Chimney Sweep Costs

Now, we all know that having a professional give the ol’ chimneystack a thorough scrub down every now and then is a must. You might be wondering, ‘How much will this cost me, mate?’ Well, you’ve got to consider some factors first, such as type, size, and the degree of soot build-up.

Type of Chimney

Firstly, there are two general types of chimneys – masonry and prefab.

• Masonry: These are open fireplaces usually built with materials like bricks, cement, mortar, blocks, or stone. Typically, they are an integral part of the house’s structure and may even serve as load-bearing elements in some cases. Masonry chimneys are often seen as more robust, potentially requiring less frequent but more significant repairs.
• Prefab: As the name suggests, prefabricated chimneys are built off-site and are then installed as a component of the chimney system. They are usually made of materials such as steel and aluminium, but they can also be made from brick or concrete. This chimney type may require more regular check-ups and part replacements but could potentially avoid the need for substantial structural repairs seen in masonry chimneys.

Size of Chimney

The taller your chimney and the bigger the flue, the more area there is for soot and creosote to build up. This means more time, effort, and equipment needed for an effective chimney sweep.
A standard chimney sweep will need to use brushes and extendable tools to reach the full length of the chimney. If you’ve got a massive chimney – maybe you’ve got a two or three story house – it will take a bit more time to clean to ensure all the soot and build-up is fully removed. Time is money, as they say, so that’ll likely add to your cost.

The size of the flue opening will also influence the cost. A bigger flue means more space for grime build-up and a larger area for the sweep to clean. This would take longer to clean and increase the price that way as well.

Amount of Buildup

The volume of soot and creosote buildup in your chimney also significantly impacts the cost of a chimney sweep. As our sources affirm, chimneys with a higher quantity of buildup demand more time and effort to clean, thus increasing the overall cost.

While fireplace chimneys that receive regular maintenance might cost only $85 to $100 per cleaning, those with considerable buildup could increase the sweeping cost to as much as $800. That’s a whopping increase!

This price difference primarily stems from the extra effort needed to clear significant buildup, which not only poses a higher safety risk but also necessitates more specialised, labour-intensive cleaning methods.

Average Cost of Chimney Sweep

The cost of a chimney sweep in Australia varies with the national average being about $225. This price range is for a standard chimney sweep and clean, which takes into account a standard visual inspection and labour costs.

Of course, the price varies depending on your region. States such as Queensland and New South Wales have higher labour costs, which can increase the price of a standard chimney sweep to as much as $350. On the other hand, states such as Tasmania have significantly lower labour costs associated with their economy. So, if you’re looking for a budget-friendly chimney sweep in these locations, you may be able to find one for under $150.

Additional Fees and Considerations

But, chimney sweeps are not the only necessary costs associated with a chimney cleaning. You may also need a more detailed inspection and replacement of any damaged parts of your chimney, such as the flue lining or its crown.
Inspections

An inspection involves a thorough examination of your chimney system to identify signs of damage, blockages, and creosote buildup. Some reputable professionals may charge call-out fees for inspections, which are sometimes included in their overall pricing. This is because conducting a comprehensive inspection takes time and is essential for identifying and addressing any issues.

The pricing of these additional services comes down to the time spent and the expertise your chimney sweep uses to ensure your fireplace and chimney are safe and secure for those winter nights when all you want is a cosy fire. It’s a vital measure that gives you peace of mind – and let’s face it, you can’t put a price on safety!

Repairs

Standard chimney sweeping services primarily focus on cleaning and clearing blockages. However, during this process, the chimney sweep may identify areas in need of repairs, ranging from minor superficial issues to significant structural concerns. These issues might include problems with chimney crowns, masonry, flashing, or internal damages like a cracked flue liner.

Each repair demands specific skills, materials, and time, potentially increasing the total cost of your chimney service. Most chimney repairs typically range from $150 to approximately $700, depending on the complexity of the required work. Regular inspections and cleanings can help prevent these higher costs by detecting issues early, before they escalate into more expensive problems.

Certifications and Quality

Certifications, while not mandatory to become a chimney sweeper in Australia, are significant influencers on the cost of a chimney sweeping service. Accreditation from a recognised body provides an assurance of competence and adherence to industry standards. In general, certified professionals may charge higher due to their demonstrated knowledge and skills.

But don’t let the lack of government certification thwart you from booking a chimney sweep that comes highly recommended. Great service providers in Australia let the quality of their work do the talking. Chimney sweeps with experience often have the basics down to pat. They’re expected to perform a variety of tasks, such as inspecting and evaluating the chimney or flue before cleaning, protecting the surrounding area from dust and soot, using brushes on extending rods to sweep the chimney, firebox and flue, removing dust and soot, and explaining the condition and safe operation of the chimney.

However, there are those that go beyond the basics by providing a comprehensive, high-quality service. This extends to identifying potential problems, recommending solutions, and performing preventive measures, all of which require a high level of skill and expertise.

DIY vs. Professional Chimney Sweeping

Of course, you can opt to go for a DIY approach to your chimney sweeping task. But, just as it comes with its pros, it also comes with some cons. There are two main issues here – the cost and the effectiveness.

Cost Comparison

Here’s a comparison of the costs between DIY and professional chimney sweeping:

The main expense for DIY chimney sweeping is the cost of purchasing the necessary tools and equipment. This includes items such as chimney brush and relevant inspection equipment. Acquiring the right type and size of brushes and inspection equipment can be costly, potentially even more costly than hiring a professional.

The average cost for a professional chimney sweep is $200, while a chimney inspection costs an additional $150 on average. Prices can vary regionally and according to the level of service required.

Keep in mind that with a professional chimney sweep, you are not only paying for the cleaning service but also for their expertise and experience, which ensures a thorough and efficient job.
In summary, while DIY chimney sweeping can save you some money, the cost of purchasing the necessary tools and equipment can be quite high, potentially more so than hiring a professional. In contrast, hiring a professional chimney sweep and inspection service may cost you around $350, but it includes the added benefits of professional expertise, safety, and peace of mind.

Safety and Effectiveness

There’s a sense of accomplishment in tackling jobs around the house yourself, and chimney sweeping can be tempting. But it’s not all sunshine and roses because even though you might save a few bucks by doing it yourself, you need to consider the safety factors. When it comes to sweeping your chimney, you’ve got to get down and dirty and climb up onto the roof. Heights can be dangerous if you’re not prepared – you could end up with a nasty fall.

You’ll also want to make sure you’ve got the right tools for the job. Without them, you might not get the best results and might miss potential hazards. A pro knows all the nooks and crannies to look out for, like pesky cracks that can lead to pricier issues down the track.

Professionals, on the other hand, come equipped with the right gear and the know-how to get the job done safely and effectively. They’ll do a thorough inspection, finding and fixing hazards that could otherwise slip under your radar. Plus, they’ll knock it all over in a jiffy – often taking just 1.5 to 2 hours.

Calling in a professional chimney sweep means you don’t have to worry about climbing up on the roof yourself or handling the dirty work. You get peace of mind knowing the job’s done right, without the risks of a DIY project.