How often should you schedule your chimney sweep and inspection?

This task protects people, not just the house. Do it on a schedule to make sure it gets done.

Staying on schedule matters beyond the repair bill: a consistent maintenance record is one of the factors in a home's Roots Home Health Score, and well-kept homes typically sell faster and closer to asking price.

How to do it

Every wood fire coats the flue with creosote, a tar-like fuel. The annual sweep-plus-inspection removes it and catches cracked liners or blocked caps before heating season. Book a CSIA-certified sweep in late summer, ahead of the fall rush.

1. Find a CSIA-certified sweep (csia.org has a locator) and book before heating season starts.
2. Stop using the fireplace 24 hours before the visit so the firebox is cold.
3. Have them sweep the flue and perform at least a Level 1 inspection; request Level 2 if it's a new-to-you house or anything about the system changed.
4. Ask for photos of the flue, crown, and cap, and a written condition report. It's also documentation your insurer and future buyers respect.
5. Fix what they flag promptly. Caps and crown seals are inexpensive repairs, while relining a damaged flue is a major one.

Alternatives & optional extras

• New-to-you house, prior chimney fire, or a changed appliance: ask for a Level 2 (camera) inspection instead of the standard Level 1.
• Creosote sweeping logs help between visits but never replace a sweep.
• Gas fireplaces still need periodic flue inspection: less often, not never.

Time: ~1.5 hours · Typical cost: $150–$350 for sweep + inspection

If you skip it

Creosote builds silently until a hot fire lights it. Chimney fires can hit well over 1,000°F, crack the flue, and reach the home's framing. The quieter risk is a blocked or cracked flue pushing combustion gases, including carbon monoxide, back into living space. Annual servicing is what every fire code and manufacturer assumes.

Related systems to keep on schedule

• Roof — start with: inspect roof for damage, once a year, ideally in May
• Gutters & downspouts — start with: clean gutters and downspouts, every 6 months
• Garage door — start with: test garage door auto-reverse and safety eyes, every 6 months
• Siding / exterior — start with: inspect siding, trim, and exterior caulk, once a year, ideally in May