Fourth-Generation Chimney Work, Done to Code
Professional Chimney Sweeping, Inspection, and Repair Across Minneapolis-St. Paul
CSIA certified chimney sweeping, inspection, relining and masonry repair across the Minneapolis-St. Paul area. Written reports, photographs, permits pulled.
- 44 yearsYears in business
- 61,000Jobs completed
- Workmanship warrantyTwo-year workmanship warranty on every liner installation and crown rebuild
Services
What We Do
Our crew handles the full range of chimney work. We sweep wood-burning and pellet systems, inspect flues with a camera, and install stainless steel liners when the old clay tiles have cracked or the masonry has deteriorated past the point of relining with mortar. We also rebuild crowns, tuckpoint brickwork, and replace damaged flashing.
Every sweep includes a written report and interior photographs. Minnesota adopts the International Mechanical Code through the Minnesota Mechanical Code. Minnesota Rules chapter 1346. Liner installations and structural chimney rebuilds are permitted work almost everywhere in the metro; sweeps and inspections are not. We pull the permits, schedule the inspection, and provide the documentation you need for insurance claims or home sales.
Seasonal Demand and Scheduling
Two distinct seasons for two distinct jobs. Sweeps and inspections spike from September as households book before the first burn. and again in January when something goes wrong. Masonry runs the other way: mortar will not cure below roughly 40 degrees. so crown rebuilds and tuckpointing are May-to-September work and the book fills by March. A continental climate with long, dry, very cold winters and warm humid summers.
Heating season runs from early October into late April. and the first hard freeze usually lands in the second week of October. Call in August if you want a sweep slot in September. Call in February if you need masonry work done the same summer.
Climate and Masonry Damage
The local climate profile records 45 freeze-thaw cycles. Water enters a crack, freezes, expands, and spalls off the face of the brick. The climate profile records 7,800 heating degree days. The local climate profile lists freeze-thaw spalling as a hazard. The local climate profile lists ice dams at the flashing as a hazard. Snow melts on a warm roof, refreezes at the eave, and backs water under the step flashing where it meets the chimney.
The local climate profile lists negative pressure in tightened envelopes as a hazard. Modern air-sealing can starve a fireplace of combustion air, pulling exhaust back down the flue. We test draft with a manometer and recommend makeup air or a dedicated outdoor air supply if the house is too tight.
Permits and Inspections
The configured permit process names The city building or mechanical inspections department for the municipality as its permitting authority. The configured typical permit fee is $110. The configured permit turnaround is 5 days. The configured permit process requires an inspection. We submit the application, pay the fee, and coordinate the final inspection so you don't have to chase down paperwork or wait at home for an inspector who may or may not show.
Liner installs and structural rebuilds always require a permit. A sweep or Level 1 inspection does not. We follow NFPA 211 for all installations and provide a copy of the signed permit card with your invoice.
Service Areas
We cover Minneapolis, Saint Paul, Bloomington, and Brooklyn Park. Travel time is built into the quote. If you're outside those four cities but still in the metro, call anyway; we often have a truck in your area and can add you to the route.
Frequently asked questions
How often should I have my chimney swept?
CSIA recommends an annual inspection and sweep before the heating season. If you burn more than two cords of wood per winter, or if you use your fireplace daily, you may need a mid-season cleaning. Creosote buildup depends on fuel moisture, draft, and burn temperature. We measure the deposit during the inspection and tell you whether a second sweep is warranted.
What is included in a Level 2 inspection?
A Level 2 inspection includes everything in a Level 1 plus a video scan of the flue interior and accessible portions of the exterior and attic. We perform Level 2 inspections before a home sale, after a chimney fire, or when you're switching fuel types. The video reveals cracks in the liner, missing mortar joints, and offset flue tiles that a flashlight cannot show.
Can you install a liner in winter?
Yes. Stainless steel liner installations do not require mortar curing, so we can drop a liner any month of the year as long as the roof is safe to walk. Crown pours and tuckpointing must wait until overnight lows stay above 40 degrees for at least three consecutive days. That window usually opens in early May and closes in late September.
Do I need a permit to replace my chimney cap?
No. Cap replacements, damper repairs, and routine sweeps do not require a permit in Minneapolis or Saint Paul. Liner installs, flue rebuilds, and crown replacements do. We handle the permit application, pay the fee, and schedule the inspection. The typical permit fee is $110, and turnaround averages five business days. The final inspection confirms the work meets code.
What causes a chimney to leak during heavy rain?
Three common culprits: a cracked crown, failed flashing, or a missing cap. Water enters through the crack, runs down the flue, and stains the firebox or ceiling below. We start with a visual inspection of the crown and flashing, then run a hose test to locate the entry point. Most leaks are fixed with new flashing, a crown seal, or a stainless cap with a mesh spark arrestor.
Plan the next step
Share the property, location, and scope so the estimate can reflect the actual work.
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