Chimney sweeps and wood-heat inspectors
Chimney sweeps clean creosote and soot from chimneys and flue pipes, inspect liners, caps and masonry, and repair or reline chimneys. In Canada, WETT-certified technicians also install and inspect wood stoves, fireplaces and pellet appliances to the installation code, often for insurers and home sales. Gas fireplaces and vents are a separate licensed gas trade.
Who needs one
Homes: anyone burning wood, pellets or oil, or with a chimney serving a furnace or boiler. Canadian insurers often require a WETT inspection before they will cover a wood stove or fireplace, and you must disclose wood and pellet stoves to your insurer or risk a denied claim. Businesses: restaurants with wood-fired ovens (also covered under NFPA 96 solid-fuel rules), cottages and rentals, and any building with solid-fuel heating.
How often
US: NFPA 211 calls for annual inspection of chimneys, fireplaces and vents, plus cleaning as needed. A Level 2 inspection is required on a property sale, when the appliance or fuel changes, or after a chimney fire or seismic event. Canada: an annual inspection is the widely followed rule (fire codes require regular inspection and cleaning as needed). Heavy wood users may need cleaning more than once a season. A WETT inspection is typically done on purchase, before insurance coverage, or after installation.
What it costs
US: chimney cleaning averages about US$400 (typical US$100–500). Level 1 inspection plus sweep runs US$85–950 and Level 2 US$150–1,000, varying by appliance (gas fireplace US$85–250, pellet US$175–350, wood stove US$200–500, wood fireplace US$300–1,000). Level 3 is US$500–5,000 (Fixr, Jan 2025). HomeGnome puts a typical sweep at US$110–350. Canada: WETT says there is no national price list and price depends on distance, level and number of appliances. Planning range about CA$150–450 for a sweep or a WETT visual inspection (converted from the US ranges, not surveyed).
Codes and standards
- Canada
- Installation: CSA B365 (solid-fuel appliances), CSA B139 (oil), and CSA B149.1 (gas, via provincial gas regulators such as TSSA in Ontario). Chimney inspection and cleaning are required by the NFC and provincial fire codes, which require chimneys and flue pipes to be inspected regularly and cleaned as needed. Some provinces reference NFPA 211. The exact interval wording varies by province.
- United States
- NFPA 211 (chimneys, fireplaces, vents and solid-fuel appliances), adopted through the IFC/IRC or state code. Inspection levels 1, 2 and 3 are defined in NFPA 211. NFPA 54 (gas) and NFPA 31 (oil) for those appliances.
Licences and credentials to look for
- Canada
- WETT certification (WETT Inc.), e.g., SITE Inspector or SITE Comprehensive Inspector, or Chimney Sweep and Installer designations. Verify it in the WETT directory. Quebec: APC (Association des professionnels du chauffage) certification is common, and installers need an RBQ licence. Gas fireplaces: a provincially licensed gas technician (e.g., TSSA-registered contractor with a G2/G3 technician in Ontario).
- United States
- CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep (CCS), verified on CSIA's Find a Pro. NCSG (National Chimney Sweep Guild) membership. NFI (National Fireplace Institute) certification for hearth installers. A state contractor licence for masonry or relining where your state requires it.
Questions to ask and red flags
- Ask for their WETT number (Canada) or CSIA CCS number (US) and look it up in the directory.
- Ask which inspection level they will perform (WETT Visual/Technical/Invasive, or NFPA 211 Level 1/2/3) and what written report you get. Insurers usually want a WETT report form.
- Ask whether they will camera-scan the flue on a home purchase or after a chimney fire.
- Red flag: a 'free' or very cheap sweep that turns into an urgent relining sale with no photos. Ask for camera footage before agreeing to major repairs.
- Gas appliances: ask whether the person holds a provincial or state gas licence. A chimney sweep certification alone does not cover gas work.
What they install or service: Heating, Woodstoves & Chimneys