In Kenmore, a standard chimney sweep costs $120–$250, depending on flue size, creosote level, and access. A Level 2 inspection adds $60–$120. Call Matthew Clark Chimney LLC for a free, no-pressure estimate tailored to your Kenmore home.
What a Kenmore chimney sweep includes
A proper chimney sweep in Kenmore isn’t just brushing soot off the walls—it’s a safety service that removes flammable creosote, checks for cracks in the flue, and ensures your chimney cap is clear of pine needles and moss common in our damp Pacific Northwest climate. We start with a visual Level 1 inspection, brush the flue from top to bottom, and vacuum the firebox and smoke chamber. If your Kenmore home has a masonry chimney with a tile liner, we’ll also check for loose joints. For homes built before 2000 or with a wood stove, we recommend a Level 2 inspection, which adds a camera check of the flue and attic inspection. We always cap the job with a free written report and photos so you know exactly what we found. Learn more about our services
A chimney inspection is a visual or camera-based check of your flue and venting system
A chimney inspection is a visual or camera-based check of your flue and venting system. In Kenmore, we perform three levels: Level 1 is a basic look inside the flue from the firebox; Level 2 adds a camera and attic crawl for hidden damage; Level 3 is rare and only used when a hazard is suspected. The Chimney Safety Institute of America recommends at least a Level 1 inspection annually, and a Level 2 every five years or after a chimney fire or major renovation. Compare inspection types
What drives the chimney sweep cost in Kenmore
In Kenmore, your chimney sweep cost depends on flue size, creosote buildup, access, and whether you need an inspection. A single-story craftsman with a straight 8-inch flue and light creosote might cost $120–$160. A two-story rambler with a 12-inch flue and medium creosote jumps to $180–$220. If your Kenmore home has a steep roof, a wood stove, or a tile-lined masonry chimney, expect $230–$280. A Level 2 inspection adds $60–$120. We always provide a free estimate before we start, so you’ll know the exact price before we arrive. Get your free estimate
Kenmore’s climate and your chimney: why timing matters
Kenmore’s wet, mild winters and rainy springs mean moss, lichen, and moisture creep into chimneys faster than in drier parts of Washington. A damp flue accelerates creosote formation and can corrode masonry, so we recommend sweeping in late summer or early fall, before the rainy season. If you burn more than three cords of wood per year, schedule two sweeps: one in spring to clear winter buildup and one in fall to prep for the season. See our seasonal checklist for Kenmore
How to prepare your Kenmore home for the sweep
To make your Kenmore chimney sweep smooth, move furniture away from the hearth, clear the area around the fireplace, and cover your TV or electronics with a sheet. If you have a wood stove, remove ash down to the grates and leave the door open. If your chimney cap is clogged with pine needles from nearby Juanita Hill, clear the debris so we can inspect the flue safely. We’ll bring drop cloths and shoe covers, but a quick sweep of the hearth helps us finish faster. See our prep checklist for Kenmore homeowners
Local Kenmore costs: what to expect when you call
When you call us for a chimney sweep in Kenmore, we’ll ask your home’s age, flue size, and how often you burn wood. Most Kenmore homes built in the 1960s–1990s have 8-inch or 10-inch flues, while newer builds often have 12-inch or double-wall stainless liners. We’ll quote a price over the phone and confirm it when we arrive. If we find unexpected damage, we’ll call you before proceeding. All our technicians are licensed, bonded, and insured, and we stand behind our work with a one-year warranty on labor. Meet our Kenmore team
When to call a pro: warning signs in Kenmore homes
If you notice a strong campfire smell lingering in your Kenmore living room after a burn, black soot on the firebox floor, or smoke drafting back into the room, your chimney needs attention. Other red flags: a chimney cap missing or clogged with moss from nearby Cottage Lake, white efflorescence on the bricks, or a flue that’s cracked when you shine a flashlight up from the attic. Don’t wait for a chimney fire—call us for a free inspection. See our warning signs checklist for Kenmore
Cost comparison: Kenmore vs. nearby towns
Chimney sweep costs in Kenmore are typically in line with neighboring towns, but access and flue size vary. In nearby Woodinville, steep roofs and larger homes can push prices to $250–$300, while Bothell’s mid-century ramblers often run $140–$200. Kirkland’s newer builds with stainless liners average $180–$240. If you live near Lake Washington or on a hillside in Kenmore, expect a small premium for safety rigging. See what we charge in nearby areas
| Home type | Flue size | Typical creosote | Estimated cost | Includes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single-story craftsman | 8" masonry | Light (<1/8") | $120–$160 | Level 1 inspection, brushing, vacuuming |
| Two-story rambler | 10" masonry | Medium (1/8–1/4") | $180–$220 | Level 1 inspection, brushing, vacuuming |
| Newer rambler with stainless liner | 12" double-wall | Light | $160–$200 | Level 1 inspection, brushing, vacuuming |
| Wood stove in daylight basement | 6"–8" flexible liner | Medium | $180–$280 | Level 1 inspection, stove pipe cleaning, cap check |
| Historic Kenmore home with tile liner | 10"–12" tile | Heavy (>1/4") | $230–$280 | Level 2 inspection with camera, brushing, vacuuming |
Frequently Asked Questions
My Kenmore home has a wood stove. How much does a chimney sweep cost for a wood stove flue?
For a wood stove in Kenmore, expect $180–$280 depending on flue length and creosote level. Stainless steel liners are easier to clean than masonry, so they’re usually on the lower end. We’ll inspect the stove pipe and chimney cap too.
Why does my Kenmore chimney cap keep getting clogged with pine needles from Juanita Hill?
Kenmore’s evergreen canopy sheds needles year-round, and a missing or damaged cap lets debris pile up fast. We’ll clear the flue, install a mesh cap with 3/8-inch holes, and show you how to check it after windstorms.
Can I burn my fireplace in Kenmore right after a chimney sweep?
Yes—once we finish and give you the all-clear, you can safely enjoy your Kenmore fireplace. We’ll leave the damper fully open for a few hours to air out any residual dust.
How often should I have my Kenmore chimney swept if I burn one cord of wood per winter?
Burning one cord per winter in Kenmore usually means once every two years is enough, but check your flue after heavy use. If you see more than 1/8 inch of creosote, schedule a sweep sooner.