Chimmey Sweeps & Inspections
4.8 Stars • 500+ Reviews • Family Owned since 1982
Chimney Sweeps and Inspections in Maryland, DC, & Virginia
A safe chimney starts with two things: a clean flue and a trained eye checking it over. Priddy Chimney Solutions has been offering both since 1982, and we recommend homeowners think of a sweep and an inspection as one visit, not two separate decisions.
What Sets Priddy Chimney Solutions Apart
- Since 1982: We’ve been sweeping and inspecting chimneys across DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia for over 40 years.
- Family-Owned, Woman-Led: A locally-owned team, not a franchise or a lead-gen middleman passing your job to a sub.
- 4.8-Star Rated: Homeowners across the region trust us with their sweeps, inspections, and everything that comes after.
- One Visit, Not Two: We schedule your sweep and inspection together, so our technician gets a clean flue to actually see what’s going on.
- CSIA-Certified Technicians: Trained and certified by the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA), using HEPA vacuums and drop cloths to keep the visit mess-free.
What's Included in a Chimney Sweep
A chimney sweep is the cleaning portion of the visit. Using specialized brushes and a HEPA-rated vacuum, our technician removes soot, creosote, and any blockages from the flue. This is the part of the service that keeps your chimney from becoming a fire hazard and keeps smoke venting where it should.
Most homeowners need a sweep at least once a year if they use their fireplace or stove regularly. Heavier use, especially with wood-burning systems, may call for a sweep more often.
What's Included in a Chimney Inspection
A chimney inspection is the evaluation portion of the visit. Our technician checks the structural condition of the chimney, the liner, the cap and crown, the flashing where the chimney meets the roof, the damper, and the clearances between the chimney and any nearby combustible materials. This is how small issues, like a cracked crown or a failing liner, get caught before they turn into a bigger repair.
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommends an annual inspection regardless of how often the chimney is used, since weather and time can cause problems even in a fireplace that sits idle most of the year.
If you’re specifically looking into an annual chimney inspection or need an inspection as part of a home sale, we have more detail on those situations. This page covers what applies to both.
Ready to Get Your Chimney Swept and Inspected?
Since 1982, homeowners across DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia have trusted Priddy for chimney sweeps and inspections. Let’s get yours on the schedule.
What Does a Chimney Inspection Look For?
Inspections are grouped into three levels (Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3), with the scope increasing based on your chimney’s condition, any recent changes to the system, or an event like a chimney fire or major storm. A typical inspection covers:
- Structural Condition: cracks, loose bricks, or deteriorating mortar, inside and out.
- Liner Condition: cracks or gaps that could let heat, smoke, or gas escape into the home.
- Buildup and Blockages: soot and creosote levels, and anything obstructing the flue.
- Cap and Crown: checked for damage that could let water, debris, or animals in.
- Flashing: the seal between chimney and roof, checked for leaks.
- Venting System: confirmed to meet local codes and standards.
- Firebox: checked for wear from repeated heat exposure.
- Damper Operation: confirmed to open, close, and seal properly.
- Clearances: combustible materials checked for safe distance from the heat source.
- Smoke Chamber and Smoke Shelf: checked for shape and smoothness so smoke vents efficiently.
A thorough inspection is what catches carbon monoxide risks and structural problems before they become expensive or dangerous.
Important Notice About Animals in Chimneys
Due to local regulations, Priddy Chimney Solutions cannot assist with the removal of animals from chimneys. If you encounter this issue, we recommend contacting your local animal control office for assistance with safely removing the animals.
Once the animals have been removed, our team can help you prevent future problems by inspecting your chimney and installing protective measures like chimney caps.
Why We Recommend Scheduling a Chimney Sweep and Inspection Together
Keeping your chimney clean and inspecting for issues annually is the routine maintenance that prevents a surprise repair bill.
- A clean chimney is easier to inspect. Soot and creosote can hide cracks or damage that only show up once the flue is clear.
- It’s one appointment instead of two. Less disruption to your day, and one less thing to schedule.
- It’s usually more cost-effective. We offer bundled pricing when both services happen at the same visit.
- You get a complete picture. Sweeping without inspecting misses structural issues. Inspecting without sweeping means the technician may be looking through buildup that obscures real problems.
A Note on "Chimney Sweep" vs. "Chimney Cleaning"
You’ll hear these terms used interchangeably, though in the industry, this service is most often called a chimney sweep. Either way, it’s the same job: removing soot, creosote, and blockages so your chimney is safe to use. Soot staining on the brick and masonry is a natural part of how a fireplace works, and no sweep or cleaning fully removes it. What matters for safety is getting soot and creosote cleared out regularly, not how spotless the flue looks afterward.
For more detail, see our full breakdown of the difference between a chimney cleaning and a sweep.
Customer Reviews
What If My Chimney Needs Repairs?
If your inspection turns up an issue, we’ll walk you through it before doing any work. Here’s how we handle it:
- A clear conversation. We explain what we found and what it means for your chimney’s safety and performance.
- Options, not a single fix. Every chimney and every budget is different, so we lay out the paths available.
- Phased repairs when it makes sense. Urgent safety issues get prioritized. Cosmetic or lower-priority items can be scheduled later.
- Conversion as an option. Sometimes a repair is a good moment to consider converting your fireplace to a more efficient system instead of just patching the old one.
Our team can handle everything from chimney repairs to fireplace redesigns, so whatever the inspection finds, we can talk through the right next step together.
Schedule Your Chimney Sweep and Inspection
If it’s been a year since your last visit, you’re noticing a smoky odor, poor draft, or visible soot and creosote buildup, or you’re just getting ready for the season ahead, the right first step is a professional sweep and inspection that clears the flue and evaluates the full condition of your chimney system. Our certified technicians have been performing chimney sweeps and inspections across the DMV region since 1982.
To get in touch with us, call 301-530-4262 or request an appointment online.
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Frequently Asked Questions on Chimney Sweeping
How much does a professional chimney sweep cost? A professional chimney cleaning typically runs $249 to $399, itemized by scope of work and the level of inspection performed. Bundled pricing is available when a sweep and inspection are done together.
How long does a chimney inspection or cleaning take? Usually 1 to 2 hours, depending on your chimney’s condition and how much buildup there is.
Will the service make a mess in my house? No. We use a HEPA-rated vacuum and drop cloths to protect your floors and furnishings throughout the visit.
How do I prepare for my appointment? Make sure there’s clear access to the fireplace inside and the chimney outside. Trimming back overgrown branches near the roofline helps too.
How often should I have my chimney swept and inspected? At least once a year, according to the NFPA, regardless of how often you use it. Frequent users, especially with wood-burning systems, may need a mid-season sweep to stay ahead of creosote buildup.