Toronto Chimney Repair · October 4, 2026
Why it builds up
Every fire leaves creosote on the cooler parts of the flue. How fast it builds depends mostly on the wood and how you burn it. Wet wood, smouldering overnight fires and a flue that runs cold build it much faster than hot fires with dry wood.
Fireplaces vs wood stoves
An open fireplace used on weekends usually needs a sweep once a year. A wood stove that heats part of the house every day burns far more wood, often at lower temperatures, so it can need a sweep mid-season as well. Stoves on uninsulated liners or exterior chimneys build up faster.
The biggest difference you can make
Burn dry, seasoned wood — split and stacked for six months to a year, with moisture below about 20%. A cheap moisture meter tells you. Burn hot fires rather than letting the stove smoulder, and don't burn painted wood, cardboard or garbage.
What a sweep costs
Our sweep is $249 to $549 plus HST depending on how much is in the flue. A chimney swept every year is at the low end; heavy or glazed creosote, a flue left for years, or a nest to clear out costs more. The final price is given before the work starts.
