Chimney Sweeping, Inspections and Repairs for Grand Rapids Homes
Grand Rapids Elite Chimney Sweep sweeps, inspects and repairs chimneys in Grand Rapids, MI and the towns around it. Every sweep comes with a camera scan of the whole flue, so you see what is up there on a screen instead of taking our word for it.
The crew lays tarps from your door to the hearth, sweeps with a HEPA-filtered vacuum and emails you a written report with photos. If the scan turns up a problem, we quote the fix: a liner, a cap, a crown, tuckpointing, flashing or a rebuild. Our owner, Dale, has spent 22 years on West Michigan roofs, and he still takes the first look himself. Honestly, we would rather show you a clean flue than sell you a repair.
Camera scan with every sweep
Written report with photos
Tarps down and a HEPA vacuum
CSIA-certified sweeps on the crew
Repairs quoted from the scan
Chimney Sweep, Inspection & Repair Services in Grand Rapids, MI
Our whole job is a chimney that draws, stays dry and doesn't surprise anyone in January. We look first, we show you the screen, and then we talk about the price. In our experience, that order is what makes people trust a quote.
Typical sweep and scan, one fireplace
45 min
Camera view up the whole flue
360°
Home chimney services
Residential Chimney Sweep, Cleaning & Repair Services in Grand Rapids, MI
Most of our work is in houses with a wood fireplace. Here is what each job involves and when you need it.
01
Wood Fireplace Chimney Sweeping
Fireplace flues collect soot every time you burn. We sweep from the inside with wire brushes and a HEPA vacuum, so the room stays clean. One fireplace takes 45 minutes to an hour, and the camera scan comes with it. See chimney inspection.
02
Chimney Cleaning and Creosote Removal
Creosote is the tar that wood smoke leaves behind, and it burns. We clean it out before it builds to 1/8 inch, about the thickness of a dime, because past that point a chimney fire gets possible. We've seen flues glazed solid after a few winters of burning damp wood.
03
Chimney Inspections
A Level 1 inspection is the yearly look at everything we can reach. A Level 2 adds the camera scan of the flue. You get a written report with photos, so the findings are on paper. See chimney inspection.
04
Home Sale Chimney Inspections
Buying a house with a fireplace? Sellers and buyers both ask for a Level 2 scan before closing. The camera shows cracked flue tile that a flashlight misses. We email the report the same week, so the numbers are on the table before you sign.
05
Chimney Liner Repair and Replacement
A liner is the tube inside the brick that carries smoke out. If clay tile cracks, heat reaches the framing. We repair some liners with a sealant and install stainless steel liners when a repair won't hold. See chimney liners.
06
Chimney Cap and Chase Top Replacement
A cap is the metal lid with side screens that keeps out rain, birds and sparks. A chase top is the steel cover on a chimney wrapped in siding. Rusty ones leak into the walls. We fit stainless ones. See chimney caps.
07
Chimney Crown Repair
The crown is the sloped cement slab on top of the brick, like the brim of a ball cap. When it cracks, water runs straight into the chimney. We coat small cracks and rebuild crowns that are past saving. See crown repair.
08
Chimney Tuckpointing and Brick Repair
Tuckpointing means grinding out tired mortar and packing in fresh. Loose or flaking brick gets replaced too. West Michigan winters push water into old joints and freeze it, so the work has to be done before the bricks go. See tuckpointing.
09
Chimney Leak Repair and Flashing
Water stains near the fireplace often get blamed on the roof when the chimney is the real source. We check the flashing, the crown and the brick, then fix the part that is letting water in. See chimney leak repair.
10
Chimney Rebuilds
When the top of a chimney is leaning, spalling or past repair, we take it down to sound brick and rebuild above the roof line. We tell you plainly if a repair will do instead. See chimney rebuilds.
Chimney Crews Across Grand Rapids & Kent County
From Rockford down to Caledonia and out to Grandville, the crew works the whole metro. Click a highlighted town for local prices and what we usually find there.
We've seen sweeps that leave soot on the carpet or skip the top of the flue, and we think that is a bad sweep. Ours starts at your front door and ends with a report. Our visit takes 45 minutes to an hour for one fireplace and 1.5 to 2 hours for two.
Tarps and runners go from the door to the fireplace. Furniture sits about five feet back, fragile things come off the mantel, and pets go in another room if the vacuum bothers them.
A HEPA Vacuum, Not a Broom and a Prayer
More info
A HEPA vacuum has a filter fine enough to hold soot. We sweep from the firebox up with wire brushes while it runs, which keeps the dust in the machine and out of your living room.
The Camera Scan
More info
A camera on a cable rotates 360 degrees as it goes up the flue. You can watch on the screen and we point out cracks, gaps and buildup as they appear.
A Report You Keep
More info
The report arrives by email with photos and repair options. If nothing needs fixing, it says so. If something does, you have a picture to show anyone you like.
Timing Tips for Grand Rapids Chimneys
Three moments when a call saves you trouble. These are tips, not coupons.
Before the First Firebook your sweep in September or OctoberChimney sweep searches in Grand Rapids peak in November and DecemberContact UsChimney inspection details
Buying or Selling?ask for a Level 2 inspection before closingCamera scan of the flue and a written reportContact UsHome sale inspections
Water Stains?get a leak looked at before the next thawFlashing and the crown are the usual culpritsContact UsChimney leak repair
Every Visit Ends With a Written Report
A digital report of the camera scan with photos, and repair quotes you can read at the kitchen table. Nothing gets booked until you say so.
How Much Does a Chimney Sweep Cost in Grand Rapids, MI?
A chimney sweep with an inspection costs $250 to $400 in Grand Rapids in 2026, and a Level 1 inspection on its own runs $175 to $279. Repairs vary with how high the work is and how much brick is involved. Here are the usual ranges, from a basic visit up to a rebuild.
Job
Typical price
Time
Level 1 inspection
$175 to $279
30 to 45 minutes
Sweep plus inspection, one fireplace
$250 to $400
45 to 60 minutes
Level 2 inspection with camera scan
$250 to $400
About 1 hour
Crown coat or small crown repair
$350 to $700
A few hours
Tuckpointing, a few courses of brick
$600 to $2,800
1 to 2 days
Stainless cap or chase top
$250 to $1,500
A few hours
Stainless liner, full length
$2,200 to $5,000
1 day
Partial rebuild above the roof
$2,000 to $6,500
2 to 4 days
These are typical ranges, not quotes. A written quote comes from what the camera and the roof check show.
Chimneys give warning before something goes wrong. If you spot any of these, book a look before the cold sets in.
01
Smoke in the Room When You Light a Fire
A fireplace that smokes into the room usually has a blocked flue, a cold flue or a cap clogged with soot. Open the damper and check. If the smoke keeps coming, stop burning and book a chimney inspection.
02
A Campfire Smell in Summer
A smoky smell on humid days means creosote is still in the flue and the air is pulling it into the house. A thorough sweep takes most of it out. Heavy glaze might need a second pass or a chemical treatment.
03
Black Flakes or Dust in the Firebox
Flaky black bits that fall into the firebox are creosote or soot coming loose. If you can scratch a line in the buildup with a fingernail, it is thicker than 1/8 inch and the sweep is overdue.
04
White Stains on the Brick
A white powder on brick is salt left behind as water moves through the wall. It means moisture is getting in. Look at the crown, the cap and the flashing before the next freeze.
05
Crumbling Mortar or Loose Bricks
Sandy joints, gaps you can push a pencil into or bricks that wiggle all mean the mortar is done. Tuckpointing fixes it, and the sooner it is done, the fewer bricks need replacing.
06
Water in the Firebox or Rust on the Damper
Rust, a damp smell or water on the hearth after rain points to a leak at the top. A cracked crown, a missing cap or loose flashing is usually behind it. See chimney leak repair.
Specialty work
Specialty Chimney Repair Services
Jobs that go beyond a sweep and need a closer look from the roof.
01
HeatShield Liner Repair
Some cracked clay liners can be sealed from the inside with a coating that is pumped through the flue. It saves tearing out tile when the damage is limited. See chimney liners.
02
Stainless Chase Top Replacement
A rusty galvanized chase top lets water into a siding-covered chimney. We swap it for stainless steel that will not rust through. See chimney caps and chase tops.
03
Crown Reconstruction
When a crown is cracked through, we rebuild it with a sloped cement top that overhangs the brick by at least 2 inches, so water drips clear of the wall. See crown repair.
04
Flashing Replacement
The metal where the chimney meets the roof is where a lot of leaks start. We replace flashing that has pulled loose or rusted. See chimney leak repair.
05
Loose Brick Replacement
Bricks that have lost their faces after freezing and thawing are cut out and replaced with matching brick. Mortar color gets matched too, so the repair does not stand out.
06
Breathable Waterproofing
A clear water repellent that lets the brick breathe slows how much rain soaks in. It works on sound brick and joints, so repairs come first and the coating comes last.
Before you book
Things to Know Before You Book a Chimney Sweep in Grand Rapids
When to Book a Chimney Sweep in Grand Rapids
September and October are the easy months. Searches for chimney sweeps peak in November and December, when the first cold snaps send everyone to the phone.
Wood, Gas or Both: Every Chimney Needs a Look
Wood fireplaces build creosote, which is the main reason to sweep. Gas flues burn cleaner but still need a yearly inspection for cracks and rust.
Getting Ready for the Visit
Clear a path from the front door to the fireplace, slide furniture about five feet back and take fragile things off the mantel. An adult should be home to watch the scan.
Ask to See the Screen Before You Agree to Anything
Last fall a homeowner showed us a liner quote that came with no photo at all. We think a repair quote should come with a picture of the problem, and trust us, a second look is worth it when it doesn't.
Recent work
Chimney Jobs Around Grand Rapids This Year
A few jobs from 2026, with what the camera found and what the work cost.
Cracked crown rebuilt with a new sloped concrete top, flashing resealed, stainless cap fitted
Price
$1,150
Time
1 day
The old crown had a crack you could slide a coin into, and water had stained the ceiling by the fireplace. We rebuilt the top so it overhangs the brick, and the stain stopped growing.
$3,650
Cracked Clay Liner in an Older Two-Story
Home
Two-story brick, 1920s
Area
East Grand Rapids
Job
Level 2 camera scan, stainless 316Ti liner installed, permit pulled, new cap
Price
$3,650
Time
1 day
The scan showed tile that had split lengthwise and a gap at the third joint. The owners wanted to keep burning wood, so the liner went in and the report went to their insurance agent.
$1,780
Sandy Mortar on a 1950s Chimney
Home
Ranch with a tall brick chimney
Area
Walker
Job
Joints ground out and tuckpointed above the roof, six loose bricks replaced, crown coated
Price
$1,780
Time
2 days
Joints were soft enough to crumble under a screwdriver. We cut them out, packed new mortar and matched the color, and coated the crown while we were up there.
PhotosWith every reportThe camera scan comes back as pictures you can keep, so you can show a roofer, an agent or your spouse.Contact Us
JJoanne P.Wyoming
The fireplace smelled like a campsite every humid July. Dale's crew swept it, ran the camera and showed me a cracked tile on the screen before they quoted anything. Smell's gone.
MMark & Ayesha T.East Grand Rapids
Three weeks before closing our inspector flagged the chimney. They did a Level 2 with the camera, emailed the report with photos that same afternoon, and our agent used it in the negotiation.
SSue W.Kentwood
They put tarps down from the front door to the hearth and used a vacuum that actually kept the soot in the fireplace. I've had sweeps leave black footprints in my hallway before. Not this time.
IImran K.Walker
Water stains on the ceiling by the chimney every spring. They found the flashing had pulled away, fixed it, and checked the crown while they were up there. Dry through the whole thaw.
PPeter H.Grandville
Honest. Told us the flue was in good shape and to see them next fall. Didn't try to sell us a liner. That's why we'll call them when it does need work.
DDana R.Byron Center
The crown on our ranch was crumbling and the mortar was sandy. They explained the order they'd do it in and why, and the bill matched the quote to the dollar.
Certified & Accountable
A word from
The Owner
“I grew up in Grandville and I have been on roofs around here for 22 years. My rule is simple: show people the screen first, and talk price second. If the flue is fine, I would rather say so and see them next fall.”
Dale Brinkman
Owner, Grand Rapids Elite Chimney Sweep
Dale got his CSIA card in his second year of sweeping and still takes the first look at most jobs himself. His sister Karen runs the schedule, so if you call the office, she is the one who answers.
Where we work
Chimney Sweep Near You in Kent County
Grand Rapids Elite Chimney Sweep serves homeowners across Grand Rapids and nearby towns, including Wyoming, Kentwood, Walker, Grandville, Byron Center, Rockford, Comstock Park, East Grand Rapids, Caledonia, Ada, Hudsonville, Jenison, Lowell, Sparta and Allendale. Same crew, same camera, same report in every one.
1950s to 1970s brick ranches and bi-levels, plus newer sided chimneys in the southwest.
Questions we hear
Chimney Sweep FAQs From Grand Rapids Homeowners
How much does a chimney sweep cost in Grand Rapids?
A chimney sweep with an inspection costs about $250 to $400 in Grand Rapids in 2026. A Level 1 inspection alone is $175 to $279, and a dryer vent add-on costs extra. Price depends on how many flues you have and how easy the roof is to reach.
How often should I have my chimney swept?
Once a year if you burn wood regularly. The Chimney Safety Institute of America says to sweep when soot reaches 1/8 inch, about the thickness of a dime. Gas fireplaces need an inspection yearly too, though they usually need less cleaning.
What does the camera scan show that a sweep alone doesn't?
The camera shows cracked flue tile, gaps at the joints, blockages and buildup the brush can't tell you about. It rotates 360 degrees up the whole flue and we show you the screen. A flashlight sees only the first few feet.
How long does a chimney sweep take?
A standard sweep and inspection takes 45 minutes to an hour for one fireplace. Two or more fireplaces take about 1.5 to 2 hours. Most of the time goes to laying tarps, sweeping with a HEPA vacuum and watching the camera scan with you.
Do I need a chimney inspection when buying a house?
Yes, a Level 2 inspection is the standard for a property sale. It includes a camera scan of the flue and a look at the attic and crawl space. A cracked liner can cost $2,200 to $5,000 to replace, so find out before closing.
Can you sweep a gas fireplace or a woodstove chimney?
We sweep and inspect wood fireplace chimneys, and we inspect the flues on gas fireplaces. In our experience, owners are surprised how often a gas flue needs work. Stove chimneys are best confirmed when you book, because the connection and the liner differ. Tell us what you burn and we plan the visit around it.
Do you do chimney repairs or just sweeping?
Both. When the camera finds a problem, we quote the repair: liners, caps and chase tops, crowns, tuckpointing, flashing and leak repair, or a rebuild. You get the quote in writing with photos, and nothing is scheduled until you say yes.
Which areas do you serve around Grand Rapids?
We serve Grand Rapids and Kent County, including Wyoming, Kentwood, Walker, Grandville, Byron Center, Rockford, Comstock Park, East Grand Rapids, Caledonia and Ada. Each town has its own page with local prices and the quirks we plan around.
Chimney service requests
Book Your Sweep, Inspection or Repair Quote
Leave your name, number and a line about the chimney. We call you back during office hours to set a time.
$1,150
$3,650
$1,780
