Level 1 sweep and inspection to the NFPA 211 annual standard - flue, crown, cap, and flashing checked and photographed
Chimney sweep logs do not sweep chimneys. They loosen some creosote - which then falls where a brush and vacuum still have to collect it.
Before
After
Before
After
Before
AfterChimney Cleaning in Converse, TX
Chimney cleaning in Converse, TX runs $169-$269 for a standard sweep and Level 1 inspection, with the full NFPA 211 Level 2 camera inspection adding $100-$150. Most Converse homes we see are 1970s-1990s brick ranch-style builds near Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, and the military PCS cycle means fireplaces often sit untouched for two or three ownerships before anyone calls us. If you’re east of I-35 off FM 1516 or in the neighborhoods between Kitty Hawk and Toepperwein, call (980) 580-8641 for a written quote before anything gets started.
Why Converse Homes Are Different
Converse sits in the densest military bedroom ring of the San Antonio metro, directly adjacent to JBSA-Randolph. That adjacency shapes nearly every chimney we open. Turnover here is constant: a three-bedroom brick ranch off FM 78 might pass through three Air Force families in five years, and fireplace maintenance simply doesn’t transfer with the lease. The new owner fires the prefab fireplace for the first time in half a decade, and what our camera finds is the accumulated record of every winter it sat idle.
The housing stock compounds it. Most Converse homes from the 1970s-1990s were built with zero-clearance prefabricated fireplaces, not true masonry. Those factory-built units have metal chases and flue liners that corrode faster than brick-and-mortar systems, especially in South Texas heat cycles where the attic cooks the chase for nine months, then a cold front drops 40 degrees in a day and the homeowner burns oak for a week straight. The February 2021 freeze was the most concentrated version of that pattern we’ve ever seen in this area. We found Class III creosote, the hard, glazed tar-like buildup that resists standard brushing, in Converse homes well into 2022 and 2023, long after most people’s memory of the storm faded.
There is also a quiet but consistent pattern around the base perimeter: original chimney caps missing, replaced by nothing. A 1985 prefab fireplace with three owners’ worth of creosote and a cap that was never replaced after a tenant move-out is not a one-off here. It is a weekday.
Our Main Converse Services
Two services account for the majority of what Converse homeowners call about: fireplace repairs on aging prefab units and chimney caps or crowns that failed years ago and were never addressed.
Fireplace Services in Converse
Converse’s prefab fireplaces are worked hard in short bursts after long idle stretches, which puts stress on refractory panels, dampers, and gas log sets. A homeowner moving into a 1988-era ranch near the base often finds the fireplace was cosmetic for the previous owner and never inspected. We document what the camera shows and quote a written price before any repair happens. See what full fireplace service covers on our Fireplace Services in Converse page.
Chimney Cap & Crown in Converse
A missing chimney cap is the single most common Converse defect we photograph. It lets rain into the flue, which accelerates liner corrosion and turns the smoke chamber into an acidic mess. Crowns on older brick chimneys crack under South Texas temperature swings, then hold water at the top of the structure. Our Chimney Cap & Crown in Converse page covers cap replacement, crown repair, and the specific weather patterns that make this urgent here.
What happens when you call
- 1
A real person answersNo phone trees - you reach a local pro.
- 2
You get an upfront price rangeHonest numbers before anyone is dispatched.
- 3
A background-checked tech heads outLicensed & insured, dispatched right away.
- 4
You approve before work beginsNothing starts until you say go.
BeforeAfterChimney Sweep in Converse
Chimney sweep in Converse means more than brushing soot out of a flue. Given the turnover pattern near JBSA-Randolph, most of our sweeps start with a Chimney Sweep visit that includes a camera inspection to document exactly what accumulated during the years the fireplace sat dormant. The stop-start burn pattern hardens creosote on cooled liner surfaces instead of letting it burn off gradually, so Converse jobs frequently involve glazed creosote removal rather than a simple brushing.
Level 1 Inspection
Signs you need it
You’ve never had the chimney inspected since buying the home, or you just moved in and have no documentation of the last cleaning.
What it costs in Converse
$169-$269 as part of a standard sweep, with the inspection itself included in that range.
How we do it
We examine the accessible portions of the fireplace, flue, and exterior, document what we see with photos, and give you a written record before we leave.
Level 2 Inspection
Signs you need it
You’ve had a chimney fire, a major weather event like the 2021 freeze, or the home changed ownership and no one can produce maintenance records.
What it costs in Converse
$100-$150 added to a sweep, so a full sweep plus Level 2 inspection typically lands between $269 and $419.
How we do it
We run a camera down the entire flue, photograph every section of liner, and archive the footage as part of your documented photo record.
Creosote Removal
Signs you need it
You see dark, shiny, tar-like buildup on the damper or firebox walls, or the fireplace smells acrid even when cold.
What it costs in Converse
$200-$350 when glazed, Stage 3 creosote requires chemical treatment and mechanical removal beyond a standard sweep.
How we do it
We apply a creosote conditioner, use rotary cleaning heads sized to your flue, and re-inspect with the camera to confirm removal.
Soot Removal
Signs you need it
The firebox is coated in black, flaky powder, or smoke spills into the room when you open the doors mid-burn.
What it costs in Converse
$169-$269 as part of a standard sweep, covering both the flue brushing and the firebox cleanup.
How we do it
We brush the flue from the top or bottom depending on your roof access, vacuum the smoke chamber and firebox, and leave no dust in the home.
Annual Sweep
Signs you need it
A year has passed since the last cleaning, or you’re about to start burning regularly for the winter and want a clean starting point.
What it costs in Converse
$169-$269 for most Converse prefab and masonry fireplaces, including the inspection.
How we do it
We run the brushes, inspect every component, and hand you a written report with photos showing before-and-after liner condition.
What Chimney Sweep Costs in Converse
| Item | Typical range in Converse |
|---|---|
| Standard sweep with Level 1 inspection | $169-$269 |
| Level 2 camera inspection (added) | $100-$150 |
| Glazed creosote removal | $200-$350 |
How often should a chimney be swept in Converse?
Every year if you burn wood at all. Converse fireplaces sit dormant nine months and then get fired hard during cold fronts, which hardens creosote and makes even small accumulations harder to remove later. Call (980) 580-8641 to book a sweep.
What happens if I skip a cleaning in Converse?
Creosote keeps building. On the base-housing perimeter especially, we see chimneys with three or four seasons of glazed buildup layered on top of each other. That’s chimney fire fuel. Call (980) 580-8641 for a written quote before winter.
Chimney Repair in Converse
Chimney repair in Converse often means catching problems that started years before the current owner bought the house. The 1970s-1990s brick ranches here have mortar joints and flashing that were never designed for the humidity swings and periodic hard freezes this area gets. A cracked crown or spalling brick face is never just cosmetic; it is the entry point for water into the entire chimney structure. Our Chimney Repair work always starts with a camera inspection and a written price.
Mortar Repointing
Signs you need it
Mortar joints are crumbling, recessed, or missing between bricks anywhere on the chimney stack.
What it costs in Converse
$40-$80 per square foot for professional repointing on most Converse brick chimneys.
How we do it
We grind out deteriorated mortar to consistent depth, match the original mortar color and hardness, and repoint section by section with photos before and after.
Spalling Brick Repair
Signs you need it
Brick faces are flaking off in sheets, leaving larger red or gray patches exposed, or you find brick chips at the base of the chimney.
What it costs in Converse
$60-$110 per square foot when spalling requires brick replacement and structural repair.
How we do it
We remove damaged bricks, inspect the water entry point that caused the spalling, replace with matched materials, and waterproof the repaired surface.
Chimney Waterproofing
Signs you need it
Water stains on the ceiling near the chimney, a white powdery efflorescence on the exterior brick, or damp smells from the firebox after rain.
What it costs in Converse
$150-$300 for a full chimney waterproofing treatment on the exposed stack.
How we do it
We clean the brick surface, apply a vapor-permeable waterproofing agent, and document the treated area with photos so the record is verifiable later.
Flashing Repair
Signs you need it
Rust streaks, lifted metal, or gaps in the flashing where the chimney meets the roofline, or water in the attic after storms.
What it costs in Converse
$200-$500 depending on whether we can patch the existing flashing or need to cut in new step flashing.
How we do it
We remove the old flashing, inspect the roofline transition, install new step and counter flashing, and confirm the seal with a water test.
Chimney Rebuilding
Signs you need it
The stack is visibly leaning, bricks are loose enough to move by hand, or the crown has failed so completely that water has degraded the entire top section.
What it costs in Converse
$900-$3,500 for a top-section rebuild, depending on how far down the damage extends.
How we do it
We take down the damaged section course by course, rebuild with new brick and reinforced mortar, install a proper crown, and document every layer with photos.
What Chimney Repair Costs in Converse
| Item | Typical range in Converse |
|---|---|
| Mortar repointing | $40-$80 per sq ft |
| Spalling brick repair | $60-$110 per sq ft |
| Flashing repair | $200-$500 |
Can a damaged Converse chimney wait until spring?
No. Water intrusion keeps advancing through the winter rain months, and every hard freeze expands the damage. What is patchable flashing in December becomes a rebuild by March if you wait. Call (980) 580-8641 for a written repair quote.
Does chimney repair in Converse include waterproofing?
Only if we find water entry that warrants it. We photograph the moisture points, show you the evidence, and quote waterproofing separately at $150-$300 rather than bundling it into every repair. Call (980) 580-8641 for an estimate.
Chimney Liner & Rebuild in Converse
Chimney liner and rebuild work in Converse is what we recommend when the camera shows the flue has deteriorated past the point where cleaning or patching will hold. Prefab fireplaces from the 1970s-1990s often have thin metal liners that corrode through after years of South Texas humidity and infrequent use followed by hard burns. A cracked or separated liner is a fire and carbon monoxide risk, and it is not something we will clear for continued burning until it is addressed. Our Chimney Liner & Rebuild process always starts with the camera evidence in front of you.
Stainless Steel Liner
Signs you need it
The existing clay tile liner is cracked or shifting, or a prefab metal liner shows rust-through on the camera feed.
What it costs in Converse
$1,800-$3,500 for a stainless steel liner sized to your flue and fuel type.
How we do it
We measure the flue, pull a DuraFlex or Copperfield stainless steel liner through, insulate as needed, and connect the top cap and flashing.
Flexible Liner
Signs you need it
Your flue has an offset or a bend that a rigid liner cannot navigate, or you’re relining a prefab system with an irregular chase.
What it costs in Converse
$1,800-$3,500 for flexible stainless liners in most Converse homes, including the connectors and top termination.
How we do it
We run a continuous flexible stainless liner through the existing flue path, secure it at the top and bottom, and camera-verify the full length.
Liner Replacement
Signs you need it
The existing liner is so corroded or separated that cleaning would further damage it, or the previous owner had a chimney fire that warped the flue.
What it costs in Converse
$1,800-$3,500 for a full liner replacement, including removing the old liner where needed.
How we do it
We extract the damaged liner, inspect the chase and smoke chamber for secondary damage, install the new liner with a HeatShield or Gelco product as appropriate, and document the new flue on camera.
Partial Rebuild
Signs you need it
The top courses of brick are crumbling but the lower stack is sound, or the chase top has rusted through and let water degrade the upper flue section.
What it costs in Converse
$900-$3,500 for a partial rebuild from the roofline upward in Converse.
How we do it
We dismantle the damaged top section, rebuild with new brick and a proper crown, and install a new cap or damper as the top termination.
Full Chimney Rebuild
Signs you need it
The entire structure is compromised: leaning stack, widespread spalling, a liner that has failed along most of its length, and a firebox that is no longer structurally sound.
What it costs in Converse
$4,000-$10,000 for a full rebuild from the firebox up, including a new liner and crown.
How we do it
We demolish the damaged chimney, rebuild with new materials throughout, install a new stainless liner, and hand over a complete photo record of every course.
What Chimney Liner & Rebuild Costs in Converse
| Item | Typical range in Converse |
|---|---|
| Stainless steel or flexible liner | $1,800-$3,500 |
| Partial rebuild | $900-$3,500 |
| Full rebuild | $4,000-$10,000 |
Do I really need a new liner in Converse?
We only recommend a liner when the camera footage shows cracks, rust-through, or a separation that cannot safely hold a fire. You watch the footage with us before any quote is finalized. Call (980) 580-8641 for a written estimate.
How long does a liner replacement take in Converse?
Most Converse liner replacements are done in a single day. Partial rebuilds may take two to three days depending on masonry work and weather. Call (980) 580-8641 for scheduling.
Brands We Service in Converse
We work with DuraFlex, HeatShield, Gelco, and Copperfield products on Converse jobs, and we stock common liner diameters and cap sizes locally for faster turnaround. See our brands for the full manufacturer list.
Pricing for Chimney Cleaning in Converse, TX
| Service | Typical range in Converse |
|---|---|
| Standard sweep with Level 1 inspection | $169-$269 |
| Level 2 camera inspection (added) | $100-$150 |
| Glazed creosote removal | $200-$350 |
| Mortar repointing | $40-$80 per sq ft |
| Spalling brick repair | $60-$110 per sq ft |
| Chimney waterproofing | $150-$300 |
| Flashing repair | $200-$500 |
| Stainless steel or flexible liner | $1,800-$3,500 |
| Partial rebuild | $900-$3,500 |
| Full rebuild | $4,000-$10,000 |
Prices in Converse run slightly higher when we’re working with glazed creosote from years of neglected burning, or when a prefab unit’s chase has rusted and requires sheet metal repair before the liner work can begin. Every quote is written, photographed, and delivered before any work starts under Haven Standard Clause 1.
Neighborhoods We Serve in Converse
We cover all of Converse, including the neighborhoods around FM 1516, Toepperwein Road, and Kitty Hawk, plus the base-housing perimeter streets near JBSA-Randolph. Our typical response in Converse is next-day for sweeps and inspections, with liner and rebuild jobs scheduled within the week.
- Northampton
- Essex
- Meadowbrook
- The Estates at Eilan
- Miller’s Hollow
Service Area - Cities Near Converse
Beyond Converse, we work throughout the northeast San Antonio metro. If you’re in Universal City, TX, Schertz, TX, Cibolo, TX, or San Antonio, TX, we can schedule a sweep or inspection with the same written-price guarantee.
Serving Converse, TX - Our Local Coverage Area
We’re based in the Converse area and know this community well. Use the map below to see our service coverage - if you’re nearby, we can almost certainly help.
FAQs About Chimney Cleaning in Converse
We schedule most Converse sweeps and inspections next day. Liner and rebuild work is typically within the week. Dispatch and scheduling are coordinated from the San Antonio office, and crews serve Converse locally. Call (980) 580-8641 to check current availability.
Most Converse HOAs only require approval for exterior visual changes like a different cap style or a total rebuild. A standard sweep or liner replacement inside the existing flue rarely needs anything. We can provide written documentation if your HOA asks.
Do you do anything about the chimney during the off-season in Converse?
Yes. We recommend booking your annual sweep in the late summer or early fall before the first cold front hits. The dormant months let creosote harden, so a pre-season cleaning gives you a clean flue before the stop-start burning begins. Call (980) 580-8641 to schedule.
What happens when you call
- 1A real person answersNo phone trees - talk to a local chimney cleaning pro.
- 2You get an upfront price rangeHonest numbers before anyone is dispatched. No surprises.
- 3We come out and measureLicensed & insured, at a time that suits you - the visit and the quote are both free.
- 4You get the price in writingLine-itemed, yours to keep, and nothing starts until you say go.
What Converse Customers Say
"Gas insert service done properly with the readings written down. The technician had the certification number printed on the paperwork."
- Bettina A."We were buying the house and needed a real inspection. The report had photographs, the standard it was done to, and a clear repair figure. The seller paid for the repair."
- Lorna D."They ran a camera down the flue and showed me the cracked tiles on a screen. The previous company had swept it twice and never mentioned it."
- Gregory F.