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 Arlington Heights, IL
Chimney cleaning in Arlington Heights, IL typically costs between $189 and $420 for a standard sweep and inspection, depending on flue condition and whether a Level 2 camera scan is included. Homes here, mostly built between 1950 and 1975, carry masonry chimneys with two flues: one for the fireplace and one originally sized for a coal or oil furnace. That second flue is now the source of most of what we find. Call Emberly Chimney Cleaners at (980) 580-8641 for a written price before any work begins.
Why Arlington Heights Homes Are Different
Arlington Heights grew fast between 1950 and 1975, and the village filled with ranch homes, split-levels, and raised ranches whose chimneys were designed around a heating system nobody uses anymore. The original furnace flue, sized for coal or oil, was either left open and unlined or capped and abandoned when furnaces converted to gas in the 1970s and 1980s. What remains is an oversized masonry void that pulls moisture, leaves, and raccoons directly into the chimney structure. When we clean a fireplace flue in Arlington Heights, we routinely find the secondary furnace flue partially blocked, wet, or occupied, and the homeowner has no idea it exists.
The climate does the rest. Arlington Heights averages 33 inches of snow a year with single-digit January lows, and the shoulder months of November and March push temperatures above and below freezing again and again. That cycle works on 50- to 70-year-old lime mortar and common brick like a pry bar. Spalled crowns and failed mortar joints let water into the flue, where it mixes with creosote and accelerates liner deterioration. Homes in the tree-canopied neighborhoods around downtown, like Scarsdale and Stonegate, also deal with mature oaks and silver maples that drop leaf debris into open chimney tops and give raccoons a clear path onto the roof.
Our Main Arlington Heights Services
Two services in Arlington Heights keep our phones busiest, because both trace back to the same aging housing stock and freeze-thaw exposure. Here is what each involves locally.
Fireplace Services in Arlington Heights
Fireplaces in Arlington Heights ranch homes and split-levels are typically original masonry fireboxes with unlined or cracked-clay flues showing up to seven decades of use. What begins as a cleaning call often turns into a fireplace service once the camera shows a deteriorated smoke chamber or missing refractory panels. In the older neighborhoods around Northwest Highway and Arlington Heights Road, we repeatedly see fireplaces that were over-fired and never documented. As part of the service, we inspect the full firebox, damper, and smoke chamber, then issue a written scope before recommending anything. Fireplace Services in Arlington Heights covers repairs, rebuilds, and firebox work.
Chimney Cap & Crown in Arlington Heights
An uncapped chimney in Arlington Heights is an open invitation for the village’s healthy raccoon population and the leaf litter from those mature oaks. Most 1950s and 1960s crowns were poured with a thin mortar mix that spalls under decades of freeze-thaw cycling, and failed crowns are one of the most common findings on a Level 2 inspection here. A proper concrete crown with a drip edge and a stainless or copper cap stops about 80 percent of water intrusion we see in the village. We also handle chase covers on the brick-frame homes where the original masonry crown is beyond patching. Chimney Cap & Crown in Arlington Heights details sizing and installation.
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 Arlington Heights
Chimney cleaning in Arlington Heights often finds more than one flue in trouble. The long heating season, October through April, builds creosote faster than in suburbs farther south, and the oversized, abandoned furnace flues in 1950s-era ranch homes create secondary passageways for debris, animals, and moisture. A standard sweep addresses the fireplace flue, but the real value in Arlington Heights is identifying what is happening in the flue you never use, before it becomes a chimney fire or a carbon monoxide pathway. Our Chimney Sweep service includes a camera scan on every visit, not as an optional add-on.
Level 2 Inspection
Signs you need it
You are buying or selling a home in Arlington Heights, or a previous sweep noted spalling, water staining, or an animal has been in the chimney.
What it costs in Arlington Heights
Expect $229 to $390, which includes a full video scan of the interior flue and a documented photo record you can keep.
How we do it
We run a camera down every flue, photograph the crown, throat, and smoke chamber, then hand you a written Level 2 report with images and specific condition notes.
Creosote Removal
Signs you need it
A sticky brown or black glaze lines the flue, the fireplace smells like asphalt when damp, or it has been more than a year since the last sweep.
What it costs in Arlington Heights
Depending on creosote class, removal runs $189 to $420; Class III or glazed creosote adds labor and chemical treatment to break it loose.
How we do it
We identify the creosote class first, then mechanically brush the flue and, for glazed deposits, apply a chemical catalyst followed by a second brushing pass.
Annual Sweep
Signs you need it
A quarter-inch or more of soot sits on flue walls, or it has been 12 months since the last cleaning and you use the fireplace weekly through an Arlington Heights winter.
What it costs in Arlington Heights
A straightforward annual sweep in Arlington Heights runs $189 to $310 when the flue is in serviceable condition and no blockage is present.
How we do it
We protect the hearth, brush the full flue length from the firebox or roof, vacuum the smoke chamber, and document the result with photos.
What Chimney Sweep Costs in Arlington Heights
| Item | Typical range in Arlington Heights |
|---|---|
| Standard sweep | $189 - $310 |
| Sweep with Level 2 camera inspection | $229 - $390 |
| Creosote removal (Class I-III) | $189 - $420 |
How often should I have my chimney cleaned in Arlington Heights?
Annually if you burn wood through the October-to-April heating season. Arlington Heights fireplaces see six to seven months of use, which builds creosote faster than in milder suburbs farther south. Call (980) 580-8641 for a current written quote.
Do I really need a Level 2 inspection if my chimney looks fine?
Yes, because most Arlington Heights chimneys have a second, abandoned furnace flue that cannot be seen from the ground. A camera scan is the only way to confirm that flue is sealed and safe. Call (980) 580-8641 to schedule one.
Chimney Repair in Arlington Heights
Chimney repair in Arlington Heights usually starts with the crown or the flashing, because the village’s 33 inches of annual snow and repeated freeze-thaw cycles punish those two materials first. Homes built between 1950 and 1975 were constructed with lime-based mortar and common brick, and after 50 to 70 Illinois winters, spalled crowns and failed joints are the rule, not the exception. Once water gets behind the brick, repair costs compound, so early intervention matters here more than in drier regions. Our Chimney Repair service always includes a camera-scan inspection under NFPA 211 Level 2 before any repair recommendation is written.
Mortar Repointing
Signs you need it
Mortar joints are eroded, recessed, or crumbling, leaving brick edges exposed and letting rain or snowmelt into the masonry.
What it costs in Arlington Heights
Repointing runs $40 to $75 per square foot of masonry face, with typical Arlington Heights jobs falling between $800 and $2,200.
How we do it
We grind out deteriorated mortar to a uniform depth, then pack in matched lime-based mix in lifts so the joints weather like the original.
Chimney Waterproofing
Signs you need it
The brick darkens in wet weather, water beads inside the firebox, or the crown and flashing check out fine but the masonry stays damp for days after rain.
What it costs in Arlington Heights
Waterproofing runs $350 to $850 for a typical Arlington Heights chimney, depending on surface area and whether repairs are done in the same visit.
How we do it
We clean the masonry, repair any failed joints, and apply a vapor-permeable silane or siloxane water repellent that lets the brick breathe while shedding water.
What Chimney Repair Costs in Arlington Heights
| Item | Typical range in Arlington Heights |
|---|---|
| Mortar repointing | $40 - $75 per sq ft |
| Chimney waterproofing | $350 - $850 |
| Flashing repair | $400 - $1,200 |
Can you fix a spalled crown without rebuilding the whole chimney?
Usually, yes. If the spalling is limited to the crown and the brick below is sound, we remove the damaged crown, form and pour a new concrete one with a drip edge, and waterproof it. Call (980) 580-8641 for a written quote.
Should I repair my chimney in winter or wait until spring?
Flashing and crown repairs can be done in winter if temperatures stay above 20 degrees with the right curing agents. But masonry work often waits until spring thaws when conditions are more predictable. Call (980) 580-8641 and we will tell you straight what can wait and what cannot.
Chimney Liner & Rebuild in Arlington Heights
Chimney liner and rebuild work in Arlington Heights traces almost always to the same root: an abandoned furnace flue that was never lined, never capped, and never documented. In the village’s 1950s and 1960s ranch and split-level homes, that oversized secondary void becomes a moisture and animal highway, and by the time we camera-scan it, the original clay tile is often cracked, shifted, or missing in sections. A stainless liner brings that chimney back to a safe, correctly sized flue for the appliance it actually serves, and it is the standard fix we recommend for most Arlington Heights conversions. Our Chimney Liner & Rebuild service covers full rebuilds with materials sourced from DuraFlex, HeatShield, Gelco, Olympia Chimney, Famco, and Copperfield.
Stainless Steel Liner
Signs you need it
The flue is unlined, clay tiles are cracked or missing, or the fireplace or furnace has been converted to gas and the old flue is oversized for the new appliance.
What it costs in Arlington Heights
A stainless liner for a typical Arlington Heights chimney runs $1,800 to $3,800 installed, depending on flue height, diameter, and roof access.
How we do it
We measure the full flue, select a correctly sized liner, drop it from the roof, insulate as needed, and reconnect the appliance with a proper top plate and cap.
Partial Rebuild
Signs you need it
Upper courses of brick are spalled, loose, or missing, often above the roofline where freeze-thaw exposure is heaviest, but the lower chimney is sound.
What it costs in Arlington Heights
Partial rebuilds in Arlington Heights typically run $1,500 to $4,000 depending on how many courses are involved and whether a new crown is required.
How we do it
We photograph the failed section, dismantle only what is unsound, rebuild with matched brick, and slip in a new concrete crown with a drip edge before finishing.
What Chimney Liner & Rebuild Costs in Arlington Heights
| Item | Typical range in Arlington Heights |
|---|---|
| Stainless steel liner installation | $1,800 - $3,800 |
| Partial rebuild | $1,500 - $4,000 |
| Full chimney rebuild | $5,000 - $12,000 |
Can I reline my chimney instead of rebuilding it?
If the masonry is structurally sound and only the flue is compromised, a stainless liner is the right call. If the brick, crown, and mortar are all failing, relining without rebuilding will not fix the underlying structural problem. Call (980) 580-8641 for a camera-scan assessment and a written answer.
Is a stainless liner worth the cost in an older Arlington Heights home?
Yes, because it corrects the oversized-flue problem created when furnace conversions were done decades ago. A properly sized liner improves draft, reduces creosote buildup, and contains flue gases safely. Call (980) 580-8641 for an exact quote and photo documentation.
Brands We Service in Arlington Heights
We install and service liners and components from DuraFlex, Gelco, and Copperfield, and we keep common Arlington Heights sizes in local stock so liner work does not stall waiting on parts. Turnaround for most liner and cap jobs is three to five business days. Visit our brands for the full list.
Pricing for Chimney Cleaning in Arlington Heights, IL
| Service | Typical range in Arlington Heights |
|---|---|
| Standard chimney sweep | $189 - $310 |
| Sweep with Level 2 camera inspection | $229 - $390 |
| Creosote removal (Class I-III) | $189 - $420 |
| Mortar repointing | $40 - $75 per sq ft |
| Chimney waterproofing | $350 - $850 |
| Flashing repair | $400 - $1,200 |
| Stainless steel liner installation | $1,800 - $3,800 |
| Partial rebuild | $1,500 - $4,000 |
What pushes price up in Arlington Heights is usually the abandoned secondary flue: when we find it open, deteriorated, or full of animal debris, the scope grows from a simple sweep to a liner or cap job. Either way, you get a written price before any work starts, not after a tech is already in your home. Clause 1 of the Haven Standard requires it.
Neighborhoods We Serve in Arlington Heights
We clean and inspect chimneys across the entire village, from the older ranch and split-level neighborhoods around downtown to the newer subdivisions near Lake Arlington. Our Arlington Heights crews typically arrive within 24 to 48 hours of booking, and we always text when the technician is on the way.
- Scarsdale
- Stonegate
- Northgate
- Heritage Park
- Arlington Heights downtown core
Service Area - Cities Near Arlington Heights
Emberly Chimney Cleaners also serves homeowners in Schaumburg, IL, Evanston, IL, Cicero, IL, and Chicago, IL. Each city has its own housing era and climate quirks, but the standard is the same everywhere: camera-scan inspection, written price, documented record, and a 365-Day Done Right Promise.
Serving Arlington Heights, IL - Our Local Coverage Area
We’re based in the Arlington Heights 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 Arlington Heights
Most standard sweeps, liner replacements, and masonry repairs in Arlington Heights do not require a homeowner permit, but full rebuilds and structural changes should be verified with the Village of Arlington Heights building department. We can tell you plainly what qualifies as structural and what does not.
Most Arlington Heights appointments are scheduled within 24 to 48 hours of calling. We answer the phone live around the clock and assign a named technician to every job, with a text sent when they are on the way. Call (980) 580-8641 to book a sweep or inspection.
Every Arlington Heights visit includes a written scope, a written price, and a documented photo record under Clause 4 of the Haven Standard, which has required camera-scan documentation on every job since 2009. You walk away with proof of what was found and what was done. Call (980) 580-8641 for a free estimate.
Call Emberly Chimney Cleaners at (980) 580-8641 for a free, written estimate on chimney cleaning, repair, or liner work in Arlington Heights, IL. A live person answers 24/7, and every job starts with a camera-scan inspection and ends with a documented record you can keep.
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 Arlington Heights Customers Say
"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."Found a bird nest and a blocked flue we had no idea about. Photographed everything, cleared it, and explained what the smell had been."
- Curtis V."They told me the flue was fine and I did not need a liner. Charged me for the inspection and nothing else. That is why I have called them twice since."
- Hal M.