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
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Before
AfterChimney Cleaning in Lexington, MA
Chimney cleaning in Lexington, MA typically runs $189 to $289 for a standard sweep with a Level 1 inspection, and $249 to $389 when a camera-scan Level 2 inspection is added. What makes Lexington different is the housing stock itself: a remarkable share of the town’s chimneys sit atop pre-Revolutionary center-chimney colonials, where a single masonry stack routes three to five flues built from soft antique brick held together with lime mortar. Those chimneys do not respond to aggressive cleaning the way a 1980s ranch flue does, and they hide decades of use, modification, and weather damage in places a flashlight never reaches. Call (980) 580-8641 for a written quote before any work begins.
Why Lexington Homes Are Different
Lexington sits inland in Middlesex County, well away from the moderating Atlantic, so its chimneys take a real beating from freeze-thaw cycling every winter and early spring. Water settles into hairline cracks in old brick, freezes, expands, and pops the surface layer off one season at a time. That is spalling, and it is the single most common defect we document on Lexington chimneys built before 1950.
The town’s housing stock splits into two distinct worlds. Around the Battle Green, along Massachusetts Avenue, Hancock Street, and Bedford Street, you find the original 18th-century colonial homes: center-chimney stacks of rubble stone or soft antique brick, their mortar joints repointed several times across two centuries, sometimes with modern Portland cement that is actually too hard for the old brick and accelerates its failure. Farther out, the postwar neighborhoods from the 1950s through 1970s hold capes, ranches, and split-levels with simpler single-flue masonry chimneys, often built fast and now nearing the end of their original service life.
The historic district adds a challenge most suburbs never see: a single stack with three, four, or five separate flues, only one of which may still be active. Homeowners and previous owners regularly installed a wood insert or gas liner into one flue and simply walked away from the rest. Those abandoned flues collect debris for decades, and no one knows what is inside until a camera goes down. That is why a Level 2 inspection matters here more than almost anywhere else in eastern Massachusetts.
Our Main Lexington Services
Beyond the chimney cleaning and structural work covered below, Lexington homeowners most often call us about two other jobs: keeping the firebox and hearth safe and functional, and protecting the top of the chimney from rain, snow, and animals.
Fireplace Services in Lexington
Older Lexington homes often have fireplaces that have not been rebuilt or even deeply cleaned since the last century. Firebrick crumbles, dampers rust shut, and smoke chambers accumulate creosote in ways that affect how the whole system draws. We inspect each fireplace with the same camera-documented standard we use on the flue above it, then write a price before any repair work starts. The full range of what we handle is covered on Fireplace Services in Lexington.
Chimney Cap & Crown in Lexington
The crown is the concrete or mortar cap at the very top of the chimney, and on Lexington’s older brick stacks it is frequently cracked or missing chunks entirely. Freeze-thaw damage hits the crown first because it sits exposed to every storm. A damaged crown lets water into the chimney’s core, and that one small opening becomes a multi-thousand-dollar rebuild years later. Cap and crown specifics for this area are on Chimney Cap & Crown in Lexington.
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 Cleaning & Sweep in Lexington
Chimney cleaning in Lexington means working around soft antique brick, lime mortar, and multi-flue colonial stacks that do not tolerate the same techniques used on newer suburban homes. Freeze-thaw cycles push debris and moisture through those older systems, and abandoned flues in center-chimney colonials commonly hold decades of accumulated soot and creosote that a routine sweep has to identify and document before any cleaning begins. Our Chimney Cleaning & Sweep service starts with an inspection, then removes what the camera shows needs removing.
Level 1 Inspection
Signs you need it
You burn fires regularly and have not had the chimney checked in the last year, or you just bought a Lexington home and have no documentation of the chimney’s condition.
What it costs in Lexington
A Level 1 inspection runs $189 to $289 in Lexington when bundled with a standard sweep.
How we do it
We examine the accessible portions of the flue, firebox, damper, and exterior stack, confirm the system is clear of obstruction and creosote buildup, and hand you a written report with photos.
Level 2 Inspection
Signs you need it
You have an older Lexington home with multiple flues, an insert was installed by a previous owner, the house changed hands recently, or a chimney fire, storm, or lightning strike may have damaged the system.
What it costs in Lexington
A standalone Level 2 inspection runs $249 to $389 in Lexington, and it is included in most of our rebuild and liner quotes.
How we do it
We run a camera down every flue in the stack, document cracks, gaps, and abandoned passages, and record it all in a photo archive that becomes your baseline for future maintenance.
Creosote Removal
Signs you need it
You smell a sharp, smoky odor near the fireplace even when it is not in use, or you see shiny, tar-like glaze on the flue walls during a visual check.
What it costs in Lexington
Creosote removal in Lexington ranges from $250 to $450 depending on the class of buildup, with Class III glazed creosote running toward the higher end.
How we do it
We determine the creosote class from the camera footage, then choose the right mechanical or chemical treatment for that specific condition and document the flue walls before and after.
Soot Removal
Signs you need it
A black film has built up inside the fireplace or on the flue walls, even if you burn dry hardwoods, or smoke is backdrafting into the room.
What it costs in Lexington
Soot removal is typically priced between $189 and $289 in Lexington when bundled with a standard sweep.
How we do it
We brush the flue and vacuum the smoke chamber, firebox, and smoke shelf, then confirm airflow with a draft test before we pack up.
Annual Sweep
Signs you need it
It has been more than 12 months since the last cleaning, or you use the fireplace as a primary heat source during Lexington winters.
What it costs in Lexington
An annual sweep in Lexington costs $189 to $289, and we recommend booking before the first freeze of the heating season.
How we do it
We cover the hearth, run brushes through the full flue length, remove what comes down, and leave you with a written cleaning record and a photo file of the flue condition.
What Chimney Cleaning & Sweep Costs in Lexington
| Item | Typical range in Lexington |
|---|---|
| Annual sweep with Level 1 inspection | $189 - $289 |
| Level 2 camera-scan inspection | $249 - $389 |
| Creosote removal (Class III, heavy glaze) | $250 - $450 |
How often should a chimney be swept in Lexington?
At least once per heating season, which in Lexington means before the first sustained freeze of fall. Homes with wood inserts burning softer woods or unseasoned fuel may need a second sweep mid-winter. Call (980) 580-8641 and we will help you set a schedule based on usage.
What happens if I skip a sweep on an older Lexington chimney?
Creosote accumulates inside the flue and becomes a fire hazard, and on Lexington’s antique brick stacks, trapped moisture accelerates spalling and mortar loss you will not see until it is expensive. A camera-documented inspection shows exactly what is happening. Estimates are free.
Chimney Repair in Lexington
Chimney repair in Lexington is driven by two forces: two centuries of weather on antique stacks near the Battle Green, and decades of deferred maintenance on postwar homes whose original brick and mortar are now reaching the end of their useful life. Freeze-thaw cycling pushes water into joints and brick surfaces, spalling them one season at a time, and the damage usually shows up at the top of the chimney before anywhere else. Our Chimney Repair work begins with a camera inspection so you can see what we see before a single dollar is quoted.
Mortar Repointing
Signs you need it
Mortar joints are crumbling, eroded more than a quarter-inch deep, or visibly missing between bricks on any exterior part of the chimney.
What it costs in Lexington
Repointing in Lexington runs $800 to $2,500 depending on the area of the stack, access difficulty, and whether old lime mortar must be matched on a historic home.
How we do it
We grind out deteriorated mortar to the correct depth, mix a mortar that matches the original strength and color, and repoint the joints so water stops entering the brick.
Spalling Brick Repair
Signs you need it
Brick faces are flaking, popping off in chunks, or leaving red dust and fragments on the ground near the chimney base after winter.
What it costs in Lexington
Spalling repair in Lexington typically ranges from $900 to $3,000, with wider stacks and harder-to-reach upper sections costing more.
How we do it
We remove the damaged brick, replace it with a compatible match, and repoint the surrounding joints, then document the finished face with photos.
Chimney Waterproofing
Signs you need it
Water is entering the home around the fireplace after heavy rain, or the brick absorbs water and darkens visibly during storms.
What it costs in Lexington
Waterproofing a Lexington chimney runs $400 to $900, and it is most effective after any repointing or crown work is already done.
How we do it
We apply a vapor-permeable silane-siloxane treatment that lets the brick breathe while blocking liquid water, using products we source through our suppliers.
Flashing Repair
Signs you need it
You see rusted metal, lifted flashing, or water stains on the ceiling near the chimney after snow melts or rain falls.
What it costs in Lexington
Flashing repair in Lexington ranges from $600 to $1,800 depending on whether we can patch the existing metal or must cut and replace the full step flashing.
How we do it
We remove the damaged flashing, inspect the underlying roof deck, install new step and counter-flashing, and seal every seam against Lexington’s freeze-thaw abuse.
What Chimney Repair Costs in Lexington
| Item | Typical range in Lexington |
|---|---|
| Mortar repointing | $800 - $2,500 |
| Spalling brick repair | $900 - $3,000 |
| Chimney waterproofing | $400 - $900 |
| Flashing repair | $600 - $1,800 |
How do I know if my Lexington chimney needs repair or just cleaning?
The camera answers that. A Level 2 inspection shows cracked flue tiles, spalled brick, and failed mortar joints that a basic sweep never reveals. You see the photos, we explain what needs work now and what can wait. Call (980) 580-8641 for a written quote.
Can repointing wait until spring on a Lexington colonial?
If water is actively entering the home, no. Freeze-thaw cycles make every existing crack wider through winter, and Lexington’s oldest brick is the most vulnerable. If the damage is cosmetic, it can often wait. A camera inspection tells the difference. Estimates are free.
Chimney Liner & Rebuild in Lexington
Chimney liner and rebuild work in Lexington most often begins with one question: what is actually inside the stack? On hundreds of the town’s colonial homes, a previous owner dropped an insert or liner into a single flue and left the others untouched, so the real scope of deterioration only shows up when a camera maps every passage. Once we know what is there, we write the scope and the price before any material is ordered. That is the Chimney Liner & Rebuild standard we have followed since 2009.
Stainless Steel Liner
Signs you need it
The existing clay tile liner is cracked, missing sections, or sized wrong for the appliance, and the chimney still has a structurally sound masonry shell.
What it costs in Lexington
Installing a stainless steel liner in Lexington typically costs $2,500 to $5,000 depending on flue height, diameter, and whether access requires staging.
How we do it
We measure the flue, pull the liner through from the top, insulate where required, and connect it to the appliance with a written warranty at the end.
Liner Replacement
Signs you need it
The existing liner has cracked tiles, deteriorated mortar joints between tiles, or has been damaged by a chimney fire, and repairs are no longer viable.
What it costs in Lexington
A full liner replacement in Lexington runs $3,000 to $6,000, and the price depends on whether we remove the old tile liner first or line over it.
How we do it
We camera-inspect to confirm the shell is sound, document every defect before work starts, remove or relay the tile as needed, and install the new liner to code.
Partial Rebuild
Signs you need it
The top few courses of brick are spalling and loose, the crown is gone, but the lower chimney body is structurally intact.
What it costs in Lexington
A partial rebuild of the upper chimney in Lexington ranges from $3,500 to $7,500 depending on stack height and historic brick matching.
How we do it
We demolish the damaged upper section, match the replacement brick and mortar to the original where possible, rebuild, and pour a proper crowned cap.
Full Chimney Rebuild
Signs you need it
The chimney is leaning, the brick is spalled through the full height, or structural cracks run through the stack, and bracing would only delay the inevitable.
What it costs in Lexington
A full chimney rebuild in Lexington starts around $10,000 and can reach $25,000 or more for large center stacks with multiple flues on historic homes.
How we do it
We take the stack down to stable masonry, rebuild it course by course with correctly matched materials, install new flue liners, and document the project at every stage.
What Chimney Liner & Rebuild Costs in Lexington
| Item | Typical range in Lexington |
|---|---|
| Stainless steel liner installation | $2,500 - $5,000 |
| Liner replacement | $3,000 - $6,000 |
| Partial rebuild (upper stack) | $3,500 - $7,500 |
| Full chimney rebuild | $10,000 - $25,000+ |
Do I really need a new liner on my Lexington colonial?
If the camera shows cracked tiles or missing mortar between tile sections, yes. An unlined or failing liner sends heat and gases through the chimney’s core, and on soft antique brick that risk is higher. We show you the footage before quoting. Call (980) 580-8641.
What does a rebuild cost on a Battle Green-era home?
Large center-chimney colonials with three or more flues usually land between $15,000 and $25,000 or more, because matching historic brick and working on multi-flue stacks takes time. The written quote covers the full scope, no surprise add-ons. Estimates are free.
Brands We Service in Lexington
We install and service liners and components from Gelco, Olympia Chimney, and Famco, and we keep the common sizes and connectors in local stock for faster turnaround on Lexington jobs. That means a mid-season liner replacement does not stall waiting on a distributor. See our brands for the full range.
Pricing for Chimney Cleaning in Lexington, MA
| Service | Typical range in Lexington |
|---|---|
| Chimney sweeping | $189 - $289 |
| Level 1 inspection (with sweep) | $189 - $289 |
| Level 2 inspection (camera scan) | $249 - $389 |
| Creosote removal | $250 - $450 |
| Soot removal (with sweep) | $189 - $289 |
| Mortar repointing | $800 - $2,500 |
| Spalling brick repair | $900 - $3,000 |
| Chimney waterproofing | $400 - $900 |
| Flashing repair | $600 - $1,800 |
| Stainless steel liner | $2,500 - $5,000 |
| Liner replacement | $3,000 - $6,000 |
| Partial rebuild | $3,500 - $7,500 |
| Full chimney rebuild | $10,000 - $25,000+ |
What pushes a Lexington price up is almost always access: a steep roof, a hard-to-reach stack on a colonial near the Battle Green, or historic brick that must be matched rather than replaced with modern material. The written quote you get before work starts is the price you pay, and it includes the full scope and warranty in writing under Haven Standard Clause 1.
Neighborhoods We Serve in Lexington
We cover all of Lexington, from the historic streets around the Battle Green to the postwar neighborhoods in the town’s outer sections. Scheduling is coordinated from our Boston office, with local crews dispatched out to Lexington throughout the week.
- Lexington Center and the historic district
- East Lexington
- North Lexington
- Follen Heights
- Turning Mill and Peacock Farm
Service Area - Cities Near Lexington
Our crews also serve the surrounding Middlesex County towns. If you are in a neighboring community, you can find local details on our pages for Woburn, MA, Winchester, MA, Burlington, MA, and Arlington, MA.
Serving Lexington, MA - Our Local Coverage Area
We’re based in the Lexington 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 Lexington
Most routine sweeps and inspections require no permit. Rebuilds and some liner installations may trigger local building code review, and the scope depends on the historic status of the property. We identify permitting requirements in the written quote before work begins.
Scheduling for Lexington runs through our Boston office, and we cover the town every week. During the fall pre-heating rush, slots fill a week or two out, which is why we recommend fall bookings in late summer. Call (980) 580-8641 and we will find the next available visit.
You get a written report with camera photos, a record of what was cleaned or repaired, a written warranty if work was performed, and a photo archive under Haven Standard Clause 4. Everything is yours to keep, and it becomes the baseline for your next inspection.
For a free estimate on chimney cleaning, repair, or liner work in Lexington, call (980) 580-8641 and the team at Emberly Chimney Cleaners will give you a written price before any work begins.
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 Lexington Customers Say
"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."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.