By Johnathan Mason, Ace Chimney Service.
People are often unsure what they are booking, and a fair number put it off because they picture soot across the living room. Here is exactly what a visit involves, start to finish, so there are no surprises. This is how we work for every Crystal Lake chimney and fireplace customer.
Before we arrive
Do not light a fire for at least 24 hours beforehand — the firebox needs to be cold. Move furniture, rugs, and anything fragile back from the hearth by a few feet. Clear a path from the door. If the fireplace has glass doors or a decorative screen, leaving them accessible helps. That is all that is asked of you.
Containment first
Before anything is touched, the work area is covered with drop cloths and the fireplace opening is sealed to a vacuum designed for fine soot. The vacuum runs the whole time, holding the firebox under negative pressure so dust goes into the machine rather than into the room. Done properly, a sweep leaves the room as clean as it was found. That is the standard, not a bonus.
The sweeping
Brushes and rods are worked through the flue — from below, from the roof, or both, depending on the chimney — removing soot and creosote from the flue walls, the smoke chamber, the smoke shelf, and the firebox. What comes down is collected and taken away. Heavy third-stage glazed creosote does not brush off and needs different treatment, which we would explain before doing it rather than after.
The inspection part
This is the part that matters most and the part people forget they are getting. With the flue clean, the surfaces can actually be evaluated: liner condition, mortar joints between tiles, the smoke chamber, the damper, the firebox masonry, and from outside the crown, cap, and flashing. Where something needs a closer look, a camera goes up. Our chimney inspection page covers the levels in detail.
Afterwards
You get told what was found in plain language — what is fine, what needs attention, and what can wait — and the price for any recommended work up front, before anything is agreed. No pressure, and no discovering a number at the end. If nothing needs doing, we will say so.
How long and how often
Most single-flue homes take around an hour, longer with heavy buildup, multiple flues, or awkward roof access. Annually is the sensible rhythm for anyone who burns, and the inspection still applies even if you rarely light a fire. Autumn fills up fast — booking in September beats calling in December. See pricing or book online.
Ace Chimney Service: 29 years, insured and bonded, price up front, seven days a week 7 AM to 7 PM across Crystal Lake and McHenry County. Call (815) 320-0883.
Frequently asked questions
Will sweeping make a mess in my house?
It should not. Drop cloths and a soot-rated vacuum holding the firebox under negative pressure keep dust contained.
How long does a chimney sweep take?
About an hour for a typical single-flue home. Heavy creosote, multiple flues, or difficult access add time.
Do I need to be home?
Yes, for access and so the findings can be gone through with you at the end.
Can I use the fireplace the same day?
Usually yes, unless repairs were identified that make it unsafe, in which case you will be told clearly.
How soon before the visit should I stop burning?
At least a day, so the firebox and flue are fully cold.
Is the inspection separate from the sweep?
They are distinct tasks, and cleaning normally has to happen before the flue surfaces can be properly evaluated.
What if you find something wrong?
You get told what it is, why it matters, and the price up front. What can wait gets described as something that can wait.
How often should this be done?
Annually for anyone who burns. Light users still need the yearly inspection for water damage, animals, and deterioration.
Published September 21, 2026