Hopkinton's Trusted Chimney Sweep — Safe Fires Start Here

A standard chimney sweep in Hopkinton generally runs between $150 and $300, depending on the chimney type, its height, and how much buildup is present. Prefab fireplaces with factory-built metal flues are usually at the lower end; tall masonry chimneys with heavy creosote buildup cost more. Andrew & Sons provides a written estimate before any work begins, so you always know the number upfront.

Yes — they are separate services. A cleaning removes combustion deposits; an inspection assesses structural and safety conditions. For a new Hopkinton homeowner, both are strongly recommended before your first fire. The inspection (especially a Level 2 with camera) reveals hidden cracks or liner damage that cleaning alone won't uncover. Many clients schedule both in one appointment for convenience and a modest cost savings.

Late summer or early fall — August through October — is ideal because technicians have more availability before the heating rush, and you'll have time to complete any needed repairs before temperatures drop. Spring appointments are great for clearing out a season's deposits before they sit and cause odors. The one time to avoid is trying to book mid-December when every chimney company in MetroWest is fully booked weeks out.

Yes, homes from that era often have clay tile liners that have now experienced decades of thermal cycling and Massachusetts freeze-thaw winters. Tile liners commonly develop hairline cracks that allow combustion gases to seep into wall cavities. A Level 2 camera inspection is especially valuable for 1980s-era Hopkinton homes. It's not about alarming you — it's about knowing exactly what you're working with before lighting a fire.

You don't need to — and you shouldn't. Warning signs visible from ground level include rust stains running down the chimney exterior, white efflorescence (salt deposits) on the brickwork, or water dripping into the firebox after rain. During our inspection, we photograph the crown and cap from the roofline and share those images with you. Many Hopkinton homes we visit have cracked crowns that the owners never knew about.

Absolutely. We service both types regularly throughout Hopkinton. Masonry systems require different brushes, mortar repair materials, and liner options than prefab factory-built fireplaces, which have their own manufacturer specifications. Our technicians are trained on both systems. When you book, just let us know which type you have — or describe your fireplace and we'll confirm during the estimate visit.

Creosote accumulates with every fire. A thin, dusty layer (Stage 1) is normal and easy to remove. After a full heating season — say, burning two or more cords of wood — deposits can progress to a tarry Stage 2 or a shiny, hardened Stage 3 that is extremely difficult to remove and highly flammable. Annual cleaning prevents escalation. Most Hopkinton homeowners burning wood regularly should schedule a sweep every fall without exception.

No — never. We provide a written findings report and explain your options clearly, but the decision and timing are entirely yours. Some repairs are urgent safety issues we'll flag honestly; others are preventive maintenance you can plan for over the next season. We believe informed homeowners make the best decisions, and we never use high-pressure tactics to rush you into same-day approvals.