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 Before & After in Chelmsford, MA
We’re not big on talking about how thorough we are. We’d rather show you. These are real jobs we’ve done around Chelmsford, from routine sweeps that revealed hidden problems to cleanings that brought decades of neglect back to safe, working order. Every photo here was taken by our technicians, and every homeowner got the same thing we give everyone: photos they could see, a plain-English verdict, and no surprises on the bill.
Recent Transformations
Stage 3 Creosote Removal, South Chelmsford Colonial
The homeowner in South Chelmsford had burned cordwood for twelve years without a sweep. When we ran our camera, we found stage 3 glazed creosote, a hard, tar-like coating that standard brushes won’t touch. We applied a professional-grade creosote modifier, then used mechanical whipping and rotary cleaning to restore the flue to its original diameter. The difference in draft was immediate, and the homeowner’s insurance inspector signed off without issue.
Firebox Rebuild with Level-2 Inspection, Westford Street Area
A family near Westford Street called us for what they thought was a routine cleaning. Our camera inspection found the firebox back wall had eroded to less than half its original thickness, with mortar missing between bricks. That’s a structure fire waiting to happen. We rebuilt the firebox with HeatShield refractory panels, matched to the original dimensions, and documented everything with before-and-after photos the homeowner’s home inspector later used for the sale.
Chimney Cap and Crown Restoration, North Chelmsford Ranch
Water had been entering this North Chelmsford chimney for years through a cracked crown and a cap that had rusted to the point of falling apart. The flue was clogged with leaf debris and a deceased squirrel. We removed the obstruction, swept the flue, sealed the crown with professional-grade crown coat, and installed a Gelco stainless steel cap with proper mesh sizing. No more water, no more animals, and the draft improved noticeably.
Prefabricated Fireplace Deep Clean, Chelmsford Center Condo
The condo association near Chelmsford Center had three units with prefabricated fireplaces that hadn’t been serviced since installation in 2008. Ash had packed around the burner ports, and the venting was partially obstructed with cobwebs and dust. We disassembled each unit per manufacturer specifications, cleaned all components, verified clearances to combustibles, and pressure-tested the gas connections. The property manager now has us on an annual schedule.
Historic Chimney Restoration, Old Chelmsford Village
This chimney in Old Chelmsford Village was built in 1890 and had been “repaired” in the 1980s with a clay liner too small for the fireplace opening. The liner had cracked in multiple places, and the crown had settled an inch off level. We installed a properly sized DuraFlex stainless steel liner, repointed the crown with matching mortar, and documented structural stability with our level-2 inspection. The homeowner can now burn knowing the system is sized and vented correctly.
Annual Sweep with Hidden Obstruction, Drum Hill Road Area
The homeowner on Drum Hill Road called because smoke had started backing up into the living room during fires. Our camera found a collapsed bird nest blocking roughly forty percent of the flue, with fresh nesting material indicating active attempts to rebuild. We removed the obstruction, swept the flue, and installed a Famco cap with proper mesh and overhang. The smoke draft returned to normal immediately, and the cap carries a lifetime warranty against material defects.
Want Results Like These?
Every job here started with a phone call to (978) 991-9492, answered by a live person. We’ll schedule your sweep, run a level-2 camera inspection, and show you exactly what we find. No surprises on the bill, no arguing if something’s not right, and most jobs finished in a single visit. Russell Haines has owned Hearthstone Chimney Co. since 1984, and we’re not planning on leaving Chelmsford anytime soon.
Written by Russell Haines, Owner at Hearthstone Chimney Co., serving Chelmsford since 1984.