R & J Chimney Sweeps
Family-run since 2012

Chimney Sweep in Chicago, IL

Certified technicians, protected floors with all ash contained, and openings the same week — from a family business, not a chain.

Brick chimney on a home served by R & J Chimney Sweeps in Chicago, IL
Trained and certified crewSpotless worksitesPhotos included with every jobFamily-run business
ServicesSix services, one crew

Our services, explained simply.

01

Chimney Sweeping

Most requested

We scrub the flue from top to bottom and vacuum every bit of soot so your fireplace pulls properly and operates safely.

Full flue brushing, smoke chamber cleaning, firebox, damper inspection, photo report.

02

Masonry Repair

We fill cracked mortar joints, restore worn crowns, and waterproof the brickwork before moisture causes deeper damage.

Tuckpointing, crown restoration, flashing inspection, waterproofing.

03

Dryer Vent Cleaning

Trapped lint reduces airflow and creates a serious fire risk, so we clean the entire line from the dryer to the outside vent.

End-to-end brushing, airflow verification, exterior flap inspection.

04

Chimney Inspection

A thorough review of the flue, crown, liner, and firebox, with written notes on every item that may need repair.

Camera scan of the liner, written summary, photographs.

05

Chimney Cap Installation

A properly sized stainless cap blocks rain, wildlife, and debris from entering the flue and prevents downdrafts.

Measuring, stainless steel cap, spark arrestor, secure fastening.

06

Wood Stove Service

Full cleaning and safety inspection for wood and pellet stoves, covering the stovepipe down to the door seal.

Stovepipe cleaning, baffle inspection, gasket and door seal check.

Service finder

What you are seeing, and what to schedule

Choose what matches your situation. We will direct you to the right service.

Smoky odor in the living room
We recommend: Chimney Sweeping

A lingering smoke odor typically means creosote has built up or the draft is poor. A sweep clears the flue, and we test the airflow while we are on site.

Purchasing or listing a home
We recommend: Chimney Inspection

A full inspection with photographs gives you a clear picture of the chimney's condition before you close on the property.

Moisture marks around the fireplace
We recommend: Masonry Repair

Those marks mean water is penetrating through the crown, flashing, or masonry. We locate the source and seal it.

Animals nesting in the chimney
We recommend: Chimney Cap Installation

A proper cap with mesh screening permanently blocks wildlife, debris, and rain from entering the flue.

Clothes still damp after a full cycle
We recommend: Dryer Vent Cleaning

Extended drying times almost always point to a lint-packed vent, which also presents a fire danger.

Wood stove leaking smoke into the room
We recommend: Wood Stove Service

Degraded gaskets or a soot-filled stovepipe allow smoke to leak out. We clean the pipe and replace the seals.

On every visit

The checklist — included on every report

Items inspected on every visit

i.Flue liner integrity
ii.Creosote accumulation
iii.Damper function
iv.Smoke chamber and smoke shelf
v.Firebox masonry and joints
vi.Crown condition
vii.Cap and spark arrestor
viii.Roof-level flashing

Warning signs your chimney may need service

i.Smoke rolling into the living space
ii.A fire-pit odor when the fireplace is not in use
iii.Dark flakes collecting in the firebox
iv.Fires that struggle to ignite or stay burning
v.Moisture marks near the chimney area
vi.Deteriorating mortar or shifting bricks
vii.Scratching or chirping inside the flue
viii.White residue on the outside brickwork
What our neighbors sayThree recent jobs
“Spotted a cracked flue tile that the previous company overlooked, showed me the pictures, and walked me through my options without pushing anything.”
David R. — pre-purchase chimney inspection
“Squirrels had been living in our chimney for over a year. The cap was installed the same week I reached out.”
Linda K. — cap installation
“They covered every surface from the front door to the hearth. You would never guess anyone had been there to clean the chimney.”
Sarah M. — yearly sweep and inspection
Where we work

Our service area

Proudly serving Chicago, IL and nearby communities, including: If your town is not on the list, call (872) 366-9743 — we might still cover it.

Cicero · Stickney · Berwyn · Oak Park · Riverside · Forest Park · Lyons · North Riverside · Summit · Hometown · Burbank · River Forest · Evergreen Park · Brookfield · Maywood

Common questions

Questions we get asked every week

How frequently should a chimney be swept?

Once a year for most households that burn wood on a regular basis. If you go through more than a cord per season or notice dark flakes in the firebox, schedule a sweep earlier.

How do you protect my home while you work?

We spread drop cloths from the entrance to the hearth, wear shoe covers, seal the fireplace opening, and keep a HEPA vacuum running throughout.

How much time does a visit take?

A standard sweep runs about an hour. Adding a camera inspection tacks on another 30 to 45 minutes.

Can you service wood stoves as well?

Yes — we clean and inspect both wood and pellet stoves completely, from the stovepipe through the baffle down to the door gasket.

How early should I book before the cold season?

Late summer or early fall is best. Our schedule fills up fast after the first cold snap, so booking by September keeps you ahead.

Find us on the map

2323 W Taylor St, Chicago, IL 60612

Clean it before you burn it.