What are the most common chimney problems?

• <div><p>Some of the most <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/common-chimney-issues-and-repairs.htm">common chimney problems</a> include:</p><ul><li><p>Creosote buildup</p></li><li><p>Chimney blockage</p></li><li><p>Deteriorating brickwork or stonework</p></li><li><p>Cracked chimney top</p></li><li><p>Damaged flashing</p></li><li><p>Flue liner damage or deterioration</p></li><li><p>Damaged chimney cap</p></li></ul><p>If you suspect you have a chimney problem, contact a masonry contractor for an inspection. </p></div>

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Q: How long does fire damage recovery take?

• <div><p>Most projects take 1-8 weeks, depending on structural repairs, cleaning, and air quality restoration.</p></div>

Q: What happens to stucco in a fire?

• <div><p>All of the components of stucco are non-combustible, so the siding material won&rsquo;t ignite or spread fire to the interior of your home. However, it also expands and contracts with changes in temperature, so it will crack from long exposure to heat. Eventually, fire will spread through those cracks. Still, stucco is one of the best siding materials for fire protection and can keep you and your family safe for an hour, on average.</p></div>

Q: Can I repair major damage myself?

• <div><p>DIY is not recommended due to the complexity and potential structural issues. Hire professionals for thorough and safe repairs.</p></div>

Q: How do you get soot off chimney bricks?

• <div><p>Depending on the amount of soot present, you can vacuum some of it using a brush attachment on your vacuum cleaner. Then, remove the leftovers with a mild cleaner, such as dish soap or vinegar mixed with water. Before applying a cleaning solution, saturate the bricks with clean water to prevent the cleaner from penetrating beyond the surface and causing structural damage to the bricks.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Chimney Sweeping pros in Brainerd, MN

*The Angi rating for Chimney Sweeping companies in Brainerd, MN is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Chimney Sweeping needs.

*The HomeAdvisor rating for Chimney Sweeping companies in Brainerd, MN is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Chimney Sweeping needs.

Last update on May 29, 2026

Reviewed in May 2026
They were very professional with tree removal and did an awesome job of cleaning up after the trees were removed and stumps ground. I would recommend them to anyone who is looking for excellent work at reasonable rates.
JM Operations LLC
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Reviewed in September 2025
Crew did excellent work removing large tree and expertly removing brush and limbs and removing the stump.
Leblancs Northland Tree Experts
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Reviewed in August 2025
Mary was extremely thorough. Her communication was to notch. I don’t think there is a cleaning project she can not do. I highly recommend her and will be having her back!
Let the Sun Shine in
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Reviewed in July 2025
Swartout landscaping did an amazing job! Very fast and reliable, very clean and polite, i highly recommend.
Swartout Landscaping
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Reviewed in June 2024
Todd does a great job, we've had him out before to help with downed trees and clean up on our property. We feel good hiring a local business, and we will hire him again!
NORTHERN TREE SPECIALISTS
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Reviewed in May 2024
I highly recommend Sam and his crew. After contacting 4 roofing companies in the area, Sam is the only one that actually went up onto the roof to give an accurate assessment of the work that needed to be done. They did an amazing job and there wasn’t a single nail or scrap left behind and I...
S.A.M. - Shingles And More
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Reviewed in June 2023
Nate took down a dead tree for us that required a specific placement so as not to hit our house or shed. He carefully took it down and cut and stacked the wood for us to use in our fire pit. He is professional, efficient, friendly, gifted with the chainsaw, and his rates are reasonable. I...
Nate's Property Maintenance LLC
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Reviewed in September 2022
Communication with Samuel was great. The crew showed up on time to remove and rebuild my chimney from the ground up with new styled brick. I would work with Samuel and his crew again. I already referred him to another client.
Unlimited Masonry
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Reviewed in June 2022
Fabulous! I have a big house with a lot of windows of various sizes and heights. Joe cleans them spring and fall and does a phenomenal job!
Diamond Lakes LLC
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Reviewed in October 2021
Millers roofing was very good from the salesman, to the workers, I would not hesitate to recommend them to anyone. The only comment I would make was the person who was supposed to give me a bid for gutters, called once, but never showed up. never heard from him again. i inspected the roof...
Mike Miller's Roofing & Siding Co., LLC
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ABC Sweeps

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Serving Brainerd, MN and surrounding areas

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In business since 2011

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Customers say: Quick response

"Corey cleaned our fireplace and chimney today. He did an excellent job. He was prompt, thorough, professional and very clean. He took great effort to contain the soot to keep our home clean. He is the best chimney cleaner we ever had and would I highly recommend him."

Response time20 mins

1 neighbors recently requested a quote

Recommended by100%of homeowners

Serving Brainerd, MN and surrounding areas

In business since 2007

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Excellent - customer service is outstanding."

Recommended by93%of homeowners

Serving Brainerd, MN and surrounding areas

In business since 1999

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"This project was beyond our expectations.Colonial Chimney was able to restore the craftsmanship to our home that was built in 1930.After getting several bids,none had the skill to restore the tree that was embossed on the chimney.The crew was outstanding,very meticulous,and courteous.The stucco restoration was done with precision and artistry from a true master.The chimney is absolutely beautiful.We highly recommend Colonial Chimney."

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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Chimney Sweep questions, answered by experts

Most projects take 1-8 weeks, depending on structural repairs, cleaning, and air quality restoration.

Some of the most common chimney problems include:

Creosote buildup
Chimney blockage
Deteriorating brickwork or stonework
Cracked chimney top
Damaged flashing
Flue liner damage or deterioration
Damaged chimney cap

If you suspect you have a chimney problem, contact a masonry contractor for an inspection.

All of the components of stucco are non-combustible, so the siding material won’t ignite or spread fire to the interior of your home. However, it also expands and contracts with changes in temperature, so it will crack from long exposure to heat. Eventually, fire will spread through those cracks. Still, stucco is one of the best siding materials for fire protection and can keep you and your family safe for an hour, on average.

DIY is not recommended due to the complexity and potential structural issues. Hire professionals for thorough and safe repairs.

Depending on the amount of soot present, you can vacuum some of it using a brush attachment on your vacuum cleaner. Then, remove the leftovers with a mild cleaner, such as dish soap or vinegar mixed with water. Before applying a cleaning solution, saturate the bricks with clean water to prevent the cleaner from penetrating beyond the surface and causing structural damage to the bricks.

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