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 do you clean smoke damage?

• <div><p>The first thing you should do when cleaning smoke damage is open all your windows to ventilate the affected area and run an air purifier with a HEPA filter. Cover your furniture and belongings to prevent soot accumulation, and vacuum any soot that&rsquo;s on the floor and other surfaces. Be sure to wear a mask, gloves, and eye protection when cleaning the affected area.</p></div>

Q: What should you not do after a house fire?

• <div><p>After a house fire, you should not reenter your home unless the fire crew has told you it&rsquo;s safe to do so. In the longer term, you should not attempt to make repairs to the house on your own. Professional crews are trained to clean up after a fire (including smoke and soot damage), dry out any water damage from the firefighter crews, and make the necessary structural, plumbing, and electrical repairs&mdash;and this is all likely covered by insurance.</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 detect smoke damage?

• <div><p>You&rsquo;ll know you have smoke damage if you notice a lingering smoky odor, see soot or residue, or spot any discoloration of surfaces in your home. If you have any kind of house fire, always assume you have smoke damage and hire a professional <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/who-to-call-for-smoke-damage.htm">who deals with smoke damage</a> to assess the extent of the damage and restore your home to its pre-fire condition.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Chimney Sweeping pros in Solway, MN

*The Angi rating for Chimney Sweeping companies in Solway, 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 Solway, 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 June 18, 2026

Reviewed in June 2026
We rely on Nick to regularly mow and trim our 1/4 acre lakeshore yard. He does a terrific job, even trimming the edges and hard to mow places. He's reliable, professional and helpful. I have mobility problems, and he even took time to help me plant a few garden plants that I couldn't do...
Halverson Lawn Care
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Reviewed in August 2025
Bratton Tree Care did an excellent job helping us. We had a huge storm with 130mph winds hit the area, millions of trees blown down. We had a few huge trees uprooted and dangling on other trees in our yard very close to buildings. Jason and his crew came out and expertly removed them. They...
Bratton Tree Care, LLC
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Reviewed in July 2025
Dan treats his customers with respect and kindness. After the devastating storm that rolled through, he had already stopped by to scope out my roof and get things prepared to order before I even contacted him. When I did talk to Dan, I found out he was out checking on customers before even...
Back 40 Builders, LLC DBA Back 40 Roofing
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Reviewed in June 2025
Caleb and his crew came through and cleaned up all the trees in my front yard, and removed all the limbs of the tree over the house. With his recommendation, I also had some additional limbs removed and and extremely grateful for the speed and fair pricing. Would highly recommend Smith Skidsteer...
Smith Skidsteer & Excavation, LLC
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Reviewed in March 2024
Roof looks great again and there was zero stress when dealing with the insurance company. You could tell theyâ ve done this before.
Rivertop Roofing
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Reviewed in November 2023
Chuck and Ben did an EXCELLENT job removing several very difficult trees that were leaning over our house. They were efficient, professional, kept the area clean, and didn't gouge us with their prices. We will definitely be using them again in the future for additional projects!
Wenzels Tree Service
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Reviewed in October 2023
Tyler and his crew did a fantastic job on my windows, and when they finished they reviewed their work carefully and did final touch ups before leaving. There were a couple of corners that needed some attention and they went back outside and took care of it. This may seem like a little thing...
Mission Outdoor Services, LLC
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Reviewed in May 2023
John and his son Tayvion were awesome! They cleaned my gutters and power washed my mobile home and two story garage and they look like new! They are so friendly and such hard workers I can’t say enough good things about them. I highly recommend them. Their prices are very reasonable. Don’t...
Pressure Pro Washing
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Reviewed in March 2023
I hired this company to do various jobs. They did some ground work where we needed to run a line underground for our wood stove. There were lines already buried, that they had to work around. They were very careful to not hit the existing lines, including hand digging a large area, to make...
Alpha Landscaping, LLC
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Reviewed in January 2023
Great job was done for me!
Lakes Country Lawn Service
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Chimney or Fireplace - Clean and InspectChimney or Fireplace - Clean and Inspect - For BusinessClean and Inspect a gas fireplace+3 more

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Chimney Sweep questions, answered by experts

The first thing you should do when cleaning smoke damage is open all your windows to ventilate the affected area and run an air purifier with a HEPA filter. Cover your furniture and belongings to prevent soot accumulation, and vacuum any soot that’s on the floor and other surfaces. Be sure to wear a mask, gloves, and eye protection when cleaning the affected area.

After a house fire, you should not reenter your home unless the fire crew has told you it’s safe to do so. In the longer term, you should not attempt to make repairs to the house on your own. Professional crews are trained to clean up after a fire (including smoke and soot damage), dry out any water damage from the firefighter crews, and make the necessary structural, plumbing, and electrical repairs—and this is all likely covered by insurance.

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

You’ll know you have smoke damage if you notice a lingering smoky odor, see soot or residue, or spot any discoloration of surfaces in your home. If you have any kind of house fire, always assume you have smoke damage and hire a professional who deals with smoke damage to assess the extent of the damage and restore your home to its pre-fire condition.

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.

The Solway, MN homeowners’ guide to chimney sweeping services

From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.

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