Century Chimney Sweep Inc
About us
Owner operated. No subs. Cost determined by the job. Exterior brickwork put on hold between Labor Day and the following Spring/Summer season.
Business highlights
37 years of experience
Services we offer
Chimney cleaning, chimney repair, chimney waterproofing, installs caps, new dampers, remove animals from chimneys, screens, solves draft & smoke problems, tuck pointing & exterior chimney masonry work including rebuilding.
Accepted Payment Methods
- CreditCard
Reviews
4.9522 Reviews
| Number of Stars | Image of Distribution | Number of Ratings |
|---|---|---|
| 96% | ||
| 2% | ||
| 1% | ||
| 0% | ||
| 1% |
Showing 1-25 of 522 reviews
Teri F.
Aug 2023
Professional and efficient. Arrived on time, communicated well, and kept everything spotless.
Martha C.
Jul 2022
There are subcontractors who come out, fulfill their contract obligations. There are those that do not initially fulfill their contract obligations but work to come to terms with the client. Then there are contractors who do 80% of the job, blame the other contractors and the client and never satisfy their obligations. Unfortunately, Century Chimney is the latter. The work was sloppy and incomplete.
Response from Century Chimney Sweep Inc
"You contracted with us for work after you had a chimney fire. Our proposal stated you would first get a contractor to “open up wall, replace damaged wood studs, and widen the opening for fireplace. There is half of a lintel holding bricks up that also needs to be replaced so it holds the entire weight of the brick wall when the metal firebox comes out. After this work is completed, we can come in and do our work”. The "other contractors", one was your company, your family, You hired your brother, to do the demo work and framing. He made mistakes including installing wood right up to the firebox opening, which is how your house caught fire the first time. This was unsafe & against the IRC (international residential building code). We fixed his mistakes, and did not charge for the extra day labor and materials. We removed your metal firebox, built a new masonry one, and installed a stainless steel liner and smoke chamber to bring your home up to code. You then hired a plumber to install gas logs, incorrectly, covering the firebricks with soot. We sent techs to help. We agreed that smearing as attempting to clean it would have made it look worse. We asked for the owners manual so we could help you assemble the logs correctly, you did not have it. You emailed, offended, saying, "My family's business, [Member Business Removed], in business for over 60 years, ... One thing that distinguishes them from other contractors, besides their craftsmanship,…." Your house would have caught fire again due to your brothers negligence. Instead of being grateful for catching the mistakes that your family contractor (brother) made that may have cost you and your lives, at no additional charge, you write negative reviews. I suggest you better educate your brother and anyone else working for your family's company, so you do not make the same mistakes in someone elses home. At best, you will incur a large lawsuit after a fire. At worst, others lives will be lost. Gary Spolar, Owner Century Chimney Inc."
Bill D.
Feb 2022
Instead of CLEANING our chimney, they did a camera inspection and then insisted that our chimney needed major work done to it including installation of a stainless steel liner system. We paid them $125 for coming out and telling us they needed another $6400 to "fix" our Chimney. Because we were heading into warmer seasons and our chimney wasn't going to be used we held off. About 6 months later - heading into winter later in the year, we called another company to come out and CLEAN our chimney. They cleaned it, did some MINOR REPAIR work (under $1000) and we enjoyed lots of fires this past winter. BAIT AND SWITCH - all the way.
Response from Century Chimney Sweep Inc
"I reviewed the pictures on your inspection form that is stored in our Google files this morning. There are 1" (and larger) gaps and holes between every 2' section of clay flue tile in your fireplace chimney. This is a serious safety hazard that you are taking lightly, after we provided you with our report with the pictures that clearly show the defects throughout your fireplace chimney liner. Our technicians that were at your house on March 19th of 2021, Richard Petrella and Matt Bican, did not clean your chimney because it is unsafe to use in its current condition. I do hope you make the repairs needed with a qualified and CSIA certified chimney professional for your safety, the safety of your family, and anyone that buys your home. Your inspection report with photos is available for your insurance company should you have a chimney fire or other loss due to your negligence, and other parties with a vested interest in your property. Gary Spolar Century Chimney www.centurychimney.com"
Cathy B.
Oct 2019
Look no further! Century Chimney saves the day, Tyler and Zach arrived on time and kept my house as clean as it was before they got here. They used a camera to inspect the inside of the liner, which no other sweep had done before. They found exposed wood that was charred, and an approximately 6" hole in the middle of the system! I had been using this fireplace for several years before I met the guys from Century!! My last sweep didn't find any of these issues. Tyler and Zach just may have saved our lives. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!
Garrett H.
Oct 2019
This crew was so friendly, and so professional. "Graham" was the name of the sweep that arrived here. They ran a camera all the way up the inside of my chimney, and found a hole where someone apparently had vented something else into it in the past. Smoke, sparks and heat could have got into my attic if they had not found this. They might have saved us from a very bad situation! They also installed a cap to keep animals out, filled in a small hole in our fireplace wall, and put our damper plate back on track.
Janet K.
Oct 2019
Tyler and Zachary from Century Chimney arrived on time and kept my house as clean as it was before they got here. They used a camera to inspect the inside of the liner, which no other sweep had done before. They found exposed wood that was charred, and an approximately 6" hole in the middle of the system! I had been using this fireplace for several years before I met the guys from Century!! My last sweep didn't find any of these issues. Tyler and Zach just may have saved our lives. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!
Ken K.
Dec 2018
A Century Chimney camera inspection of the chimney in our 90-plus year old house revealed badly deteriorated flue tiles. The damage -- which made our fireplace too hazardous to use -- was beyond ordinary repair and required the installation of a stainless steel liner. Century installed the liner, insulating it with Thermix; parged the smoke chamber; installed a new damper and crown; and performed all the necessary grinding and tuckpointing of the masonry. The chimney is tall (about 27 feet) and the liner job was challenging. Owner Gary Spolar was onsite for the daylong job. He and his team really know their stuff. In addition to being experts, they were also punctual, responsive, friendly, and thoroughly professional. Plus they left the site clean, inside the house and out. The work was done in September 2018. We've used the fireplace multiple times since then and it works perfectly.
Response from Century Chimney Sweep Inc
"Thank you again for the kind words, Mr. [Member Name Removed]! Please let us know if we can be of service in the future. Gary Spolar Century Chimney Inc."
Jessica S.
Nov 2018
Guys came to clean and inspect chimney. Interactions up to the day of work were fine. Bob was responsive and helpful. However, once the guys came to our house it all went off the rails. First off, it seems like like they just had an agenda, pointing out multiple and apparently fatal flaws in the chimney. The only solution for this was a $6500 chimney liner. Sensing how potentially important this was, we called in two additional and independent contracts to inspect the chimney. Both of these guys basically said "the chimney is fine." Old houses like this are riddled with issues and there are always risks, but they were minimal and there are ways to mitigate risk that don't involve this $6500 liner. I think Century Chimney used dramatic pictures of cracks in mortar to play up what is essentially not a big deal. Oh and by the way, the first guy we called in for a second opinion had to do a complete chimney clean, saying he wouldn't stick his expensive camera up our chimney without it... so one of the main things we hired Century for - cleaning - doesn't appear to have been done well at all.
Response from Century Chimney Sweep Inc
"[Member Name Removed] It is our responsibility as Certified chimney technicians to make you aware of any safety issues you may have within your wood-burning system. Upon further review of your files and pictures we've taken, I can also see the gaps between your liner tiles as well as vertical cracks in your tiles wide enough to put my fingers into. Your smoke chamber is not finished properly, and has a hole big enough for me to put my fist into. These are serious safety issues, and should not be taken lightly. If you get enough contractors to your house, you will of course get the answer you seek, even if they are incorrect. I will forward the pictures to you again, if you request them. I will also contact Angie's List to see how I may upload the pictures to this response to your review. Please be safe, and use whoever you will to complete the repairs. NFPA 211 codes as well as IRQ codes to describe your situation are available upon request. Stay safe, Gary Spolar Century Chimney Inc"
LYNETTE K.
Nov 2017
After the initial estimate, the cover was ordered and we were informed that they could do the work in about two weeks. They removed the old wood insert (which had been ravaged by a raccoon(?). They removed the vent and painted it b/c replacing it would have meant removing the entire stack. (BIG BUCKS) They installed the cover and put the vent back on. We received pics of "before" and "after". The workers were professional, yet friendly. I would recommend Century Chimney. A great company to work with on this project.
Response from Century Chimney Sweep Inc
"Thank you [Member Name Removed]! Reviews like this mean the world to us here at Century Chimney Inc. We enjoyed working for you. Gary Spolar Century Chimney Inc"
Zachary R.
Oct 2017
Went very well.
Response from Century Chimney Sweep Inc
"Thank you for your review! Gary Spolar Century Chimney Inc"
Kathy M.
Aug 2017
OK so far but we have not had a lot of rain
Response from Century Chimney Sweep Inc
"Thank you for the review [Member Name Removed]! We are here if you need us in the future. Gary Spolar Century Chimney Inc"
Ed B.
May 2017
Excellent. Bob, who schedules the appointments, is very knowledgeable and knew exactly what the problem was when I called. They called the day before to confirm the appointment and also called on the day of the appointment to let us know when they expected to arrive. We're very satisfied with the work that was done. We'll definitely have them come back to inspect the chimney yearly.
Julie R.
Feb 2017
He was fantastic - right on time, quick, helpful and left everything very clean. I will be calling him again for regular chimney inspections and cleanings.
Response from Century Chimney Sweep Inc
"Thank you [Member Name Removed]! Gary Spolar Century Chimney"
Patricia P.
Feb 2017
I give century chimney a grade of F. I hired them to inspect and clean my chimney as well as clean out my dryer vent. They inspected my chimney and did no cleaning. How could it not need a cleaning after a decade of no cleaning. Instead they gave me a $1,000 estimate for repairing the parse smoke chamber repair. The worst part of this service is the dryer vent service. After cleaning my dryer vent they had no additional supplies to properly secure the hose above the dryer and install into vented area back in place. They rigged up the dryer hose with duct tape that I provided. After using the dryer, the hose has fallen out of position and also out of the window vent area. I come to find out the hose's gear clamp that secures it was cut and the tech secured the plastic clamp with duct tape. Now it's broken. Shoddy workmanship and absolutely no pride in service. If you are offering a service, why wouldn't have proper supplies especially if you're going to charge somebody hundreds of dollars for a service.
Response from Century Chimney Sweep Inc
"We are so sorry about the dryer vent, Mrs. [Member Name Removed]. Please let me know if we can make it up to you. Regarding your fireplace, it was not used enough in that 10 years to become dirty, so we did not want to charge you for more than the inspection on that part of our service."
Kimber G.
Nov 2016
Very polite and prompt. Checked out my fireplace and interior of chimney and was honest with me & told me I didn't need a cleaning! Then they did an inspection on the exterior of the fireplace & furnace chimneys. Gave me input on what they thought needed to be done and when. No sales pressure, felt very comfortable with Patrick. Had them do some of the work now and will definitely have them back in better weather to do the rest. So glad I called them!
Marilynn B.
Nov 2016
Did quality work in time frame and price quoted. Professional appearance, gave complete explanation of service. I would use again and recommend to others
Jaime E.
Jul 2016
Nice gentleman. Came to do a chimney cap, but noticed cracks and wear on the concrete chimney crown. Recommended a product to fix it but never felt pressured to do it right away. Decided to complete the repair. They finished promptly and took more pictures to show all completed work.
Andy M.
Jul 2016
Gary called to ask if he could come about 1/2 hour earlier. That was great for us. When he arrived he put his tarp in place and inspected the inside of our chimney. He said it was a little dusty but did not need swept unless we really wanted it done! He then went on the roof to inspect the outside and cap. He made a recommendation concerning the cover. He is completely professional and courteous. He charged us for the inspection only.
Jill G.
Apr 2016
They were very professional. They were running a little late so Gary called to let me know what time they would be arriving. They inspected the fireplace and chimney. Pretty quickly they determined that the fireplace was in good shape but the chimney itself was no longer attached to the house and needed to be completely rebuilt. Since they don't do full rebuilds themselves, he offered to refer me to someone else who could help us get a quote. Both guys were clear and able to explain things that they saw on the fireplace and chimney and what their recommendations were. I would definitely work with them again.
Evan L.
Feb 2016
Gary was quick to respond to our phone call and along with a co-worker arrived on time the following day. They were extremely helpful and professional and performed the repairs and maintenance we required. Definitely would use them again for chimney and fireplace issues.
Response from Century Chimney Sweep Inc
"Thank you [Member Name Removed]! It was a pleasure working for you."
Sandy L.
Feb 2016
unknown
Walda O.
Dec 2015
They came in with their tarps and set up. We have used them in the past and been very satisfied.
When done, they left a mess on the hearth. I called and they said other people often have dirty hearths as if this was normal. I told him we do not.
When it came time to pay we were stunned at the price and the increase. They were charging $150; we reminded them of our Angie's List discount of 8%. This would take off $12; they took off $10. Ultimately, we paid $150 even money which included the tax that was not figured correctly at 6.5%.
We have used this company since 2011,
2011 - $118.53
2012 - $118.53
2013 - $123.92
2014 - cannot locate invoice but service was performed
2015 - $150
When we asked about the tremendous price increase, they replied that's the way it is. It was not the owner that had been there in the years past. Maybe this was a new regime. Ultimately, we are not satisfied.
When done, they left a mess on the hearth. I called and they said other people often have dirty hearths as if this was normal. I told him we do not.
When it came time to pay we were stunned at the price and the increase. They were charging $150; we reminded them of our Angie's List discount of 8%. This would take off $12; they took off $10. Ultimately, we paid $150 even money which included the tax that was not figured correctly at 6.5%.
We have used this company since 2011,
2011 - $118.53
2012 - $118.53
2013 - $123.92
2014 - cannot locate invoice but service was performed
2015 - $150
When we asked about the tremendous price increase, they replied that's the way it is. It was not the owner that had been there in the years past. Maybe this was a new regime. Ultimately, we are not satisfied.
Response from Century Chimney Sweep Inc
"Mts. [Member Name Removed]: Our price increase came several years ago, as we were adjusting to the increased price of goods, as well as getting in line with our competitors pricing. We still charge less than our competition with the same credentials and experience. Our company is under the same ownership, and I apologize if one of my employees left any soot near the opening of your fireplace. It is not common practice, and I did not minimize your concern as you stated in your response to Angie's List. Please let me know if there is anything we can do in the future for you."
Dorothy C.
Nov 2015
unknown
Stephanie L.
Oct 2015
Gary was prompt in contacting me to schedule my appointment and provided pricing over the phone, He arrived on time with an assistant. They inspected the chimney and gave me a quote to clean which was the same as the one on the phone. He also shared with me the worst-case scenario and pricing. Gary is very professional and spent enough time with me to help me understand what goes on with a chimney and how to maintain it properly. Very happy with the service and will use and recommend this company in the future. SLH (Avon Lake)
Sean D.
Aug 2015
We recently bought a new house with a fireplace so we wanted to have the chimney inspected as it was not evaluated during the home inspection. Contacted Century Chimney Sweep to set up an appointment and was called back the same day. They arrived on time and after inspecting the chimney determined no service was necessary, not even a cleaning. Very professional, would very highly recommend their services.
Licensing
State Contractor License Requirements
All statements concerning insurance, licenses, and bonds are informational only, and are self-reported. Since insurance, licenses and bonds can expire and can be cancelled, homeowners should always check such information for themselves. To find more licensing information for your state, visit our Find Licensing Requirements page.
*Contact business to see additional licenses.
FAQ
Century Chimney Sweep Inc is currently rated 4.9 overall out of 5.
Century Chimney Sweep Inc accepts the following forms of payment: CreditCard
No, Century Chimney Sweep Inc does not offer free project estimates.
No, Century Chimney Sweep Inc does not offer eco-friendly accreditations.
No, Century Chimney Sweep Inc does not offer a senior discount.
No, Century Chimney Sweep Inc does not offer emergency services.
No, Century Chimney Sweep Inc does not offer warranties.