Frequently Asked Questions

A technician arrives in a scheduled window, texts when en route, lays protective floor coverings, and runs a video camera up the full flue length before touching a brush. We show you the live feed, note any cracks, gaps, or creosote buildup, then sweep using rotary or hand tools matched to your flue type. Afterward, we camera again to confirm the flue is clear, provide a photo report, and leave the work area clean. The whole process takes 60-90 minutes for a standard single-flue system.

The NFPA 211 standard says annual inspection for all chimneys; cleaning frequency depends on use. For Evanston homes burning cordwood 2-3 times weekly through a typical North Shore winter, we recommend sweeping annually before the first fire. Occasional weekend burners can often go 18-24 months between cleanings. Heavy use, soft woods like the cottonwood common in local tree removals, or poor draft conditions accelerate creosote buildup and warrant more frequent service.

A Level 2 inspection is a camera-assisted internal examination of the entire flue, smoke chamber, and accessible portions of the chimney structure. NFPA 211 requires it upon home sale, after a chimney fire, or when changing appliances. We require it because Level 1 - a flashlight look from the top or bottom - misses the cracks, gaps, and creosote buildup that cause fires and carbon monoxide leaks. The name "Emberly" is the standard we work to, not the minimum we charge for.

Most single-flue cleanings and inspections in Evanston take 60-90 minutes. Historic homes in neighborhoods like the Ridge or Lakeshore Districts with multiple flues, steep roofs, or delicate masonry may run 2-3 hours. We schedule real windows - not vague "morning" blocks - and text when the technician is on the way so you're not waiting around.

No. We use industrial vacuums with HEPA filtration, lay protective sheeting from the entry door to the hearth, and seal the firebox before brushing. Our crews are trained to treat Evanston homes - many of them century-old properties with original floors and built-ins - with particular care. If we leave any trace of our visit beyond a clean flue and a written report, we'll return to remedy it.

We work with DuraFlex stainless steel liners for their flexibility in older Evanston chimneys with offset flues, and Olympia Chimney's alloy systems for standard straight runs. Both carry manufacturer warranties we honor and document in your job file. For resurfacing damaged clay flues without full replacement, we apply HeatShield cerfractory sealant, a refractory compound that restores flue gas tightness at lower cost than relining. We specify the exact product, model, and warranty terms in your written estimate - no generic "liner" language.

HeatShield is a cerfractory (ceramic-refractory) resurfacing compound applied to the interior of damaged clay flue tiles. We use it when the tile structure is largely intact but has minor cracks, spalling, or mortar joint gaps - common in Evanston's 1920s-era construction where freeze-thaw cycles have stressed the masonry. It is not appropriate for collapsed liners, severe offset damage, or chimney fire victims. We camera first, show you the specific damage, and recommend HeatShield only when it is the right repair, not the cheap one.

Yes, Gelco manufactures the stainless steel caps, dampers, and chase covers we install for Evanston homeowners who want corrosion resistance against lake-effect moisture and road salt. We measure on site, fabricate to fit, and warrant the installation. The cap model, gauge of steel, and warranty period appear in your written estimate.

We source clay flue tiles, traditional mortar mixes, and period-appropriate caps for Evanston's landmark districts and pre-war housing stock. Exact matching depends on original manufacturer and condition; we photograph what exists, research sources, and present options with lead times and price differences. We do not promise invisible restoration, but we do document what we found and what we used.

Every professional working under our name is required to hold the license and insurance their state requires, and we verify it before they arrive at your door. Illinois does not issue a dedicated chimney sweep license, so we require CSIA certification or equivalent trade credentials plus general liability and workers compensation coverage. License numbers and certificate details are available on request - we do not publish individual policy numbers online for security reasons.

The Haven Standard is a five-clause code we work to: Clause 1, have it in writing - flat price, scope, and warranty before work starts; Clause 2, arrive on schedule with a named technician and en-route text; Clause 3, verified crews - licensed, insured, background-checked; Clause 4, evidence on every job - photos, readings, archived footage; Clause 5, no surprises - no door upsell, no scope creep. It was built from Emberly's practice of archiving camera footage years before the industry required it.

This location is independently owned and operated by Corrine Halstead, serving Evanston and the North Shore. Emberly Chimney Cleaners is the established brand that sets the Haven Standard, provides the documentation system, and brings buying power that keeps pricing honest. The local business is Corrine's license, her trucks, her neighbors. What the brand contributes is the standard she agrees to work to and the proof that she did.

Call 911 first - a chimney fire can spread to the structure within minutes and produces temperatures that crack flue liners and ignite adjacent framing. After the fire department clears the scene, call us at (708) 234-1174 for a Level 2 inspection before using the fireplace again. Even a small, self-extinguished fire can leave hidden liner damage that creates carbon monoxide hazards or sets up the next fire. We document everything for your insurance claim and provide a written condition report.

We schedule Monday through Saturday, 7:00 AM to 7:30 PM, and Sunday 7:00 AM to 7:30 PM. During peak pre-season weeks in September and October, evening slots fill first. We do not offer after-hours emergency dispatch - genuine chimney emergencies require 911 - but we do prioritize post-fire and post-storm inspections within our operating hours. Book early for fall; North Shore homeowners tend to schedule in waves when the first cold snap hits.

Evacuate immediately and call 911 if you suspect gas. For smoke odors without visible fire, extinguish any active fire, open windows for ventilation, and do not use the fireplace until inspected. Smoke in the living space usually indicates a blocked flue, damaged liner, or negative pressure issue common in tightly sealed Evanston homes built or renovated since 2000. We diagnose the cause with a Level 2 camera inspection and provide a written repair plan.

Every job leaves with a written warranty whose terms match the work performed. Sweeps and inspections carry a 30-day re-service guarantee if blockage recurs from debris we missed. Liners carry manufacturer warranties - typically lifetime for DuraFlex and Olympia stainless systems - plus our installation workmanship guarantee. HeatShield applications carry a 20-year material warranty. Exact terms, exclusions, and transferability appear in your written estimate before you approve the work - Clause 1, have it in writing.

We photograph it, show you the footage, explain the repair options, and provide a separate written estimate. No work proceeds without your approval. For extensive masonry rebuilds or liner replacements requiring scaffolding or custom fabrication, we schedule a return visit with adequate time and materials. We do not pressure immediate decisions - many repairs can safely wait the season if the flue remains structurally sound, and we'll tell you honestly when that's the case.

We carry general liability and workers compensation insurance, and our process - floor protection, sealed firebox, HEPA vacuum - is designed to prevent damage. If we cause damage, we repair it at our expense. If we leave a mess, we return to clean it. These commitments are part of Clause 5, no surprises, and we have documented them in our job records since 2009.

Manufacturer warranties on DuraFlex, Olympia, and HeatShield products typically transfer to subsequent owners with proper documentation - which we provide as part of every installation. Our workmanship guarantees are tied to the original customer and job address. For Evanston's active real estate market, we recommend sellers disclose recent chimney work and provide the Level 2 report to buyers; it often accelerates inspection negotiations and protects your sale price.

You receive a photo and video report of what we found before, during, and after the work. We archive that footage - the practice that became Clause 4 of the Haven Standard - so if a question arises later, we can prove the condition of your flue on the date of service. Since 2009, Emberly has maintained this archive so homeowners can show a liner failed before a fire rather than after. The evidence is your protection.

Written by Corrine Halstead, Owner at Emberly Chimney Cleaners Evanston, serving Evanston, Wilmette, Glenview, and the North Shore since 2009.