Certified Chimney Sweeps in Cleveland, OH — 4 CSIA-Certified Companies Verified

Verified Chimney Sweep Companies in Cleveland

Show 4 more non-certified companies

⚠️ FLAGGED — VERIFY BEFORE HIRING

Chimney Cricket, Inc.

CSIA Certified NCSG Member F.I.R.E Certified Est. 1990 Cleveland location closed

Address
9750 Olde 8 Rd, Northfield, OH 44067 (Cleveland/York Rd location: CLOSED)

Phone
(800) 993-8905 / (330) 468-1161

Website
chimneycricket.com

Service Area
Cleveland/NE Ohio; also multi-state (Sarasota FL, Detroit MI, Toledo OH)

CSIA Level
CSIA Certified (claims 6 CSIA-certified sweeps on staff)

NFI Certified
Not listed

Other Certs
F.I.R.E Certified, NCSG member

State License #
Not required in OH

Owner
Jon Cerrito (Owner), Nicole Cerrito (VP)

Years in Business
35+ years (est. 1990)

Family-owned Cerrito operation founded in 1990 with multi-state presence. Claims 6 CSIA-certified sweeps on staff. Also sells hearth products online (caps, liners, accessories). Primary operations appear based at Northfield/Sagamore Hills and the original Woodlyn, PA (Philadelphia area) location.

The Cleveland/York Rd physical location is confirmed closed. Yelp shows 1.0 stars from 2 very negative reviews for the Parma Heights location. Multi-state footprint suggests a regional model rather than a focused local operator. Verify active Cleveland-area service capacity and current technician dispatch before hiring.

Chimcare Cleveland

37 years (national) BBB F Rating

Address
3409 Roehl Ave, Cleveland, OH 44109

Phone
(216) 370-7350

Website
chimcare.com/location/cleveland-oh

Service Area
Cleveland metro

CSIA Level
Not confirmed

NFI Certified
Not listed

Other Certs
None confirmed

State License #
Not required in OH

Local Staff
Ian (Field Manager), Ana (admin), Aspen (apprentice)

Multi-location franchise operating across 15+ states with a national presence of 37 years. Has named local staff (Ian, Ana, Aspen) and a real physical address in Cleveland. Angi rating of 4.6/5. However, corporate accountability is severely lacking.

BBB rating: F — failure to respond to 12 complaints, 1 unresolved. Homepage content references "known throughout the Northwest" (copy-pasted from Portland, OR HQ) and contains a "we're not just the plumber" copy error. Heavy SEO with neighborhood-level landing pages. May have real local technicians, but corporate franchise oversight is poor. Verify local service quality independently before hiring.

Chimney Service Pricing in Cleveland

Prices reflect figures explicitly stated in our research for the Cleveland metro market. Where no source figure exists, we list "contact for quote" — we do not interpolate or estimate.

Service	Typical Range	Notes
Level 1 Inspection	$100–$250	Often bundled with standard cleaning
Level 2 Inspection (video camera)	$250–$600	Required for real estate transactions; Century Chimney specializes
Level 3 Inspection (invasive/structural)	$500–$5,000+	Rare; only when serious structural damage suspected
Standard Chimney Cleaning/Sweeping	$150–$300	NE Ohio average; high-end reflects heavy creosote removal
Chimney Cap Installation	$150–$500	Galvanized to custom copper; Century Chimney stocks common sizes for same-day install
Stainless Steel Relining	$2,500–$5,000	Pre-insulated flexible stainless steel; complex installs up to $7,000
Clay Tile Flue Relining	~$2,500	Less commonly recommended; most professionals prefer stainless steel
Tuckpointing	$500–$2,500/project	$5–$25/sq ft; spot repair ~$500, full chimney up to $4,000
Chimney Crown Repair	$150–$700	Preventive maintenance to avoid water intrusion
Chimney Crown Replacement	$220–$2,000	Full crown replacement for severely deteriorated crowns
Flashing Repair	$200–$600	Critical for preventing water intrusion at roof junction
Waterproofing/Sealing	$200–$500	ChimneySaver is the preferred product locally
Damper Repair/Replacement	$200–$600	Top-mount or throat-mount dampers
Smoke Chamber Repair	$500–$1,500	Parging to NFPA standards
Partial Chimney Rebuild	$1,000–$3,500	Crown or upper section only
Full Chimney Rebuild (from roofline)	$2,700–$10,000+	Depends on chimney height, flue count, and material
Spalling Brick Repair	$1,000–$3,500	Common freeze-thaw damage in Cleveland climate
Dryer Vent Cleaning	$100–$200	Often offered as add-on by chimney companies

Cleveland Housing Stock & Chimney Context

Cleveland's chimney service market reflects a city defined by its extraordinarily old housing stock and punishing climate. With a median home construction year of 1940 and nearly half of all housing built before 1939, the metro area contains one of the densest concentrations of aging masonry chimneys in the United States. The dominant chimney architecture is masonry brick with clay flue tile liners, standard from the 1900s through the 1970s. Pre-1900 homes may have unlined chimneys — a serious fire hazard requiring immediate professional assessment.

Shaker Heights Tudor & Colonial Characteristics

Shaker Heights was developed primarily between 1905 and 1940 as a planned community, with peak construction during 1915–1930. The dominant architectural styles are Tudor Revival, Colonial Revival (Georgian, Dutch, Adam), and French Eclectic. Many homes are architect-designed with high-quality masonry featuring multiple chimney stacks — listings routinely advertise 2–4 fireplaces per home. Chimneys are solid brick with corbeled crowns and clay flue tile liners. Original mortar is lime-based in the earliest homes, transitioning to Portland cement mixes in the 1920s–1930s. At 85–120 years old, these chimneys universally need inspection for mortar joint failure, crown deterioration, and flue tile cracking.

Lakewood Craftsman Characteristics

Lakewood's housing stock dates from the 1890s through the 1930s, featuring Craftsman bungalows, American Foursquares, and the distinctive "Cleveland double" — a two-family brick dwelling with stacked flats that often has separate chimney flues for each unit, creating dense chimney infrastructure per block. The city's "Century Home Program" celebrates homes turning 100. Lakewood chimneys tend to be simpler brick construction than Shaker Heights' elaborate Tudor chimneys, but their age (90–130 years) makes them equally vulnerable. Proximity to Lake Erie intensifies moisture exposure relative to inland suburbs. Seven properties in Lakewood are on the National Register of Historic Places.

Post-WWII Suburbs

Parma, West Park, and other post-war suburbs saw explosive growth in the 1950s. Housing shifts to Cape Cod, ranch, two-story Colonial, and split-level designs with simpler masonry chimneys, often serving a single fireplace plus a furnace flue. These chimneys — now 65–75 years old — are entering their own period of significant maintenance need.

Lake Erie Freeze-Thaw Impact

Cleveland averages 63.8 inches of annual snowfall with dozens of freeze-thaw cycles per winter. Lake-effect precipitation is heaviest on the eastern side of the metro (Shaker Heights, Cleveland Heights, extending toward Mentor and Chardon). Water penetrating mortar joints expands approximately 9% when frozen, progressively destroying brick and mortar over decades. Common resulting damage includes spalling bricks (faces popping off), crumbling mortar joints, cracked chimney crowns, deteriorated flashing, and widening flue tile fractures. Humid summers compound the problem by promoting continued moisture damage.

Clay Tile Liner Age & Failure

Clay flue tile liners became standard in the early 1900s. After 80–100 years, they exhibit mortar joint washout, thermal shock cracking, acidic condensation erosion, and freeze-thaw fracturing. The prevalence of fuel conversions (coal to oil to gas) has accelerated deterioration because modern gas appliances produce more moisture and acidic condensation in flues originally oversized for coal or oil. The industry-recommended solution is stainless steel flexible liner installation ($2,500–$5,000) rather than clay-to-clay replacement.

Seasonal Context

Cleveland's heating season runs October through April — approximately 7 months. Seasonal demand peaks sharply from September through December as homeowners prepare fireplaces. Scheduling lead times during peak season extend to 2–4 weeks. Savvy homeowners book during May–July for shorter waits and potential off-season discounts. The spring shoulder season (March–April) represents a secondary demand peak as freeze-thaw damage becomes visible. Post-winter inspections are strongly recommended to assess damage before it compounds through another cycle.

Inspection Frequency Recommendations

NFPA 211 recommends annual chimney inspections for all fuel types. Homes using wood-burning fireplaces 3–4 times per week should consider twice-annual sweeping (mid-season and end of season). All pre-1940 homes should receive a Level 2 inspection with video camera at minimum upon purchase and every 5 years thereafter, in addition to annual Level 1 inspections.

Chimney Sweep Spam & Fraud Warnings in Cleveland

Ohio's lack of statewide chimney sweep licensing creates an unusually permissive environment for unqualified operators and outright fraud. This research identified at least 8 suspected fraudulent or lead-generation listings targeting Cleveland. The NCSG has documented hundreds of such listings nationally. Below are the specific patterns and flagged listings identified in our research.

Emergency & 24/7 Chimney Service — Cleveland

True chimney emergencies (chimney fires, carbon monoxide events, sudden flue blockage) require immediate response. Emergency chimney service options in the Cleveland metro are extremely limited. Call 911 first for any active chimney fire or carbon monoxide alarm, then contact the companies below for certified follow-up.

Company	Service Area	Emergency / After-Hours	Phone	Notes
Green and Clean Home Services	All 7 counties (Lake, Cuyahoga, Geauga, Lorain, Summit, Medina, Portage)	24/7 emergency line	(216) 312-6371	CSIA-certified; only confirmed 24/7 emergency line in the metro
Modern Day Chimney Service	Cleveland, Shaker Heights, Cleveland Heights, Lake & Geauga Counties	24-hour for red-tagged furnace chimneys only	(216) 386-8555	Not CSIA-certified; emergency service limited to blocked/red-tagged furnace flues only

Note: Century Chimney — the largest operator with 15 technicians — does not offer emergency services. Several spam listings (A1 Air Duct Cleaning OH, MS Chimney) advertise 24/7 availability, but these claims should be treated as lead-generation tactics rather than genuine emergency capacity.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I verify a chimney sweep's CSIA certification?

Go to csia.net and use the "Find a Sweep" or certification lookup tool. Enter the technician's name or company name. A current CCS or MCS designation will appear with an expiration date — CSIA credentials must be renewed every three years through continuing education. If a company claims CSIA certification but does not appear in the lookup, their credential may have lapsed or the claim may be false.

What is the difference between a Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3 inspection?

A Level 1 inspection is a visual check of accessible areas — the firebox, damper, and visible portions of the flue. It is typically bundled with a routine sweep. A Level 2 inspection is required by NFPA 211 whenever a home is sold, after any chimney event (chimney fire, lightning strike, earthquake), or when fuel type or heating appliance changes. It includes a video scan of the full flue interior. A Level 3 inspection involves some degree of destructive investigation — removing masonry or chase covers — when hidden damage is suspected and cannot be accessed any other way.

How often should I have my chimney inspected in Cleveland?

NFPA 211 recommends annual chimney inspections regardless of how often you use your fireplace. In Cleveland's climate, with a 7-month heating season (October–April) and dozens of freeze-thaw cycles per winter, annual inspections are essential. If you burn wood 3–4 times per week, you may need sweeping twice per season. Schedule your inspection in May–July for shorter wait times, or in March–April to catch freeze-thaw damage early. During peak season (September–December), expect 2–4 week lead times.

Are chimney sweeps licensed in Ohio?

No. Ohio has no statewide chimney sweep license requirement, and Cuyahoga County does not impose chimney-specific licensing. Anyone can legally offer chimney services regardless of training. This makes voluntary certifications critically important. Look for CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep (CCS) — the industry gold standard requiring rigorous examination and continuing education — and NCSG Certified Chimney Professional (CCP). Also verify general liability insurance, workers' compensation coverage, and a verifiable physical business address.

My Shaker Heights home was built in the 1920s. Does the clay flue liner need replacing?

Almost certainly yes — or at minimum, it requires a thorough Level 2 inspection with internal video camera. Clay flue tile liners from the 1920s are now approximately 100 years old. Common failure modes include cracked tiles, washed-out mortar joints, and erosion from decades of acidic combustion byproducts — especially if the home was converted from coal or oil to gas heat. A failed liner allows carbon monoxide to leak into living spaces and can permit chimney fires to reach combustible framing. The recommended solution is stainless steel flexible liner installation, typically $2,500–$5,000 in the Cleveland market.

How do I spot a fake chimney sweep listing in Cleveland?

Cleveland's market has documented spam listings. Red flags include: business names stuffed with keywords (e.g., "Cleveland Chimney Sweep Pro Service"), addresses at UPS Stores or virtual offices, companies offering chimney + air duct + carpet cleaning bundles, phone numbers with area codes outside Northeast Ohio (watch for 215, 614, or 855 numbers), websites with identical text across multiple cities, promises of "$99 chimney cleaning" (a documented bait-and-switch tactic), no CSIA or NCSG certifications, and reviews mentioning other states. Verify any company through the CSIA directory at search.csia.org before hiring.

What does chimney service typically cost in the Cleveland area?

Cleveland-area pricing for 2025–2026: standard chimney sweep with Level 1 inspection runs $150–$300. A Level 2 inspection with video camera costs $250–$600 and is required for real estate transactions. Chimney cap installation ranges from $150–$500 depending on material. Tuckpointing costs $500–$2,500 per project. Stainless steel relining — the most common major repair for pre-war homes — runs $2,500–$5,000. A full chimney rebuild from the roofline up costs $2,700–$10,000+. Beware companies advertising cleaning for under $100 — this is a documented bait-and-switch tactic where technicians "discover" mandatory $500–$1,200 repairs on-site.

Why do Lakewood chimneys need special attention?

Lakewood's housing stock dates from the 1890s through 1930s, making its chimneys among the oldest in the metro area — many approaching or exceeding 100 years. The city's proximity to Lake Erie intensifies moisture exposure and freeze-thaw stress compared to inland suburbs. Lakewood's distinctive "Cleveland doubles" (brick duplexes) often have multi-flue chimney stacks serving separate units, creating complex inspection requirements. The dense Craftsman bungalow neighborhoods were built with clay flue tile liners now well past their expected service life. Annual inspection is essential, and most Lakewood chimneys will eventually require relining and masonry restoration.

Methodology & Data Sources

This directory was compiled in March 2026. CSIA credential status was verified via csia.net's public lookup. NFI certifications were cross-referenced against nficertified.org. Business legitimacy was assessed using Google Business Profile data, Ohio business registrations, and BBB listings. Physical addresses were verified against satellite and street view imagery to screen virtual office addresses.

Pricing data is drawn exclusively from figures stated in our primary research for the Cleveland metro market, including HomeAdvisor, Angi, local company websites, and customer review mentions. We do not interpolate, estimate, or use national averages. Where no verified figure exists for a service, we list "contact for quote."

NCSG fraud documentation was used to identify patterns of suspected GBP manipulation. Companies are only listed as Flagged where specific evidence of manipulation exists — we do not flag based on low review counts or unfamiliar names alone. This research identified 8 suspected fraudulent or lead-generation listings targeting the Cleveland market.

• csia.net — CSIA credential verification
• nficertified.org — NFI credential verification
• NCSG — National Chimney Sweep Guild fraud documentation
• Google Business Profile — business location and review data
• OH state business registration
• BBB — business history and complaint records