Certified Chimney Sweeps in Minneapolis–St. Paul, MN — 8 CSIA-Certified Companies Verified

Verified Chimney Sweep Companies in Minneapolis–St. Paul

None

⚠️ FLAGGED — VERIFY BEFORE HIRING

Spam Ring: Parabola Theme Network (4 sites)

Coordinated Spam Ring High Confidence

Sites in Network
chimney-sweepminneapolis.com · chimneysweepminneapolis.com · chimneysweepminneapolismn.com · chimney-sweep-minneapolismn.com

Addresses
Coffee shop (Walden/Carma Coffee, 520 NE Lowry Ave) · Barbershop (Faded Barbershop, 2649 Lyndale Ave S) · Hair Lounge Barbershop (1203 Washington Ave S) · 3745 Bloomington Ave (unverified)

Phones
(612) 688-7044 · (612) 712-8819 · (612) 324-7816 · (612) 324-1737

CSIA Level
None — no certifications listed on any site

Spam Signals
Identical WordPress Parabola theme across all 4 sites; identical template content with only city name swapped; all images uploaded November 2025; no owner name or company history on any site; dead social media links; addresses are coffee shop and barbershops; exact-match keyword domains with hyphens; AI-generated SEO content

A coordinated network of at least four near-identical fake chimney sweep websites targeting Minneapolis. All four share the same WordPress “Parabola” theme, identical template structure, stock images uploaded November 2025, and dead social media links. Physical addresses provided are a coffee shop, two barbershops, and an unverified address—none are chimney businesses. None list owner names, company histories, or any professional certifications. The identical structure across all four sites strongly suggests a single operator running a lead-generation or spam operation. One site (chimney-sweep-minneapolismn.com) contains a hidden outbound link to depcare.com, consistent with spam link-building networks.

Mr-Chimney / MN Chimney (BBB Confirmed Scam)

Confirmed Scam BBB Scam Tracker #908790

Business Name
Mr-Chimney (billing as "MN Chimney")

Address
None — phone reps could not provide a business address

Phone Numbers
800-257-3214 · 866-823-7520 · 612-682-7521 · 844-592-1764 · 313-924-3532 · 651-395-4214

Website
mrchimney.com (do not contact)

CSIA Level
Claims NCSG certification on website — suspected false

Documented Fraud
BBB issued formal alert; phone reps work from homes in Georgia, Michigan, Texas; truck arrived marked “Rapid Services” with worker carrying only a shop-vac; consumer charged $1,365 for supposed cap repair + failed cleaning; fraudulent additional charges on credit card same day; demanded $1,250 more for “chemical cleaning”

The Real Company
The legitimate Minnesota Chimney can be reached at (612) 806-6970 per BBB alert

A BBB-confirmed multi-state scam operation impersonating local chimney businesses. Phone representatives work from homes in Georgia, Michigan, and Texas. Technicians arrive in vehicles marked with different company names (observed: “Rapid Services”) carrying only a shop-vac. A documented Minnesota consumer was charged $1,365 for a supposed cap repair and incomplete cleaning, then had fraudulent additional charges posted to their credit card the same day, followed by demands for $1,250 more for a “chemical cleaning.” Claims NCSG certification on their website (suspected false). Do not contact or hire. Report to BBB Scam Tracker and Minnesota Attorney General.

Chimney Service Pricing in Minneapolis–St. Paul

Prices reflect figures explicitly stated in our research for the Twin Cities metro as of late 2025–early 2026. Minnesota pricing runs above national averages due to extreme climate demands, extended heating season, and the insulation requirements of cold-climate chimney work. Where no source figure exists, we list “contact for quote.”

Service	Typical Range	Notes
Level 1 Inspection	$100–$250	Visual inspection of accessible areas; often bundled with sweep at no additional cost
Level 2 Inspection	$200–$500	Video camera scan of full flue; required for real estate transactions and fuel-type changes; up to $1,000 for multiple flues
Level 3 Inspection	$500–$5,000	Invasive investigation involving partial demolition; rare; required only when Level 2 reveals concealed hazards
Standard Chimney Sweep (single flue)	$150–$300	Jack Pixley Sweeps publishes $189–$300; HomeBlue Twin Cities data: $150–$170 for 1–2 story homes
Chimney Cap Installation	$200–$650	Standard stainless steel; Chimney Doctors ChimGuard custom caps higher; multi-flue covers $1,100+
Stainless Steel Relining	$2,500–$5,000	Higher end of national range due to cold-climate insulation requirements; 2nd Generation Chimneys is MN's only CCR-certified reliner
Tuckpointing	$500–$2,500 (standard); $10–$25/sq ft	Extensive damage can reach $2,000–$10,000; scaffolding $200–$600; permits up to $300
Gas Fireplace Insert + Installation	$4,500–$8,000	CenterPoint Energy Home Service Plus starts at $4,500 (Kozy Heat direct-vent); The Fireplace Guys: $5,000–$6,500 fully installed including gas line, electrical, venting, and permits
Full Chimney Rebuild	$5,000–$15,000+	Depends on height, complexity, and partial vs. full rebuild; historic home chimneys can exceed $15,000
Dryer Vent Cleaning	$100–$200	Often offered as add-on to chimney service
Emergency Chimney Repair	$500–$2,000+	2nd Generation Chimneys provides 24/7 emergency service; most companies standard hours only

Minneapolis–St. Paul Housing Stock & Chimney Context

Victorian and Craftsman Era (1880–1930)

Minneapolis and Saint Paul contain one of the highest concentrations of pre-1930 residential chimney architecture in the upper Midwest. Saint Paul's Summit Avenue—the longest preserved Victorian residential avenue in the country at 4.5 miles—features Georgian Revival, Queen Anne, and Tudor homes with elaborately decorated masonry chimneys, some with eight or more flues per residence (such as the Boeckman House at 366 Summit). The Marcy Holmes and Whittier neighborhoods in Minneapolis feature Italianate Revival and Richardsonian Romanesque homes with ornate corbeled brickwork and multi-flue chimney configurations. Craftsman bungalows throughout South Minneapolis—Fulton, Longfellow, and Nokomis neighborhoods—feature single-flue masonry chimneys now 90–100+ years old with original clay tile liners subject to cracking from thermal shock. These chimneys often have clay flue tile liners—or in the oldest cases, no liner at all—and should be prioritized for relining assessment.

Post-WWII Ranch Homes (1945–1975)

First-ring suburbs built during the postwar housing boom—Bloomington, Richfield, Brooklyn Center, St. Louis Park, Roseville, Golden Valley—feature standardized single-flue masonry chimneys, typically 15–25 feet tall with clay tile liners now 50–80 years old. Many have been converted from wood-burning to gas fireplaces, requiring chimney relining because gas combustion byproducts are more corrosive to clay tile than wood smoke and an existing clay liner may be oversized for proper gas venting. These gas-conversion relined chimneys represent a primary service category for Twin Cities companies.

Freeze-Thaw Damage: The #1 Minnesota Chimney Threat

Minnesota's freeze-thaw cycling is the dominant threat to chimney masonry in this market. With temperatures swinging between −2°F January lows and above-freezing daytime highs dozens of times each winter, water absorbed into brick pores and hairline cracks freezes and expands by up to 9%, widening fissures with each cycle. Effects include spalling (brick face flaking), mortar joint crumbling, cracked crowns, shifted bricks, and in severe cases structural leaning. One local contractor describes it this way: “The same forces that create potholes are hard at work at the upper reaches of your home.” Small fractures visible in October can become structural concerns by February. Ice dams at the chimney-roof intersection cause additional water intrusion through compromised flashing. Waterproofing treatments, properly fitted caps, and intact crowns are the primary defenses.

Gas Conversion Prevalence

Gas fireplace conversions are extremely common across the Twin Cities metro. CenterPoint Energy's Home Service Plus division is a major driver, actively marketing gas inserts through showrooms and online. Most post-1990 new construction includes gas fireplaces as standard. Conversions from wood to gas require a Level 2 inspection (video camera scan) to assess liner condition, and typically require relining because the existing clay tile liner may be oversized for gas venting and susceptible to condensation-driven accelerated deterioration from gas exhaust chemistry.

Annual Inspection Frequency

The NFPA and CSIA recommend annual inspection at minimum. For Minnesota's 6–7 month heating season with heavy use, local experts recommend two inspections per year: a pre-winter inspection in September or October to verify safe operation before the heating season, and a post-winter assessment in March through May to catch freeze-thaw damage before spring rains drive water into compromised masonry. Tuckpointing is typically needed every 25–30 years in the Twin Cities climate but should be evaluated annually.

Chimney Sweep Spam & Fraud Warnings in Minneapolis

The Twin Cities has a documented epidemic of fake chimney sweep Google Business Profiles. Our research identified at least 8 suspected fraudulent listings, including a coordinated 4-site spam ring, two lead-gen networks, and a BBB-confirmed criminal scam operation. The NCSG has removed approximately 100 fraudulent listings nationally but reports they regenerate as fast as they are taken down.

Consumer verification checklist: Verify CSIA certification at search.csia.org. Confirm a real physical address via Google Street View—look for an actual business building, not a coffee shop or barbershop. Verify MN contractor license at dli.mn.gov. Be wary of business names that are literally search terms (“Minneapolis Chimney Sweep Pro Service Experts”). Avoid companies offering chimney + carpet + air duct + garage door repair in combination. Ask for the technician's individual CSIA certification number before service. Report suspected fraud to the NCSG at office@ncsg.org or (317) 837-1500.

Emergency & 24/7 Chimney Service — Minneapolis–St. Paul

True chimney emergencies—chimney fires, carbon monoxide events, sudden flue blockage, active water intrusion through a compromised chimney—require immediate response. For chimney fires, call 911 first. After the fire department clears the scene, a chimney professional should assess whether the flue is safe to use. The following companies have indicated emergency availability in our research.

Company	Emergency / After-Hours	Phone	Notes
2nd Generation Chimneys, Inc.	YES — 24/7 Emergency Services	See website	CSIA CCS; CCR certified; prominently advertises 24/7 emergency service across entire Twin Cities metro — the clear leader for after-hours chimney emergencies
Chimney Doctors	Weekends by appointment	(952) 888-5252	CSIA MCS; Sat–Sun 8am–8pm by appointment per Yelp; emergency availability not explicitly advertised but weekend hours available
All others	Standard business hours only	—	Jack Pixley: Mon–Thu 7:30–4:30, Fri 7:30–4:00; London Chimney: Mon–Thu 8–4, Fri 8–2; most others similar

Several listings advertising “24/7 emergency chimney service” in the Minneapolis area were identified as spam or lead-gen operations in this research. Always verify CSIA credentials and a real physical address before engaging any company found through an emergency search. The Mr-Chimney / MN Chimney scam operation specifically targets homeowners who search urgently for chimney help.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Certified Master Chimney Sweep (MCS), and why does it matter that Minnesota has one?

The Certified Master Chimney Sweep (MCS) is the highest credential issued by the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA). Earning it requires a decade or more of continuous education, advanced testing, and demonstrated expertise across all aspects of chimney and venting systems. As of March 2026, Steve Trumble of Chimney Doctors in Burnsville holds MCS #61—the 61st person in the country to earn this distinction and the only MCS holder in Minnesota. He simultaneously holds CSIA CCS, CDET #679, and NFI certifications in both wood-burning and gas systems. For consumers, an MCS on staff indicates the highest available level of diagnostic and service capability, particularly valuable for complex problems in historic homes or unusual chimney configurations.

How does Minnesota's extreme cold affect chimney integrity?

Minnesota's freeze-thaw cycling is the single greatest threat to chimney masonry in this market. When temperatures swing between −2°F lows and above-freezing days—which happens dozens of times per winter—water absorbed into brick and mortar freezes and expands by up to 9%, widening microscopic cracks with each cycle. This causes spalling (brick surface flaking), mortar joint crumbling, crown cracking, and in severe cases structural shifting. The damage is cumulative: a chimney that looks sound in October may show significant deterioration by March. Waterproofing treatments, properly fitted chimney caps, and intact crowns are the primary defenses. Any visible mortar deterioration or brick face flaking should trigger an immediate inspection.

How often should I have my chimney inspected with a 6-month heating season?

The NFPA and CSIA recommend annual inspection at minimum, but Twin Cities chimney professionals recommend twice-yearly inspections given Minnesota's extended heating season. The optimal schedule is a pre-winter inspection in September or October to verify safe operation before heavy use begins, and a post-winter assessment in March through May to catch freeze-thaw damage before spring rains drive additional water into compromised masonry. Homes using a fireplace or wood stove as primary or supplemental heat throughout the full October–April season should budget for both inspections annually.

I converted my wood-burning fireplace to a gas insert. Do I still need chimney inspections?

Yes—and gas conversions create unique inspection needs. Gas combustion produces water vapor and acidic compounds that are more corrosive to clay flue tile liners than wood smoke. An existing clay tile liner may also be oversized for gas venting, causing condensation to collect inside the flue. If the liner was not replaced during conversion, accelerated deterioration is likely. A Level 2 inspection with video camera scan is recommended after any fuel-type change. Ongoing annual inspections should check for liner integrity, proper venting, and carbon monoxide safety. Many Minnesota insurance policies now require documentation of regular chimney maintenance regardless of fuel type.

What is tuckpointing and when do Twin Cities chimneys need it?

Tuckpointing is the process of removing deteriorated mortar from between bricks and replacing it with fresh mortar. In the Twin Cities climate, mortar joints typically need tuckpointing every 25–30 years, though freeze-thaw damage can accelerate this timeline significantly. Signs that tuckpointing is needed include visible mortar crumbling or falling out, mortar that can be scraped away easily with a key or fingernail, gaps visible between bricks, and white crystalline deposits (efflorescence) on the brick surface. Local costs range from $500 to $2,500 for a standard chimney tuckpointing project, or roughly $10–$25 per square foot. Neglecting tuckpointing allows water infiltration that leads to progressively worse—and more expensive—structural damage.

What is the difference between a Minnesota Contractor License and CSIA certification?

These are two entirely separate credentials. The Minnesota Contractor License (issued by the Department of Labor and Industry) is a legal requirement for contractors performing multiple trade work on residential properties—it requires passing a state exam, maintaining liability insurance and workers' compensation, and completing continuing education. License numbers are formatted BC + 6 digits and must appear on all advertising and contracts. CSIA certification is a voluntary industry credential demonstrating technical competency in chimney inspection, maintenance, and repair—it is not required by Minnesota law. The combination of both credentials represents the gold standard. Verify MN contractor licenses at dli.mn.gov and CSIA credentials at search.csia.org.

How do I verify that a chimney sweep company is legitimate and not a scam in Minneapolis?

The Twin Cities has a documented epidemic of fake chimney sweep listings. Before hiring any company, take these steps: (1) Check for a MN Contractor License at dli.mn.gov—the license number (BC + 6 digits) should appear on their website and advertising; (2) Verify CSIA certification at search.csia.org by searching the company name or individual technician name; (3) Confirm the listed address is an actual business location, not a coffee shop or barbershop (use Google Street View); (4) Be suspicious of business names that are just search keywords like “Minneapolis Chimney Sweep Pro Service Experts”; (5) Avoid companies offering chimney + carpet + air duct + garage door repair; (6) Ask for the technician's individual CSIA certification number before service. Report suspected fake listings to the NCSG at office@ncsg.org or (317) 837-1500.

What is a Level 2 chimney inspection and when is it required?

A Level 2 chimney inspection is required by NFPA 211 whenever a home is sold, after any chimney event (chimney fire, lightning strike, earthquake), or when a fuel type or heating appliance changes. It includes a video camera scan of the full flue interior that reveals hidden cracks, deteriorated liners, animal nests, and other defects invisible from the firebox opening. In the Twin Cities, Level 2 inspections typically cost $200–$500 for a single flue. This is the inspection standard recommended for all real estate transactions—a general home inspector's chimney check is not a substitute. Insurance companies in Minnesota increasingly require documentation of regular chimney maintenance, and Level 2 inspections are standard evidence of due diligence.

Methodology & Data Sources

This directory was compiled in March 2026. CSIA credential status was verified via the CSIA search directory at search.csia.org and the legacy Minnesota CSIA directory at web.csia.org/csia2016/CSIA-Certified/Minnesota. NFI certifications were cross-referenced against nficertified.org. Steve Trumble's MCS #61 credential was confirmed across his company website, personal Facebook page, CSIA directory listing, and third-party directories.

Business legitimacy was assessed using Google Business Profile data, Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry contractor license records (dli.mn.gov), BBB listings, Yelp, Angi, and Nextdoor data. Physical addresses were verified against satellite and street view imagery to screen virtual office addresses and non-chimney businesses. Spam ring identification used theme fingerprinting (WordPress Parabola theme), image upload date analysis, content similarity comparison, and address cross-referencing.

Pricing data is drawn from Jack Pixley Sweeps' published rate schedule, HomeBlue Twin Cities pricing data, CenterPoint Energy/Home Service Plus marketing materials, and local contractor estimates. We do not interpolate, estimate, or use national averages where no verified local figure exists.

• search.csia.org — CSIA credential verification
• web.csia.org/csia2016/CSIA-Certified/Minnesota — CSIA legacy MN directory
• ncsg.org — National Chimney Sweep Guild membership
• nficertified.org — NFI credential verification
• dli.mn.gov — MN contractor license verification
• BBB (bbb.org) — business history and scam tracker
• Google Business Profile — business location and review data
• Angi / HomeBlue / HomeGuide — pricing and review data
• Yelp / Nextdoor — local review corroboration