Your Local Chimney Cleaning Experts in Gary, IN

Professional Chimney Cleaning and Sweeping Services in Gary, IN

At Chimney Bear, we provide professional chimney cleaning and sweeping services in Gary, IN, designed to keep your home safe, your fireplace efficient, and your family protected. Whether you heat your home regularly with wood or simply enjoy an occasional fire, annual chimney maintenance prevents fire hazards, smoke issues, and costly masonry damage.

Our CSIA-certified technicians follow NFPA 211 safety standards and use advanced rotary brushes with HEPA-filtered vacuums to deliver a thorough, mess-free service. Serving Gary and surrounding Lake County communities such as Merrillville, Griffith, and Hammond, Chimney Bear is known for honesty, precision, and top-tier workmanship.

Why Chimney Cleaning Is Essential in Gary, IN

Gary homeowners experience cold winters, high humidity, and lake-effect weather that all impact chimney performance. Without professional cleaning, soot and creosote buildup can cause blockages, odors, and dangerous fires.

1. Prevent Chimney Fires

Creosote—an oily, flammable residue—can ignite even in small amounts.

2. Ensure Safe Ventilation

A clear flue lets smoke and carbon monoxide vent safely outside.

3. Protect Masonry and Flue Liners

Acidic soot and moisture corrode mortar, bricks, and clay liners.

4. Improve Fireplace Efficiency

Clean chimneys draft better, producing hotter, cleaner burns.

5. Comply with NFPA and Insurance Standards

Annual inspection + cleaning keeps your fireplace code-compliant and insurable.

How Often Should You Schedule Chimney Cleaning?

The Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) advises:

• Inspect chimneys once per year.

• Clean when creosote reaches ⅛ inch or more.

You may need service sooner if you:

• Use the fireplace multiple times a week.

• Burn softwood or unseasoned logs.

• Notice smoke backup or a burnt odor.

• Haven’t cleaned the chimney in 12 months or more.

Even gas appliances require cleaning to remove corrosive residue.

Our 6-Step Chimney Cleaning Process

Step 1 – Preparation Protect floors and seal the firebox to contain debris.
Step 2 – Flue Cleaning Rotary brushes scrub the entire flue, removing soot + creosote.
Step 3 – Smoke Chamber + Firebox Cleaning Hand-brush critical zones for optimal draft.
Step 4 – Exterior Inspection Check the cap, crown, flashing, and masonry for wear.
Step 5 – HEPA Vacuum + Cleanup Industrial vacuums ensure a spotless result.
Step 6 – Digital Report + Recommendations Receive before/after photos + maintenance tips.