7 Reasons Bordentown Homeowners Trust Matts Brothers Chimney for Annual Sweeps (And How to Book)

By Matts Brothers Chimney Team · Updated October 31, 2026

Bordentown homeowners choose Matts Brothers Chimney for annual sweeps because we specialize in older brick homes, use advanced tools to spot hidden masonry issues, and offer transparent pricing with no upsells. Our licensed crews prioritize safety and efficiency, especially critical for historic homes near the Delaware River where moisture and aging brickwork demand extra care. Book online or call for a free estimate before your first fire of the season.

1. A chimney inspection is a detailed check of your flue, liner, and masonry for blockages, cracks, or structural damage, critical for Bordentown’s older brick homes where mortar and brickwork degrade faster due to humidity and seasonal temperature swings.

Bordentown’s historic homes, many built in the 18th and 19th centuries, often feature brick chimneys with original mortar that’s long past its prime. Unlike newer homes in nearby Trenton or Hamilton /areas/trenton-nj/, these chimneys weren’t designed for modern high-efficiency fireplaces or gas inserts. That’s why our inspections go beyond a quick sweep: we use a borescope camera to inspect the flue for creosote buildup, check for cracks in the liner (a common issue in older brickwork), and assess the crown and cap for water damage. The Chimney Safety Institute of America the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA)|https://www.csia.org/)) recommends this level of detail annually for homes with brick chimneys, especially in humid climates like Bordentown’s. We’ve seen too many cases where homeowners skipped this step and ended up with a chimney fire or costly masonry repairs, like the family on Washington Street whose neglected crown let water seep into their brickwork, requiring full tuckpointing /blog/masonry-repair-tuckpointing-bordentown-costs-process-when-to/ at triple the cost of an annual inspection. Full details in our service list page.

2. Bordentown’s brick chimneys need specialized cleaning, our crew uses rotary brushes and high-pressure air to remove creosote without damaging antique liners or mortar.

If you’ve ever hired a generic chimney sweep in Bordentown, you might’ve noticed they use stiff brushes or scrapers that can chip away at your historic brickwork or loosen mortar joints. We avoid that by using rotary brushes and high-pressure air systems designed for older masonry. For example, the home on Park Avenue with a 1920s-era clay liner required this gentler approach, aggressive tools would’ve cracked the liner, forcing a full replacement. Our method also handles Bordentown’s unique creosote challenges: the combination of soft wood (common in older fireplaces) and the area’s damp climate accelerates buildup. We classify creosote by stage (1st, 2nd, or 3rd degree) and tailor the cleaning process. Third-degree creosote, glossy, tar-like, needs chemical treatment before brushing, which most sweeps skip. We don’t. And because we’re licensed and insured, you’re covered if anything goes wrong during the process /about/. More on this in contact the office.

3. Should I book a Bordentown chimney sweep before or after my first fire of the season? The answer is before, creosote buildup from last winter’s fires is at its peak in October, and Bordentown’s first cold snap can trap moisture in your flue, worsening damage.

This is a question we hear every October, and the answer is non-negotiable for Bordentown homeowners: schedule your sweep in September or early October, before you light that first fire. Here’s why: creosote is most volatile when it’s dry, and our humid summers followed by crisp fall air create the perfect conditions for it to harden into dangerous layers. We’ve had to repair chimneys in nearby Florence /areas/florence-nj/ where homeowners waited until November, by then, the creosote had turned into a flammable tar that required a full relining. Another reason to act early: Bordentown’s older homes often have single-wall metal liners (installed in the 1970s–80s) that corrode faster when exposed to moisture. A pre-winter sweep lets us spot rust or gaps before they become fire hazards. Pro tip: If your chimney hasn’t been swept in over a year, book a Level 2 inspection /blog/bordentown-chimney-inspection-level-1-2-3-explained-when-to/, it’s the only way to catch hidden issues like cracked flue tiles or deteriorating mortar. Read up on about our team and credentials page.

4. Is it worth paying extra for a Bordentown chimney sweep that includes a masonry check? Yes, especially if your home’s brickwork shows signs of water stains, efflorescence (white powdery residue), or crumbling mortar near the crown.

We charge a small premium for our masonry assessment because it saves homeowners money in the long run. Take the home on Broad Street: the owners noticed white streaks on their brickwork and assumed it was just dirt. Our inspection revealed water leaking through a cracked crown, which had eroded the mortar joints below. Without catching this early, they’d face $2,000–$4,000 in tuckpointing /blog/masonry-repair-tuckpointing-bordentown-costs-process-when-to/, versus the $150 we charged to seal the crown and repoint the joints. Our masonry check includes testing for moisture intrusion (using a hygrometer) and checking for spalling bricks (a sign of freeze-thaw damage common in Bordentown’s winters). We also look for signs of animal nests, last winter, we removed a family of raccoons from a chimney in Roebling /areas/roebling-nj/ that had chewed through the liner. If we find issues, we’ll give you a repair estimate on the spot or refer you to a trusted mason in the area. Read up on our full service area.

5. Do I really need a Bordentown chimney sweep if I only use my fireplace occasionally? Even light use means creosote buildup, and Bordentown’s older homes often have hidden draft issues that worsen the problem.

This is a myth we debunk daily. Creosote isn’t just a problem for heavy users, it starts forming after just a few fires, especially in Bordentown’s damp climate. The EPA’s Burn Wise program the EPA's Burn Wise program notes that even low-burning fires produce enough moisture to condense in your flue, accelerating creosote formation. We’ve seen chimneys in Wrightstown /areas/wrightstown-nj/ with only one fire per year still requiring deep cleaning due to poor draft design. Another issue: older homes often have chimneys that weren’t built to code, meaning they lack proper clearance or have restrictive flue sizes. Our crew uses a draft gauge to test your chimney’s pull, if it’s weak, we’ll recommend adjustments (like a chimney cap or damper) to improve efficiency. Skipping sweeps here leads to two problems: first, creosote turns into a flammable tar that can ignite; second, moisture buildup corrodes the liner faster. For homes with light use, we recommend a sweep every 18–24 months, but if you notice slow burns, excessive smoke, or soot in your room, book one immediately. You can also review Chimney Sweep in Trenton, NJ.

6. How much does a Bordentown chimney sweep cost, and why do prices vary so much between companies? Our flat-rate pricing reflects the complexity of older brick chimneys, here’s what affects the cost for your home.

Pricing for a chimney sweep in Bordentown typically ranges from $120 to $250, depending on height, access, and condition. But here’s the catch: many sweeps quote a low price upfront, then hit you with hidden fees for “extra services” like masonry checks or relining. We don’t do that. Our pricing is transparent because we account for Bordentown’s unique challenges: - Chimney height: A 30-foot brick chimney costs more to clean than a 15-foot metal one. - Access: If your chimney is tucked behind a dormer or requires ladder setup (common in older homes on Main Street), we charge extra. - Creosote level: Third-degree creosote requires chemical treatment and multiple passes. - Masonry issues: Cracks, missing mortar, or water damage add time and labor. For a typical Bordentown home, expect to pay: | Service | Standard Cost | Notes | |---------------------------|-------------------|--------------------------------------------| | Basic sweep (Level 1) | $120–$180 | Up to 20 feet, no major issues | | Extended sweep (Level 2) | $180–$250 | Includes borescope inspection, up to 30 feet | | Masonry assessment | +$50–$100 | Covers crown, cap, and mortar joints | | Creosote treatment | +$30–$80 | For 2nd or 3rd-degree buildup | We also offer seasonal discounts for booking before October 15th, because we know Bordentown homeowners don’t want to wait until the last minute. /pricing/ for a detailed breakdown.

7. How to book your Bordentown chimney sweep: 3 steps to avoid last-minute stress (and higher costs)

Bordentown’s chimney sweeps get booked solid in November, so act now. Here’s how to secure your spot: 1. Check availability: Our calendar fills fast, especially for older homes. Book online /contact/ or call, we prioritize Bordentown residents and historic homes first. 2. Ask about our Bordentown prep package: Includes a sweep, masonry check, and a free carbon monoxide detector test (critical for older homes with single-wall liners). It’s $200 total, $50 less than booking services separately. 3. Prepare your chimney: Clear debris from the fireplace, ensure pets are secured (our crew works at ground level), and have your home’s age/construction notes handy. For homes built before 1980, mention if you’ve had any past chimney issues, it helps us tailor the inspection. We serve Bordentown and surrounding areas like Hamilton /areas/hamilton-nj/ and Burlington City /areas/burlington-city-nj/, but we prioritize local homeowners. Pro tip: If you’re unsure about your chimney’s condition, book a Level 2 inspection /blog/bordentown-chimney-inspection-level-1-2-3-explained-when-to/, it’s the only way to catch hidden problems before they become emergencies. /news/bordentown-chimney-sweep-fall-prep-2024/ for more tips on fall prep.

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