Burrillville homeowners with older masonry chimneys often face surprise fees after the initial quote. Matts & Sons eliminates hidden costs by listing every possible charge upfront, including liner checks and waterproofing, so you know exactly what to expect before we arrive.
1. "Inspection is included" — but only if you don’t need a Level II or III inspection
A chimney inspection is a visual assessment of your flue, liner, and masonry to check for cracks, creosote buildup, or structural issues. The Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) classifies inspections into three levels: Level I is a basic check with the camera at the base, Level II includes a video scan of the entire flue, and Level III requires removing parts of the chimney to inspect hidden masonry damage. Many Burrillville companies quote you for a Level I inspection, then upsell you to Level II or III when they spot older brickwork or a damaged liner in homes built before 1980. At Matts & Sons, we photograph every inspection and email it to you the same day, so you see exactly why a higher-level inspection is needed—no pressure, no surprises. If your Burrillville home has a chimney built with fieldstone or soft brick common in the 1800s, expect hidden voids behind the facade; we’ll show you those voids before we bill you for the extra work. Learn more about our full list of services.
2. "We’ll just power-sweep it" — until they find a cracked flue liner that needs relining
Power-sweeping a chimney in Burrillville’s older neighborhoods often reveals a cracked clay tile liner or a deteriorating stainless-steel liner installed decades ago. Some companies quote a basic sweep, then claim the liner needs replacement to justify a $1,200–$2,500 upsell. We use a 360-degree camera to inspect the liner before we start, so you know whether relining is necessary before we touch your chimney. In Pascoag and Chepachet, where many homes have unreinforced masonry flues, we frequently find liners that look fine from the bottom but are cracked mid-flue—a problem only visible with a full scan. Our quote includes the camera inspection at no extra cost, so you can decide whether to repair or replace based on real evidence, not a sales pitch. See request a free estimate / contact us.
3. "Waterproofing is optional" — but Burrillville’s freeze-thaw cycles make it essential
Burrillville’s winters bring repeated freeze-thaw cycles that crack older masonry, letting water seep into the flue and accelerate liner failure. Some companies treat waterproofing as an add-on, charging $200–$400 after the sweep. We include a breathable, vapor-permeable waterproofing treatment in every masonry chimney service because it’s not optional in our climate. We’ve repaired dozens of chimneys in Harrisville and North Smithfield where homeowners skipped waterproofing and ended up with spalling bricks and a leaking flue within two years. Our treatment costs the same whether you’re in a 1920s bungalow on Victory Highway or a 1850s farmhouse on Douglas Pike—it’s built into the price from the start. Explore about our team and credentials.
4. "We’ll just clean the smoke chamber" — unless they find loose mortar or a missing smoke shelf
The smoke chamber is the tapered section above the firebox where smoke gathers before entering the flue. In Burrillville’s older homes, this area often has loose mortar joints or a missing smoke shelf, which can redirect heat into the masonry and cause cracks. Some companies quote a basic sweep, then charge $150–$300 to tuckpoint the chamber or rebuild the shelf. We inspect the smoke chamber with a mirror and flashlight before we start, and we include minor repairs in our standard sweep if they’re under 10 minutes of labor. For larger jobs, we provide a flat-rate quote so you’re not nickel-and-dimed for every loose brick in your 1890s chimney stack. For details, see the areas we serve.
5. "We’ll give you a free estimate" — but then charge for travel or weekend surcharges
Burrillville is spread out, with homes tucked into the Burrillville State Forest or perched on the shores of Wallum Lake. Some companies tack on a $50–$100 travel fee for homes outside the village center, or a 15–20% weekend surcharge for Saturday appointments. We don’t. Our estimates are always free, and our pricing is the same whether you’re in the heart of town or up a dirt road in Glocester. We also offer evening appointments during the week at no extra cost, because we know Burrillville families don’t always have time for a weekday visit. If you’re comparing quotes, ask whether travel or weekend fees are buried in the fine print—ours aren’t.
How Matts & Sons Burrillville keeps every quote honest and upfront
We start with a free, no-obligation estimate that lists every possible service and its cost, including liner inspections, waterproofing, smoke chamber repairs, and cap replacements. Our technicians arrive with a tablet that shows the exact scope of work, so you can see why each step is necessary before we begin. We also offer a 1-year workmanship warranty on all repairs and a 5-year warranty on waterproofing, so you’re covered if Burrillville’s weather tests our work. Unlike companies that lowball the quote and upsell later, we include the camera inspection, basic repairs, and waterproofing in our standard sweep price for masonry chimneys. If you’re unsure whether your chimney needs relining or tuckpointing, we’ll send you photos and a written report so you can make an informed decision. Schedule your transparent estimate today and see why Burrillville homeowners trust us to keep their chimneys safe and honest.
| Fee Type | Typical Hidden Cost | Matts & Sons’ Included Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Level II inspection | $150–$300 upsell | Included in every quote |
| Liner inspection | $100–$200 extra | Included with camera scan |
| Waterproofing | $200–$400 add-on | Included in masonry service |
| Smoke chamber repair | $150–$300 extra | Minor repairs included |
| Travel fee | $50–$100 for rural areas | Never charged |
| Weekend surcharge | 15–20% extra | Never charged |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do some Burrillville chimney companies charge extra for a Level II inspection when others don’t?
Level II inspections require a video scan of the entire flue, which takes extra time and equipment. Some companies quote Level I, then upsell Level II when they find older masonry or a damaged liner—common in Burrillville’s pre-1980 homes. We include a full video inspection in every quote so you know the true condition of your chimney before we start.
My chimney in Chepachet has a clay tile liner that’s 30 years old. How do I know if it needs relining without getting upsold?
A 360-degree camera inspection reveals cracks or gaps in clay tile liners that aren’t visible from the bottom. We’ll show you the footage and explain whether relining is necessary or if a stainless-steel liner sleeve is a better fix. Our quote includes the inspection at no extra cost, so you can decide based on real evidence.
Is waterproofing really worth it for a chimney in Burrillville’s climate?
Yes. Burrillville’s freeze-thaw cycles crack older masonry, letting water into the flue and accelerating liner failure. We include breathable waterproofing in every masonry chimney service because it’s essential for longevity. Skipping it often leads to spalling bricks and costly repairs within two years.
Do you charge extra for weekend or evening chimney sweeps in Burrillville?
No. Our pricing is the same whether you schedule a weekday, evening, or weekend appointment. We don’t add travel fees for homes outside the village center either. Our goal is to make chimney care affordable and convenient for Burrillville families.