Business Details
28 Years
experience
Trusted Chimney & Fireplace Services in Traverse City
Top Hat Chimney Sweep has served Northern Michigan since 1998, combining decades of hands-on experience with factory-certified expertise in chimney and fireplace systems. Our founder, Timothy Burt, completed rigorous training through Travis Industries and the National Fireplace Institute, ensuring technical proficiency in gas, wood, and pellet appliance installation and repair. We specialize in empowering homeowners to operate wood-burning appliances safely by educating them on creosote prevention, the primary cause of chimney fires. Our services include camera inspections, dryer vent cleaning, catalytic stove repairs, and waterproofing with Chimney Saver products offering 10-15 year warranties.We prioritize treating every home with the same care we would our own, guaranteeing no-mess service and direct-to-consumer product sales for DIY enthusiasts. Recommended by leading hearth dealers in Traverse City, we maintain partnerships with Fergusons Fireplace & Stove, Phillips Lifestyles Inc., and Source Julian to ensure comprehensive support for our clients. Our commitment to safety, education, and reliability has made us a trusted name in chimney maintenance for over two decades.
Services
Chimney Cleaning
Fireplace Inspections
Dryer Vent Repair
Catalytic Stove Repairs
Chimney Waterproofing
Custom Chimney Caps
Gas Fireplace Service
Pellet Stove Maintenance
Oil Furnace Flue Cleaning
Damper Repairs
Details
- Year established: 1998
Highlights and features
- 25+ years of experience serving Northern Michigan
- Factory-certified technicians for gas, wood, and pellet systems
- No-mess service guaranteed for all chimney work
- Specialized creosote prevention education for homeowners
- Recommended by top hearth dealers in Traverse City
Associations and certifications
- Travis Industries Factory Certified
- National Fireplace Institute Certified
Services
Chimney Cleaning
Our chimney cleaning service removes creosote buildup and debris from wood, gas, and pellet-burning systems. Using advanced rotary tools and HEPA-filtered vacuums, we ensure complete flue clearance while maintaining a no-mess environment. Regular cleaning prevents dangerous chimney fires and maintains optimal airflow for appliance efficiency.
Camera Inspections
We perform comprehensive camera inspections of chimney systems using high-resolution, heat-resistant equipment. This technology identifies cracks, blockages, and deterioration in real-time, allowing precise repair recommendations. Inspections cover all components including liners, crowns, and damper mechanisms to ensure safety and compliance with fire codes.
Dryer Vent Repair
Our dryer vent services address clogs, leaks, and improper installations in residential and commercial laundry systems. We clean lint buildup, repair damaged ductwork, and optimize airflow to reduce fire hazards and improve appliance efficiency. Annual maintenance extends equipment lifespan and lowers energy consumption.
Catalytic Stove Repairs
We specialize in repairing catalytic combustors and associated components in wood-burning stoves. Our technicians diagnose airflow issues, replace failed catalysts, and recalibrate systems for optimal combustion efficiency. Proper maintenance ensures cleaner burning, reduced emissions, and extended stove lifespan.
Chimney Waterproofing
Our waterproofing solutions use Chimney Saver products to protect masonry chimneys from water damage. Applying breathable sealants to crowns and exteriors prevents freeze-thaw cycles while maintaining vapor permeability. This service extends chimney lifespan and prevents costly structural repairs with 10-15 year warranty options.
Questions
What chimney services do you offer?
We provide chimney cleaning, inspections, waterproofing, damper repairs, custom cap installations, and creosote prevention education for wood, gas, and pellet-burning systems.
How can I prevent chimney fires?
Regular professional cleaning removes creosote buildup, while our education sessions teach proper wood-burning techniques to minimize flammable residue formation in your chimney.
Do you service gas fireplaces?
Yes, our technicians are factory-certified by Travis Industries to service gas fireplaces and inserts, including venting system inspections and combustion efficiency testing.
Are your technicians certified?
Our team holds National Fireplace Institute certification and Travis Industries factory training for gas, wood, and pellet appliance installation and repair.
Do you offer emergency services?
We don't provide 24/7 emergency services but prioritize prompt scheduling for urgent chimney issues during regular business hours.
Can I purchase chimney products directly?
Yes, we sell select chimney caps, liners, and maintenance tools directly to homeowners with shipping options available for custom orders.
Reviews (3)
Cory S.
Aug 27, 2021
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Brandon was super friendly and very professional. He showed up on time and fixed our chimney caps along with cleaning our chimneys. Very knowledgeable and would highly recommend Brandon for all your chimney needs.
Cory Stepanek
Torch lake, MI
Cory Stepanek
Torch lake, MI
Brian A.
May 07, 2017
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Top Hat might provide the greatest chimney sweep and repair service in all of Northern Michigan. I will never know, as the quote/estimate process revealed the proprietor to be quite rude. I had a time-sensitive need, which I explained to him on our first call. I sent him pictures from a home inspection, and received a ball park estimate. The estimate proved to be 2x of what my home sellers received for a stainless steel crown/cap, but I will give benefit of the doubt there. What turned me away was when I asked whether a paper estimate could be provided based on the photos. I've not been
Linda G.
Jul 01, 2016
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Tim has been back to do chimney sweeping and inspections and just recently installed a fireplace in an out building including the chimney through the roof. He was punctual got the job done professionally. He is very serious about safety and fire code.