Chimney Sweep and Chimney Inspection Specialists
Serving Chester County & Montgomery County, PA Since 1978
Top Hatter Chimney Sweep is a locally operated chimney sweeping and inspection company based in Pottstown, Pennsylvania. Founded by Bill Donnell in 1978, we have been serving homeowners throughout Chester County, Montgomery County, and surrounding communities for nearly five decades. Our experience and specialized focus allow us to concentrate on keeping chimneys clean, properly inspected, and operating as intended.
We serve homeowners throughout the communities surrounding Pottstown, including Boyertown, Douglassville, Spring City, Phoenixville, Collegeville, Royersford, Schwenksville, Norristown, Elverson, Chester Springs, Exton, Downingtown, Glenmore, and more.
This area has a mix of older homes with terra cotta chimney liners that are starting to show their age, along with many newer homes with factory-built metal fireplace chimney systems. Each type of chimney requires an understanding of its construction and proper maintenance. we have the experience and equipment to inspect and clean a wide range of chimney systems, including fireplaces with woodstove inserts and their stainless steel liners. Our job is to understand the chimney system we’re working on, clean it properly, inspect it carefully, and explain our findings honestly
Top Hatter specializes in chimney sweeping and inspections rather than general chimney contracting. We do not perform repairs or install stainless steel liners. This allows us to concentrate on what we do best: cleaning chimneys, evaluating their condition, and helping homeowners understand their chimney system.
Our recommendations are based on what we actually find during an inspection or cleaning. If we identify a safety, maintenance, or performance concern, we’ll explain it clearly so you can make an informed decision without pressure to purchase additional services.
Our services include chimney sweeping, chimney inspections, chimney video scanning, stainless steel chimney caps, and chimney top dampers.
Chimney Inspections
Top Hatter Chimney Sweep is a fully insured chimney sweep and inspection company. We use specialized equipment to evaluate chimney systems and identify conditions that may affect their safety and performance. A chimney inspection can help identify creosote buildup, blockages, deterioration, damaged flue components, and other conditions that might not be visible from the fireplace or stove opening. When a closer examination of the flue is appropriate, we use specialized video scanning equipment to examine its interior
Bryan Donnell joined the company in 2004 and is a Certified Chimney Professional through the National Chimney Sweep Guild, bringing specialized chimney knowledge and experience to every inspection and sweep. The NCSG provides professional education, industry resources, and certification opportunities for chimney professionals.
Inspections reference the National Fire Protection Association's NFPA 211 Standard for Chimneys, Fireplaces, Vents, and Solid Fuel Burning Appliances, and applicable provisions of the International Residential Code.
Chimney Sweeping
Regular chimney sweeping and inspection are important parts of maintaining your wood burning appliance or heater. Burning wood produces soot and creosote that can accumulate in the chimney abd create a chimney fire hazard.
Professional chimney sweeping removes accumulated deposits, while inspection helps evaluate the condition of the flue and other assessable chimney components. Together, these services help homeowners maintain their chimney systems and identify conditions that may require more attention.
We might find evidence of a chimney fire, in which case the chimney should have a more thorough inspection by video scanning to determinr if there is any damage.
Dealing with soot in the house des special care and equipment. Our “Soot Sweeper” vacuum is designed to help contain the soot and dust produced during the cleaning process, leaving no mess behind.
The National Fire Protection Association recommends that chimneys be inspected at least once a year, and more frequently when appropriate.
Video Chimney Scanning
Our video scanning equipment allows us to examine the interior of the flue for conditions that may not be visible during a standard visual inspection. Video scanning can be particularly useful when investigating suspected damage from a chimney fire, deteriorated flue liners, obstructions,or other conditions requiring a closer examination. The camera provides a detailed view of the flue interior and can document conditions that require further attention/
Protect Your Chimney
Stainless steel chimney caps A properly fitted stainless steel chimney cap helps protect your chimney from rain, leaves, birds, and other animals. Keeping unwanted moisture and debris out can help protect the chimney and flue from damage and the risk of blockages which could cause carbon monoxide or smoke to enter the house.
Chimney top dampers A missing, damaged, or poorly fitting damper can allow unwanted air exchange through the chimney when the fireplace isn’t being used.
Safe fires start with a clean chimney
Why Choose Top Hatter?
Choosing a chimney professional is about more than getting your chimney cleaned. It’s about having someone who understands your chimney system, takes the time to evaluate it’s condition, and gives you an honest evaluation of what they find.
Certified Chimney Professional
Honest, upfront pricing and recommendations
Local and reliable service
Fully insured
Modern inspection technology
Helping homeowners for generations
Established in 1978