I've lived in this house for more than a quarter of a century, and over the years I've used many chimney services. This is the first one that didn't tell me, after inspecting the chimney, that I needed to make thousands of dollars worth of repairs. I have followed their advice and made those repairs, but it never made sense that the same work would need to be redone year after year. One said there was a huge crack in the lining and that the lining needed to be replaced, but I could not see the crack no matter how insistent they were about it. I quit using my fireplace until last year. Mike Dinwoodie (Blue Sky Exteriors) recommended Top Hat, and he has never steered me wrong. The workmen arrived slightly early and were polite, friendly, and efficient. I was comfortable having them in my home and my dog liked them, too. No one gets in the house without the big dog's approval. Afterwards, the men told me that nothing was wrong with my chimney and that it was in good shape. The only suggestion they had was that I need to buy a longer fire grate. The total cost (with a coupon for $20 off) was only $139, which is less than I've paid in the past. You can bet I'll recommend Top Hat to my friends and neighbors! read more

The crew came in and did a very thorough inspection. They told me how hazardous my chimney was to me and my family. They suggested that using the fire place was a death trap. The $6000 estimate for the work was very daunting, so I applied for a home equity loan. I mentioned the chimney work to the loan officer, and he stated that it seemed like a cadillac solution and suggested I get another estimate. I went and got two additional estimates (at a cost of additional "sweeps", about $120 each). I did not show the other Sweeps the Top Hat estimate. Both said the chimney was safe to use. The first one stated that whoever had been in the chimney last had not replaced the flue's cotter pin (whatever that is) properly, and had set me up for failure. He said that it would have slammed shut and filled my house with smoke. Thanks Top Hat! (sarcasm) read more

Mike was amazing! They got us on the schedule immediately. The special price fir cleaning AND inspection was great. We live in a townhouse and the fireplace is prefab. There was a MAJOR crack in the fireplace wall and it was easy to see how dangerous it was and that it needed replacement. We had lived here for 5 years, burning the fireplace all winter long without a cleaning. Mike showed us the dangers of that and got us updated and ready for the future. I really recommend top hat to anyone that appreciates, value, honesty, and good work! read more

so I had Top Hat install a five place insert two seasons ago and I thought they did an ok job...but after having water dripping into and on the wood I keep next to the fire place I called another service in the area to come check out my issues. Well to my surprise the new guy said don't light another fire as the insert was not installed correctly and the pipe leading to the top was not connected. So this fix is going to cost me $1650 to do it right. The new company showed me all of the wrong doings done. Not happy at this point as I do not install fireplaces my self and feel they cut some corners and figured I would never know. read more

Excellent Outcome. I called Top Hat for an Estimate on Chimney Repair for a pending home sale; they provided a very fair estimate and were able to make repairs within one day to meet a very tight timeline, the craftsmanship was excellent as well as a very fair price. Very hard to find fast, cheap and good. read more

First time ever having my chimney cleaned. Been in house for 7 years and from the South where chimneys are not used if you even have one. Mike and Eli were awesome and very nice and professional! Basically gave me a class on what to do and how to maintain my chimney. Going to definitely recommend them to all my friends, especially Veterans! Was really nice and appreciative of my service in the military as a retired Veteran! Cost was very reasonable too. read more

AWESOME, AWESOME, AWESOME!!!! Timely, efficient, honest, helpful, knowledgeable, friendly, and flexible are how I would describe the office and service teams. I have been using Top Hat for 10 years now and will continue to refer my friends to them as well! read more

I was surprised at the astronomical quote for supposed "repairs." They charge to "inspect" to do an estimate. Fortunately, our long trusted contractor examined the areas quoted and said it was absurd - everything was in fine shape. The crew was friendly but there were clearly communication problems on my initial call. read more

Jason from Top Hat did a fantastic job inspecting and cleaning our fireplace. He called when he was on his way, arrived promptly, and cleaned up after the job. We will use this company again! read more

I used these guys 10 years ago when we were living in the area. They were great back then: courteous, professional, reasonably priced. I called them again when we moved back a couple of years ago. Their prices had gone up significantly. I found out later the owner from ten years ago had sold the company, but the new owner kept the company name. The new employees that came out to service my chimney were just as courteous, thorough, and professional as I had remembered from before. After trying out a cheaper company last year, I was displeased that for the cheaper price, I couldn't get the same level of thoroughness I received from top hat. I'll be going back to top hat at the end of this firewood burning season. read more

The crew just left my house after doing a cleaning and inspection. The company had been recommended by a friend who used them a while ago, but based on the other review, I'm guessing it was when there was the old owner. They arrived on time, and actually sent a crew of 3 men. They seemed to be trying to rip me off from the start, and were pretty insulting about our recently purchased house. They asked questions like "was this a foreclosure?" and also laughed when I said when they asked and I answered no to "did you get the chimney inspected by a certified chimney inspector before buying the house?" I'm sorry, no. We did a general home inspection, but I don't think the average person also calls in a chimney inspector before buying a house...and they seemed offended when I told them we wanted the house, and if the fireplace worked it was a bonus. By the end of the visit, they left me with an estimate of over $3,000 worth of work. The guy even told me when showing me the estimate, "I don't make my money doing the cleanings and inspections...I make it by telling people what's wrong with their chimney." They get one star because they did clean the chimney, which is part of what they came to do. The handle of our damper had fallen off, but I had the piece sitting there with a washer, and just hadn't gotten a new bolt to attach it with yet. I tried to explain and the guy just right away said, "oh, so you'll definitely need a new damper". Later on, I said it again and emphasized that we didn't need a new damper, that we I just hadn't gotten a new bolt before they arrived. He then recanted and said that one would be fine. That is just an example of the many, many ways I felt like they were quick to add to the estimate. Overall, I would not recommend them. It seems hard to find someone reliable who doesn't think every chimney needs a full renovation. read more

We called the week of Christmas for a Chimney cleaning and inspection. They were completely booked but was able to come 7:30am on Christmas Eve when most businesses are closed. The technician was prompt, friendly, and honest. read more