Why would you even listen to some clown who cleans gutters? If you want advice that makes sense, call in a few masons who do chimney work and get their opinion.
Try posting a few pictures from different angles and distances. Maybe we can give you at least some guidance.
Ron

Sounds to me that the fellow is trying to sucker you in to a job that probably doesn't need to be done at all. IMO, anyone who advertises in Val Pack or any other free source obviously needs some work...and if they are a good tradesman, they don't need to advertise at all because they stay busy through word of mouth recommendations.

Please do as Ron suggests and post pictures.

Why are you getting your chimney cleaned every year? In most cases this is overkill by far. Get an experienced chimney service to look it over, not someone who does gutters and everything else.

BTW, Val-Pak is not free to those advertizing their businesses.

What makes u think lugging up all those brick,setting up scaffolding and risking your life on a dangerous chimney job isnt worth that amount?
Try it yourself and when u break your legs and do a crap job, email me my apology with flowers buddy.
-Fred
Chimney builder 20 yrs