Chimney

A chimney is the vertical structure that safely vents smoke and gases from your fireplace, furnace, or stove to the outside. Beyond basic function, proper chimney care involves inspections, cleaning, cap installation, and masonry repairs to keep your home safe and efficient. Whether you're dealing with creosote buildup or cracked flue liners, Angi helps you find the right pro and guidance for every chimney project.

Related to Chimney Service

Chimney Service Articles and Advice
Catherine Hiles  •  Jul 15, 2026
How Much Does Chimney Replacement Cost? [2026 Data]
Replacing your chimney increases home value and prevents hazardous structural damage. Learn how much to budget for chimney replacement costs.
Deirdre Sullivan  •  Jul 15, 2026
How to Install a Chimney Cap Safely and Efficiently
Discover how to install a chimney cap, what to consider whn purchasing a chimney cap, and the benefits of chimney cap installation.
Laura Hennigan  •  Jul 15, 2026
Fireplace Cracks: Common Causes, Repairs, and Prevention
Maintaining your chimney extends its life and prevents safety hazards. So, no matter how small, find out why cracks appear and the best ways to fix them ASAP.
Catherine Hiles  •  Jul 15, 2026
What Is a Chimney Flue and Do You Need One?
Ensuring the safety of your house is a homeowner’s primary concern. If you have a fireplace, you need to know “What is a chimney flue?”
Lydia Schapiro  •  Jul 15, 2026
What Is a Chimney Inspection? What to Expect
Getting annual chimney inspections is essential for maintaining a functioning chimney. Prepare for a chimney inspection by understanding what to expect and how to prepare.
Jenna Jonaitis  •  Jul 10, 2026
Who Does Chimney Inspections?
If you want to be sure your chimney is working properly, you’ll need a professional inspection. So who does chimney inspections? We’ve got all the info.
Deirdre Sullivan  •  Jul 10, 2026
How to Block Your Chimney Flue: 11 Steps to a Draft-Free Home
If you’re wondering how to block a chimney flue, we have a solution for those looking for a permanent or temporary fix.
Gemma Johnstone  •  Jul 10, 2026
How to Close a Chimney Damper
Learn when and how to close a chimney damper to keep your home cozy and free from debris and creatures that can come down the flue.
Find Chimney Masons near you
Share your project details and we’ll match you with up to 3 available pros near you.
Common Chimney Service Questions

The best style of chimney cap for a brick chimney is one that fits tightly around the brick top of the chimney. The cap should have a screen to fully enclose it to keep animals out. The best materials include stainless steel, copper, or aluminum that fit tightly or are custom fabricated for a perfect fit on your chimney.

A chimney requires both a cover and a cap, but these parts often get confused with one another. A chimney cover seals the top of the chimney around the flue pipe to prevent water from entering the chimney. A chimney cap is a piece that sits above the flue to prevent animals, debris, and water from entering the flue.

Replacing older chimneys or fireplaces, like wood-burning stoves, with something more eco-friendly can actually increase the value of your home. Some homeowners opt to remove chimneys as they pursue LEED certification, which may also increase the value of your home. But in general, many potential buyers actually look for operational fireplaces in homes, so removing a chimney and fireplace could decrease your home’s value by up to $5,000.

Raccoons in a chimney sound like thumping, rustling, scratching, or scurrying. Because they can weigh as much as 20 pounds, they make noises that are noticeable and hard to miss. Plus, they have an average litter size of 3 to 7 kits, so you may hear what sounds like multiple animals thumping, rustling, scratching, or scurrying.

Yes, you can use an existing chimney with a wood-burning stove if it meets specific requirements. The stove’s vent pipe size must be compatible with the size of your chimney flue. Your contractor can tell you whether your chimney is suitable for installation.