Chimneys & Fireplaces

Your chimney and fireplace offer your home warmth and charm—but in return, they need your help to work well and last for years. Our expert guidance on how to inspect, maintain, repair, and replace chimneys and fireplaces will teach you everything you need to know—including who to call if something goes awry.

Living room with a traditional fireplace
Photo: bmak / Adobe Stock
Living room with a traditional fireplace
Photo: bmak / Adobe Stock
Explore top articles
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
Woman sitting on a couch and reading a book near the fireplace
Taylor Freitas
•
Jan 22, 2025
Jan 22, 2025
If you’re thinking about installing a new fireplace, you might wonder: How much does it cost to run a gas fireplace? Let’s review the numbers.
Living room with fireplace
Taylor Freitas
•
Jan 21, 2025
Jan 21, 2025
The average cost to remove a fireplace is $4,500, but your overall cost will depend on the type of fireplace, its condition, and other factors.
Father with son sitting near fireplace
Dan Simms
•
Feb 14, 2025
Feb 14, 2025
Want a safer, cleaner alternative to your traditional fireplace? Use this guide to determine the cost to convert a fireplace to gas in your home.
Lit gas fireplace with plastic logs
Deane Biermeier
•
Mar 10, 2025
Mar 10, 2025
If you’re preparing to install a prefabricated unit, here are the gas fireplace questions you should discuss with your contractor.
At home fireplace
Mariel Loveland
•
Mar 25, 2025
Mar 25, 2025
Why is your fireplace smoking? It could signal a bigger issue. This guide will tell you some common causes and how you can fix them.
Luxury living room with black shiplap fireplace with abstract gray painting in front of white built-ins with wood shelves
Jenna Jonaitis
•
Apr 25, 2025
Apr 25, 2025
You can get the shiplap trend in your home in just a few days’ time by flexing your DIY skills. Learn how to build a DIY shiplap fireplace with this guide.
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Luxury living room with black shiplap fireplace with abstract gray painting in front of white built-ins with wood shelves
Jenna Jonaitis  •  Apr 25, 2025
How to DIY a Shiplap Fireplace to Refresh Your Space
You can get the shiplap trend in your home in just a few days’ time by flexing your DIY skills. Learn how to build a DIY shiplap fireplace with this guide.
chimney on shingles roof
Paige Bennett  •  Apr 24, 2025
Is Your Chimney Leaking Inside the House? Here's What to Do
Many issues cause chimney leaking inside a house. Here is how to identify the source of the problem and take steps to prevent future issues.
Woman wearing a sweater is stoking a fire in a fireplace
Chelsea Van Bloom  •  Apr 24, 2025
How to Tackle the 7 Most Common Chimney Problems
Chimney problems can put a damper on your warm and cozy nights. We’ll explain common chimney issues you might uncover and how to resolve them here.
At home fireplace
Mariel Loveland  •  Mar 25, 2025
Why Is My Fireplace Smoking? 7 Common Problems and Solutions
Why is your fireplace smoking? It could signal a bigger issue. This guide will tell you some common causes and how you can fix them.
Lit gas fireplace with plastic logs
Deane Biermeier  •  Mar 10, 2025
5 Questions to Ask About Installing Prefabricated Gas Fireplaces
If you’re preparing to install a prefabricated unit, here are the gas fireplace questions you should discuss with your contractor.
Man stoking the fire in a brick fireplace
Melissa Graham  •  Feb 24, 2025
5 Questions to Ask About Repairing a Brick or Stone Fireplace
Your burning fireplace questions don’t have to go unanswered. Before hiring a pro for brick or stone fireplace repair, here’s what to discuss.
Red roof and chimney
Melissa Graham  •  Feb 22, 2025
5 Questions to Ask About Cleaning and Inspecting a Wood Fireplace Chimney
Smart chimney inspection questions can help prevent your fireplace from going up in smoke. Here’s what to discuss before hiring a chimney sweep.
Ladder propped up on chimney of house
Nick P. Cellucci  •  Feb 17, 2025
How Much Does Chimney Removal Cost? [2025 Data]
The typical chimney removal costs between $1,000 and $10,000, but much of that price depends on whether it’s a full or partial removal. Get the full cost breakdown here.
new white brick fireplace hearth
Deane Biermeier  •  Feb 15, 2025
6 Fireplace Questions to Ask Before You Install
If you’re preparing to add the beauty and warmth of a new fireplace, here are the brick or stone fireplace questions to ask surrounding their installation.
Father with son sitting near fireplace
Dan Simms  •  Feb 14, 2025
How Much Does It Cost to Convert a Fireplace to Gas? [2025 Data]
Want a safer, cleaner alternative to your traditional fireplace? Use this guide to determine the cost to convert a fireplace to gas in your home.
Library sitting room with built-in bookcases and a white fireplace
Nick P. Cellucci  •  Feb 10, 2025
How Much Does a Chimney Sweep Cost? [2025 Data]
Chimney sweep costs can be dramatically affected by the type of chimney, its location, and how dirty it is.
Woman sitting on a couch and reading a book near the fireplace
Taylor Freitas  •  Jan 22, 2025
How Much Does It Cost to Run a Gas Fireplace? [2025 Data]
If you’re thinking about installing a new fireplace, you might wonder: How much does it cost to run a gas fireplace? Let’s review the numbers.