What are the most common chimney problems?

• <div><p>Some of the most <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/common-chimney-issues-and-repairs.htm">common chimney problems</a> include:</p><ul><li><p>Creosote buildup</p></li><li><p>Chimney blockage</p></li><li><p>Deteriorating brickwork or stonework</p></li><li><p>Cracked chimney top</p></li><li><p>Damaged flashing</p></li><li><p>Flue liner damage or deterioration</p></li><li><p>Damaged chimney cap</p></li></ul><p>If you suspect you have a chimney problem, contact a masonry contractor for an inspection. </p></div>

Can you remove a fireplace yourself?

• <div><p>You shouldn’t <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/can-we-tear-down-fireplace-inside-house-without-having-remove-chimney-roof.htm">remove a fireplace yourself</a>. Before beginning this job, you’d need to know whether or not you have a load-bearing fireplace. To do that, you’d need help from a structural engineer. Plus, fireplace removals require permits and often involve working with gas lines or electricity, which can be dangerous. For all of these reasons, it’s best to hire a pro for this project.</p></div>

Get matched with top fireplace pros in Brighton, AL

Q: Do pellet stoves require a lot of electricity to operate?

• <div><p>Pellet stoves do require electricity to power their automated features, such as the pellet feeder, fans, and digital controls. However, their electricity consumption is relatively low compared to other household appliances. During a power outage, pellet stoves equipped with battery backup systems or manual ignition options can still operate, though fans and automatic feed mechanisms may not function. Have a backup heating plan in place for these situations, especially if you live in a region prone to severe weather events.</p></div>

Q: Can you remove a fireplace yourself?

• <div><p>You shouldn&rsquo;t <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/can-we-tear-down-fireplace-inside-house-without-having-remove-chimney-roof.htm">remove a fireplace yourself</a>. Before beginning this job, you&rsquo;d need to know whether or not you have a load-bearing fireplace. To do that, you&rsquo;d need help from a structural engineer. Plus, fireplace removals require permits and often involve working with gas lines or electricity, which can be dangerous. For all of these reasons, it&rsquo;s best to hire a pro for this project.</p></div>

Q: Do unused chimneys need to be vented?

• <div><p>Even if you aren&rsquo;t using a home chimney anymore, you need to vent it at the top and bottom to allow for continuous airflow. A blocked-up chimney is still a chimney, so it requires annual maintenance and a professional inspection to ensure its structural integrity is intact. Consult a chimney professional about the ideal timing for venting an unused chimney.</p></div>

Q: Do all chimneys need a damper?

• <div><p>No, not all chimneys need a damper. However, most chimneys do, especially in newer homes. Most gas-burning fireplaces cannot function safely without a damper. Only some older wood-burning fireplaces can function safely without one. A chimney without a damper is essentially just an open hole in the roof of your home.</p></div>

Enter your zip and get matched with up to 5 pros

Need a pro for your fireplace service project in Brighton, AL?

Select your specific project to find the pro for you.

Verified Reviews for Fireplace Service pros in Brighton, AL

*The Angi rating for Fireplace Service companies in Brighton, AL is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Fireplace Service needs.

*The HomeAdvisor rating for Fireplace Service companies in Brighton, AL is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Fireplace Service needs.

Last update on January 26, 2026

Reviewed in January 2026
Edgar was prompt, he did an amazing job. The week before the snowstorm was supposed to hit HOOVER, I realized I couldn’t use my Fireplace because Ivy had grown into the top of the chimney and around the cage. He gave us such a fair estimate. He removed and thinned out all ivy. He also cleaned up...
Flores Lawn Care, LLC
Request a quote
Reviewed in February 2025
I hired Martinez for 2 big projects in my backyard. They build retaining walls, put down paver, and built an outdoor fireplace. Quality work at a fair price.
Martinez construction and Masonry
Request a quote
Reviewed in May 2023
They are quick to respond but they were not prepared for the work they had to do. They dropped my refrigerator and broke my fireplace.
Melvin The Handyman
Request a quote
Reviewed in October 2020
Everything from start (calling to see if they could help with our chimney problems) to finish (completing the work that needed to be done to fix our problem) was very pleasant and easy. Mike diagnosed our problem and got to fixing it right away. He was extremely competent and friendly. He...
Old Time Chimney Sweep
Request a quote
Reviewed in March 2017
This was a personal experience with us. I hope they go out of business. They are horrible. Before I married my husband he bought a brand new house and bought it from the builder and they always tell you to have things serviced like heating once a year. My husband had never had a heat pump before...
AUX Mechanical, Inc.
Request a quote
Reviewed in January 2016
Got a call at 7:30 pm apologizing for not calling me earlier and telling me the dispatcher was late in giving him the information. I told him I wasn't actually complaining about any delay - I had only ordered this Angie's List deal earlier in that same day. He asked if he could come early the...
Cahaba Plumbing
Request a quote
Reviewed in October 2015
<p>Arrived ahead of schedule. Worked quickly and efficiently. Slid fireplace insert back into position. </p> <p>Cleaned up work area. Suggested a product to prevent glazing and creosote build up. </p> <br />
The Mad Hatter
Request a quote

Find Fireplace pros in Brighton

The Mad Hatter Air Duct Cleaning & Chimney Sweep Service, Inc.

4.4(

105

)

Clean and Inspect a wood fireplace chimneyPre-Fabricated Fireplace Unit (Non-Gas) - InstallClean and Inspect a gas fireplace+2 more

Serving Brighton, AL and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 1990

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"Terry found a problem with my gas fireplace and instead of firing the parts cannon took the time to troubleshoot and order only what was needed."

Response time1 day

8 neighbors recently requested a quote

Recommended by96%of homeowners

Request Quote

Henry Simpson Masonry Construction, LLC

4.8(

)

Brick or Stone Fireplace (Non-Gas) - InstallBrick or Stone Fireplace (Non-Gas) - Repair

Serving Brighton, AL and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 1975

Free estimates

Small jobs welcome

"Old school bricklayers. They had to cut, match and blend new brick into two fence piers and rebuild concrete foundation. Beautiful work, professionally done. Highly, highly this company."

+37

Response time11 hrs

Response rate90%

1 neighbors recently requested a quote

Request Quote

Chimney Sweep Pros, LLC

4.4(

)

Clean and Inspect a wood fireplace chimneyClean and Inspect a gas fireplace

Serving Brighton, AL and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2023

Credit card accepted

Offers commercial services

"I had Chimney Sweep Pros come out to clean our dryer vent, and I?m so glad I chose them! They were punctual, professional, and did a very thorough job. They showed me the buildup that had been causing longer drying times and explained how important it is for preventing fire hazards ? something I hadn?t even realized. Not only is my dryer working better than ever, but I also feel much safer knowing everything is cleaned properly. The technician was friendly, knowledgeable, and made the whole process easy and stress-free. Highly recommend Chimney Sweep Pros for anyone needing dryer vent maintenance ? truly top-notch service."

+20

Response time40 mins

Response rate100%

56 neighbors recently requested a quote

Brick or Stone Fireplace (Non-Gas) - InstallBrick or Stone Fireplace (Non-Gas) - Repair

Serving Brighton, AL and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2025

Emergency services offered

Small jobs welcome

"Yes very professional and affordable i absolutely love there work i highly recommend Owens hardscapes"

Response time1 day

Response rate100%

38 neighbors recently requested a quote

Request Quote

FirstTierHomeSolutions

New to Angi

Clean and Inspect a gas fireplaceClean and Inspect a wood burning stove or pellet stoveClean and Inspect a wood fireplace chimney

Serving Brighton, AL and surrounding areas

Approved

First Tier Home Solutions delivers fast, reliable help for all your home needs.

Request Quote

ACHOR LLC

New to Angi

Clean and Inspect a wood burning stove or pellet stove

Serving Brighton, AL and surrounding areas

Approved

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

Warranties offered

Hi! We’re Achor Solutions LLC, a reliable and hardworking home improvement company serving homeowners in the local community.\n\nWith over 5 years of hands-on experience in construction and remodeling, we take pride in providing quality workmanship, attention to detail, and dependable service. We can help with a wide variety of home improvement projects, including kitchen and bathroom remodeling, drywall, flooring, painting, roofing, framing, repairs, and more.\n\nOur goal is simple: to make every project as smooth as possible while delivering work our customers can be proud of. We treat every home with respect and every project with the same level of care we would give our own home.\n\nWe would love the opportunity to earn your business and help bring your home improvement ideas to life!

8 neighbors recently requested a quote

Request Quote

L&J cleaning

New to Angi

Clean and Inspect a gas fireplace

Serving Brighton, AL and surrounding areas

Approved

Hello, my name is Jesica with l&J cleaning. I live in Montevallo Al, I have two kids a 3 year old and a 9 month old. I love to help mommies that are always busy and have their hands full. I make your home fill relaxing with out stressing out to kept it clean. I can weekly biweekly or or monthly. I can clean out before moved in or move out.

Request Quote

WSB CLEANING SOLUTIONS L. L. C.

New to Angi

Clean and Inspect a gas fireplaceClean and Inspect a wood burning stove or pellet stoveClean and Inspect a wood fireplace chimney

Serving Brighton, AL and surrounding areas

Approved

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

Small jobs welcome

At WSB Cleaning Solutions LLC, we proudly serve Birmingham, Alabama with professional commercial and residential cleaning. From offices and medical facilities to homes and rental properties, we deliver dependable service and quality results every time.

Request Quote

Maid You Look Cleaning Services

New to Angi

Clean and Inspect a wood burning stove or pellet stove

Serving Brighton, AL and surrounding areas

Approved

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

Small jobs welcome

We don’t just clean — we make you l👀k. ✨\n We clean Apartments, Commercial suites, and Houses. Message me for quotes and any cleaning services. AL📍

Request Quote

C2 Cleaning Industries

New to Angi

Clean and Inspect a wood burning stove or pellet stoveClean and Inspect a wood fireplace chimney

Serving Brighton, AL and surrounding areas

Approved

Request Quote

...

Showing 1-10 of 70

Fireplaces questions, answered by experts

Pellet stoves do require electricity to power their automated features, such as the pellet feeder, fans, and digital controls. However, their electricity consumption is relatively low compared to other household appliances. During a power outage, pellet stoves equipped with battery backup systems or manual ignition options can still operate, though fans and automatic feed mechanisms may not function. Have a backup heating plan in place for these situations, especially if you live in a region prone to severe weather events.

Some of the most common chimney problems include:

Creosote buildup
Chimney blockage
Deteriorating brickwork or stonework
Cracked chimney top
Damaged flashing
Flue liner damage or deterioration
Damaged chimney cap

If you suspect you have a chimney problem, contact a masonry contractor for an inspection.

You shouldn’t remove a fireplace yourself. Before beginning this job, you’d need to know whether or not you have a load-bearing fireplace. To do that, you’d need help from a structural engineer. Plus, fireplace removals require permits and often involve working with gas lines or electricity, which can be dangerous. For all of these reasons, it’s best to hire a pro for this project.

Even if you aren’t using a home chimney anymore, you need to vent it at the top and bottom to allow for continuous airflow. A blocked-up chimney is still a chimney, so it requires annual maintenance and a professional inspection to ensure its structural integrity is intact. Consult a chimney professional about the ideal timing for venting an unused chimney.

No, not all chimneys need a damper. However, most chimneys do, especially in newer homes. Most gas-burning fireplaces cannot function safely without a damper. Only some older wood-burning fireplaces can function safely without one. A chimney without a damper is essentially just an open hole in the roof of your home.

The Brighton, AL homeowners’ guide to fireplace services

From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.

See all articles

Allie Ogletree
•
Jul 31, 2026Jul 31, 2026
How Much Does a Bioethanol Fireplace Cost? [2026 Data]
Bioethanol fireplaces are a chimney- and vent-free way to enjoy a real-flame fire in your home. Keep reading to find out how much ethanol fireplaces cost.
Tyler Lacoma
•
Sep 14, 2026Sep 14, 2026
How Much Does Fireplace Installation Cost? [2026 Data]
The average fireplace installation cost is $2,438, but prices vary depending on the type and size of the fireplace. Calculate your costs with our guide.
Haley Nothstein
•
Jul 9, 2026Jul 9, 2026
How Much Does Fireplace Repair Cost? [2026 Data]
Use our guide to estimate your fireplace repair costs, based on the type of fireplace you have—and what part is broken.
Barbara Bellesi Zito
•
Jul 8, 2026Jul 8, 2026
11 Parts of a Fireplace You Should Know
There are many working parts of a fireplace, and a basic understanding of their functions can help homeowners properly maintain all of them over time.
Kaitlyn Pacheco
•
Jul 20, 2026Jul 20, 2026
50+ Stylish Fireplace Ideas to Boost Your Home’s Value
Did you know fireplaces are a profitable home feature? From cozy indoor retreats to trendy outdoor designs, these fireplace ideas are sure to inspire you.
C.E. Larusso
•
Aug 4, 2026Aug 4, 2026
12 Cozy Bedroom Fireplace Ideas to Consider
With a few easy decorating tips, you can make your bedroom fireplace the stylish focal point of your room. Up the cozy aesthetic of your bedroom with these 12 ideas.