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>

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Q: What is the difference between a chimney cover and a chimney cap?

• <div><p>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. </p></div>

Q: Which way is open on a fireplace flue?

• <div><p>Your fireplace flue is open when the chimney is unsealed and open to the outside air and sky. That&rsquo;s why one of the best ways to figure out if your flue is open is to visually check for daylight inside of your chimney&mdash;or to feel for a draft, which may be generated by the difference in temperatures inside and outside of your home.</p></div>

Q: How do I know if my chimney is safe to operate?

• <div><p>Beyond having an inspection, it&rsquo;s important to do chimney maintenance at least annually to be certain the chimney is safe to use. Cleaning the flue of any built-up particles, creosote, and soot reduces the risk of fire. Fortunately, the cost of hiring a pro to do a chimney inspection often includes a chimney cleaning, so you may not have an extra expense for maintenance.</p></div>

Q: What happens if your chimney cap falls off?

• <div><p>Sometimes chimney caps blow off during storms or fall off after rusting away. While this typically won&rsquo;t cause structural damage, failing to replace a chimney cap can. A chimney cap prevents moisture, animals, and debris from entering your chimney, all of which can cause serious problems, such as damage to the masonry or blockages in the flue. </p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Fireplace Service pros in Salem, AR

*The Angi rating for Fireplace Service companies in Salem, AR 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 Salem, AR 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 September 30, 2025

Reviewed in September 2025
They removed a dead tree in my backyard close to my house and the electric lines. They were quick and easy to work with. Would recommend and use again.
North Central Arkansas Tree Service
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Reviewed in November 2024
I am very pleased with the experience and results of Blue Spring Construction. Michael was easy to work with and very thorough. I would recommend Blue Spring for any of your construction needs.
Blue Spring Construction
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Reviewed in July 2023
Katrina is the BEST!!! Our entire office space was in need of a complete refresh. She worked meticulously on our ceilings, trim, doors, walls. She really did a fantastic job. Her communication with me was excellent. She let me know when to expect her, showed up for the job, always let me know...
Space Transformation Painting Co
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Reviewed in July 2023
Katrina did an excellent job painting a bedroom and two bathrooms for me. Her work was very professional looking. I would highly recommend her and will definitely use her again.
SPACE TRANSFORMATION. LLC
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Reviewed in February 2023
Painting on the Porch is a company you can trust, they show up when they say they will, and are always conscientious about the quality of their work. When making referrals to family and friends, I always recommend them first.
Painting on the Porch
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Reviewed in August 2022
Good quality cabinets at an affordable price.
For the Love of Cabinets
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Reviewed in April 2022
Outstanding work, would Recommend them to family and friends.
Clyde Greystone Properties, LLC
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Reviewed in March 2022
They are the best contractor that I have ever worked with.
Z&Z Roofing LLC
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Serving Salem, AR and surrounding areas

In business since 2007

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Everything is going great. Also added some other equipment such as app controlled door locks, etc."

Recommended by93%of homeowners

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Risher's Cleaning & Handymen

3.8(

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Serving Salem, AR and surrounding areas

In business since 1993

Free estimates

"It was a rainy time and forced the team to schedule their paint times accordingly. They were quick to take advantage of every hour of good weather."

Recommended by70%of homeowners

Serving Salem, AR and surrounding areas

In business since 1995

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"They were very nice and did a great job"

Recommended by74%of homeowners

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Ashy2Classy Housewash Pros LLC

5.0(

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Serving Salem, AR and surrounding areas

In business since 2021

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Offers commercial services

is a locally owned and operated company that values honesty and integrity in all aspects of our business. Our dedicated team of professionals have years of hands on experience, to provide innovative ideas and suggestions tailored to your projects. Our services are customized to your individual needs, paying close attention to the details of each project that we are involved with. Please feel free to contact us today!

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Rock Solid Masonry

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Serving Salem, AR and surrounding areas

In business since 2009

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Family pride in every job we do! Many years of professional experience is evident in every project we complete.\n\nWe look forward to hearing from you.

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Gleam Team Cleaning Services

New to Angi

Serving Salem, AR and surrounding areas

Dynamic duo cleaning services. Shannon and Lauren have over 18 years experience cleaning houses, small businesses, Airbnb's, VRBO's, move outs and ins, and RV's. We are a dedicated duo that do an immaculate job at cleaning. We are very reasonable on our prices and even offer half off the first cleaning so you can see what an excellent job we do. We service all of Baxter County and a 50 mile radius around Mountain Home, Arkansas. We offer gift certificates and more! We can clean one time or recurring. We have cleaned numerous of events before and after and we can also run your errands if needed. We have an array of cleaning services and use only environmental friendly products. We will leave your living space spotless, fresh and clean, and you with a peace of mind. Call us today for your free estimate and let us show you our immaculate cleaning!

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Fireplaces questions, answered by experts

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.

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.

Your fireplace flue is open when the chimney is unsealed and open to the outside air and sky. That’s why one of the best ways to figure out if your flue is open is to visually check for daylight inside of your chimney—or to feel for a draft, which may be generated by the difference in temperatures inside and outside of your home.

Beyond having an inspection, it’s important to do chimney maintenance at least annually to be certain the chimney is safe to use. Cleaning the flue of any built-up particles, creosote, and soot reduces the risk of fire. Fortunately, the cost of hiring a pro to do a chimney inspection often includes a chimney cleaning, so you may not have an extra expense for maintenance.

Sometimes chimney caps blow off during storms or fall off after rusting away. While this typically won’t cause structural damage, failing to replace a chimney cap can. A chimney cap prevents moisture, animals, and debris from entering your chimney, all of which can cause serious problems, such as damage to the masonry or blockages in the flue.

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