Get matched with top fireplace pros in Albany, CA

Q: Why does my fireplace glass turn black so fast?

• <div><p>If there&rsquo;s a draft within your fireplace, it can lead to a weakening of its flame. And when the fire burns the wood, it won&rsquo;t burn effectively, resulting in a build up of soot and smoke. If you notice this happening, you&rsquo;ll want to inspect the glass to see where the draft is getting in. You can also hire a fireplace repair pro to do the work for you. </p></div>

Q: How do I stop my fireplace from smoking?

• <div><p>How you stop your fireplace from smoking depends on the cause. Sometimes it&rsquo;s as simple as opening the damper. Other times, you need to battle air pressure. The best course of action is to ensure proper ventilation, whether that means opening a door or a window; avoid building a large fire, which produces more smoke; and use seasoned hardwoods, which produce less smoke than other types of wood. If the issue persists, call a pro ASAP.</p></div>

Q: What materials should I not use to clean soot off a stone fireplace?

• <div><p>Avoid using abrasive cleansing powders on natural stone, as these products could damage the porous material. Using bleach is also a poor idea because of the porosity of the stone. Avoid using a scrub brush with metal bristles, as they could scratch the stone. If you know who manufactured your stone or who installed the fireplace, you may want to contact that entity for any advice on cleaning it safely.</p></div>

Q: How can I tell if my chimney or fireplace damper is open or closed?

• <div><p>There are several ways to determine if your chimney or fireplace damper is open or closed. A simple method is to check for airflow by placing your hand near the fireplace opening; if you feel a draft or hear wind whistling, the damper is open. An open damper might also make the room feel cooler, similar to the outdoor temperature, or cause your HVAC system to work harder than usual. For a more definitive test, you can try a visual inspection, although it may be difficult to see. Alternatively, you can light a small piece of paper and observe the smoke; if it is drawn up the chimney, the damper is open. Always use the damper handle to adjust its position.</p></div>

Q: Can you remove a fireplace but keep the chimney?

• <div><p>Yes, in most cases, you can remove a fireplace while keeping the chimney. This process requires sealing the chimney at the bottom where it connected to the fireplace and capping it at the top. It is essential to consult a chimney professional or inspection specialist beforehand. They will need to determine if the chimney's structural integrity is sufficient to remain safely in place without the support of the fireplace.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Fireplace Service pros in Albany, CA

*The Angi rating for Fireplace Service companies in Albany, CA 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 Albany, CA 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 November 21, 2025

Reviewed in November 2025
Prompt arrival. Great ability to analyze chimney and fireplace , and show us what was needed so we could have a fire. I would hire again any time and highly recommend.
Good Guys Services
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Reviewed in March 2022
We hired Bayside Builders to do our home renovation project because we needed some help with designing and building a new outdoor fireplace. They were able to come up with an impressive design, plus they did such a great job with the construction! The pergolas they built for us are doing wonders...
Bayside Builders Group, Inc.
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Reviewed in June 2020
Nice job. 65" flat mount above a fireplace. Complex construction behind the wall. Oliver and team successfully hooked up electrical, installed the flat mount for the tv and patched up the wall. Super friendly and helpful.
Hdconcept Paredes
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Reviewed in September 2019
My remodeled 1941 and 1968 bathrooms look absolutely amazing! They are beautiful...Onaje and his crew did a fantastic job! Replaced all the floors and lights in house too, tiles fireplace, love all of it! His crew...Marcus and Robert were outstanding, I m going to miss seeing them everyday! They...
Cornerstone Construction
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Reviewed in November 2016
First rate from the initial phone call, getting scheduled, having to make a change, their flexibility, timeliness -- to the actual service itself -- Carrie and Kevin were both knowledgeable, efficient and have great energy. The entire process of assessment and corrective steps were transparent,...
Northstar Construction Group Inc
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Reviewed in October 2016
Smoothly. It was several hours of work by Randy, and the result is a fully functioning fireplace. We are delighted with the result and very appreciative of Kidd Fireplace's action to find and implement a definitive and successful solution. As well, the new fireplace passes the cat test. No more...
Kidd Fireplace & Spa
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Find Fireplace pros in Albany

United Chimney Service, Inc.

4.4(

)

Brick or Stone Fireplace (Non-Gas) - InstallBrick or Stone Fireplace (Non-Gas) - RepairClean and Inspect a gas fireplace+2 more

Serving Albany, CA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 1977

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Excellent service. The gentleman arrived on time, was very knowledgeable and cleaned both the chimney and the dryer vent. I would recommend them.?"

Response time9 hrs

1 neighbors recently requested a quote

Recommended by92%of homeowners

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

Serving Albany, CA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2020

Emergency services offered

Warranties offered

"Deni was great and did a thorough job. We got 5 fireplaces/woodstoves cleaned and have been using them since."

+32

Response time7 hrs

Response rate92%

Recommended by50%of homeowners

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Chimney Sweep Masters

4.5(

234

)

Clean and Inspect a wood fireplace chimneyClean and Inspect a wood burning stove or pellet stove

Serving Albany, CA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 1994

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"Very professional crew led by Jonathan. They were on time and communicated very well. Very good work was done on the ducts, chimney, and fireplace."

Response time9 hrs

Response rate97%

25 neighbors recently requested a quote

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Cali Chimney Sweep Inc.

4.4(

)

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

Serving Albany, CA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2022

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Prompt,responsive and personable. Cleaned up well at end of deep clean if fireplace"

Response time11 hrs

Response rate90%

6 neighbors recently requested a quote

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Northstar Construction Group Inc

4.1(

754

)

Clean and Inspect a wood fireplace chimney

Serving Albany, CA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2012

Emergency services offered

Warranties offered

"A company you can count on. Very high integrity. The owner is outstanding and maintains a high level of excellence. They did excellent work cleaning our flue and gas fireplace logs and burners. Wow it looks better than new and works perfectly now. Superb work. If you have a gas fireplace have them clean it or if you want a new one these are the folks to call."

+32

Response time1 day

Response rate92%

Recommended by92%of homeowners

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McCormick Home Builders, Inc.

4.6(

)

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

Serving Albany, CA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2017

Free estimates

Customers say: True professional

"Our remodeled kitchen exceeded all expectations. Leoni’s eye for design brought our ideas to life, creating an open and functional layout perfect for entertaining. The team’s craftsmanship was top-notch, and they respected our home, leaving it clean each day. The project was finished on time and within budget, and our kitchen now feels like a welcoming and sophisticated part of our home. I’d recommend McCormick to anyone wanting a home transformation without stress!"

Response time6 hrs

Recommended by18%of homeowners

Pre-Fabricated Fireplace Unit (Gas) - Install

Serving Albany, CA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 1975

Free estimates

Warranties offered

"Excellent service. He even added glowing rocks to my fireplace."

+22

Response time2 days

24 neighbors recently requested a quote

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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Home Pro Remodeling & Construction, Inc.

4.1(

)

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

Serving Albany, CA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2019

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"All work has been really great."

Response time5 days

Recommended by77%of homeowners

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Marco's Gutter Cleaning

4.4(

)

Clean and Inspect a wood fireplace chimney

Serving Albany, CA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2015

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

Marco's Gutter Cleaning is committed to excellence in every aspect of our business. We uphold a standard of integrity bound by fairness, honesty, and personal responsibility. Our distinction is the quality of service we bring to our customers. Accurate knowledge of our trade combined with ability is what makes us true professionals. Above all, we are watchful of our customers' interests, and make their concerns the basis of our business.

Response time3 hrs

Response rate97%

Recommended by85%of homeowners

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Luis house cleaning service

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 Albany, CA and surrounding areas

Approved

Whether you need a one-time deep clean or regular weekly service, Luis House Cleaning is here to make your home shine. With attention to detail, professional care, and eco-friendly products (available upon request), we guarantee a spotless clean—every time.\n\n• Licensed & Insured\n • Eco-Friendly Products Available\n • 100% Satisfaction Guarantee\n • Free Estimates\n • Trusted & Background-Checked Cleaners\n

Request Quote

...

Showing 1-10 of 89

Fireplaces questions, answered by experts

If there’s a draft within your fireplace, it can lead to a weakening of its flame. And when the fire burns the wood, it won’t burn effectively, resulting in a build up of soot and smoke. If you notice this happening, you’ll want to inspect the glass to see where the draft is getting in. You can also hire a fireplace repair pro to do the work for you.

How you stop your fireplace from smoking depends on the cause. Sometimes it’s as simple as opening the damper. Other times, you need to battle air pressure. The best course of action is to ensure proper ventilation, whether that means opening a door or a window; avoid building a large fire, which produces more smoke; and use seasoned hardwoods, which produce less smoke than other types of wood. If the issue persists, call a pro ASAP.

Avoid using abrasive cleansing powders on natural stone, as these products could damage the porous material. Using bleach is also a poor idea because of the porosity of the stone. Avoid using a scrub brush with metal bristles, as they could scratch the stone. If you know who manufactured your stone or who installed the fireplace, you may want to contact that entity for any advice on cleaning it safely.

There are several ways to determine if your chimney or fireplace damper is open or closed. A simple method is to check for airflow by placing your hand near the fireplace opening; if you feel a draft or hear wind whistling, the damper is open. An open damper might also make the room feel cooler, similar to the outdoor temperature, or cause your HVAC system to work harder than usual. For a more definitive test, you can try a visual inspection, although it may be difficult to see. Alternatively, you can light a small piece of paper and observe the smoke; if it is drawn up the chimney, the damper is open. Always use the damper handle to adjust its position.

Yes, in most cases, you can remove a fireplace while keeping the chimney. This process requires sealing the chimney at the bottom where it connected to the fireplace and capping it at the top. It is essential to consult a chimney professional or inspection specialist beforehand. They will need to determine if the chimney's structural integrity is sufficient to remain safely in place without the support of the fireplace.

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