Get matched with top fireplace pros in Clayton, DE

Q: What is considered the hearth of a fireplace?

• <div><p>A fireplace hearth is a fireproof flooring material that extends out from the base of the fireplace and into the room. Hearths can be made of brick, ceramic, marble, limestone, and more. A hearth serves the purpose of decreasing the fire risk in the area directly around the fireplace. If flying embers hit carpet or wood, they&rsquo;ll spark and create a fire. But if they hit something like tile or granite, they&rsquo;ll simply go out.</p></div>

Q: Does a chimney need to be cleaned every year?

• <div><p>The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) says that chimneys and their associated elements like fireplaces, vents, or stoves should be cleaned at least once a year before the start of seasonal use. According to the Chimney Safety Institute of America, a chimney should be cleaned when there is 1/8 inch of soot buildup. If there&rsquo;s more than that, creosote&mdash;a flammable byproduct of burning wood&mdash;can form and increase the risk of a chimney fire. </p></div>

Q: How often should a fireplace be checked?

• <div><p>You should schedule a fireplace inspection at least once a year, per the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). However, this is the minimum requirement even if you&rsquo;re diligent with fireplace maintenance between uses. If you suspect your fireplace is malfunctioning, schedule one sooner to avoid fire hazards or the release of harmful emissions like carbon monoxide in your home.</p></div>

Q: Does homeowners insurance cover chimney leaks, repairs, or replacement?

• <div><p>Homeowners insurance may cover chimney leaks, repairs, or replacement, but coverage depends on the cause of the damage. If the chimney is damaged by a sudden, covered peril like a lightning strike, storm, hail, fallen tree, or an unexpected fire, your policy is likely to cover the costs. However, insurance generally does not cover damage resulting from normal wear and tear, old age, or a lack of proper maintenance, such as failing to perform regular cleanings and inspections. If a fire or other damage is caused by a known issue you didn't address, the claim may be denied. Additionally, some policies may have specific exclusions for events like high winds or earthquakes.</p></div>

Q: Do you need a flue or chimney cap?

• <div><p>If you have a chimney, you need a flue or chimney cap. The right covering keeps rain, debris, and animals from getting into your flue or chimney and causing damage. A flue or chimney cap also provides fire protection. The mesh insert around the cap keeps sparks from flying out of the chimney and igniting leaves and other materials.</p></div>

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Clean and Inspect a wood fireplace chimneyBrick or Stone Fireplace (Non-Gas) - RepairClean and Inspect a wood burning stove or pellet stove+5 more

Serving Clayton, DE and surrounding areas

Approved

Super Service Award Winner

In business since 2002

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Steve did Great work and had the fireplace working great!"

+36

Response time4 days

Response rate100%

34 neighbors recently requested a quote

Pre-Fabricated Fireplace Unit (Non-Gas) - InstallPre-Fabricated Fireplace Unit (Non-Gas) - Repair

Serving Clayton, DE and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2017

Free estimates

Customers say: Quick response

"Excellent work, clean and professional. They are kind and very polite. Worked on multiple projects, completing each to perfection. If you're looking for an honest, reliable, hardworking family man who does quality work for a reasonable price, I highly recommend Alfonso Robinson (owner of this business)."

+35

Response time4 hrs

Recommended by95%of homeowners

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Masterpiece Masonry and Chimney

5.0(

)

Clean and Inspect a wood fireplace chimney

Serving Clayton, DE and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2017

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Had my chimney cleaned and everyone was very professional and made certain all my needs were met and all my questions were answered."

Recommended by100%of homeowners

Clean and Inspect a wood fireplace chimney

Serving Clayton, DE and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2023

Free estimates

Warranties offered

"They did a great job on the roof at a reasonable price in comparison to the other quotes I received from other big name companies. Roof was a 20 year old and need an update. Appreciate, the straight to the point sales pitch. Constant communication throughout the process. Happy with the job thus far. Will continue to monitor for any issues."

+111

Response time1 day

Response rate94%

29 neighbors recently requested a quote

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Shamrock Maintenance, Corp.

4.0(

)

Clean and Inspect a wood fireplace chimneyBrick or Stone Fireplace (Non-Gas) - RepairClean and Inspect a wood burning stove or pellet stove+3 more

Serving Clayton, DE and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 1985

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Five star work from Shamrock C&C Inc.!! Super technician!! great price under $2700 and I had gotten a previous quote from another company for almost $12,000. The technician at Shamrock explained to me a lot of that work was unnecessary and so I went with confidence with Shamrock and had them do the job that day, as the technician said that there was an immediate safety concern."

Response time9 hrs

Response rate100%

65 neighbors recently requested a quote

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

Serving Clayton, DE and surrounding areas

Approved

Customers say: Quick response

"I like what they do. They are very reliable, and dependable. They are not nosy."

Recommended by100%of homeowners

Clean and Inspect a gas fireplace

Serving Clayton, DE and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2011

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"They did a fantastic job!"

Response time2 days

9 neighbors recently requested a quote

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Cleanliness care

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 Clayton, DE and surrounding areas

Approved

Cleaning service

Request Quote

Dump & Done

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 Clayton, DE and surrounding areas

Approved

Emergency services offered

Small jobs welcome

Offers commercial services

Getting the job done the rite way and building great relationships with clients

Request Quote

Serene Clean by Diana

New to Angi

Clean and Inspect a wood burning stove or pellet stove

Serving Clayton, DE and surrounding areas

Approved

Hi! My name is Diana. Cleaning ( and skincare/ make up 🙂 ) has always been a passion of mine. I used to be a restaurant manager prior to this for 7 years and my favorite part of the week was having my set day off for a cleaning day to deep clean my house. Nothing feels better than walking into a fresh clean home and would love to see others experience the same feeling, along with the fact you now have one less thing to worry about!

Request Quote

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Showing 1-10 of 61

Fireplaces questions, answered by experts

A fireplace hearth is a fireproof flooring material that extends out from the base of the fireplace and into the room. Hearths can be made of brick, ceramic, marble, limestone, and more. A hearth serves the purpose of decreasing the fire risk in the area directly around the fireplace. If flying embers hit carpet or wood, they’ll spark and create a fire. But if they hit something like tile or granite, they’ll simply go out.

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) says that chimneys and their associated elements like fireplaces, vents, or stoves should be cleaned at least once a year before the start of seasonal use. According to the Chimney Safety Institute of America, a chimney should be cleaned when there is 1/8 inch of soot buildup. If there’s more than that, creosote—a flammable byproduct of burning wood—can form and increase the risk of a chimney fire.

You should schedule a fireplace inspection at least once a year, per the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). However, this is the minimum requirement even if you’re diligent with fireplace maintenance between uses. If you suspect your fireplace is malfunctioning, schedule one sooner to avoid fire hazards or the release of harmful emissions like carbon monoxide in your home.

Homeowners insurance may cover chimney leaks, repairs, or replacement, but coverage depends on the cause of the damage. If the chimney is damaged by a sudden, covered peril like a lightning strike, storm, hail, fallen tree, or an unexpected fire, your policy is likely to cover the costs. However, insurance generally does not cover damage resulting from normal wear and tear, old age, or a lack of proper maintenance, such as failing to perform regular cleanings and inspections. If a fire or other damage is caused by a known issue you didn't address, the claim may be denied. Additionally, some policies may have specific exclusions for events like high winds or earthquakes.

If you have a chimney, you need a flue or chimney cap. The right covering keeps rain, debris, and animals from getting into your flue or chimney and causing damage. A flue or chimney cap also provides fire protection. The mesh insert around the cap keeps sparks from flying out of the chimney and igniting leaves and other materials.

The Clayton, DE 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

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