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>

Do you leave the damper open when burning a creosote log?

• <div><p>Yes, you need to leave your chimney damper open when burning a creosote log so that smoke and other debris doesn’t waft into your house as it’s burning. You’ll need to make sure your damper is fully open, even when the log continues to smoke, until it’s completely out and cold. </p></div>

Do electric fireplaces give off a lot of heat?

• <div><p>Electric fireplaces give off more heat than you might think. Because they don’t lose heat through a ventilation system, which is required for wood-burning and gas fireplaces, they’re able to disperse more heat into the room. However, many electric fireplaces are limited to a max of 5,000 or 5,200 BTU heat output, and you can get more from traditional fireplaces. </p></div>

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Q: What is a dummy chimney?

• <div><p>If you&rsquo;re looking for a cost-effective alternative to a traditional chimney, consider having a dummy chimney installed. Dummy chimneys can either be aesthetic-only or fully functional and can be installed on both new and older homes. Whether installed to match your neighborhood&rsquo;s aesthetic or to vent your chimney, dummy chimneys are made out of a Glass-Reinforced Plastic (GRP) core, then covered with brick or stone slips to look like a traditional chimney.</p></div>

Q: How much does a gas fireplace insert cost?

• <div><p>A <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/fireplace-insert-cost.htm">gas fireplace insert costs</a> about <b>$3,600 to install, on average</b>. The cost to install a gas log insert ranges from about $700 to $6,500, depending on the size, type of insert, how it works, and heating needs. Gas fireplaces need electrical and gas lines installed properly, so hiring a pro is recommended rather than trying to DIY installation.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Fireplace Service pros in Calmar, IA

*The Angi rating for Fireplace Service companies in Calmar, IA 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 Calmar, IA 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 May 20, 2026

Reviewed in May 2026
We hired Aaron for a number of projects from lawn care to various repairs on a recently purchased property. He was prompt to respond to our inquiry, very thorough in his evaluation of the issues and timely in the tasks so far. His prices were fair. We will continue to work with him for many...
Aaron Bilicki
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Reviewed in February 2026
Mad City was very timely: arrived when they said they would, called ahead of time, and finished within the time frame. I was also impressed by how thoroughly Nick cleaned up after he was finished. The shower replacement is great and looks so much better than the old tub/shower combo that was...
Mad City Windows & Baths
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Reviewed in July 2025
Edgar’s communications via email, phone and text were great - he always responded quickly. And he always showed up on the day he said he would work. He and his team worked very hard day to day and also had very good manners. This was a big job - garage floor, corner lot with lots of sidewalks...
Camacho's Concrete LLC
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Reviewed in July 2025
Northland handyman services was the first to reach out to me about my project. They made it extremely easy for me to brief them on the project at hand and gave clear estimates around the work they could do and when. They came to scope the job right away, gave honest guidance and feedback...
Northland Handyman Services
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Reviewed in December 2024
Laura is an excellent house cleaner. She has taken care of cleaning our house every other week for many years. I am so grateful i don't have to do this work and she does an excllent job. We are so happy to have Laura working for us!
Laura Gillespie Services
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Reviewed in November 2023
Done timely, reasonably priced and clean
Farley Construction LLC
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Reviewed in October 2023
Brian did a great job cleaning. He was very thorough and made sure he was doing everything as I wanted. Communication was excellent throughout the process.
B&L Cleaning Service
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Reviewed in June 2023
Anthony came down to finish the work that was unable to be completed and checked over the work done. Very very pleased with the workmanship and each workers’ work, politeness, and professionalism. Very satisfied.
River Valley Remodelers, LLC
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Reviewed in August 2022
Tyler was professional, responsive, timely and did a great job in a short window So glad I found him on Angi He will go a long way if he keeps that business model
Brags Sewer And Septic
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Reviewed in July 2022
They did a good job.
J & T Lawn Care and Snow Removal LLC
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Find Fireplace pros in Calmar

Bear Point LLC

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 Calmar, IA and surrounding areas

Approved

\nBear Point LLC specializes in land clearing, forestry mulching, brush removal, excavation, grading, and site preparation throughout Wisconsin. We take pride in providing reliable service, honest communication, and quality workmanship on every project. Whether you’re preparing a homesite, clearing trails, reclaiming overgrown property, or improving your land, we’re committed to delivering efficient, cost-effective solutions with a focus on safety and customer satisfaction.

1 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 Calmar, IA 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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Dave Navarro Construction

5.0(

)

Brick or Stone Fireplace (Gas) - InstallBrick or Stone Fireplace (Gas) - RepairBrick or Stone Fireplace (Non-Gas) - Install+9 more

Serving Calmar, IA and surrounding areas

In business since 2010

Free estimates

"The workmanship was excellent. The work was completed within the time frame agreed upon as well as the price quoted. Everything was done very professionally from start to finish. I HIGHLY recommend Dave Navarro Construction for any interior remodeling. I will definitely use him again - without hesitation."

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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Total Builders

New to Angi

Brick or Stone Fireplace (Non-Gas) - Install

Serving Calmar, IA and surrounding areas

In business since 2003

Free estimates

Warranties offered

Total Builders is committed to providing the highest form of customer service and customer satisfaction in the industry. Please call for your personal consultation.

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Stone AXE

New to Angi

Brick or Stone Fireplace (Gas) - InstallBrick or Stone Fireplace (Gas) - RepairBrick or Stone Fireplace (Non-Gas) - Install+1 more

Serving Calmar, IA and surrounding areas

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

Warranties offered

I’m a very dedicated person and take pride in my work, I’m very focused on msking my customers satisfied, and always finish the job with a happy customer,

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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.

If you’re looking for a cost-effective alternative to a traditional chimney, consider having a dummy chimney installed. Dummy chimneys can either be aesthetic-only or fully functional and can be installed on both new and older homes. Whether installed to match your neighborhood’s aesthetic or to vent your chimney, dummy chimneys are made out of a Glass-Reinforced Plastic (GRP) core, then covered with brick or stone slips to look like a traditional chimney.

A gas fireplace insert costs about $3,600 to install, on average. The cost to install a gas log insert ranges from about $700 to $6,500, depending on the size, type of insert, how it works, and heating needs. Gas fireplaces need electrical and gas lines installed properly, so hiring a pro is recommended rather than trying to DIY installation.

Yes, you need to leave your chimney damper open when burning a creosote log so that smoke and other debris doesn’t waft into your house as it’s burning. You’ll need to make sure your damper is fully open, even when the log continues to smoke, until it’s completely out and cold.

Electric fireplaces give off more heat than you might think. Because they don’t lose heat through a ventilation system, which is required for wood-burning and gas fireplaces, they’re able to disperse more heat into the room. However, many electric fireplaces are limited to a max of 5,000 or 5,200 BTU heat output, and you can get more from traditional fireplaces.

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

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