Do fireplace repair companies need to be licensed?

• <div><p>Certain fireplace repairs will require that your contractor is licensed, including anything that involves moving, installing, or repairing gas lines. In that case, your professional will need to be a certified plumber. You can use Angi’s <a href="https://www.angi.com/angi-license-check.htm">licensing lookup tool</a> to confirm that the company you’re hiring is properly licensed. Most states don’t have specific license requirements for other fireplace repairs, but most demand at least a general contractor’s license. It’s also a good idea to look for companies certified by the National Fireplace Institute, as those pros tend to be more qualified to carry out the repair.</p></div>

Get matched with top fireplace pros in Cedar Falls, IA

Q: How much does it cost to replace a chimney?

• <div><p>The <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/what-should-it-cost-replace-and-rebuild-masonry-chimney.htm">cost to replace a chimney</a> is about $10,000 on average and can cost up to $15,000, depending on the size, accessibility, materials, and extent of the replacement. Sometimes tearing the chimney down to the roof line and rebuilding it is an option. But if the chimney's internal structure deteriorates badly enough, a complete demolition down to the fireplace or the foundation may be necessary.</p></div>

Q: Is a wood stove or fireplace better for heating?

• <div><p>Both wood stoves and fireplaces are effective at heating, but wood stoves are more efficient, meaning more of the fuel is converted to heat rather than lost. Wood stoves, depending on the capacity, can also heat larger spaces, while fireplaces are better for heating smaller areas, like an individual room.</p></div>

Q: Should you block both the top and bottom of your chimney?

• <div><p>You should never block both the top and bottom of your chimney. Proper airflow is essential because the temperature inside the chimney will still fluctuate as your house warms and cools. Moisture can build up without ventilation, leading to dampness in your walls over time. Blocking the top prevents debris and animals from entering, but the chimney still needs air circulation to avoid condensation issues. Allowing the chimney to breathe maintains the health of your home and prevents long-term damage.</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>

Enter your zip and get matched with up to 5 pros

Need a pro for your fireplace service project in Cedar Falls, IA?

Select your specific project to find the pro for you.

Find Fireplace pros in Cedar Falls

Adrian Cervantes

New to Angi

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

Serving Cedar Falls, IA and surrounding areas

Approved

I’m a young man looking for business opportunities and getting my name out there to eventually make it a full time career bilingual speak English and Spanish

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

Serving Cedar Falls, IA and surrounding areas

In business since 2007

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"We have Frontpoint at two houses. We had been looking for ways to cut our monthly expenses (Frontpoint is approx. $100 per month total), so I called them to find out what I could do. They informed me that I was under contract for another year, and that I cannot get out of the contract without an early termination fee that is equal to the cost of the service. I'm a little disappointed, because the upfront cost of the system was very expensive ($1,000+) for each house, so it seems odd that I would get sucked into this contract. Nevertheless, I forgot that I signed up for this with them. My calendar is marked for the day that my service ends, and I will be switching to a company that charges about half of what they do. They have OK customer service and are very responsive, but the wireless system had some issues with reception in my house due to a fireplace, and then they didn't want to work with me to get that resolved. They're OK, but I can't really recommend them."

Recommended by93%of homeowners

Brick or Stone Fireplace - Repair

Serving Cedar Falls, IA and surrounding areas

In business since 1995

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

At EJs Roofing, you are going to get a company that is licensed, insured, and experienced. We are focused on providing you with quality service at an affordable price. From offering manufacturer warranties to backing up all of our work with a 100% workmanship guarantee, you can rest assured that we always have your best interest in mind.

Recommended by88%of homeowners

Brick or Stone Fireplace - Repair

Serving Cedar Falls, IA and surrounding areas

In business since 2022

Free estimates

We have the experience and dedication to bring your dreams to reality! We guarantee your satisfaction, and we won’t leave until the job is done right. Our team has quality experience in this industry, and we make sure our customers are happy before we leave. Call or click to schedule an estimate today!

+15

Recommended by100%of homeowners

Pre-Fabricated Fireplace Unit (Non-Gas) - Install

Serving Cedar Falls, IA and surrounding areas

In business since 2017

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

We take great pride in our experience, expertise, quality, and customer service that we provide to meet the consumer's needs. It is our mission to provide excellent workmanship and complete customer satisfaction from start to completion of a project. In order to understand the needs and expectations of our customers, we take great care to work and communicate with every customer in a professional manner. Our reputation is based on service, safety, and quality, regardless of how large or small the job.

Response time1 day

Response rate89%

Recommended by100%of homeowners

Request Quote

Total Builders

New to Angi

Brick or Stone Fireplace (Non-Gas) - Install

Serving Cedar Falls, 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.

Request Quote

Iowa Post Frame Builders, LLC

2.6(

)

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

Serving Cedar Falls, IA and surrounding areas

In business since 1976

We are a complete general contractor - we can develop, build commercial, all types of residential remodeling and new construction, as well as offer great services on any smaller home improvement need. \n \nWe specialize in engineered post frame construction, horse, farm suburban and commercial buildings. We are able to do the complete contracting job for our customers from start to finish efficiently and with great customer care. \n \nWe also specialize in steel roofing on buildings and homes as well and are proud to offer NEW DECRA SHINGLES FOR RESIDENTIAL HOMES WITH A FIFTY YEAR WARRANTY THAT CAN BE LAID OVER EXISTING ASPHALT SHINGLES - ONE OF THE GREATEST ROOFING PRODUCTS WE HAVE DISCOVERED IN THE MARKET PLACE! \n \nWe consider ourselves "IOWA'S BEST!" - call us today!

Recommended by33%of homeowners

Request Quote

Fireplaces questions, answered by experts

The cost to replace a chimney is about $10,000 on average and can cost up to $15,000, depending on the size, accessibility, materials, and extent of the replacement. Sometimes tearing the chimney down to the roof line and rebuilding it is an option. But if the chimney's internal structure deteriorates badly enough, a complete demolition down to the fireplace or the foundation may be necessary.

Both wood stoves and fireplaces are effective at heating, but wood stoves are more efficient, meaning more of the fuel is converted to heat rather than lost. Wood stoves, depending on the capacity, can also heat larger spaces, while fireplaces are better for heating smaller areas, like an individual room.

You should never block both the top and bottom of your chimney. Proper airflow is essential because the temperature inside the chimney will still fluctuate as your house warms and cools. Moisture can build up without ventilation, leading to dampness in your walls over time. Blocking the top prevents debris and animals from entering, but the chimney still needs air circulation to avoid condensation issues. Allowing the chimney to breathe maintains the health of your home and prevents long-term damage.

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.

Certain fireplace repairs will require that your contractor is licensed, including anything that involves moving, installing, or repairing gas lines. In that case, your professional will need to be a certified plumber. You can use Angi’s licensing lookup tool to confirm that the company you’re hiring is properly licensed. Most states don’t have specific license requirements for other fireplace repairs, but most demand at least a general contractor’s license. It’s also a good idea to look for companies certified by the National Fireplace Institute, as those pros tend to be more qualified to carry out the repair.

The Cedar Falls, IA 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

Haley Nothstein
•
Jul 9, 2026Jul 9, 2026
How Much Does a Gas Fireplace Inspection Cost? [2026 Data]
With a gas fireplace, it’s important to stay up-to-date on your inspections. Learn more about how much gas fireplace inspections cost before you book one.
Melissa Graham
•
Oct 7, 2026Oct 7, 2026
How Much Does It Cost to Remove a Fireplace? [2026 Data]
The average cost to remove a fireplace is $4,500, but your overall cost will depend on the type of fireplace, its condition, and other factors.
Haley Nothstein
•
Oct 2, 2026Oct 2, 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 9, 2026Jul 9, 2026
Can You Install a Fireplace Without a Chimney?
Find out if you really need a chimney to install a fireplace in your home. This guide helps you understand your options, such as a ventless fireplace, when choosing the right fireplace for your home if you don't have a chimney.
Kate Fann
•
Jul 9, 2026Jul 9, 2026
Who Do You Hire for a Fireplace Remodeling Project?
Wondering who to hire for a fireplace remodel? You have a few options, and we've rounded them up to help you make the best decision.
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.