How thick should a chimney crown be?

• <div><p>Chimney crowns should be at least 2 inches thick at their thinnest point. If the crown is thinner than 2 inches, it’s more likely to be damaged and allow water to seep into the chimney.</p></div>

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Q: How often should a fireplace be serviced?

• <div><p>Regular fireplace servicing is vital for safety and efficiency. You must inspect and clean wood-burning fireplaces annually to remove creosote buildup and address potential issues. Gas fireplaces benefit from annual inspections to ensure proper functioning and safety. More frequent servicing may be necessary if you use your fireplace extensively or live in an area with harsh winters. Always consult a local professional to establish a suitable servicing schedule for your fireplace.</p></div>

Q: Can a hot fire burn off or remove creosote?

• <div><p>While a hot fire can help heat up and loosen tar within your chimney, making it a recommended step before using a creosote log, it will not burn off significant existing buildup on its own. Attempting to remove built-up creosote with a hot fire is dangerous and can cause a chimney fire. For safe and effective removal of caked-on creosote, the best approach is to hire a professional chimney sweep.</p></div>

Q: How long can I run a ventless fireplace?

• <div><p>Even though ventless fireplaces are safe to use overall, you shouldn&rsquo;t let them run for more than a few hours per day. It&rsquo;s also important to make sure the room with the fireplace is well-ventilated. If not, the water vapor from the fire could increase the humidity levels in your home, potentially resulting in mold growth.</p></div>

Q: How do I know if my wood stove catalyst is bad?

• <div><p>When your wood stove catalyst goes bad, it can cause your stove to produce less heat or run slower than normal. You might also notice thick black smoke coming out of your chimney. If you notice any of these signs, contact a professional <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/who-installs-wood-burning-stoves.htm">who installs wood-burning stoves</a> and repairs them for an inspection and fix.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Fireplace Service pros in Dubuque, IA

*The Angi rating for Fireplace Service companies in Dubuque, 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 Dubuque, 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 02, 2026

Reviewed in May 2026
LOVE Mad City! We had a bad window & old sliding glass doors to our patio. They took a desperately weathered window & matched it to our others - ONLY now it works like a window should! AND our sliding glass door was everything we dreamed of... it doesn't let the cold in like our old one did...
Mad City Windows & Baths
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Reviewed in July 2025
Create a closet out of old shower stall and install a swinging door
Hunter Creek Construction
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Reviewed in June 2023
Jaeger power washing did my deck last year and it went from moldy black to fresh wood again. This year they did the exterior of my home and a large cement patio and even did my picknick table ! Looks great would definitely recommend
Jaeger Powerwash, LLC
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Reviewed in May 2022
They were very hard working and the clean up was excellent. We hardly knew they were on our property.
O'Brien Tree LLC
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Reviewed in July 2020
We called for an estimate, possible repair. Kime called right back. Made time in his day to me with us the very next day. He was excellent with all of his communications from start to finish. He and his business partner got to our house, got our fireplace up and running in no time. Went over...
Port City Gas Works
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Reviewed in December 2013
Boyd did an excellent job! Our rooms have complicated angles and Boyd did a great job with all of his cuts for our floor. He even did an incredible job undercutting our stone fireplace to fit the floorboards under our hearth. Boyd is a very skilled carpenter! I highly recommend him!!! <br />
Hanten Flooring
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Reviewed in June 2012
They were cost effective compared to the alternative. My neighbor told me about them. They were efficient. They did what they said they were going to do and they did it on time. They were reasonably priced. I didn't like the fact that I had to split the wood and carry it up the hill to burn it...
Arnie's Treerific Service
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Reviewed in January 2012
Purchased top of the line Heat n Glo in 2005. Had to phone Birch every fall (and in between) because the fireplace would not start. After 1-2 yrs of several service calls, I started questioning the quality of the unit & the reason for the need for so many service calls. Following several phone...
BIRCH HEARTH & HOME CTR
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Find Fireplace pros in Dubuque

Serving Dubuque, 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

Serving Dubuque, IA and surrounding areas

In business since 1995

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"The crew showed up at 7am, put out tarps and got right to work strippng off the shingles. The tear off was done by noon and they got to replacing shingles and adding the ridge vent. In all our encounters with the workers they were very polite and professional and answered our questions knowledgeably. They stayed until 8pm to finish the roof and then came back at 6am the next morning to clean up.
Our neighbors have all commented on how quickly they worked and how good the end result looks. We absolutely would recommend them.
"

Recommended by88%of homeowners

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Dave Navarro Construction

5.0(

)

Serving Dubuque, 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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Erin Peterson

New to Angi

Serving Dubuque, IA and surrounding areas

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

Small jobs welcome

Hi, I’m Erin. I offer reliable, detail-oriented cleaning services for homes, vacation rentals, and offices, along with organization and decluttering support. I use pet-safe products and tailor each cleaning to fit your needs, whether you’re looking for routine maintenance, a deep clean, or help getting your space back on track. I take pride in being dependable, efficient, and treating every home with the same care and respect I give my own.

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Intensive cleaning unit

New to Angi

Serving Dubuque, IA and surrounding areas

Free estimates

Small jobs welcome

Credit card accepted

I offer thorough, reliable cleaning services tailored to your schedule, from deep scrubs to weekly maintenance. Let me handle the mess so you can enjoy your space—

8 neighbors recently requested a quote

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Mikesh Construction LLC

New to Angi

Serving Dubuque, IA and surrounding areas

We are a hard working quality driving team. We love to see smiles on peoples faces when the job is done! Customer satisfaction is a number one and we will go above and beyond to achieve that. We do quality work while being highly efficient with time and material.

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Foley S&S Cleaning Services

New to Angi

Serving Dubuque, IA and surrounding areas

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

Small jobs welcome

I have 17yrs of all types of cleaning experience and 2 yrs of that running my own cleaning business. I offer a verity of cleans residential, shops, Air BnB, campers/Rv, rentals, commercial cleans, offices, ect. I do travel within reason and offer free quotes! I have several references as well. Dont hesitate to reach out even if you just have a couple questions I would be happy to help. \nThank you. ☺️ ✨ \nFoley S&S Cleaning Services LLC\n815-499-3168\n

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Simon Says General Contracting

1.0(

)

Serving Dubuque, IA and surrounding areas

In business since 1913

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

Simon Says General Contracting 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.

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Key city power wash

New to Angi

Serving Dubuque, IA and surrounding areas

Local business with over 28 years of experience we specialize in many different skills no job to big or to small we do it all call us for any and all your needs

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Fireplaces questions, answered by experts

Regular fireplace servicing is vital for safety and efficiency. You must inspect and clean wood-burning fireplaces annually to remove creosote buildup and address potential issues. Gas fireplaces benefit from annual inspections to ensure proper functioning and safety. More frequent servicing may be necessary if you use your fireplace extensively or live in an area with harsh winters. Always consult a local professional to establish a suitable servicing schedule for your fireplace.

Chimney crowns should be at least 2 inches thick at their thinnest point. If the crown is thinner than 2 inches, it’s more likely to be damaged and allow water to seep into the chimney.

While a hot fire can help heat up and loosen tar within your chimney, making it a recommended step before using a creosote log, it will not burn off significant existing buildup on its own. Attempting to remove built-up creosote with a hot fire is dangerous and can cause a chimney fire. For safe and effective removal of caked-on creosote, the best approach is to hire a professional chimney sweep.

Even though ventless fireplaces are safe to use overall, you shouldn’t let them run for more than a few hours per day. It’s also important to make sure the room with the fireplace is well-ventilated. If not, the water vapor from the fire could increase the humidity levels in your home, potentially resulting in mold growth.

When your wood stove catalyst goes bad, it can cause your stove to produce less heat or run slower than normal. You might also notice thick black smoke coming out of your chimney. If you notice any of these signs, contact a professional who installs wood-burning stoves and repairs them for an inspection and fix.

The Dubuque, IA homeowners’ guide to fireplace services

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

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