How do I know if I need fireplace repair?

• <div><p>There are a handful of things you can look out for that indicate fireplace repair is necessary in your home:</p><ul><li><p>See or smell smoke in your home during use.</p></li><li><p>You smell gas or unusual odors coming from your fireplace.</p></li><li><p>The fireplace is visibly damaged or crumbling.</p></li><li><p>The igniter won’t light.</p></li><li><p>You notice shaling (pieces of chimney lining) building up in your fireplace.</p></li><li><p>Any portion of the fireplace is rusted.</p></li><li><p>You notice efflorescence (white stains) on the brick.</p></li></ul><p>If any of these signs emerge or you suspect that you have an issue, call in a fireplace repair professional immediately.</p></div>

Can you burn wood that has oak wilt?

• <div><p>You can burn wood with oak wilt, as heat from the fire destroys the fungus, and smoke won’t threaten <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/6-signs-healthy-tree.htm">healthy trees</a>. However, wood of unknown origin should be burned during the dormant season—do not store wood in the warmer months for the winter season. If you harvest oak, let it dry in the sun before transporting it elsewhere.</p></div>

Are masonry fireboxes better than prefabricated ones?

• <div><p>Handbuilt masonry fireplaces are likely what comes to mind when we think about curling up by the fire at the end of the day. But bricks in the firebox and chimney tend to be heavy, which is not ideal for homes with weak or damaged foundations.</p><p>Prefabricated fireboxes come with a full flue and chimney system, significantly reducing the price and installation time. However, if you need to replace the panels down the line, you are locked into the same model or something very similar.</p></div>

Get matched with top fireplace pros in Dubuque, IA

Q: What is the difference between a wood fireplace and a wood insert?

• <div><p>They&rsquo;re both <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/4-wood-burning-fireplace-options-heat-your-home.htm">types of wood-burning fireplaces</a>, but a wood fireplace is built directly into a wall and attached to a chimney. A built-in wood fireplace often has an open hearth, although some models have an enclosed hearth. On the other hand, a wood-burning fireplace insert is a self-contained box that slides into an existing fireplace opening.</p></div>

Q: Is a chimney cap necessary?

• <div><p>Chimney caps are necessary both from a building safety standpoint in most municipalities and to keep your home protected from a variety of issues. Chimney caps are not only mandated by building code in most areas, but they also serve to keep squirrels, raccoons, and other pests out of your home, as well as snow and rain. Therefore, they help to avoid property damage, making them a worthwhile investment.</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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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

They’re both types of wood-burning fireplaces, but a wood fireplace is built directly into a wall and attached to a chimney. A built-in wood fireplace often has an open hearth, although some models have an enclosed hearth. On the other hand, a wood-burning fireplace insert is a self-contained box that slides into an existing fireplace opening.

Chimney caps are necessary both from a building safety standpoint in most municipalities and to keep your home protected from a variety of issues. Chimney caps are not only mandated by building code in most areas, but they also serve to keep squirrels, raccoons, and other pests out of your home, as well as snow and rain. Therefore, they help to avoid property damage, making them a worthwhile investment.

There are a handful of things you can look out for that indicate fireplace repair is necessary in your home:

See or smell smoke in your home during use.
You smell gas or unusual odors coming from your fireplace.
The fireplace is visibly damaged or crumbling.
The igniter won’t light.
You notice shaling (pieces of chimney lining) building up in your fireplace.
Any portion of the fireplace is rusted.
You notice efflorescence (white stains) on the brick.

If any of these signs emerge or you suspect that you have an issue, call in a fireplace repair professional immediately.

You can burn wood with oak wilt, as heat from the fire destroys the fungus, and smoke won’t threaten healthy trees. However, wood of unknown origin should be burned during the dormant season—do not store wood in the warmer months for the winter season. If you harvest oak, let it dry in the sun before transporting it elsewhere.

Handbuilt masonry fireplaces are likely what comes to mind when we think about curling up by the fire at the end of the day. But bricks in the firebox and chimney tend to be heavy, which is not ideal for homes with weak or damaged foundations.

Prefabricated fireboxes come with a full flue and chimney system, significantly reducing the price and installation time. However, if you need to replace the panels down the line, you are locked into the same model or something very similar.

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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