Can I use an existing chimney for a wood-burning stove?

• <div><p>Yes, you can use an existing chimney with a wood-burning stove if it meets specific requirements. The stove’s vent pipe size must be compatible with the size of your chimney flue. Your contractor can tell you whether your chimney is suitable for installation.</p></div>

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Q: How much does chimney cleaning or sweeping cost?

• <div><p>Professional chimney cleaning, also known as chimney sweeping, typically costs between $130 and $400, with a national average of about $260. The final price depends on several factors, including the size and accessibility of your chimney, the number of chimneys being cleaned, and the type of chimney you have. A standard cleaning involves a chimney sweep scraping creosote, dirt, and other debris from the entire flue. Many professionals also include an inspection with this service, but the cost of any necessary repairs is typically extra. Additional services, such as installing a fireplace damper, will also increase the total cost. It is recommended to schedule a cleaning and inspection annually, preferably before you begin using your fireplace for the season, and to get price quotes from at least three companies to find the best deal.</p></div>

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 tall are chimney caps typically?

• <div><p>Ideally, your chimney cap should be at least 8 inches above the top of the flue, though it's better if it's even higher. You want it to sit that high because it won't affect the chimney's draft, which pulls the smoke up and out of your chimney and away from your home.</p></div>

Q: What is the life expectancy of a chimney?

• <div><p>A well-constructed and regularly maintained brick chimney can last 50 to 100 years, potentially spanning multiple generations of homeowners. The exact lifespan depends on the quality of construction, materials, local environment, and maintenance. In contrast, a metal chimney typically lasts 15 to 20 years. While the main structure is durable, individual components have shorter lifespans and require more frequent replacement. For example, mortar may need repointing every 20 to 30 years, chimney crowns last 50 to 75 years, and liners can last anywhere from 15 to 50 years depending on the material (e.g., stainless steel vs. cast-in-place).</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

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

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

Brick or Stone Fireplace - Repair

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(

)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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(

)

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

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

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

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

Professional chimney cleaning, also known as chimney sweeping, typically costs between $130 and $400, with a national average of about $260. The final price depends on several factors, including the size and accessibility of your chimney, the number of chimneys being cleaned, and the type of chimney you have. A standard cleaning involves a chimney sweep scraping creosote, dirt, and other debris from the entire flue. Many professionals also include an inspection with this service, but the cost of any necessary repairs is typically extra. Additional services, such as installing a fireplace damper, will also increase the total cost. It is recommended to schedule a cleaning and inspection annually, preferably before you begin using your fireplace for the season, and to get price quotes from at least three companies to find the best deal.

Yes, you can use an existing chimney with a wood-burning stove if it meets specific requirements. The stove’s vent pipe size must be compatible with the size of your chimney flue. Your contractor can tell you whether your chimney is suitable for installation.

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.

Ideally, your chimney cap should be at least 8 inches above the top of the flue, though it's better if it's even higher. You want it to sit that high because it won't affect the chimney's draft, which pulls the smoke up and out of your chimney and away from your home.

A well-constructed and regularly maintained brick chimney can last 50 to 100 years, potentially spanning multiple generations of homeowners. The exact lifespan depends on the quality of construction, materials, local environment, and maintenance. In contrast, a metal chimney typically lasts 15 to 20 years. While the main structure is durable, individual components have shorter lifespans and require more frequent replacement. For example, mortar may need repointing every 20 to 30 years, chimney crowns last 50 to 75 years, and liners can last anywhere from 15 to 50 years depending on the material (e.g., stainless steel vs. cast-in-place).

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