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>

Get matched with top fireplace pros in Dubuque, IA

Q: Can I clean my own fireplace and chimney?

• <div><p>While it is possible to clean your own chimney and fireplace with the appropriate brushes and safety gear, hiring a professional is often recommended. A professional ensures thorough creosote removal and compliance with safety standards. They can also safely access high or hidden areas that may be difficult for a homeowner to reach, providing comprehensive assurance that the job is completed correctly and safely.</p></div>

Q: What time of year is firewood cheapest?

• <div><p>Firewood tends to be cheaper during the spring and summer. When the demand for firewood is lower during these seasons, many firewood companies offer lower prices and added discounts. In addition, the supply of firewood is typically higher in these months, meaning the quality is typically higher as well. </p></div>

Q: How long do chimney dampers last?

• <div><p>The lifespan of a chimney damper depends on several factors, including its material, how often the fireplace is used, and the amount of debris that enters the chimney. With proper maintenance, an average damper can last about 20 years. To ensure it is functioning correctly, it is best to have it professionally inspected. Some experts recommend an annual inspection, while others suggest having a chimney sweep inspect and clean it every two years. A professional can assess the damper's condition and determine if a replacement is necessary.</p></div>

Q: Are pellet stoves safer than wood stoves?

• <div><p>Pellet stoves are safer than wood stoves in many ways. They don&rsquo;t produce as many creosote deposits as wood stoves do, they create less smoke, and the flames are contained, decreasing the risk of any sparks or embers creating a house fire. Pellet stoves also burn more cleanly and efficiently than wood stoves do.</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 September 2024
We bought a Cimarron Home in June 2024 in Alamance County. The build quality is excellent. The sales team and construction manager are knowledgeable and pleasant to work with. Their contract is fairer than any of the national builders (Pulte and DR Horton). The reason it is not five stars is...
CIMARRON HOMES
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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—

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Mikesh Construction LLC

New to Angi

Brick or Stone Fireplace (Non-Gas) - Install

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

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

Request Quote

Fireplaces questions, answered by experts

While it is possible to clean your own chimney and fireplace with the appropriate brushes and safety gear, hiring a professional is often recommended. A professional ensures thorough creosote removal and compliance with safety standards. They can also safely access high or hidden areas that may be difficult for a homeowner to reach, providing comprehensive assurance that the job is completed correctly and safely.

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.

Firewood tends to be cheaper during the spring and summer. When the demand for firewood is lower during these seasons, many firewood companies offer lower prices and added discounts. In addition, the supply of firewood is typically higher in these months, meaning the quality is typically higher as well.

The lifespan of a chimney damper depends on several factors, including its material, how often the fireplace is used, and the amount of debris that enters the chimney. With proper maintenance, an average damper can last about 20 years. To ensure it is functioning correctly, it is best to have it professionally inspected. Some experts recommend an annual inspection, while others suggest having a chimney sweep inspect and clean it every two years. A professional can assess the damper's condition and determine if a replacement is necessary.

Pellet stoves are safer than wood stoves in many ways. They don’t produce as many creosote deposits as wood stoves do, they create less smoke, and the flames are contained, decreasing the risk of any sparks or embers creating a house fire. Pellet stoves also burn more cleanly and efficiently than wood stoves do.

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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