What are the most common chimney problems?

• <div><p>Some of the most <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/common-chimney-issues-and-repairs.htm">common chimney problems</a> include:</p><ul><li><p>Creosote buildup</p></li><li><p>Chimney blockage</p></li><li><p>Deteriorating brickwork or stonework</p></li><li><p>Cracked chimney top</p></li><li><p>Damaged flashing</p></li><li><p>Flue liner damage or deterioration</p></li><li><p>Damaged chimney cap</p></li></ul><p>If you suspect you have a chimney problem, contact a masonry contractor for an inspection. </p></div>

Do electric fireplaces give off a lot of heat?

• <div><p>Electric fireplaces give off more heat than you might think. Because they don’t lose heat through a ventilation system, which is required for wood-burning and gas fireplaces, they’re able to disperse more heat into the room. However, many electric fireplaces are limited to a max of 5,000 or 5,200 BTU heat output, and you can get more from traditional fireplaces. </p></div>

Get matched with top fireplace pros in Dubuque, IA

Q: Who installs chimney caps?

• <div><p>Chimney caps may be installed by a few different professionals, including a chimney sweep or a mason that specializes in fireplaces and chimneys. A gas fireplace technician is the best person to install a chimney cap on a gas log fireplace vent to be sure the cap is appropriate for the application.</p></div>

Q: Can a fireplace be built on an existing house?

• <div><p>You can build a fireplace on an existing house, but it&rsquo;s much easier to construct a masonry fireplace when building a new house. To add to an existing house, you&rsquo;ll need to build a chimney and ensure the foundation can support a true masonry fireplace. Alternatively, you can purchase a gas or electric fireplace insert, which isn&rsquo;t as complicated to add to an existing structure.</p></div>

Q: Are new wood stoves better than old?

• <div><p>In some aspects, yes, new wood stoves are better than old ones. For example, today&rsquo;s EPA emission limits for wood-burning stoves are much lower than they were several decades ago. Stoves that meet these stricter standards produce less air pollution, reduce fire risks, and decrease your risk of inhaling harmful particles.</p></div>

Enter your zip and get matched with up to 5 pros

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

Select your specific project to find the pro for you.

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
Request a quote
Reviewed in July 2025
Create a closet out of old shower stall and install a swinging door
Hunter Creek Construction
Request a quote
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
Request a quote
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
Request a quote
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
Request a quote
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
Request a quote
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
Request a quote
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
Request a quote

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

Request Quote

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

Request Quote

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.

Request Quote

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

Request Quote

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

Request Quote

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.

Request Quote

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

Request Quote

Fireplaces questions, answered by experts

Chimney caps may be installed by a few different professionals, including a chimney sweep or a mason that specializes in fireplaces and chimneys. A gas fireplace technician is the best person to install a chimney cap on a gas log fireplace vent to be sure the cap is appropriate for the application.

Some of the most common chimney problems include:

Creosote buildup
Chimney blockage
Deteriorating brickwork or stonework
Cracked chimney top
Damaged flashing
Flue liner damage or deterioration
Damaged chimney cap

If you suspect you have a chimney problem, contact a masonry contractor for an inspection.

Electric fireplaces give off more heat than you might think. Because they don’t lose heat through a ventilation system, which is required for wood-burning and gas fireplaces, they’re able to disperse more heat into the room. However, many electric fireplaces are limited to a max of 5,000 or 5,200 BTU heat output, and you can get more from traditional fireplaces.

You can build a fireplace on an existing house, but it’s much easier to construct a masonry fireplace when building a new house. To add to an existing house, you’ll need to build a chimney and ensure the foundation can support a true masonry fireplace. Alternatively, you can purchase a gas or electric fireplace insert, which isn’t as complicated to add to an existing structure.

In some aspects, yes, new wood stoves are better than old ones. For example, today’s EPA emission limits for wood-burning stoves are much lower than they were several decades ago. Stoves that meet these stricter standards produce less air pollution, reduce fire risks, and decrease your risk of inhaling harmful particles.

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.

See all articles

Allie Ogletree
•
Jul 8, 2026Jul 8, 2026
How Much Does a Bioethanol Fireplace Cost? [2026 Data]
Bioethanol fireplaces are a chimney- and vent-free way to enjoy a real-flame fire in your home. Keep reading to find out how much ethanol fireplaces cost.
Tyler Lacoma
•
May 30, 2026May 30, 2026
How Much Does Fireplace Installation Cost? [2026 Data]
The average fireplace installation cost is $2,438, but prices vary depending on the type and size of the fireplace. Calculate your costs with our guide.
Haley Nothstein
•
Jul 9, 2026Jul 9, 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 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.
Kaitlyn Pacheco
•
Jul 20, 2026Jul 20, 2026
50+ Stylish Fireplace Ideas to Boost Your Home’s Value
Did you know fireplaces are a profitable home feature? From cozy indoor retreats to trendy outdoor designs, these fireplace ideas are sure to inspire you.
C.E. Larusso
•
May 21, 2026May 21, 2026
12 Cozy Bedroom Fireplace Ideas to Consider
With a few easy decorating tips, you can make your bedroom fireplace the stylish focal point of your room. Up the cozy aesthetic of your bedroom with these 12 ideas.