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>

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Q: Are chimneys usually load-bearing?

• <div><p>The answer can vary widely based on a home's age and design. As with any type of remodeling project, assume that every structure is load-bearing until confirming otherwise with a structural engineer. Almost all modern homes have chimneys that are fully independent from the rest of the home's framing. As a result, they don't bear any load beyond their own weight. However, many historic homes built prior to the 1900s contain load-bearing chimneys that tie into the surrounding roof and floor joists. If possible, use a home's blueprints or look for chimney connections that indicate load-bearing qualities to get your answer.</p></div>

Q: How much does a fireplace add to home value?

• <div><p>A fireplace can increase a home's value by as much as 12%, with some reports indicating that homes with fireplaces list for around 13% more than the median sale price. Fireplaces are both functional and aesthetically pleasing, adding a charm that many homebuyers find desirable. The actual return on investment depends on the fireplace's size, type, and material.</p><p>However, a fireplace can detract from a property's value if it is unusable, not up to code, or in need of immediate repairs. The type of fireplace also matters; custom electric fireplaces and inserts can add value, while freestanding units that can be removed have less impact.</p></div>

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: Can you use a fireplace with a broken damper?

• <div><p>You can use a fireplace with a broken damper, but only if the damper is in the open position. If not, your fireplace will not properly vent smoke outdoors. Never operate your fireplace if the damper is sealed shut and you cannot open it, as deadly smoke will quickly fill your home. If your fireplace damper is broken, have it repaired or replaced as soon as possible.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Fireplace Service pros in Waverly, IA

*The Angi rating for Fireplace Service companies in Waverly, 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 Waverly, 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 April 16, 2026

Find Fireplace pros in Waverly

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

Serving Waverly, 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 Waverly, 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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Iowa Post Frame Builders, LLC

2.6(

)

Pre-Fabricated Fireplace Unit (Gas) - InstallPre-Fabricated Fireplace Unit (Non-Gas) - InstallPre-Fabricated Fireplace Unit - Install

Serving Waverly, IA and surrounding areas

In business since 1976

We are a complete general contractor - we can develop, build commercial, all types of residential remodeling and new construction, as well as offer great services on any smaller home improvement need. \n\nWe specialize in engineered post frame construction, horse, farm suburban and commercial buildings. We are able to do the complete contracting job for our customers from start to finish efficiently and with great customer care. \n\nWe also specialize in steel roofing on buildings and homes as well and are proud to offer NEW DECRA SHINGLES FOR RESIDENTIAL HOMES WITH A FIFTY YEAR WARRANTY THAT CAN BE LAID OVER EXISTING ASPHALT SHINGLES - ONE OF THE GREATEST ROOFING PRODUCTS WE HAVE DISCOVERED IN THE MARKET PLACE! \n\nWe consider ourselves "IOWA'S BEST!" - call us today!

Recommended by33%of homeowners

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Stone AXE

New to Angi

Brick or Stone Fireplace (Gas) - InstallBrick or Stone Fireplace (Gas) - RepairBrick or Stone Fireplace (Non-Gas) - Install+1 more

Serving Waverly, IA and surrounding areas

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

Warranties offered

I’m a very dedicated person and take pride in my work, I’m very focused on msking my customers satisfied, and always finish the job with a happy customer,

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Fireplaces questions, answered by experts

The answer can vary widely based on a home's age and design. As with any type of remodeling project, assume that every structure is load-bearing until confirming otherwise with a structural engineer. Almost all modern homes have chimneys that are fully independent from the rest of the home's framing. As a result, they don't bear any load beyond their own weight. However, many historic homes built prior to the 1900s contain load-bearing chimneys that tie into the surrounding roof and floor joists. If possible, use a home's blueprints or look for chimney connections that indicate load-bearing qualities to get your answer.

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.

A fireplace can increase a home's value by as much as 12%, with some reports indicating that homes with fireplaces list for around 13% more than the median sale price. Fireplaces are both functional and aesthetically pleasing, adding a charm that many homebuyers find desirable. The actual return on investment depends on the fireplace's size, type, and material.

However, a fireplace can detract from a property's value if it is unusable, not up to code, or in need of immediate repairs. The type of fireplace also matters; custom electric fireplaces and inserts can add value, while freestanding units that can be removed have less impact.

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.

You can use a fireplace with a broken damper, but only if the damper is in the open position. If not, your fireplace will not properly vent smoke outdoors. Never operate your fireplace if the damper is sealed shut and you cannot open it, as deadly smoke will quickly fill your home. If your fireplace damper is broken, have it repaired or replaced as soon as possible.

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