"Great! The two guys showed up right on time, were polite and efficient. They also recommended ways for me to increase the look and functions of our gas fireplaces. We’ll work with them again in the future"
"We woke up to a terrible stench coming out of our fireplace. We knew whatever it was wasn't going to be pretty. We needed help fast. Gem was the first company to answer our call. They sent out Vincent within hours, and he found the culprits-dead squirrels who had gotten trapped in the chimney. Vincent removed them and disinfected the fireplace. Then he inspected both of the chimneys on our 100+ year old house. He showed my husband the camera pics. We needed a new cap on the fireplace chimney and repairs on both chimneys. He came back and fixed everything a week later when the cap came back. Vincent gets 5 stars. I would use them again. The only issue I had was with GEM phone customer service. They had a problem (on their end, not ours) with one of the checks and tried to pressure me into using Zelle. I would have preferred putting it on a credit card, but they don't take them. Credit cards and checks give customers consumer protections."
"The chimney project went smoothly. The result of the initial work on the fireplace was less satisfying. Richard Olsen, the owner, agreed with me and had the work redone. He made sure that the end result was something that we both were happy with. I was impressed by his professionalism and the pride he took in the work done by his company. I will not hesitate to hire him again or to recommend him."
"Bryan from Pratt's was great to work with. We had not used and of our fireplaces since we bought the house a few years ago. Two of them had old gas logs and the third had never been used since the house was built. I initially called Pratt's to inspect the chimneys and to discuss options on converting one from gas logs back to wood burning and another to have some sort of updated gas option put in. Upon inspection Bryan noted that all three had damage and it would not be safe to use without repairing them. He also determined none of them needed sweeping and that in fact the one in the basement had never been used. However, this one was not capped properly so the flue had accumulate some rust over the years. He showed me live video of the inside of the chimneys to show me the damage to them and why they were not safe to use as is. He proposed options on installing a gas insert in one, relining the one we wanted to burn wood in again and replacing the flue for the one in the basement. While we selected the options we wanted for the gas insert Bryan was very responsive and took the time answer all of our questions. When it came time to do the install Bryan ran into a couple of the issues with the gas insert installation. The backing for the insert was wrong for the manufacturer but Brian was able to track a proper one down so we didn't have to wait for the correct one to be sent by the manufacturer. The other issue was related to the existing gas line into the fireplace. It stuck out slightly too far for the insert to be centered properly and the line was completely cemented into the wall so it could not be adjusted. Brian went out of his way to talk to his contacts including the manufacturer on options that could be taken to slightly and safely modify the outside of the gas insert to be able to center it. Due to his efforts they were able to properly center the insert. The insert looks and works great. The new flues and caps also look great. Definitely recommend Pratt's Chimney service."
"Professional workers who made sure the job was done correctly. They made sure to come back a week later and ensure proper installation so my family can enjoy the fireplace safely"
"The owner Eric came out personally to inspect and install the Fireplace Insert. This is my second year with the unit and I couldn't be more pleased. All the staff was very pleasant. I would definitely hire again."
The cost difference between a gas fireplace and a wood-burning fireplace depends on the type of wood-burning fireplace installed. The cost to install a gas fireplace tends to be cheaper than the cost to install a brick wood-burning fireplace. Installing a gas fireplace costs about $3,600 on average, whereas the cost to build a masonry wood-burning fireplace can go up to $30,000. The cost to install a wood-burning fireplace insert or stove can cost from $700 to $6,500, about the same as a gas fireplace on average.
The height of the chimney for your outdoor fireplace depends on where the fireplace is located. Ideally, the chimney should be 2 to 3 feet higher than surrounding structures; this allows smoke to ventilate properly without endangering anyone or anything.
Note: Your municipality may have strict requirements regarding chimney heights, so it’s always a good idea to check local building codes.
No. Pellet stoves are specifically designed to burn manufactured wood or biomass pellets. Attempting to burn other materials, such as regular firewood or paper products, can damage the stove, compromise its efficiency, and even pose safety hazards due to inconsistent combustion and increased emissions. It's crucial to follow manufacturer guidelines and only use pellets that are specifically recommended for your pellet stove model to ensure safe and optimal performance over its life span.
In homes that have a gas furnace, it's typically the heating system that uses the most gas. That explains why your gas bill is almost always higher in the winter and other colder months than it is in the summer. Other appliances that may use gas include your water heater, clothes dryer, and stove.
Sap, despite its stickiness, is primarily made of water and is responsible for wood being “green” when it’s first cut. Green wood doesn’t burn very easily and will snap and crackle a lot, not ideal for a fire pit or fireplace. That’s why it’s best to let fresh, sap-filled wood season or dry out for at least a season before you start burning.
The Lake Bluff, IL homeowners’ guide to fireplace services
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
Find out the average brick or stone fireplace installation cost in Chicago, IL. Learn what you can expect to pay for materials and local masonry labor.
With a gas fireplace, it’s important to stay up-to-date on your inspections. Learn more about how much gas fireplace inspections cost before you book one.
Find out if you really need a chimney to install a fireplace in your home. This guide helps you understand your options, such as a ventless fireplace, when choosing the right fireplace for your home if you don't have a chimney.
