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    Average homeowner rating
  • Verified reviews icon55
    Verified fireplace services reviews

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Avatar for A-1 Safety Chimney Service, Inc.
A-1 Safety Chimney Service, Inc.
4.5(
1,227
)
Brick or Stone Fireplace (Gas) - InstallBrick or Stone Fireplace (Gas) - RepairBrick or Stone Fireplace (Non-Gas) - Install+12 more

Serving Oak Forest, IL and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 1989

Emergency services offered

Warranties offered

"Anthony and Brandon were excellent, extremely professional and knowledgeable! Anthony and Brandon repaired our chimney and installed a new damper and cap and beautiful new logs in under 2 hours! Both men were very friendly and answered all our questions. We couldn't be more excited about our new fireplace and cannot wait to show it off! We highly recommend A-1 Safety Chimney Service and Anthony and Brandon, they exceeded our expectations and we couldn't be happier!! Thank you Anthony and Brandon and A-1 Safety!!!"
before
after
after
New Build
before

+17

Response time1 day
3 neighbors recently requested a quote
Recommended by87%of homeowners
Avatar for Fire It Up Chimney Services
Fire It Up Chimney Services
4.4(
87
)
Brick or Stone Fireplace (Non-Gas) - RepairBrick or Stone Fireplace (Gas) - InstallClean and Inspect a gas fireplace+8 more

Serving Oak Forest, IL and surrounding areas

Approved

Super Service Award Winner

In business since 2017

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Rob and his crew did a great job.. outside tuck pointing, crack repair, new damper, holes filled. Inside new mortar, smoke chamber fire proofed, new ceramic logs, silica, gas line. Showed us how to operate the new damper and light the fireplace. Perfect job."
Response time1 day
15 neighbors recently requested a quote
Recommended by85%of homeowners
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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.

When your fireplace burns, chemicals like sulfur or calcium can release from the fuel leading to white stuff appearing on the glass. However, it could also signal an issue with your fireplace. If you notice crystal deposits, it indicates either your flame isn’t burning properly or venting well. 

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.

If you would rather use vinegar to clean the stone fireplace instead of dish soap, this mixture should work fine. Vinegar is slightly acidic, however, so it may etch some kinds of stone without quite a bit of diluting. For a stone fireplace, dilute it to about one cup of vinegar for every gallon of hot water. It’s a smart idea to test the diluted mixture in an inconspicuous area of the fireplace and watch for etching. You can use vinegar to clean quite a few different items around your home, and it’s especially good at removing stains.

Neglecting to clean your chimney can lead to serious safety hazards. A primary risk is the buildup of creosote, a highly flammable substance that can ignite and cause a dangerous chimney fire. This buildup can also create blockages in the flue, resulting in poor venting of smoke, soot, and toxic gases like carbon monoxide, which can then enter your home and create dangerously poor indoor air quality. Additionally, creosote is acidic and can damage the chimney's mortar and metal components over time, potentially allowing smoke to leak into your house. To prevent these issues, it is essential to schedule an annual chimney cleaning with a professional.

The Oak Forest, IL homeowners’ guide to fireplace services

From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.