"A-1 did an amazing job & had great pricing! Called them because we heard something in the fireplace. They cam out that day & removed 3 raccoons, capped off chimney & cleaned it. CALL THEM!!! We will defiantly be using them again!"
"We had chimney work done by Chimney USA, Inc. They did a good job. We had 2 chimneys repaired as well as flashing over porch area. Mirna was great in setting things up. Chris W. and Rafael were great at doing the work."
"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"
"Robert was one of three potential providers I contacted for our situation. One provided repeated excuses for delays in coming over and ultimately never submitted an estimate; one was competitive in price but much too long-winded and off-topic in his explanations (uncomfortably so), and the third was Robert. I have read many of the positive reviews of Robert's services and could wrap this up by simply saying "The same!" However, Robert is such a professional, positive and accomplished guy that it is worth my writing (and you reading) another thumbs-up experience. Simply put, Robert is the type of tradesman that every single homeowner on Angie's would want to do business with. If there is an electrician, plumber, etc. out there with the same skills and customer service in their fields that Robert has in his field, I'd sure like to meet them. Here's the Cliffs Notes version: Highly capable Reliable Respectful
Professional
Trustworthy
Very responsive
Easy to work with
Goes the extra mile
Fantastic follow-up
Very good prep and cleanup
Came equipped with good-quality photos of many recent jobs, from high-end to more common
TONS of great reviews here on Angie's
Read more, if interested.
Robert was over within hours of my initial inquiry. I have a 60-year-old home I purchased less than a year ago and it has a beautiful fireplace of colorful, rough-hewn stones that extends to a very large chimney outside During certain rains and snows, however, random stones above the firebox were showing moisture. The stone chimney extends well outside the house and it isn't hard to imagine that there could be innumerable places where water could infiltrate. Sure enough, upon inspection Robert found numerous examples of cracks and missing mortar well above the roofline which he documented with his camera and showed me. It was also apparent that the previous tuckpoint job at an unknown time in the past was hastily-applied, probably just a patch-up job. In fact, it wasn't even proper tuckpointing material, but ordinary gray cement. See my detailed list of the work performed in the previous field called "What did the provider do." "
SCOPE OF WORK: New construction, renovation, and maintenance of brick, stone, glass block, and concrete block.\n\nMONSTER MASONRY, INC. is a family owned business providing quality work at a fair price in both residential and commercial markets. We specialize in all types of brick and stone work including new construction and renovation of homes, walls, chimneys, fireplaces, piers, and mailboxes. We do an excellent job of brick matching for additions and renovation work. Our eye for stone placement is unmatched. We also provide glass block window installation, tuckpointing and caulking services. If your job includes brick, stone, brick repairs or replacement, tuckpointing, limestone, or glass block give us a call. *****WE DO NOT do chimney sweeping, gas line repairs, paving stones for driveways, patios, or sidewalks, drystack stones, or man made/artificial stone "look" materials. SUGGESTION: For gas line repairs call a plumber & patio paving bricks contact a landscaper.
"They came and unblocked one chimney and replaced the cap that others looked at and just left. Installed a new cap on the chimney for my fireplace that I wasn't able to use for the last 4 years. Anthony is very knowledgeable and is awesome at his job!"
"The workers and office staff were easy to talk to, well informed, courteous , and efficient. They performed a thorough inspection. Recommended and installed a stainless liner and cap for the furnace flue and a new damper on the fireplace flue. Their price was better than previous quotes and even set up a partial payment plan. I am very pleased with the work they did."
As a Licensed General Contractor & Masonry Specialist, with a focus on precision and structural integrity, I provide specialized masonry and restoration services designed to protect your investment. Whether it is a historic restoration or a modern repair, I combine technical expertise with high-quality craftsmanship to ensure your building stands the test of time.\nOur Core Services:\n• Masonry & Tuckpointing: Expert brick and stone repair, chimney rebuilding, and precision mortar matching.\n• Foundation & Waterproofing: Comprehensive crack repair and moisture barriers to keep your structure stable and dry.\n• Demolition: Safe, controlled deconstruction and site preparation for any renovation project.\n• Safety First: I am an EPA-certified Lead Renovator, ensuring all work on older properties is handled safely and legally.
Hello! We’re SS Construction, a trusted masonry company dedicated to delivering high-quality craftsmanship and reliable service on every project. With years of experience in brickwork, stonework, concrete, and repair, we take pride in building strong, beautiful, and long-lasting results for our customers. Whether you need new construction, restoration, or custom masonry design, we handle each job with attention to detail and professionalism.\n\nOur goal is simple — to exceed your expectations with honest communication, fair pricing, and quality work that stands the test of time. No project is too big or too small — we treat every client like family. Contact us today to bring your vision to life!
For most brick cleaning jobs, including fireplace bricks, use a masonry sponge and a gentle cleaner. A simple solution of equal parts water and vinegar, or a few drops of dish soap in a bowl of water, can effectively remove grime. For tougher stains, you can use a dedicated masonry or fireplace cleaner. It is crucial to wet the bricks thoroughly with water before applying any cleaning solution to prevent the brick from absorbing it, and to rinse the surface completely afterward. Harsher cleaners containing bleach or ammonia should only be used as a last resort, and they should never be mixed together.
Wood-burning fireplaces typically make homeowners insurance more expensive, simply because they increase the risk for a fire in your home. Gas and electric inserts are less likely to bring up your insurance rates, but you should always speak with your agent to understand how installing any type of fireplace will affect your premiums.
You should never block both the top and bottom of your chimney. Proper airflow is essential because the temperature inside the chimney will still fluctuate as your house warms and cools. Moisture can build up without ventilation, leading to dampness in your walls over time. Blocking the top prevents debris and animals from entering, but the chimney still needs air circulation to avoid condensation issues. Allowing the chimney to breathe maintains the health of your home and prevents long-term damage.
A fireplace is, by definition, an enclosed space where you burn wood or other fuel for the purpose of generating light and heat. A firepit burns wood and is much less expensive to build, but they aren’t technically a fireplace as it isn’t enclosed. An outdoor oven—commonly outdoor brick pizza ovens—often uses wood as fuel, but its primary purpose is to cook food, and you’d rarely just burn wood inside them for warmth or aesthetic reasons.
Although no heating appliance can be entirely risk-free, a fireplace insert is considered a safer alternative to a traditional open fireplace, thanks to their enclosed design. With a sealed combustion chamber, a fireplace insert effectively reduces the risk of sparks and embers escaping into the room, minimizing the chance of an accidental fire.
Additionally, an insert comes equipped with various safety features, such as tempered glass doors that create a barrier between the flames and the surrounding space. This enhances both safety and energy efficiency by preventing heat loss. As an added bonus, many inserts are designed to meet strict safety standards that ensure proper ventilation and combustion.
The Peotone, IL 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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