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TRUSTED BY RIVER FOREST, IL HOMEOWNERS

  • Average homeowner rating star icon4.5
    Average homeowner rating
  • Verified reviews icon221
    Verified fireplace cleaning services reviews

Top-Rated Fireplace cleaning pros in River Forest - Updated Nov 2026

Avatar for A-1 Safety Chimney Service, Inc.
A-1 Safety Chimney Service, Inc.
4.5(
1,228
)
Chimney or Fireplace - Clean and InspectChimney or Fireplace - Clean and Inspect - For BusinessClean and Inspect a wood fireplace chimney

Serving River 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
1 neighbors recently requested a quote
Recommended by87%of homeowners
Avatar for Fire It Up Chimney Services
Fire It Up Chimney Services
4.4(
88
)
Clean and Inspect a wood fireplace chimneyChimney or Fireplace - Clean and Inspect - For Business

Serving River 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
27 neighbors recently requested a quote
Recommended by84%of homeowners
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Fireplace Cleaners FAQs, answered by experts

You should use an angled brush to first paint the mortar lines, then go in with a high-density roller to evenly paint the bricks one at a time. You can also use a flat paintbrush to paint individual bricks, but a roller is faster and easier to use thanks to its longer handle and wider surface area for coating the bricks. To finish, go in with the paint brush for edges or hard-to-reach areas.

The main difference between limewash and German schmear is their core ingredient. Limewash is made from crushed limestone, while German schmear uses a mortar base. This affects their application, appearance, and longevity. German schmear involves applying a thin layer of mortar to brick or stone and then partially wiping it off. In contrast, limewash is a type of paint. German schmear is essentially permanent, lasting one to two decades with minimal maintenance, whereas limewash has a shorter lifespan of five to seven years. Cost-wise, German schmear is about $1 to $4 per square foot and is typically only available in white or gray.

The most inexpensive option is to paint the brick facing of your existing fireplace. You can create an interesting design with the right color of paint, as long as the brick is in good shape. Sometimes, simply cleaning the brick fireplace makes a big difference in the way it looks. Otherwise, covering an existing stone, brick, or masonry fireplace facing with stucco or concrete is an inexpensive option versus tearing out the existing material and refacing the fireplace.

No, you can't apply limewash with a roller and expect good results. Limewash is as much a technique as it is a type of paint, and a freehand application with a brush is part of that technique. Hand brushing a large area can be tiring, but limewash goes on easily and only requires thin coats to be effective.

You may have some limitations when looking for materials and a design to reface your gas fireplace versus what’s available for a traditional wood-burning fireplace. Some gas fireplace surround ideas include stone, concrete, brick, tile, wood, steel, and plaster. However, you should check with the manufacturer of your gas fireplace model to determine if you have any limitations on what you can use.

The River Forest, IL homeowners’ guide to fireplace cleaning services

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