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Avatar for Chimneys R Us, LLC
Chimneys R Us, LLC
4.0(
35
)
Brick or Stone Fireplace (Non-Gas) - RepairClean and Inspect a gas fireplaceClean and Inspect a wood burning stove or pellet stove+7 more

Serving Sterling, IL and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2017

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"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."
COPPER CAP
CUSTOM CAP
CUSTOM CAP
OLD CHASE COVER
NEW CHASE COVER

+9

Response time1 hour
Response rate99%
Recommended by85%of homeowners
Avatar for Godfrey Bros. Chimney Sweep & Air Duct Cleaning
Godfrey Bros. Chimney Sweep & Air Duct Cleaning
4.7(
147
)
Brick or Stone Fireplace (Non-Gas) - RepairClean and Inspect a gas fireplaceClean and Inspect a wood burning stove or pellet stove+1 more

Serving Sterling, IL and surrounding areas

In business since 2005

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"They were prompt and courteous. They asked a few questions and answered all of our questions. We were new to fireplaces. We are both elderly...these guys took the time to explain the whole process associated with fireplaces. We had called them out to check only one of our fireplaces. I was so impressed with them that I ask them to check out our other. Their fees for checking the second fireplace was reasonable. So reasonable in fact that I tipped them substantially."
Response time1 day
Recommended by98%of homeowners
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Fireplaces questions, answered by experts

It’s possible to clean your chimney by accessing it from the opening above your fireplace, but be aware that this method is messier because you will be pulling loose buildup of soot, ash, and creosote into your fireplace instead of up, out, and onto the roof. While the bottom-up method can cause more of a mess, it’s a good option if you’re not comfortable getting on the roof.

Costs depend on appliance age, issue complexity, part availability, and labor rates.

Compared to certain types of firewood like pine or spruce—which burn off sticky resin contained within the wood that creates lots of smoke—elm isn’t the worst option for burning in a fireplace.

Because elm wood is dense, it burns at a moderate pace and does a pretty good job of keeping your home warm. Hardwood like maple or oak may perform slightly better, but elm isn’t a bad choice overall.

In addition to flashing, a roof cricket can help divert water around your chimney so that it drains properly off your roof. It’s shaped like a double triangle and is installed behind the chimney so that falling water spills evenly down each side. This helps prevent water from accumulating behind your chimney, which can increase water damage and the risk of leaks. 

The International Building Code (IBC) requires cricket installation if a chimney built after 2012 measures over 30 inches in width. Chimneys constructed before that date are typically grandfathered in and aren’t required to have crickets installed.

A fireplace's lifespan varies significantly depending on its type, the quality of construction, the materials used, and how well it is maintained. On average, you can expect a fireplace to last between 10 and 30 years, with many homeowners experiencing major issues after about 20 years.

Here's a breakdown by type:

  • Gas Inserts: Typically last 10 to 25 years with proper maintenance.

  • Electric Fireplaces: Have a lifespan of up to 20 years.

  • Traditional Brick Fireplaces: Can last for centuries, but require ongoing maintenance and repairs, such as tuckpointing.

The Sterling, IL homeowners’ guide to fireplace services

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