Get matched with top fireplace pros in Utica, IL

Q: Can you build a pizza oven with normal bricks?

• <div><p>You can use normal bricks as cladding for a concrete or clay pizza oven or as a base underneath one. Fire bricks or solid clay bricks are necessary for an outdoor pizza oven&rsquo;s floor, and you can use clay bricks for the rest of the oven. </p></div>

Q: Do I also need a cricket for my chimney?

• <div><p>In addition to flashing, a roof cricket can help divert water around your chimney so that it drains properly off your roof. It&rsquo;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. </p><p><a href="https://codes.iccsafe.org/content/IBC2021P1">The International Building Code</a> (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&rsquo;t required to have crickets installed.</p></div>

Q: Where is the best place to install a wood stove in a house?

• <div><p>The best location for a wood stove depends on your home's layout and venting options. For optimal heat distribution, a central location on the ground floor, such as the living room, is often recommended. If you have an existing, functional chimney, installing the stove there can simplify the venting process. Alternatively, placing the stove near an outside wall can make it easier to route a new chimney through the roof. For safety, ensure no combustible materials are near the stove. Building codes typically require 20 to 36 inches of clearance between the stove and any side walls.</p></div>

Q: Are chimneys usually load-bearing?

• <div><p>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.</p></div>

Q: What are the most common chimney problems?

• <div><p>Some of the most <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/common-chimney-issues-and-repairs.htm">common chimney problems</a> include:</p><ul><li><p>Creosote buildup</p></li><li><p>Chimney blockage</p></li><li><p>Deteriorating brickwork or stonework</p></li><li><p>Cracked chimney top</p></li><li><p>Damaged flashing</p></li><li><p>Flue liner damage or deterioration</p></li><li><p>Damaged chimney cap</p></li></ul><p>If you suspect you have a chimney problem, contact a masonry contractor for an inspection. </p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Fireplace Service pros in Utica, IL

*The Angi rating for Fireplace Service companies in Utica, IL is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Fireplace Service needs.

*The HomeAdvisor rating for Fireplace Service companies in Utica, IL is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Fireplace Service needs.

Last update on October 19, 2025

Reviewed in October 2025
Very great business. Very knowledgeable n helpful in products and repairs . Highly recommended them for your chimney n fireplace needs
Top Hat Chimney Service, LLC
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Reviewed in February 2025
Excellent job! They removed a large tree from my backyard. Arrived on time, worked quickly and had everything clean up perfect before they left. Pricing was very reasonable. I would highly recommend!
Cutting Edge Tree Service, LLC
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Reviewed in September 2024
I recently hired Dixon Superior Painting to transform my living room with an epoxy floor, and the results are stunning! The team was professional, efficient, and attentive to detail. The new floor has completely changed the look of my space, adding a modern touch that I absolutely love. I...
Dixon Superior Painting, LLC
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Reviewed in August 2024
Greg did a fantastic job refinishing the front wood doors at St. Teresa church on Earlville ,IL. Greg was very thorough with preparation as well as during the whole process. I would HIGHLY RECOMMEND HIM!!!
Country Refinishing
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Reviewed in June 2022
Elite Seamless Gutters, Inc. installed a new deck on the back of the house and front porch. They also did 6" seamless gutters and gutter guards on the house and garage. The work was exceptional. They were very efficient. The temperature was in the high 90's and they still showed up everyday...
Elite Seamless Gutters, Inc.
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Reviewed in March 2022
They did an amazing job and were super helpful! I love the deck work they did and how friendly they were to have around. Excellent work, great price for the work, and I would love to have them around again to work on some other projects in the future.
BuildRite Home Pro's LLC
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Reviewed in January 2022
Did awesome job putting insulation in and replace ing new doors for also very good job
Lavalle Construction
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Reviewed in November 2016
PM went fine and service person didn't have time to look at fire place so it was rescheduled for the next day. Service person came and repaired fireplace and we weren't charged an additional service call because of time restraint the day before. Very happy with Summate heating and service person.
SUMMIT HEATING & AIR COND
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Reviewed in September 2016
<p>I needed additional electrical outlets in the house. Two of them were added to the loft. The job was done professionally and quickly. The wiring was enclosed and I have very happy with the work done. Clean up was very well done (in fact, I think some of MY mess was cleaned up in the...
To Your Door Handyman, LLC
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Reviewed in April 2016
Excellent job painting my fireplace. I love it! Very professional and easy to work with.
Window Max Inc. Facebook
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Find Fireplace pros in Utica

Chimney Restoration Map, Inc.

4.8(

)

Brick or Stone Fireplace (Non-Gas) - RepairBrick or Stone Fireplace (Gas) - RepairClean and Inspect a gas fireplace+2 more

Serving Utica, IL and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2021

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"I thought everything was great. Chimney was cleaned. No mess. Very professional and on time. I was disappointed that our chimney cap could not be put back on as the ladder did not reach the roof. This was part of why we had someone come out. Everything else was perfect."

+37

Response time1 day

Response rate95%

3 neighbors recently requested a quote

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Shamrock Maintenance Corp.

3.4(

702

)

Brick or Stone Fireplace (Non-Gas) - RepairBrick or Stone Fireplace (Non-Gas) - InstallClean and Inspect a wood burning stove or pellet stove+3 more

Serving Utica, IL and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2015

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"After 3 chimney sweep inspections, Alan was the only one to find a solution to my fireplace smoking VERY knowledgeable."

+33

Response time1 day

Response rate100%

2 neighbors recently requested a quote

Brick or Stone Fireplace (Non-Gas) - RepairClean and Inspect a gas fireplaceClean and Inspect a wood burning stove or pellet stove+7 more

Serving Utica, 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."

Response time1 hour

Response rate99%

Recommended by85%of homeowners

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Cleaning First

New to Angi

Clean and Inspect a wood fireplace chimney

Serving Utica, IL and surrounding areas

Approved

Free estimates

Small jobs welcome

Offers commercial services

If you are looking for cleaning services/trash removal for one to two hours or more any time of the day. Carpet Cleaning cleaningfirst1234.com. Fully insured

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Success Landscaping

New to Angi

Clean and Inspect a gas fireplaceClean and Inspect a wood burning stove or pellet stoveClean and Inspect a wood fireplace chimney

Serving Utica, IL and surrounding areas

Approved

At AK Enterprise, we are committed to providing reliable, high-quality landscaping services that bring beauty and value to every property we work on. We specialize in lawn care, landscape design, maintenance, cleanup services, and outdoor improvements tailored to each customer’s needs. Our goal is simple: deliver dependable service, attention to detail, and results that exceed expectations. Whether it’s maintaining a healthy lawn or transforming outdoor spaces, we take pride in helping our customers create landscapes they can enjoy year-round.

1 neighbors recently requested a quote

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Dedication Restoration

4.6(

115

)

Clean and Inspect a wood fireplace chimneyPre-Fabricated Fireplace Unit (Gas) - RepairBrick or Stone Fireplace (Gas) - Repair+7 more

Serving Utica, IL and surrounding areas

In business since 2018

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Polite, showed up on time, completed the work needed. Inspected and cleaned chimney and fireplace, walked through usage."

Response time4 hrs

9 neighbors recently requested a quote

Recommended by95%of homeowners

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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 Utica, 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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Dedication Restoration

4.6(

132

)

Clean and Inspect a gas fireplaceClean and Inspect a wood burning stove or pellet stoveClean and Inspect a wood fireplace chimney+2 more

Serving Utica, IL and surrounding areas

In business since 2018

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Polite, showed up on time, completed the work needed. Inspected and cleaned chimney and fireplace, walked through usage."

Response time3 hrs

Response rate94%

Recommended by95%of homeowners

Request Quote

Dedication Restoration

4.6(

115

)

Clean and Inspect a gas fireplaceClean and Inspect a wood burning stove or pellet stoveClean and Inspect a wood fireplace chimney+1 more

Serving Utica, IL and surrounding areas

In business since 2018

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Great experience! The Works Air team were quick to respond, they provided excellent service, and we would recommend them to everyone."

Recommended by95%of homeowners

Clean and Inspect a gas fireplaceClean and Inspect a wood burning stove or pellet stoveClean and Inspect a wood fireplace chimney

Serving Utica, IL and surrounding areas

In business since 2007

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Still using to protect our home."

Recommended by93%of homeowners

Request Quote

Showing 1-10 of 27

Fireplaces questions, answered by experts

You can use normal bricks as cladding for a concrete or clay pizza oven or as a base underneath one. Fire bricks or solid clay bricks are necessary for an outdoor pizza oven’s floor, and you can use clay bricks for the rest of the oven.

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.

The best location for a wood stove depends on your home's layout and venting options. For optimal heat distribution, a central location on the ground floor, such as the living room, is often recommended. If you have an existing, functional chimney, installing the stove there can simplify the venting process. Alternatively, placing the stove near an outside wall can make it easier to route a new chimney through the roof. For safety, ensure no combustible materials are near the stove. Building codes typically require 20 to 36 inches of clearance between the stove and any side walls.

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.

Some of the most common chimney problems include:

Creosote buildup
Chimney blockage
Deteriorating brickwork or stonework
Cracked chimney top
Damaged flashing
Flue liner damage or deterioration
Damaged chimney cap

If you suspect you have a chimney problem, contact a masonry contractor for an inspection.

The Utica, IL homeowners’ guide to fireplace services

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