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TRUSTED BY WHEELING, IL HOMEOWNERS

  • Average homeowner rating star icon4.6
    Average homeowner rating
  • Verified reviews icon364
    Verified fireplace cleaning services reviews

Find Fireplace cleaning pros in Wheeling

Avatar for Pratts Professional Chimney Service
Pratts Professional Chimney Service
4.8(
98
)

Serving Wheeling, IL and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2004

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Bryan from Pratt's was great to work with. We had not used and of our fireplaces since we bought the house a few years ago. Two of them had old gas logs and the third had never been used since the house was built. I initially called Pratt's to inspect the chimneys and to discuss options on converting one from gas logs back to wood burning and another to have some sort of updated gas option put in. Upon inspection Bryan noted that all three had damage and it would not be safe to use without repairing them. He also determined none of them needed sweeping and that in fact the one in the basement had never been used. However, this one was not capped properly so the flue had accumulate some rust over the years. He showed me live video of the inside of the chimneys to show me the damage to them and why they were not safe to use as is. He proposed options on installing a gas insert in one, relining the one we wanted to burn wood in again and replacing the flue for the one in the basement. While we selected the options we wanted for the gas insert Bryan was very responsive and took the time answer all of our questions. When it came time to do the install Bryan ran into a couple of the issues with the gas insert installation. The backing for the insert was wrong for the manufacturer but Brian was able to track a proper one down so we didn't have to wait for the correct one to be sent by the manufacturer. The other issue was related to the existing gas line into the fireplace. It stuck out slightly too far for the insert to be centered properly and the line was completely cemented into the wall so it could not be adjusted. Brian went out of his way to talk to his contacts including the manufacturer on options that could be taken to slightly and safely modify the outside of the gas insert to be able to center it. Due to his efforts they were able to properly center the insert. The insert looks and works great. The new flues and caps also look great. Definitely recommend Pratt's Chimney service."
Additional Photos
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+2

Response time7 hrs
Recommended by97%of homeowners
Avatar for Chimney USA Inc.
Chimney USA Inc.
4.4(
218
)

Serving Wheeling, IL and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 1997

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"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."
Response time11 hrs
Recommended by94%of homeowners
Avatar for Gem Chimney & Duct LLC
Gem Chimney & Duct LLC
4.6(
33
)

Serving Wheeling, IL and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2020

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"We are so glad we hired Gem to clean our chimney. The cost was very reasonable and well worth it. The workers were so prompt, efficient, and took care to keep the area clean. We definitely will hire Gem again."
pilot replacment
cap replacment
before
before  replacment
after crown and cap

+19

Response time5 hrs
Response rate90%
1 neighbors recently requested a quote
Avatar for Defender Chimney & Fireplace Services, LLC
Defender Chimney & Fireplace Services, LLC
5.0(
20
)

Serving Wheeling, IL and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2019

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Derrick cleaned our wood burning stove and did an amazing job. We could've had a fire so thank God he came out and cleaned the pipes! He was very friendly and I was really happy with his work and totally recommend him!"
Gas log set install
Gas log set install.
Gas log set install
Gas log set install
Gas log set install

+84

6 neighbors recently requested a quote
Avatar for Fire It Up Chimney Services
Fire It Up Chimney Services
4.4(
87
)

Serving Wheeling, 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
13 neighbors recently requested a quote
Recommended by85%of homeowners
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Fireplace Cleaners questions, answered by experts

You can turn a red brick white through a process called whitewashing. Whitewash isn’t a stain but rather is made from water and white latex paint. Adding more water to the mix will make the solution look lighter when applied, and adding more paint will make it look more white.

Limewash and whitewash are two techniques used to give brick a light, matte finish, but they differ in composition, application, and permanence. The best choice depends on your aesthetic goals and the specific surface.

Composition

  • Limewash: A natural and environmentally friendly option made from limestone, water, and sometimes pigments. It is breathable and soaks into porous surfaces like brick.

  • Whitewash: Traditionally made from lime, water, chalk, and binders, but a similar look can be achieved with watered-down white paint. It is paint-based and sits on top of the surface.

Appearance and Finish

  • Limewash: Provides a natural, textured appearance that allows the brick's character to show through. It offers a more traditional finish.

  • Whitewash: Creates a softer, more opaque finish, often used for a rustic or shabby-chic style.

Application and Permanence

  • Limewash: Is semi-permanent and can be removed, making it a good choice if you might want to change the look in the future. It requires more skill to apply and cannot be used on previously painted brick.

  • Whitewash: Is a more permanent solution. It is more forgiving to apply and can be used on painted brick. However, because it sits on the surface, it can trap moisture.

Ultimately, if you want a breathable, natural, and reversible finish for unpainted brick, limewash is a great option. If you need a more permanent, opaque coating that can be applied over painted surfaces, whitewash is the better choice. Whitewashing may also be more economical, costing approximately $1.40 to $4.20 per square foot.

Yes, brick should be clean before staining to ensure the best results. Dirt, dust, mold, mildew, and other substances on the brick can prevent the stain from properly adhering to it. Thoroughly cleaning the brick allows the stain to penetrate and bond to the surface more effectively. Cleaning typically involves using a pressure washer or a stiff brush with mild detergent. However, stubborn residue may require a specialized masonry cleaner.

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.

Cracks in the chimney can be very serious, depending on their location and size. Even small cracks can become serious over time if left unrepaired. Cracks allow heat and moisture to deteriorate your chimney and harmful carbon monoxide gas to seep into your home. Small cracks can often be caulked, while large cracked sections may require full replacement.

The Wheeling, IL homeowners’ guide to fireplace cleaning services

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