Get matched with top fireplace pros in Amherst, MA

Q: Are chimney crowns the same thing as a chimney caps?

• <div><p>No, a chimney crown is not the same as a chimney cap. A chimney crown is a flat cement area on top of a masonry chimney. It starts where the masonry part of the chimney ends at the very top and domes upward toward the flue opening. A chimney cap sits on top of the crown over the flue. It is usually made of metal and allows smoke to escape without letting in rainwater.</p></div>

Q: What is the difference between wood, gas, and electric fireplace inserts?

• <div><p>Wood fireplace inserts produce more heat without replacing the whole system. A fireplace installer can verify that you have a connector and chimney system to fit the wood-burning insert.</p><p>Gas fireplace inserts require less maintenance and are an efficient way to produce warmth. Some can also produce heat in the event of a power outage.</p><p>Electric fireplace inserts don't have a real open flame, so they produce flames that mimic a real fire surrounded by artificial logs with LED light. Many electric fireplace inserts produce heat from glowing elements while only using electricity.</p></div>

Q: Does a hearth have to be a certain size?

• <div><p>The short answer is yes, as hearths need to extend a certain distance out from the fire. This is usually around at least a foot in front but is often more, closer to two feet even. There is another distance to consider, which is the distance beyond the opening of the fireplace. Each municipality will have different code requirements. </p></div>

Q: Is a fireplace insert safer than a fireplace?

• <div><p>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.</p><p>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.</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 Amherst, MA

*The Angi rating for Fireplace Service companies in Amherst, MA 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 Amherst, MA 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 March 21, 2023

Reviewed in March 2023
Promptly responded. I wish I had checked it before paying and specified how I would have like things more. I had asked stump left but didn’t think it would be that high (I know it’s easier to pull it out but I don’t plan on doing that. Also, some of the firewood could have been cut a little...
New England Site Works
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Reviewed in October 2021
Another great job just completed by John and Danny! We are return customers and this time our project involved a renovation of our TV room, including a refurbishing of our brick fireplace, laying of new flooring and a complete repainting. As is often the case with Carenzo R & R, the job came...
Carenzo Remodel & Repair
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Reviewed in September 2017
All the crew were friendly and polite. The owner was very informative about the past and future of my chimney, showed me everything about the flue, brought be up to speed since I've never had a fireplace and explained things very well. Most impressively, I decided to go with a chimney cap and...
SuperiorAir Duct Cleaning
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Reviewed in August 2017
Tim and his associate were outstanding, diligent, and attentive to their work. Tim was incredibly flexible with my (the customer's) busy schedule, explained everything thoroughly, and was extremely knowledgeable about the product lines and services available. Moreover, their execution of...
Five Star Ventilation
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Reviewed in April 2017
We moved into a new home with three zones heated by propane and a fireplace. It was a real challenge to get the house comfortable. Gary and his crew did a stellar job installing minisplits and a more sophisticated WIFI thermostat system. Gary walked us through the process, with the right sizing,...
Wilson Services, Inc.
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Reviewed in October 2015
Fantastic. <br /> Technician was friendly, personable and polite. Communication was great-- he walked me through what he was going to do before he started the work. Along the way he explained terms and educated me about proper upkeep and usage of our fireplace. Everything was clean and...
The Superior Chimney Sweep Co
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Reviewed in February 2015
Britt did an excellent job with our carpet patch job. We had several odd spots from a fireplace remodel that you can hardly tell are patched. Very pleased with his quality work!!!
Helix Carpet Repair
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Reviewed in November 2014
The inspection and cleaning of the chimney/fireplace went very well. Todd was on time and showed up with 2 other crew members. The service only took around 30min and the feedback/report we received after the inspection was very thourough. Todd took the time to point out concerns that he had and...
AMERICA'S ORIGINAL CHIMNEY
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Reviewed in February 2014
Their representative arrived on time and took a look at the chimney. He said he did not have the equipment that was required to do the inspection and cleaning, I had explained to the telephone representative when booking this service that our fireplaces and the chimney required special...
D & D Masonry & Chimney
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Reviewed in April 2013
I called Ace because this was our first winter in a new house and one of the fireplaces (2 total) was smoking a lot so I thought it need to be cleaned. The guys from Ace were great! They inspected everything and told me I did not need to have cleaning done at this point - helped me figure out...
ACE CHIMNEY SWEEPS
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Find Fireplace pros in Amherst

Clean and Inspect a wood fireplace chimneyBrick or Stone Fireplace (Non-Gas) - RepairBrick or Stone Fireplace (Non-Gas) - Install+2 more

Serving Amherst, MA and surrounding areas

Approved

Super Service Award Winner

In business since 2017

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"I am too happy with the work I do MC briens Fire Flue my fireplace needed a fix and in reality they are experts in what they do 10/10 thanks to Omar for your incredible performance !!"

+19

Response time9 hrs

Response rate100%

34 neighbors recently requested a quote

Clean and Inspect a wood fireplace chimneyBrick or Stone Fireplace (Non-Gas) - RepairBrick or Stone Fireplace (Non-Gas) - Install+2 more

Serving Amherst, MA and surrounding areas

Approved

Warranties offered

Small jobs welcome

Credit card accepted

"Had a strong smoke smell in the living room every time we used the fireplace. They found a blockage inside the flue and fixed it fast. Huge difference now."

28 neighbors recently requested a quote

Clean and Inspect a wood fireplace chimneyBrick or Stone Fireplace (Non-Gas) - RepairClean and Inspect a wood burning stove or pellet stove+2 more

Serving Amherst, MA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2021

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

Your Chimney Doctor is committed to excellence in every aspect of our\nbusiness. We uphold a standard of integrity bound by fairness, honesty,\nand personal responsibility. Our distinction is the quality of service\nwe bring to our customers. Accurate knowledge of\nour trade combined with ability is what makes us true professionals.\nAbove all, we are watchful of our customers' interests and make their\nconcerns the basis of our business.

75 neighbors recently requested a quote

Clean and Inspect a wood fireplace chimneyBrick or Stone Fireplace (Non-Gas) - RepairClean and Inspect a wood burning stove or pellet stove+5 more

Serving Amherst, MA and surrounding areas

Approved

Super Service Award Winner

In business since 2002

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Al was fantastic! He clearly explained that my fireplace was shutting off as a safety feature due to low oxygen levels. He also reassembled the logs in the firebox and showed me the proper way to start and stop the fireplace. Highly recommend his service!"

+36

Response time4 days

Response rate100%

36 neighbors recently requested a quote

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5 Star Chimney Service

4.5(

169

)

Clean and Inspect a wood fireplace chimneyBrick or Stone Fireplace (Non-Gas) - Repair

Serving Amherst, MA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2020

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Sean and Alan were good. They pointed and flashed the chimney the same day and left."

6 neighbors recently requested a quote

Recommended by82%of homeowners

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Shamrock Maintenance Corp.

3.6(

981

)

Brick or Stone Fireplace (Non-Gas) - RepairClean and Inspect a wood fireplace chimneyBrick or Stone Fireplace (Non-Gas) - Install+2 more

Serving Amherst, MA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2015

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Kevin and Anthony cleaned the fireplace chimney and repair the fireplace. They both were experts in their knowledge of chimneys and fireplaces. They were both very friendly and polite. I would recommend the Shamrock Chimney Company and I would definitely hire them again."

+73

Response time4 hrs

Response rate99%

13 neighbors recently requested a quote

Brick or Stone Fireplace (Non-Gas) - Repair

Serving Amherst, MA and surrounding areas

Approved

Super Service Award Winner

In business since 2020

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"They showed up and completed the job on schedule. It rained one day and instead of leaving they waited in their trucks for hours for the rain to stop. As a business owner myself I found them to be very professional. They cleaned the area up well and the new patio and restored fireplace looks amazing!"

+100

Response time3 hrs

Response rate92%

36 neighbors recently requested a quote

Brick or Stone Fireplace (Non-Gas) - Repair

Serving Amherst, MA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2013

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"Moreau Boas actually tore down my chimney from the roofline and up and did an outstanding job. Their quote was fair, their work was excellent, they finished the job on time and within budget, and they had a wonderful crew. One of the crew - Richard Gentry went out of his way to ensure the site was perfectly cleaned and spotless after the work was completed. I will gladly use them in the future for my roof and masonry needs."

Response time1 day

Response rate86%

17 neighbors recently requested a quote

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Master Chimney Sweepers

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 Amherst, MA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 1977

Credit card accepted

Master Chimney Sweepers is Massachusetts' premier chimney cleaning company. We proudly serve Natick and its surrounding areas. Call today to set up an appointment with our staff. We look forward to your call.

Request Quote

Fernandez and España LLC

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 Amherst, MA and surrounding areas

Approved

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

Warranties offered

😃Ready to work. With the best possible attitude and the appropriate tools—whatever you wish to transport—and with the utmost safety.🫡

Request Quote

...

Showing 1-10 of 61

Fireplaces questions, answered by experts

No, a chimney crown is not the same as a chimney cap. A chimney crown is a flat cement area on top of a masonry chimney. It starts where the masonry part of the chimney ends at the very top and domes upward toward the flue opening. A chimney cap sits on top of the crown over the flue. It is usually made of metal and allows smoke to escape without letting in rainwater.

Wood fireplace inserts produce more heat without replacing the whole system. A fireplace installer can verify that you have a connector and chimney system to fit the wood-burning insert.

Gas fireplace inserts require less maintenance and are an efficient way to produce warmth. Some can also produce heat in the event of a power outage.

Electric fireplace inserts don't have a real open flame, so they produce flames that mimic a real fire surrounded by artificial logs with LED light. Many electric fireplace inserts produce heat from glowing elements while only using electricity.

The short answer is yes, as hearths need to extend a certain distance out from the fire. This is usually around at least a foot in front but is often more, closer to two feet even. There is another distance to consider, which is the distance beyond the opening of the fireplace. Each municipality will have different code requirements.

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.

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.

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