Curtis Chimney and Hearth, is committed to excellence in every aspect of our business. We uphold a standard of integrity bound by fairness, honesty, and personal responsibility. Our distinction is the quality of service we bring to our customers. Accurate knowledge of our trade combined with ability is what makes us true professionals. Above all, we are watchful of our customers' interests and make their concerns the basis of our business.
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Shamrock Maintenance Corp is a professional chimney service company dedicated to helping homeowners maintain safe, efficient, and well-functioning chimneys. We specialize in chimney inspections, cleanings, repairs, and preventative maintenance, with a strong focus on fire safety and long-term home protection.\n\nOur team is known for providing honest recommendations, clear documentation, and straightforward communication so homeowners can make informed decisions without pressure. We work with both modern and older homes, including historic properties, using appropriate methods to protect the structure and integrity of each home.\n\nWe proudly serve our local communities by prioritizing safety, quality workmanship, and reliable service. At Shamrock Maintenance Corp, every home is treated with care, professionalism, and respect.
We are a local small family owned & ran business that offers services such as Lawn Care, Housekeeping, Pressure Washing, Junk Hauling & More! All properties are cared for by my wife & I personally to ensure top quality service no matter the job😊
"It went very well. They came on time. They did their work well. They told me how often I should get it cleaned and if I'm just using the fireplace twice a year, not to worry, that I didn't have to get it cleaned until every 3 or 4 years."
"My fireplace contained a wood burning unit inserted into in the mid 1980s. I t contained a glass front. We had not used the fire place unit for several because a prior Chimney Sweep company advised us we needed a new liner system and some chimney structural repairs. The technician (Ken Williams) , prior to starting the work explained to me the scope of the work and the process of installing the liner. I gave him a copy of the prior Chimney Sweep company report , which he reviewed with me. We also reviewed the installation instructions of the original fireplace insert. During installation of the new Stainless Steel System Liner , Mr. Williams examined the structural condition of the Chimney and advised me that there was nothing wrong with the Chimney and was in very good condition. I was very impressed with Stratford Mechanical and with Mr. Williams for taking the time to discuss the nuances of the Liner system. "
"We have Frontpoint at two houses. We had been looking for ways to cut our monthly expenses (Frontpoint is approx. $100 per month total), so I called them to find out what I could do. They informed me that I was under contract for another year, and that I cannot get out of the contract without an early termination fee that is equal to the cost of the service. I'm a little disappointed, because the upfront cost of the system was very expensive ($1,000+) for each house, so it seems odd that I would get sucked into this contract. Nevertheless, I forgot that I signed up for this with them. My calendar is marked for the day that my service ends, and I will be switching to a company that charges about half of what they do. They have OK customer service and are very responsive, but the wireless system had some issues with reception in my house due to a fireplace, and then they didn't want to work with me to get that resolved. They're OK, but I can't really recommend them."
"Arrived promptly, brushed out the chimney, and told me that everything was okay, and it was safe to use the fireplace. We discussed the possibility of installing a screen on the top of the chimney to keep birds out, but they did not have a ladder tall enough to do that.
So, no problems at all. They provided the service that they promised, and they did it completely and professionally.
"Heavy thunderstorms this year plus Sandy last year. We started seeing water marks on the ceiling in several rooms, particularly in the living room near the fireplace. On a Friday afternoon, checked Angie's list called a company that did not return the call, checked the list again and called OC Elite Construction. Jon came over Saturday, looked on the roof and checked in the attic - found the problem(s) and provided an estimate. The next day, SUNDAY!, OC Elite came to the house in the morning and completed all the work we needed done. Thanks to Jon and his crew fro a quick and professional solution.
Next time the roof needs attention (or, replacing) we will go to OC Elite Construction first. "
Yes, it can be worth installing a gas fireplace, depending on your home heating needs. The cost to install a gas fireplace can be much lower than the cost to install a comparable wood-burning fireplace. The convenience of starting a fire with the flip of a switch and turning it off just as quickly makes a gas fireplace a big time saver over starting and maintaining a wood-fueled fire. A gas fireplace also does not require ash cleanup or frequent chimney cleaning to remove creosote and other buildup that can lead to chimney fires. Gas fireplaces burn and heat much more cleanly than wood fireplaces.
There are fire codes for a fireplace mantel made of wood or other combustible material. The mantel must be mounted at least six inches away from the fireplace opening on all sides with a non-combustible material—like stone or brick—installed between the mantel and fireplace. Building codes and regulations will vary based on your location, so before beginning the project, research the requirements in your area.
For most brick cleaning jobs, including fireplace bricks, use a masonry sponge and a gentle cleaner. A simple solution of equal parts water and vinegar, or a few drops of dish soap in a bowl of water, can effectively remove grime. For tougher stains, you can use a dedicated masonry or fireplace cleaner. It is crucial to wet the bricks thoroughly with water before applying any cleaning solution to prevent the brick from absorbing it, and to rinse the surface completely afterward. Harsher cleaners containing bleach or ammonia should only be used as a last resort, and they should never be mixed together.
A properly constructed and maintained chimney crown can last 50 to 75 years. However, its lifespan can be significantly shorter—20 years or less—if it was poorly constructed, improperly installed, or damaged. Factors like using the wrong materials or failing to prepare the brick around the flue can lead to moisture buildup and premature breakdown, potentially resulting in a more costly rebuild.
Fireplaces can theoretically help you save on heating bills if you lower the temperature throughout the rest of your home and heat only a single room that you occupy using the fireplace. However, in most cases, homeowners won’t save any money on heating bills. Gas and electric fireplace inserts could actually lead to a spike in your respective energy bills if you use them frequently, and if you don’t keep up with chimney maintenance and repairs, your traditional masonry fireplace could actually be a source of heat loss in the winter.
The Oakland, MD homeowners’ guide to fireplace services
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
With a gas fireplace, it’s important to stay up-to-date on your inspections. Learn more about how much gas fireplace inspections cost before you book one.
Find out if you really need a chimney to install a fireplace in your home. This guide helps you understand your options, such as a ventless fireplace, when choosing the right fireplace for your home if you don't have a chimney.
