"Kenny Morales is certified to work with gas fireplaces and he really is an expert. He’s reliable, personable, and reasonable. I will use him again and recommend Genesis Chimney Services wholeheartedly."
"Everything went great! Brandon did a great job convincing us that the propane insert would be better than an electric insert. Rudy and crew worked very hard to get our new Trilliant propane insert installed. Tiffany did a wonderful job of getting the new fireplace set-up for use. Everyone was very pleasant and easy to work with. We can't wait for cold weather so that we can start using the new fireplace."
"American Professional Chimney installed a gas fireplace that is both beautiful (looks like a real wood fireplace) and warm. They installed a gasline that was done a very professional way, burying the line underground. Stephen and his team did an impeccable job, clearly explaining the pros and cons of the many options. Super happy with the service."
"They cleaned the chimney and we used the coupon successfully. Afterwards, I shined a flashlight up the chimney and could see and physically pull additional ash from the sides with a cloth in my hand. It was mostly clean, but a little attention to detail could have cleaned the lower end better. Also, they told us we have a safety issue with a crack in the floor. They took the fireplace apart on the spot, but didn't have the parts to fix it. The chimney sat unused for 3-4 weeks in winter as we waited for them to get the part. After that time and repeated calls with no scheduled install date in sight, we cancelled the repair and had them come back and put the fireplace back together."
"Everything went very well. Fortunately I had not attempted to use my fireplace before getting it checked and cleaned. There were several problems that the previous owner had neglected to repair. Now everything works well, and the fireplace looks much better! I am enjoying the benefits of having a safe wood-burning fireplace in my family room. "
A hot fire alone will not remove significant creosote buildup and can be dangerous, as it risks causing a chimney fire. While the warmth from a fire can help loosen stuck tar, making treatments like creosote logs more effective, it is not a substitute for proper cleaning. For existing creosote, the safest and most effective method is to have your chimney professionally cleaned by a chimney sweep.
Not all gas fireplaces need a chimney. If you install a ventless gas fireplace, it will release low levels of combustion byproducts back into your living space (instead of pushing them outside through a chimney or vent). Ventless fireplaces burn fuel efficiently, so the emissions are minimal—but they could bother people with allergies or respiratory issues.
In some cases, you can use a fireplace once the insert has been removed. However, before burning a fire, you must have a professional inspect it and the chimney to make sure they're functioning properly and no damage has occurred from removing the insert. That’s because using a fireplace without an insert could create fire hazards due to issues with airflow and heat dispersion, depending on the fireplace design and material. A professional can advise on whether you should make certain repairs or modifications before using your fireplace as an open hearth.
Chimney crowns may be stone, concrete, or metal but most crowns are made of concrete. It’s not recommended to build chimney crowns with mortar (which is different from concrete) due to it’s weaker composition (especially when exposed to the outside elements). Most chimney crowns are custom made to fit your home’s specific chimney.
Even if a homebuyer has no intention of using the fireplace installed in the home they’re thinking of buying, it’s vital to know when the fireplace and chimney were last inspected. Aside from learning that it can operate properly, homebuyers will want to know that the structures themselves are sound and won’t affect the integrity of the surrounding home. With full knowledge, homebuyers can then make plans for any necessary repairs before they move in.
The Potomac, MD homeowners’ guide to fireplace services
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
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