Get matched with top fireplace pros in Union Bridge, MD

Q: What is the best type of firewood?

• <div><p>Wood is classified as either hardwood or softwood. For firewood, hardwoods are generally the best choice as they tend to burn longer, hotter, and produce less smoke than softwoods. Recommended hardwoods include oak, hickory, maple, cherry, ash, beech, birch, elm, and walnut. Oak is a particularly good option as it's widely available, slow-burning, and doesn't produce much smoke or sparks. Some woods, like oak, hickory, and cherry, also emit a pleasant scent. It is best to avoid softwoods such as eucalyptus, poplar, and willow, as they create a lot of smoke and have a high moisture content that makes them difficult to light and burn efficiently.</p></div>

Q: What type of wood is best to burn in a wood stove?

• <div><p>Hardwoods such as oak, maple, and hickory are the best types of wood to burn in a wood stove. These woods burn hotter and longer than softwoods, producing less creosote and fewer emissions. Hardwoods provide a more efficient and cleaner burn, which helps maintain better air quality and reduces the frequency of cleaning and maintenance required for your stove.</p></div>

Q: Does a gas fireplace need a chimney?

• <div><p>Not all gas fireplaces need a chimney. If you install a <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/pros-cons-ventless-gas-fireplaces.htm">ventless gas fireplace</a>, 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&mdash;but they could bother people with allergies or respiratory issues.</p></div>

Q: Can you use a fireplace after the insert is removed?

• <div><p>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&rsquo;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.</p></div>

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>

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Clean and Inspect a wood fireplace chimneyBrick or Stone Fireplace (Gas) - RepairBrick or Stone Fireplace (Gas) - Install+12 more

Serving Union Bridge, MD and surrounding areas

Approved

Super Service Award Winner

In business since 2002

Emergency services offered

Warranties offered

"Steve did Great work and had the fireplace working great!"

+36

33 neighbors recently requested a quote

Recommended by50%of homeowners

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MCP Chimney & Masonry Inc

4.5(

)

Brick or Stone Fireplace (Gas) - RepairBrick or Stone Fireplace (Gas) - InstallBrick or Stone Fireplace (Non-Gas) - Install+9 more

Serving Union Bridge, MD and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 1994

Free estimates

Warranties offered

"installation of a gas insert fireplace"

9 neighbors recently requested a quote

Recommended by90%of homeowners

Clean and Inspect a wood fireplace chimneyBrick or Stone Fireplace - RepairClean and Inspect a gas fireplace+1 more

Serving Union Bridge, MD and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2015

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Very favorable impression and results from Chimney Sweep Clean people, both at my home and on the phone. Polite, knowledgeable, just what you want."

3 neighbors recently requested a quote

Recommended by93%of homeowners

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

Serving Union Bridge, MD and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 1994

Emergency services offered

Warranties offered

"Much better than expected. They confirmed appointment, arrived on time, worked quickly and quietly while keeping work area neat and clean. I would definitely tell friends and family to use Chimney Tek at 512 Crain Hwy N Suite 16 in Glen Burnie, MD 21061 phone 410-796-8450. Tori the receptionist is very helpful. Jon Chance and Trey are professional and hard working."

6 neighbors recently requested a quote

Recommended by86%of homeowners

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

Serving Union Bridge, MD and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2022

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"Nathan was great and really responsive and helpful to clean my chimney, remove some critters and install a chimney cap. He came within 1 day and did a complete and great job. I would definitely call Chimney Champs again for any fireplace issues. A+"

9 neighbors recently requested a quote

Brick or Stone Fireplace - Repair

Serving Union Bridge, MD and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 1985

Free estimates

Small jobs welcome

"Great Falls originally built a stone fireplace in my family room. I was so happy with the results that I had them do interior walls of entire man cave basement with carderock stone. Later they built a three-tiered stone patio with retaining walls. The quality of stone work is the best!"

+24

2 neighbors recently requested a quote

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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KCR'S INDOOR AIR QUALITY SOLUTIONS LLC

5.0(

)

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

Serving Union Bridge, MD and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2023

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

Thank you for reaching out! We have over 12 years of experience providing professional chimney, fireplace, air duct, and dryer vent services throughout Maryland, Virginia, and Pennsylvania. We take pride in honest work, quality service, and customer satisfaction. We look forward to assisting you!

15 neighbors recently requested a quote

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Shamrock Maintenance, Corp.

3.9(

)

Clean and Inspect a wood fireplace chimneyBrick or Stone Fireplace (Non-Gas) - RepairGas, Pellet, or Wood Stove - Install+3 more

Serving Union Bridge, MD and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 1985

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

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.

106 neighbors recently requested a quote

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Pacificaunlimited llc

5.0(

)

Clean and Inspect a gas fireplaceClean and Inspect a wood fireplace chimney

Serving Union Bridge, MD and surrounding areas

Approved

About Pacifica Unlimited LLC\nPacifica Unlimited LLC is a trusted local service provider with over 5 years of experience delivering high-quality drywall, painting, and cleaning services. We've built our reputation by combining affordable pricing with a commitment to exceptional craftsmanship — because we believe great work shouldn't break the bank.\nWhat sets us apart is our attention to detail and fast turnaround times. From patching and finishing drywall to applying the perfect coat of paint and leaving your space spotless, we treat every job — big or small — with the same level of care and precision.\nWhen you hire Pacifica Unlimited LLC, you're choosing a team that shows up on time, works efficiently, and delivers results you'll be proud of. Your satisfaction is our priority, and we don't consider a job done until you're completely happy with the outcome.\nContact us today and let's get started on your next project!\n

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ComfortFlow Experts

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 Union Bridge, MD and surrounding areas

Approved

Free estimates

Warranties offered

Offers commercial services

We’re a dedicated team of professionals who built our experience working with top rated companies over the years and now we’ve come together to start something of our own. \nOur goal is simple: deliver high-quality service with honesty, care. Customer satisfaction isn’t just important to us, it’s the foundation of our business. That’s why we stand behind our work with a 100% satisfaction guarantee or your money back. \nWe keep you comfortable all year round. \nWe specialize in keeping your home safe, efficient, and comfortable through expert chimney and air system care: Free Inspection from a Professional and Experienced Staff . Air Duct Cleaning . Chimney Sweep . Wood Stove Services . Pellet Stove Services . Gas Chimney Services . Chimney Relining . Brick Repointing From routine maintenance to detailed repairs, we’re here to make sure your home stays safe and your systems run at their best.

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Fireplaces questions, answered by experts

Wood is classified as either hardwood or softwood. For firewood, hardwoods are generally the best choice as they tend to burn longer, hotter, and produce less smoke than softwoods. Recommended hardwoods include oak, hickory, maple, cherry, ash, beech, birch, elm, and walnut. Oak is a particularly good option as it's widely available, slow-burning, and doesn't produce much smoke or sparks. Some woods, like oak, hickory, and cherry, also emit a pleasant scent. It is best to avoid softwoods such as eucalyptus, poplar, and willow, as they create a lot of smoke and have a high moisture content that makes them difficult to light and burn efficiently.

Hardwoods such as oak, maple, and hickory are the best types of wood to burn in a wood stove. These woods burn hotter and longer than softwoods, producing less creosote and fewer emissions. Hardwoods provide a more efficient and cleaner burn, which helps maintain better air quality and reduces the frequency of cleaning and maintenance required for your stove.

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.

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.

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