Get matched with top fireplace pros in Freeport, ME

Q: Are chimneys usually load-bearing?

• <div><p>The answer can vary widely based on a home's age and design. As with any type of remodeling project, assume that every structure is load-bearing until confirming otherwise with a structural engineer. Almost all modern homes have chimneys that are fully independent from the rest of the home's framing. As a result, they don't bear any load beyond their own weight. However, many historic homes built prior to the 1900s contain load-bearing chimneys that tie into the surrounding roof and floor joists. If possible, use a home's blueprints or look for chimney connections that indicate load-bearing qualities to get your answer.</p></div>

Q: Are elm trees good for firewood?

• <div><p>Compared to certain types of firewood like pine or spruce&mdash;which burn off sticky resin contained within the wood that creates lots of smoke&mdash;elm isn&rsquo;t the worst option for burning in a fireplace.</p><p>Because elm wood is dense, it burns at a moderate pace and does a pretty good job of keeping your home warm. Hardwood like maple or oak may perform slightly better, but elm isn&rsquo;t a bad choice overall.</p></div>

Q: Do all pellet stoves need to be vented outside?

• <div><p>Burning wood and wood products such as pellets create carbon monoxide that&rsquo;s poisonous to humans and pets. Pellet stoves need to vent to the outside through an approved vent or chimney to expel the exhaust. </p></div>

Q: Does a fireplace make home insurance more expensive?

• <div><p>Wood-burning fireplaces typically make homeowners insurance more expensive, simply because they increase the risk for a fire in your home. Gas and electric inserts are less likely to bring up your insurance rates, but you should always speak with your agent to understand how installing any type of fireplace will affect your premiums. </p></div>

Q: What are common issues found during a chimney inspection or cleaning?

• <div><p>Common issues discovered during a chimney inspection or cleaning include creosote buildup, cracked liners, structural degeneration or masonry degradation, and obstructions such as blocked flues or animal nests. These issues are potential safety hazards that can lead to combustion problems or poor air quality if not addressed.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Fireplace Service pros in Freeport, ME

*The Angi rating for Fireplace Service companies in Freeport, ME 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 Freeport, ME 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 08, 2023

Reviewed in March 2023
We installed a fireplace where he told us to install it. His mistake. We had to go back and uninstall it and reinstall it. He said he would pay for his mistake but just hangs up on us now. I will not work with him again. WE fixed his mistake and he shafted us.
Kilcollins Construction
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Reviewed in December 2019
Anton did a great job repairing our fireplace
Brick and Stones Masonry
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Reviewed in May 2018
He did a ton of stone work, all custom. It is absolutely tedious and very detailed work. Outdoor kitchen, fireplace and granite on the inside with another fireplace. Prompt, great communication and in my business of entertainment it's one and done and in his too. He keeps getting right and...
Stonewood Builders of Maine Inc
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Reviewed in December 2017
The response to my Home Advisor query was very fast. They showed up the next day and Steven explained and showed us what the problem was. He and his crew were professional, knowledgeable, and worked efficiently to fix the problem. I would highly recommend them to do any fireplace work. They...
A&A Home Solutions Plus - Home Facebook
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Reviewed in January 2015
Great. We just bought the house and this was our first call to Dead River. Thursday the propane was filled and the gentleman gave me an overview of the tank and how it works because this is new to us. He was very busy but made sure our questions were answered. Friday a service person came and...
Dead River Company
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Reviewed in November 2014
Greg arrived exactly on time. He answered all my questions and I asked a lot! He was very friendly and did the work efficiently with out leaving a trace of dirt. I would not have even known he had been here except that the chimney and fireplace were clean. I recommend him highly. <br />
Lake Region Chimney Service
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Reviewed in January 2014
Cleaned gas logs- estimated cost of heat diverter. repaired gas fireplace last spring &, under contract, came back to inspect and check out operations late last year. Spent a lot of time trying to sell other services and, when estimate came in, it was high and they hadn't estimated what I had...
James A Wheat & Sons Inc
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Reviewed in December 2013
The Hearth Doctor did a great job of fixing some other tradesman's sloppy work. After converting the furnace from oil to natural gas, we wanted to also convert a gas fireplace from propane to natural gas. The crew that did the furnace conversion said they could do the fireplace too but all they...
The Hearth Doctor, Inc.
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Reviewed in July 2013
Baker provided absolutely outstanding service every step of the way. I had already left voice mail messages with one or two other chimney services first, and they never even responded. Great way to run a business, eh? So I tried Baker Chimney, and lo and behold - a real live person answered the...
BAKER CHIMNEY
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Reviewed in May 2013
Ira came out and gave me an estimate for the work and several options. I could not be home when he did the estimates but he clearly understood what I wanted from my over the phone description. Ira kept in touch with me in advance of the job as the winter weather had been iffy with storms and...
COLONIAL TREE & LANDSCAPING
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Find Fireplace pros in Freeport

McBriens Fire & Flue

5.0(

)

Clean and Inspect a wood fireplace chimneyBrick or Stone Fireplace (Non-Gas) - RepairPre-Fabricated Fireplace Unit (Non-Gas) - Repair+2 more

Serving Freeport, ME 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 rate90%

27 neighbors recently requested a quote

Clean and Inspect a wood fireplace chimneyBrick or Stone Fireplace (Gas) - RepairBrick or Stone Fireplace (Non-Gas) - Install+6 more

Serving Freeport, ME and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2021

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"We hired Josh to completely transform our fireplace area and couldn’t be happier with the results. From the initial inspection to the final install, everything was explained clearly and handled professionally. The stonework and stove setup came out absolutely beautiful and completely changed the feel of the room. Josh was clean, punctual, and took real pride in his work. The before and after difference is night and day. I’d highly recommend him to anyone looking for quality chimney or stove work done right."

12 neighbors recently requested a quote

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Black Cat Sweeps, LLC

4.6(

140

)

Clean and Inspect a wood fireplace chimney

Serving Freeport, ME and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2010

Free estimates

Warranties offered

"Gary cleaned our fireplace chimney & provide a new mesh grate at top of chimney."

+40

Response time2 days

9 neighbors recently requested a quote

Recommended by91%of homeowners

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HANDY ANDY SPECIALTY SERVICES LLC

4.9(

)

Clean and Inspect a wood fireplace chimneyBrick or Stone Fireplace (Non-Gas) - RepairBrick or Stone Fireplace (Non-Gas) - Install+1 more

Serving Freeport, ME and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2024

Free estimates

Small jobs welcome

"I had them do a cleaning and inspection of my chimney and they found damages to the brickwork and the top of the chimney. They installed a new cap and their cost was so reasonable. All their work is guaranteed as well, which is reassuring. They were clean, efficient and courteous. I would highly recommend Handy Andy and in fact they are doing an estimate for my neighbor to whom I recommended them to."

6 neighbors recently requested a quote

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Shamrock Maintenance Corp.

3.4(

720

)

Clean and Inspect a wood fireplace chimneyBrick or Stone Fireplace (Non-Gas) - RepairClean and Inspect a wood burning stove or pellet stove+3 more

Serving Freeport, ME and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2015

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"After 3 chimney sweep inspections, Alan was the only one to find a solution to my fireplace smoking VERY knowledgeable."

+90

Response time5 hrs

Response rate93%

33 neighbors recently requested a quote

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Upfront Home Inspection, LLC

4.9(

)

Clean and Inspect a gas fireplace

Serving Freeport, ME and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2020

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"Rick did a great job. My indoor allergies have almost disappeared after he cleaned the furnace ducts. Price was more than fair. Great company."

Response time1 day

26 neighbors recently requested a quote

Recommended by86%of homeowners

Brick or Stone Fireplace (Non-Gas) - RepairClean and Inspect a gas fireplaceClean and Inspect a wood burning stove or pellet stove+7 more

Serving Freeport, ME and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2017

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"The workers and office staff were easy to talk to, well informed, courteous , and efficient. They performed a thorough inspection. Recommended and installed a stainless liner and cap for the furnace flue and a new damper on the fireplace flue. Their price was better than previous quotes and even set up a partial payment plan. I am very pleased with the work they did."

Response time1 hour

Response rate99%

Recommended by85%of homeowners

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Sam Miller Mason Contractor

5.0(

)

Brick or Stone Fireplace (Non-Gas) - InstallBrick or Stone Fireplace (Non-Gas) - Repair

Serving Freeport, ME and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 1980

Free estimates

Customers say: Quick response

"A true craftsman who knows the masonry trade and has the experience to handle just about any situation. He provided a thorough quote and then executed it just he had proposed. Was reasonable, on time, and respectful of our property and privacy. We will use his services again."

Response time1 day

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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Expert Builders Construction

4.9(

)

Clean and Inspect a wood fireplace chimney

Serving Freeport, ME and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2015

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Expert Builders Construction did an outstanding job on my roof and replaced two skylights at a very fair price. Their work was clean, efficient, and high quality. I’m extremely satisfied and highly recommend them for any project."

Response time6 hrs

Response rate100%

3 neighbors recently requested a quote

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Houghton works

New to Angi

Brick or Stone Fireplace (Non-Gas) - Repair

Serving Freeport, ME and surrounding areas

Approved

Love what I do. Great listener. Always professional and clean

1 neighbors recently requested a quote

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Fireplaces questions, answered by experts

The answer can vary widely based on a home's age and design. As with any type of remodeling project, assume that every structure is load-bearing until confirming otherwise with a structural engineer. Almost all modern homes have chimneys that are fully independent from the rest of the home's framing. As a result, they don't bear any load beyond their own weight. However, many historic homes built prior to the 1900s contain load-bearing chimneys that tie into the surrounding roof and floor joists. If possible, use a home's blueprints or look for chimney connections that indicate load-bearing qualities to get your answer.

Compared to certain types of firewood like pine or spruce—which burn off sticky resin contained within the wood that creates lots of smoke—elm isn’t the worst option for burning in a fireplace.

Because elm wood is dense, it burns at a moderate pace and does a pretty good job of keeping your home warm. Hardwood like maple or oak may perform slightly better, but elm isn’t a bad choice overall.

Burning wood and wood products such as pellets create carbon monoxide that’s poisonous to humans and pets. Pellet stoves need to vent to the outside through an approved vent or chimney to expel the exhaust.

Wood-burning fireplaces typically make homeowners insurance more expensive, simply because they increase the risk for a fire in your home. Gas and electric inserts are less likely to bring up your insurance rates, but you should always speak with your agent to understand how installing any type of fireplace will affect your premiums.

Common issues discovered during a chimney inspection or cleaning include creosote buildup, cracked liners, structural degeneration or masonry degradation, and obstructions such as blocked flues or animal nests. These issues are potential safety hazards that can lead to combustion problems or poor air quality if not addressed.

The Freeport, ME homeowners’ guide to fireplace services

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