"The McBriens Fire & Flue team arrived quickly and pinpointed the issue right away. My fireplace is now working again, just as the colder season approaches! Thanks, Omar!"
"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."
"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."
"These guys are top notch. I reached out to them last minute, they came quick, and work was done FAST. We’ve been having issues with our gas fireplace and Eric and his team got the job done. I highly recommend and will use them again in the future."
"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."
"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."
Soapstone wood stoves hold onto heat the longest, which means you can burn less fuel and enjoy the warmth for longer. Additionally, catalytic wood stoves include a catalytic combustor that can reduce emissions and create a cleaner burn no matter what the stove is made of. Of course, the most efficient wood stoves also tend to be costlier up front—but they can still save you money in the long run.
A fireplace's lifespan varies significantly depending on its type, the quality of construction, the materials used, and how well it is maintained. On average, you can expect a fireplace to last between 10 and 30 years, with many homeowners experiencing major issues after about 20 years.
Here's a breakdown by type:
Gas Inserts: Typically last 10 to 25 years with proper maintenance.
Electric Fireplaces: Have a lifespan of up to 20 years.
Traditional Brick Fireplaces: Can last for centuries, but require ongoing maintenance and repairs, such as tuckpointing.
A gas fireplace insert costs about $3,600 to install, on average. The cost to install a gas log insert ranges from about $700 to $6,500, depending on the size, type of insert, how it works, and heating needs. Gas fireplaces need electrical and gas lines installed properly, so hiring a pro is recommended rather than trying to DIY installation.
How big a fire pit should be depends on how many people you want to get around it on a regular basis, and how big your space is. The average fire pit size is between 36 and 44 inches. However, if you regularly host big gatherings and have the appropriate outdoor space, you can go as big as 72 inches.
No. Pellet stoves are specifically designed to burn manufactured wood or biomass pellets. Attempting to burn other materials, such as regular firewood or paper products, can damage the stove, compromise its efficiency, and even pose safety hazards due to inconsistent combustion and increased emissions. It's crucial to follow manufacturer guidelines and only use pellets that are specifically recommended for your pellet stove model to ensure safe and optimal performance over its life span.
The Sabattus, ME 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.
