"I had a great experience with Mcbriens Flue & Fire. From the initial call to the final sweep, their team was professional, knowledgeable, and courteous. They arrived on time, explained everything clearly, and left the area spotless after completing the job. It’s not easy to find companies that take this much pride in their work, but they really exceeded my expectations. Highly recommend them for anyone needing chimney cleaning, inspection, or repairs!"
"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."
"The grind and repoint work completely changed the condition of our chimney. The deteriorated mortar was properly removed and rebuilt, leaving clean, solid joints and a uniform finish from top to bottom. The process was thorough and never rushed, and it was clear the focus was on long-term durability rather than a quick cosmetic fix. Everything was explained clearly, the site was left clean, and the chimney now feels secure and weather-ready going forward. Very happy with the outcome.Highly recommend!!"
"Hired them to repair chimney, including replacing missing bricks, resetting mortar and, cementing top and installing a chimney cap. They performed everything to spec and were fast and efficient all the way through."
"Cory did an excellent job on my firebox and chimney top. It was discovered I need some work on the chimney liner but he focused on the job at hand and gave me an estimate for the liner later rather than pushing it on the spot. Will go with Shamrock again for the liner and routine chimney sweeps and waterproofing."
Hi my name is Tyler. I have alotted a lot of skills over the years and want to put them to use. I am hard working and dedicated to each job I take. I am good for a lot of small jobs - cleaning, building/fixing things, lawn care, etc. Can take on larger jobs with more people if needed. I take my time and make sure you are happy with what you receive.
"I am in Lovell Maine and I couldn’t find anyone to fix my gas fireplace. I went on Angie and Dennis called me the next morning. Once I connected with Dennis he arrived the same day!! He was done and gone in 45 minutes!!! Problem solved, fixed and he cleaned my whole unit!! I would recommend him to anyone looking for a good honest contractor!!"
"I called Northeast Chimney Services in the afternoon. Chris called that day and made an appointment for the next day. He came in, diagnoised the issue and fixed the problem right. Easy from start to finish!"
If you suspect you have a chimney problem, contact a masonry contractor for an inspection.
In most cases, yes, a fire-damaged house can be repaired. The only exception would be if a house fire leads to major structural damage. In that case, it might be faster and more affordable to knock down the house and start from scratch. In most cases, though, repairs are possible with help from a professional.
After a house fire, you should not reenter your home unless the fire crew has told you it’s safe to do so. In the longer term, you should not attempt to make repairs to the house on your own. Professional crews are trained to clean up after a fire (including smoke and soot damage), dry out any water damage from the firefighter crews, and make the necessary structural, plumbing, and electrical repairs—and this is all likely covered by insurance.
It is generally not safe to live in a house with smoke damage, as even minor damage can pose long-term health hazards and structural risks. While it might seem safe temporarily depending on the severity, you should relocate if there is major damage or visible soot. Smoke smells and residue contain dangerous particulates and chemical compounds, including carcinogens, that are hazardous to breathe and can cause respiratory issues. These signs of damage are not always visible but can have dangerous short-term and long-term effects on your health, belongings, and your home's structural materials. You should not stay in the house until a trained professional from a smoke remediation or restoration company has assessed the damage and determined it is safe to return. Your insurance company may cover the cost of alternative housing while the professional work is completed.
In many cases, homeowners insurance covers smoke damage remediation, but coverage depends on the cause of the damage and the specifics of your policy. Typically, damage from a house fire, wildfire, or even a fire in a neighboring home is covered. However, damage from cigarette smoke is generally not covered.
Before filing a claim, review your policy to understand what is covered, such as restoration costs, replacement of damaged items, and temporary relocation. It's crucial to document all damage thoroughly, including to furniture and personal belongings. Contact your insurance provider promptly to start the claim process and get an evaluation before hiring professionals. Your insurer may also provide a list of approved smoke remediation companies to streamline the process.
The Strong, ME homeowners’ guide to chimney sweeping services
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
Chimney liners are important for fire safety and energy efficiency in your home. Learn how much chimney liners cost based on type, size, material, and other factors.
Your chimney sweep may not wear a top hat and dance on the ceiling, but they will keep your home safe by providing chimney inspections and cleanings. Follow these steps to learn how to hire a qualified and trusted chimney sweep in your town.
Maintaining your chimney and fireplace is a priority if you love curling up in front of a fire on chilly nights. Here's what to know before hiring a chimney sweep.
Knowing what to look for in a professional chimney sweeping service will ensure you hire a legitimate contractor. Learn how to avoid chimney scams and hire someone reputable.
