How do I know if my chimney is safe?

• <div><p>There are a few things you can look out for to ensure your chimney is safe to use. Check for the following issues:</p><ul><li><p>Cracks or missing pieces in the masonry of the chimney</p></li><li><p>Creosote buildup in the chimney, which is a black, tar-like substance</p></li><li><p>Cracks, stains, or scorch marks in the firebox</p></li><li><p>Water stains in or around the fireplace</p></li><li><p>A broken or stuck damper</p></li></ul><p></p></div>

What are the disadvantages of a gas fireplace insert?

• <div><p>For many people, the primary disadvantage of a gas fireplace insert is that it doesn’t look or smell like a classic wood-burning fire. Additionally, the labor costs of installing a gas insert are higher than some other <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/types-fireplace-inserts.htm">types of fireplace inserts</a>, including electric and pellet inserts. There are also limitations on where you can install ventless gas fireplaces because they’re banned in certain places (including California).</p></div>

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Q: What do you put in the bottom of a fire pit?

• <div><p>Most homeowners put a layer of compact sand or gravel at the bottom of their firepit, but you can also choose more decorative options like fire-resistant paving stones, bricks, or fire pit glass. Dirt by itself can even work, but other materials do a better job of spreading the heat around.</p></div>

Q: What is a pellet stove?

• <div><p>Pellet stoves are used as heat sources for homes. They work by burning biomass pallets, which might be composed of wood, sawdust, or food waste. The pellets are stored in the stove's hopper until the stove is ignited, at which point some are released into the stove's firebox to burn for heat. Unlike most fireplaces, pellet stoves have a thermostat that adjusts the temperature by releasing more or fewer pellets, depending on how warm you want to make your living space.</p></div>

Q: What is the easiest fireplace to build?

• <div><p>The easiest fireplace to build is an electric fireplace. These aren&rsquo;t true fireplaces but can mimic the look of a traditional fireplace. True fireplaces, made of brick and stone, are complex and require professional installation; adding them to an existing home is demanding and expensive. You could spend <b>$30,000 </b>to have a real fireplace installed.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Fireplace Service pros in Brutus, MI

*The Angi rating for Fireplace Service companies in Brutus, MI 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 Brutus, MI 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 February 27, 2026

Reviewed in February 2026
Hired to build out a spa area - deck, hot tub & sauna. Everything from design aesthetics to construction was done better than I could have imagined. Our next door neighbors who have a view of the spa area were also happy with the outcome. Highly recommend and have already hired for another...
KIDRON CONSTRUCTION SERVICES, LLC
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Reviewed in February 2026
They came out when it was 5 degrees outside and did an amazing job! very professional, friendly, and punctual would recommend to anyone!
Tree Timbers Services
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Reviewed in January 2026
I was impressed with Chuck from Shamrock Chimney. He was realistic in his discussion and went thru various options from converting to a gas fireplace to wood inserts. He discussed the issues with the existing field stone face and converting to a two way fireplace. He certainly made me...
Shamrock Maintenance Corp.
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Reviewed in November 2025
Loved loved loved the outcome. My house was intact and so was my garden. The have different option depending the job. A hands on crew or machinery given how dangerous Trees can be haha. They are also hilarious and amazing people!
JPS TREE SERVICES LLC
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Reviewed in February 2024
I needed help setting up furniture last minute and 5-mile creek construction was up to the job. It was nice to have everything done so quickly and easily. I would work with them again.
5-Mile Creek Construction
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Reviewed in December 2022
Great job on our entire home painting.
Luxury Interiors and Exteriors
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Reviewed in October 2022
Larry applied Outlast log preservative on the exterior of my new log home, caulked and chinked too. He is truly an expert on log cabin preservation. He is also staining the interior too when we get the walls covered with wood paneling.
LH Stone Enterprises
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Reviewed in August 2022
They did a fantastic job on rebuilding our deck. It turned out beautiful. It was very professional done. Would recommend them to anyone.
Renewit Group
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Reviewed in August 2022
The house and windows were extremely dirty. It was a big job and it took multiple days. The difference was amazing ! Great job !
Northern Window Washing
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Reviewed in August 2022
Expertly done in a timely passion and it's beautiful.
Fortress Custom Solutions-
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Find Fireplace pros in Brutus

Shamrock Maintenance Corp.

4.5(

)

Brick or Stone Fireplace (Non-Gas) - RepairClean and Inspect a wood fireplace chimneyBrick or Stone Fireplace (Non-Gas) - Install+3 more

Serving Brutus, MI and surrounding areas

Approved

Super Service Award Winner

In business since 1985

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Chuck arrived with a helper and explained everything to us. He cleaned the chimney and left us with some estimates for potential work. He was knowledgeable and pleasant. I would use him again."

+31

Response time1 day

Response rate95%

231 neighbors recently requested a quote

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Alexis Huston

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 Brutus, MI and surrounding areas

Approved

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

Small jobs welcome

I’ve been in the cleaning business for the last 15 years. I am 34 with two young children and really enjoy cleaning and organizing, making space for homeowners to feel more clear minded and less stressed.

Clean and Inspect a gas fireplaceClean and Inspect a wood burning stove or pellet stoveClean and Inspect a wood fireplace chimney

Serving Brutus, MI and surrounding areas

In business since 2007

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Everything is going great. Also added some other equipment such as app controlled door locks, etc."

Recommended by93%of homeowners

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All American Chimneys

New to Angi

Clean and Inspect a wood fireplace chimneyPre-Fabricated Fireplace Unit (Non-Gas) - InstallPre-Fabricated Fireplace Unit (Non-Gas) - Repair

Serving Brutus, MI and surrounding areas

In business since 2024

Small jobs welcome

Offers commercial services

All American Chimneys is dedicated to providing our customers with the best quality and craftsmanship. We are here to build relationships with our customers and communities and to provide our employees with a great place to work. We look forward to working with you!

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Heating Solutions Inc

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 Brutus, MI and surrounding areas

In business since 2018

Free estimates

Offers commercial services

At our company, we take immense pride in our wealth of experience, expertise, and the exceptional customer service we offer to meet our clients' needs. Our mission is to consistently deliver outstanding design work and drawings, from project initiation to completion. We place great emphasis on understanding and exceeding our customers' needs and expectations, ensuring that every interaction is conducted with the utmost professionalism. Our reputation is founded on top-notch service and quality, irrespective of the size of the project. Get in touch with us today!

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Northern Husky Pressure Washing

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 Brutus, MI and surrounding areas

In business since 2022

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

Welcome to Northern Husky Pressure Washing. We are the premier professional home improvement company in Michigan. We offer the highest quality and most attentive customer service. We are known to pay exquisite attention to detail while making customer satisfaction our top priority. Whether your project involves minor cleaning or a complete property cleaning, we are glad to be your number one choice. Please call us today to schedule your appointment!

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Fireplaces questions, answered by experts

Most homeowners put a layer of compact sand or gravel at the bottom of their firepit, but you can also choose more decorative options like fire-resistant paving stones, bricks, or fire pit glass. Dirt by itself can even work, but other materials do a better job of spreading the heat around.

There are a few things you can look out for to ensure your chimney is safe to use. Check for the following issues:

Cracks or missing pieces in the masonry of the chimney
Creosote buildup in the chimney, which is a black, tar-like substance
Cracks, stains, or scorch marks in the firebox
Water stains in or around the fireplace
A broken or stuck damper

Pellet stoves are used as heat sources for homes. They work by burning biomass pallets, which might be composed of wood, sawdust, or food waste. The pellets are stored in the stove's hopper until the stove is ignited, at which point some are released into the stove's firebox to burn for heat. Unlike most fireplaces, pellet stoves have a thermostat that adjusts the temperature by releasing more or fewer pellets, depending on how warm you want to make your living space.

For many people, the primary disadvantage of a gas fireplace insert is that it doesn’t look or smell like a classic wood-burning fire. Additionally, the labor costs of installing a gas insert are higher than some other types of fireplace inserts, including electric and pellet inserts. There are also limitations on where you can install ventless gas fireplaces because they’re banned in certain places (including California).

The easiest fireplace to build is an electric fireplace. These aren’t true fireplaces but can mimic the look of a traditional fireplace. True fireplaces, made of brick and stone, are complex and require professional installation; adding them to an existing home is demanding and expensive. You could spend $30,000 to have a real fireplace installed.

The Brutus, MI 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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