We are a locally owned and operated company that values honesty and integrity in all aspects of our business. Our major focus is on the quality of our work and producing outstanding results. We are committed to creating a level of value unmatched by any of our competitors. We look forward to building lasting relationships with our clients and guarantee your satisfaction!\n
North Star Chimneys specializes in chimney inspections, repairs, rebuilds, tuckpointing, crown repairs, chimney relining, flashing, fireplace restoration, and chimney sweeping throughout the Twin Cities and surrounding Minnesota areas. We are CSIA Certified and a BBB Accredited Business, with over 10 years of specialized chimney industry experience and 25+ years in residential construction. Our focus is on quality workmanship, honest assessments, safety, and long-term chimney solutions built to handle Minnesota’s harsh freeze-thaw climate. From routine chimney cleanings to full masonry rebuilds, we take pride in delivering professional, code-conscious workmanship and dependable customer service.\n
"They tuck pointed my fireplace chimney which was badly in need of work, and repaired a wide crack on the front side of my brick house. A number of bricks needed replacing. Great job at a great price."
"They are honest and knowledge. Their work is professional and well done. They back up their work and are customor friendly always going the extra mile and ansering any questions. My Chimeny and fireplace looks new again. I would recomend them for any chimeny repair."
Richard Heflin LLC is a small, family run masonry company with generations of experience. We have the ability to complete any masonry project, so if you need anything from the smallest repair to large scale projects, we have the crew to handle it.
I have been painting for almost 10 years and I’m willing to do what it takes for the homeowner to be satisfied with the work. I’m very flexible and versatile.
"Tony came out quickly and on time. Knew how to resolve the problem and did so immediately. Has a lot of experience with gas fireplaces and knows how to solve a problem, would hire again."
"We have Frontpoint at two houses. We had been looking for ways to cut our monthly expenses (Frontpoint is approx. $100 per month total), so I called them to find out what I could do. They informed me that I was under contract for another year, and that I cannot get out of the contract without an early termination fee that is equal to the cost of the service. I'm a little disappointed, because the upfront cost of the system was very expensive ($1,000+) for each house, so it seems odd that I would get sucked into this contract. Nevertheless, I forgot that I signed up for this with them. My calendar is marked for the day that my service ends, and I will be switching to a company that charges about half of what they do. They have OK customer service and are very responsive, but the wireless system had some issues with reception in my house due to a fireplace, and then they didn't want to work with me to get that resolved. They're OK, but I can't really recommend them."
The short answer is yes, as hearths need to extend a certain distance out from the fire. This is usually around at least a foot in front but is often more, closer to two feet even. There is another distance to consider, which is the distance beyond the opening of the fireplace. Each municipality will have different code requirements.
There are a handful of things you can look out for that indicate fireplace repair is necessary in your home:
See or smell smoke in your home during use.
You smell gas or unusual odors coming from your fireplace.
The fireplace is visibly damaged or crumbling.
The igniter won’t light.
You notice shaling (pieces of chimney lining) building up in your fireplace.
Any portion of the fireplace is rusted.
You notice efflorescence (white stains) on the brick.
If any of these signs emerge or you suspect that you have an issue, call in a fireplace repair professional immediately.
If you have a gas fireplace, you should be able to see a vent exiting the fireplace directly to the outside of your home. You may also see gas lines leading to the fireplace. If the firebox in the fireplace is completely empty, it’s a wood-burning fireplace. There should be no burners or igniters in the fireplace.
Even if you aren’t using a home chimney anymore, you need to vent it at the top and bottom to allow for continuous airflow. A blocked-up chimney is still a chimney, so it requires annual maintenance and a professional inspection to ensure its structural integrity is intact. Consult a chimney professional about the ideal timing for venting an unused chimney.
In some aspects, yes, new wood stoves are better than old ones. For example, today’s EPA emission limits for wood-burning stoves are much lower than they were several decades ago. Stoves that meet these stricter standards produce less air pollution, reduce fire risks, and decrease your risk of inhaling harmful particles.
The Kimball, MN 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.
