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."
Chimneys should either be sealed or waterproofed, which is different from sealing off—closing at both ends—a chimney. Waterproofing and sealing are both crucial steps to take to prevent water damage and the chimney leaking inside the house. While waterproofing is more comprehensive, both help safeguard your chimney, extending its life span and preventing expensive repairs.
You should never block both the top and bottom of your chimney. Proper airflow is essential because the temperature inside the chimney will still fluctuate as your house warms and cools. Moisture can build up without ventilation, leading to dampness in your walls over time. Blocking the top prevents debris and animals from entering, but the chimney still needs air circulation to avoid condensation issues. Allowing the chimney to breathe maintains the health of your home and prevents long-term damage.
Avoid using abrasive cleansing powders on natural stone, as these products could damage the porous material. Using bleach is also a poor idea because of the porosity of the stone. Avoid using a scrub brush with metal bristles, as they could scratch the stone. If you know who manufactured your stone or who installed the fireplace, you may want to contact that entity for any advice on cleaning it safely.
A hearth often looks like a tile or brick floor that juts out from and surrounds your fireplace. A hearth can be made of stone, brick, ceramic, or any other fireproof material. Brick offers a classic and traditional vibe, whereas a hearth made of marble or ceramic may lean more toward modern aesthetics. The most common depth of a hearth is 20 inches.
Chimney crowns may be stone, concrete, or metal but most crowns are made of concrete. It’s not recommended to build chimney crowns with mortar (which is different from concrete) due to it’s weaker composition (especially when exposed to the outside elements). Most chimney crowns are custom made to fit your home’s specific chimney.
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.
