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!
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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 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."
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."
Home and Commercial Building owners alike are concerned about asbestos that may be lingering in places where it can cause serious health problems if it is disturbed and inhaled. Every year, more people are turning to asbestos testing in Minnesota and the surrounding area in order to find out whether they have a problem that needs to be addressed by asbestos abatement contractors like Asbestos Abatement Associates. It’s crucial that any time an individual arranges for an asbestos inspection, he makes sure that the company doing the asbestos inspection is properly trained, certified and has the experience needed to handle every step of the abatement process properly. Asbestos Abatement Associates meets or exceeds all requirements for reputable asbestos abatement contractors and we are proud of our credentials!
"Paul showed up about 2 hrs. a head of schedule. He called but I had not gotten to my voicemail yet. I didn't mind him showing up early but I could see how this might bother other people if they didn't give him the ok to come early. He had an apprentice with him (name I cannot remember). I showed him what was needed. We sat down and he went over that he would be giving my house an electric "checkup" first then within that, come up with an estimate for the actual work I called them for. The thing that bothered me is that him and the apprentice, after walking around the house for the electrical checkup, both sat at my kitchen table as I was in my office within ear shot of them. I heard them random talking (not talking about the actual work because there was laughing) for about 20-30 minutes, like they were at their own home visiting. Finally after I walked into the kitchen a couple times, Paul came and we did a walk through on what he found in the electrical checkup and the actual estimate for the work I originally called them out for. Then we sat down and he showed me the 3 estimates he came up with. For the electrical checkup, $11,700+, then another estimate of $4800+ (partial work that was listed for the $11,700 estimate) then the actual estimate for what I wanted done $198. Not to hard of which one I went with. I said the last estimate and they did the work right away. Now the next thing has nothing to do with the work done or the workers themselves, but when it came to pay them I had to roll my eyes at the company, Boy's Airtech, and how the try and make it look like you are getting a deal when you are not. Now get this, I am a Comfort Club Member so with that I get a 10% discount on work, plus if I have work done, I don't have to pay the service call of $79 (but understand, I pay $20/month for the membership). So Paul went over the bill with me and with the 10% discount I got $19.80 cents off of the bill......but wait, there is a charge called a TFS charge on the bill that is $14.75. I asked Paul what that was and he really wasn't sure, he indicated it was like a fuel charge or something like that. I looked all over the invoice paper, back and front to see if they say what the TFS charge was, there was none. Soooo...that "10%" discount now just became only a $5.05 discount. The total work they did was disconnect the electrical cord from the fireplace insert, thread it through the hole in the fireplace that was already there from the insert that was removed already and reconnect the cord to the fireplace insert. About 20-25 minutes of work. Even though I checked that I would rehire them again....I wanted to leave that blank but it would not let me so I just checked yes because I am a member, but I am really not sure."
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!
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To burn garden waste, you can use a dug-out burn pit lined with stone or brick, a burn barrel, or a garden incinerator. If using a burn barrel, make sure it's made entirely of metal and properly equipped with screened vents and a metal top screen. Garden incinerators are designed for waste burning and should be operated according to the manufacturer's instructions.
One disadvantage of a wood furnace is that you need a constant supply of wood to run it. Even if you have a good amount of wood on your property (or have another way to get affordable wood), you’ll still need to chop it, store it, and re-fuel your furnace with it to keep your house heated.
If you haven’t had your chimney cleaned in some time, soot and grime can build up, making it difficult for the lever to release to close the flue. When this happens, locate the lever and clean it thoroughly. If this doesn’t help, consult with a fireplace repair pro to examine it for you.
One of the best ways to know your chimney is good to go on any given night is to simply look up into your flue with a flashlight. If you see a thick buildup of creosote—a shiny, dark substance that looks like tar—it’s best to have your fireplace professionally cleaned before you go ahead with the burn. Additionally, having your fireplace professionally inspected once per year can also help increase your peace of mind and keep your family and your home safe.
In addition to flashing, a roof cricket can help divert water around your chimney so that it drains properly off your roof. It’s shaped like a double triangle and is installed behind the chimney so that falling water spills evenly down each side. This helps prevent water from accumulating behind your chimney, which can increase water damage and the risk of leaks.
The International Building Code (IBC) requires cricket installation if a chimney built after 2012 measures over 30 inches in width. Chimneys constructed before that date are typically grandfathered in and aren’t required to have crickets installed.
The Watkins, MN homeowners’ guide to fireplace services
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
Bioethanol fireplaces are a chimney- and vent-free way to enjoy a real-flame fire in your home. Keep reading to find out how much ethanol fireplaces cost.
The average fireplace installation cost is $2,438, but prices vary depending on the type and size of the fireplace. Calculate your costs with our guide.
Did you know fireplaces are a profitable home feature? From cozy indoor retreats to trendy outdoor designs, these fireplace ideas are sure to inspire you.
With a few easy decorating tips, you can make your bedroom fireplace the stylish focal point of your room. Up the cozy aesthetic of your bedroom with these 12 ideas.
