What wood should not be burned?

• <div><p>While hardwoods are the best woods to burn, a few types of woods should be avoided when burning. Wood that has not had time to season, or “green wood,” should be avoided. The extra water in the wood makes it smoke horribly, which is not a quality you want. Additionally, it’s best to avoid any wood that is manufactured or has been treated, including coated or sealed wood, painted wood, or pressure-treated wood. These woods have chemicals that will be released into your air when burned and can cause health problems.</p></div>

Do I need a chimney cap?

• <div><p>Yes, a chimney cap is an excellent idea for several reasons. It prevents debris, rain, or snow from entering your chimney, which can cause moisture damage or blockages. A cap with a mesh screen also keeps animals like birds, squirrels, and bats from nesting in your chimney—or worse, getting into your abode. Additionally, chimney caps help prevent downdrafts, which can push smoke and harmful gases back into your home. Lastly, by installing a chimney cap, you will improve safety and enhance the overall efficiency of your fireplace. </p></div>

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Q: Do chimney liners need insulation?

• <div><p>Chimney liners often benefit from insulation, though it is not always required. Insulation helps improve the liner's efficiency by keeping flue gasses hotter, which enhances draft and reduces creosote buildup. It also prevents condensation, which can lead to corrosion. Insulation is important for chimneys on exterior walls or in colder climates. Some building codes may require insulation, so checking local regulations is essential.</p></div>

Q: Can a hot fire burn off or remove creosote?

• <div><p>While a hot fire can help heat up and loosen tar within your chimney, making it a recommended step before using a creosote log, it will not burn off significant existing buildup on its own. Attempting to remove built-up creosote with a hot fire is dangerous and can cause a chimney fire. For safe and effective removal of caked-on creosote, the best approach is to hire a professional chimney sweep.</p></div>

Q: Which way is open on a fireplace flue?

• <div><p>Your fireplace flue is open when the chimney is unsealed and open to the outside air and sky. That&rsquo;s why one of the best ways to figure out if your flue is open is to visually check for daylight inside of your chimney&mdash;or to feel for a draft, which may be generated by the difference in temperatures inside and outside of your home.</p></div>

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Williams Windows

4.9(

)

Clean and Inspect a wood fireplace chimney

Serving Biscoe, NC and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2010

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"Wonderful fireplace insert install. I am so glad they were able to help me. Now I can enjoy my fireplace on all the chilly days. This company makes what they do look so easy. Very professional, I am so grateful for all thier hard work."

Response time1 day

Recommended by96%of homeowners

Clean and Inspect a wood fireplace chimneyClean and Inspect a wood burning stove or pellet stovePre-Fabricated Fireplace Unit (Gas) - Repair

Serving Biscoe, NC and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 1991

Offers commercial services

Customers say: True professional

E R Chimney Sweep provides professional chimney cleaning, inspections, and full service chimney repairs We handle all aspects of chimney systems, including liners, caps, chase covers, flashing, and stove installations, helping keep homes safe, efficient, and up to code

2 neighbors recently requested a quote

Recommended by66%of homeowners

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Shamrock Maintenance Corp

3.9(

)

Brick or Stone Fireplace (Non-Gas) - InstallBrick or Stone Fireplace (Non-Gas) - RepairClean and Inspect a wood burning stove or pellet stove+3 more

Serving Biscoe, NC and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2015

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

Shamrock Chimney proudly serves the entire North Carolina area, providing expert chimney cleaning, repair, and safety services to ensure your home stays safe and efficient. Our team is committed to delivering reliable, high-quality workmanship to all our customers across the region.\nCALL US TODAY AT 919-655-4652

+28

Response time12 hrs

Response rate100%

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Landen

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 Biscoe, NC and surrounding areas

Approved

Hello my name is Landen Hollis, and I have 2+ years of a combination of Commercial and Residential work. I have built homes from the ground up, including concrete work, framing, insulating, final work, ETC. I’m here looking to find additional work and grow my network.

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Top Notch Supreme Cleaning Service

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 Biscoe, NC and surrounding areas

Approved

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

Small jobs welcome

Reliable, detail-oriented cleaning services for residential and commercial spaces. We specialize in new construction, move-in/move-out, and Airbnb turnover cleanings—delivering spotless results you can see and feel every time. We don’t just clean—we restore, refresh, and reset your space.

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Spence Cleaning Service

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 Biscoe, NC and surrounding areas

Approved

Free estimates

Small jobs welcome

Offers commercial services

Commercial and residential cleaner. Always fair pricing!!! I do it all! Over 4 years of experience. Carpet/upholstery cleaning, regular home cleans, move in/move out specials. Pet sitting as well as vacation home/pet sitting. I love meeting new people, making new connections, and making your life cleaner and easier.

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Pure perfection cleaning

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 Biscoe, NC and surrounding areas

Approved

Pure Perfection cleaning solutions customized to meet the unique needs of our clients home&business! Experience the ultimate in cleaning with Pure Perfection! Our tailored cleaning solutions are designed to address the specific requirements of each client's home. As a comprehensive cleaning service provider, we specialize in both surface and deep cleaning. Whether you need assistance with move-out cleanings, Airbnb preparations, organization, or decluttering, we’ve got you covered!

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Blue Parkway Ventures LLC dba BlueCore Maintenance

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 Biscoe, NC and surrounding areas

Approved

BlueCore Maintenance is a North Carolina-based property maintenance company serving residential and commercial customers. We provide dependable repairs, handyman services, painting, carpentry, plumbing, electrical, and HVAC solutions through qualified trade professionals. Our focus is simple: responsive communication, competitive pricing, quality workmanship, and reliable service from start to finish. Whether you need a small repair or ongoing property maintenance, BlueCore is ready to help keep your home or business running smoothly.

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Clean Service

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 Biscoe, NC and surrounding areas

Approved

Hi my name is yohara I have a long experience working in cleaning services Im very responsible respectful and professional

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Clear Choice Brick and Stone, LLC

4.3(

)

Brick or Stone Fireplace (Non-Gas) - Install

Serving Biscoe, NC and surrounding areas

In business since 2002

Free estimates

Warranties offered

"Very knowledgable and professional. I called for an estimate on Thursday and my fireplace was completed on Saturday. Extremely happy with the results and have already told my friends about this positive experience."

+29

Recommended by92%of homeowners

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Showing 1-10 of 44

Fireplaces questions, answered by experts

While hardwoods are the best woods to burn, a few types of woods should be avoided when burning. Wood that has not had time to season, or “green wood,” should be avoided. The extra water in the wood makes it smoke horribly, which is not a quality you want. Additionally, it’s best to avoid any wood that is manufactured or has been treated, including coated or sealed wood, painted wood, or pressure-treated wood. These woods have chemicals that will be released into your air when burned and can cause health problems.

Chimney liners often benefit from insulation, though it is not always required. Insulation helps improve the liner's efficiency by keeping flue gasses hotter, which enhances draft and reduces creosote buildup. It also prevents condensation, which can lead to corrosion. Insulation is important for chimneys on exterior walls or in colder climates. Some building codes may require insulation, so checking local regulations is essential.

While a hot fire can help heat up and loosen tar within your chimney, making it a recommended step before using a creosote log, it will not burn off significant existing buildup on its own. Attempting to remove built-up creosote with a hot fire is dangerous and can cause a chimney fire. For safe and effective removal of caked-on creosote, the best approach is to hire a professional chimney sweep.

Your fireplace flue is open when the chimney is unsealed and open to the outside air and sky. That’s why one of the best ways to figure out if your flue is open is to visually check for daylight inside of your chimney—or to feel for a draft, which may be generated by the difference in temperatures inside and outside of your home.

Yes, a chimney cap is an excellent idea for several reasons. It prevents debris, rain, or snow from entering your chimney, which can cause moisture damage or blockages. A cap with a mesh screen also keeps animals like birds, squirrels, and bats from nesting in your chimney—or worse, getting into your abode. Additionally, chimney caps help prevent downdrafts, which can push smoke and harmful gases back into your home. Lastly, by installing a chimney cap, you will improve safety and enhance the overall efficiency of your fireplace.

The Biscoe, NC homeowners’ guide to fireplace services

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