"Anthony serviced my gas fireplace in October. Recently I had some concerns about how the fireplace was performing. I called Anthony and he made the time in his schedule to come to assess the issue. He checked his previous work and explained that what was happening is common in vent free gas fireplaces. He is an honest and hardworking young man who is striving to build his company. He is doing all the right things to make that happen."
What The Brick Masonry is a locally owned and operated company that values honesty and integrity in all aspects of our business. Our dedicated team of professionals have over 21 years of hands on experience, to provide innovative ideas and suggestions tailored to your projects. Our services are customized to your individual needs, paying close attention to the details of each project that we are involved with. Please feel free to contact us today!
Serving the Tri-State Area, Shamrock Chimney will provide you with a dedicated approach to ensure your chimney is kept clean and safe. Our team provides chimney solutions for every problem, protecting homes from dangers of leaking chimneys and flues. Call us today to schedule your next appointment.
Founded in 1980, our company has provided trusted masonry and chimney services to homeowners for decades. In 2025, the business was rebranded under new ownership, continuing the same family tradition of quality craftsmanship while bringing a modern, customer-focused approach to every project.\n\nWe specialize in chimney inspections, chimney cleaning, masonry repairs, and exterior restoration services with a strong focus on safety, communication, and long-term solutions. From the initial consultation through project completion, we take the time to explain our findings, answer questions, and provide clear, honest recommendations.\n\nNo matter the size of the job, our reputation is built on reliable service, attention to detail, and treating every home with care and respect.\n
"The workers and office staff were easy to talk to, well informed, courteous , and efficient. They performed a thorough inspection. Recommended and installed a stainless liner and cap for the furnace flue and a new damper on the fireplace flue. Their price was better than previous quotes and even set up a partial payment plan. I am very pleased with the work they did."
Hi, I’m Drew Boyd — the heart and hands behind Rise and Shine Cleaning Services. I’m the one showing up, paying attention to every detail, and making sure your home feels refreshed, peaceful, and truly elevated.\n\nThis isn’t just about cleaning to me — it’s about creating a space you can breathe in and feel proud of. I take pride in consistency, quality, and treating every home with care and respect.\n\nIf you’re looking for reliable, detail-focused cleaning services, I’d love to connect. Message, text, or call me anytime 🤍\n585-610-8079
Pacific Stone and Tile specializes in fabricating and installing granite and marble products and remodeling services. We are family-owned and operated company. Our fabrication and installation team has worked in the stone industry for over 10 years. We work with residential and commercial clients, including architects, designers and offer special discounting for contractors. We are very proud of our company and we feel that our knowledge and expertise are vital in producing a superior product. Our number one priority at Pacific Stone and Tile is to focus on quality, service and customer satisfaction. We pride ourselves on taking a hands on, personal approach with every client. Pacific stone and tile is involved in every project, from start to finish, working closely with clients to ensure they get the exact results they envisioned. All of our products are imported mainly from Brazil and India. Please contact us for an extensive list of satisfied customers who will attest to our way of evaluating, designing and finishing your project. Award winning.
"Astar has done three jobs for us, a top of the line regency gas fireplace, an indirect hot water heater and now, the most impressive - a Kohler natural gas whole house automatic generator. All of these are top of the line equipment. The owner, Ed always answers his phone if you ever have a question. Astar is not the cheapest, but there's something to be said for you get what you pay for. "
Town Building Systems, part of the IBP Family of Companies, has been providing expertise and insulation solutions for over 40 years. We are experts in helping homeowners in the Buffalo, NY area reduce energy costs and make their homes more comfortable. Insulation is one of the easiest, quickest and most cost-efficient ways to lower your energy bills and enhance your home's comfort. Our insulation experts are trained to know the proper installation techniques for each area of your home and to identify and resolve hidden air leaks, moisture problems, and ventilation issues. Call or visit our website today for your free home insulation assessment!
Compared to certain types of firewood like pine or spruce—which burn off sticky resin contained within the wood that creates lots of smoke—elm isn’t the worst option for burning in a fireplace.
Because elm wood is dense, it burns at a moderate pace and does a pretty good job of keeping your home warm. Hardwood like maple or oak may perform slightly better, but elm isn’t a bad choice overall.
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.
Yes, it can be worth installing a gas fireplace, depending on your home heating needs. The cost to install a gas fireplace can be much lower than the cost to install a comparable wood-burning fireplace. The convenience of starting a fire with the flip of a switch and turning it off just as quickly makes a gas fireplace a big time saver over starting and maintaining a wood-fueled fire. A gas fireplace also does not require ash cleanup or frequent chimney cleaning to remove creosote and other buildup that can lead to chimney fires. Gas fireplaces burn and heat much more cleanly than wood fireplaces.
The answer can vary widely based on a home's age and design. As with any type of remodeling project, assume that every structure is load-bearing until confirming otherwise with a structural engineer. Almost all modern homes have chimneys that are fully independent from the rest of the home's framing. As a result, they don't bear any load beyond their own weight. However, many historic homes built prior to the 1900s contain load-bearing chimneys that tie into the surrounding roof and floor joists. If possible, use a home's blueprints or look for chimney connections that indicate load-bearing qualities to get your answer.
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) says that chimneys and their associated elements like fireplaces, vents, or stoves should be cleaned at least once a year before the start of seasonal use. According to the Chimney Safety Institute of America, a chimney should be cleaned when there is 1/8 inch of soot buildup. If there’s more than that, creosote—a flammable byproduct of burning wood—can form and increase the risk of a chimney fire.
The Castile, NY 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.
