"Shamrock Maintenance Corp. did an excellent job cleaning and inspecting our wood burning stove. The technician arrived on time, was professional, and explained everything clearly before starting the work. They made sure the area was protected and left everything clean once the job was completed. I appreciated how thorough the inspection was and the time they took to answer our questions. It’s hard to find reliable service these days, but they definitely delivered. Highly recommend."
"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."
I've a skilled and personable house cleaner who has been cleaning houses in the Buffalo area for about 6 years. I take pride in offering clients peace of mind by understanding their needs and being flexible with scheduling. Recently I've gained experience in construction and handyman work to add to my repertoire. \nI clean thoroughly and fast, leaving your house feeling brand new in a matter of hours!
"Very pleased with the job that was done. Only critique would be a slight gap between the backsplash and wall, which had I noticed sooner I am sure they could have corrected with caulk or pushing backsplash closer. It is hardly noticeable. Everybody that I dealt with was extremely friendly. I am very happy with the counter top."
"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. "
"Overall,again they did a great job, the original price was adjusted after seeing part of the structure didn't need insulation. I did ask if they would put the unused portion in the attic, but it appeared they weren't interested in doing that. It may have required the job to last longer, but that's just my assumption."
"It's a pretty decent system, I think. They send you the pieces and you install them yourself, which is pretty easy. The only real problem I have is that one sensor is too far away from the panel...or there's some interference, and they haven't been able to fix that. It's an interior door, so it's not the end of the world, just a little annoying. Their customer service is pretty good though. Nice, smart customer service people on the other end, very polite and helpful."
Deciding whether to buy a prebuilt fireplace kit or build one from scratch comes down to aesthetics, available space, and budget. Many homeowners like the convenience and lower cost of prebuilt options—around $1,500—versus the involved planning and construction of a larger fireplace. Another bonus: you can usually move prebuilt units. Custom projects are more common when homeowners have access to a larger budget and more area in the yard to place the fireplace.
For fireplaces that need ventilation, a pipe system can do the trick and send dangerous byproducts out of your house. The actual pipe installation will depend on the type of fireplace because pipe systems are unique to specific fireplace types. For example, the twin wall pipe for a balanced flue fireplace can only be used for that type of fireplace.
Yes, removing a chimney is a difficult and major undertaking. Chimneys often provide structural support to a home, so if it's a load-bearing structure, you'll need to take extra precautions to maintain your home's integrity. A project of this complexity typically requires a structural engineer, a masonry contractor, and a demolition crew. The removal process may involve taking the chimney out brick by brick from inside the walls. The cost for chimney removal can range from $2,000 to $10,000, depending on the job's complexity. Due to the difficulty and cost, some homeowners opt to remove the fireplace and seal the chimney at the top and bottom, sometimes also removing the visible exterior portion at the roofline.
Wood is classified as either hardwood or softwood. For firewood, hardwoods are generally the best choice as they tend to burn longer, hotter, and produce less smoke than softwoods. Recommended hardwoods include oak, hickory, maple, cherry, ash, beech, birch, elm, and walnut. Oak is a particularly good option as it's widely available, slow-burning, and doesn't produce much smoke or sparks. Some woods, like oak, hickory, and cherry, also emit a pleasant scent. It is best to avoid softwoods such as eucalyptus, poplar, and willow, as they create a lot of smoke and have a high moisture content that makes them difficult to light and burn efficiently.
There are several ways to determine if your chimney or fireplace damper is open or closed. A simple method is to check for airflow by placing your hand near the fireplace opening; if you feel a draft or hear wind whistling, the damper is open. An open damper might also make the room feel cooler, similar to the outdoor temperature, or cause your HVAC system to work harder than usual. For a more definitive test, you can try a visual inspection, although it may be difficult to see. Alternatively, you can light a small piece of paper and observe the smoke; if it is drawn up the chimney, the damper is open. Always use the damper handle to adjust its position.
The Irving, NY homeowners’ guide to fireplace services
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
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