"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 a residential HVAC service technician with over 5 years of experience diagnosing, repairing, and maintaining heating and cooling systems. I take pride in providing honest recommendations, quality workmanship, and treating every home with the same care and respect as my own. Whether it’s troubleshooting a complex issue, performing preventative maintenance, or making repairs, my goal is to get the job done right the first time.
"Great company! I called and scheduled for a sweep and inspection of my fireplace. While the technician was there he noticed some spots on my chimney that needed repair and quoted me on the spot. The workmen who came out were wonderful, polite and very informative. I would recommend Felgemacher to anyone who wants quality work in a timely manner."
"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."
DeRisio Construction Inc. was originally established in 1999 as Nick DeRisio’s Custom Carpentry. What started as a hobby between Nick & his grandfather, Dominic DeRisio (who was a finish carpenter for over 30 years) emerged into a small carpentry business that completed mostly interior trim work such as custom cabinetry, kitchen remodeling, & custom decks. After a few years in business the company was re-named DeRisio Construction Inc., & now offers a wide range of residential & commercial services in the greater Rochester, NY area, with an emphasis on kitchen, bath & basement remodeling. Other services include windows, doors, hardscaping, additions, & general improvements.
Some of the reasons a chimney damper won't close properly include shoddy installation, age-related damage, or heavy snow or ice affecting a top-sealing type. Poor chimney maintenance and a buildup of rust, debris, or creosote can also cause dampers to jam. Annual inspections and chimney sweep costs are worth it to help you avoid a damper disaster.
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.
Yes, you can put a freestanding one in a corner if you’re tight on space. Because pellet stoves don’t get as hot as other types of wood stoves, there only needs to be 3 inches of clearance from the wall on each side. Placing it in a corner should not impact the ventilation—you’ll still need to follow safety precautions by not installing too close to a window. Typically, it’s 4 feet from a window or 18 inches if the stove uses an external air source for combustion. Always check the owner’s manual for specific instructions.
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.
This happens when condensation forms due to your room temperature being lower than its dew point. You can clean the glass with a combination of baking soda, vinegar, and warm water to wipe away the fog from the doors.
The Le Roy, 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.
