How do I know if my chimney is safe to use?

• <div><p>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.</p></div>

Can you use a fireplace after the insert is removed?

• <div><p>In some cases, you can use a fireplace once the insert has been removed. However, before burning a fire, you must have a professional inspect it and the chimney to make sure they're functioning properly and no damage has occurred from removing the insert. That’s because using a fireplace without an insert could create fire hazards due to issues with airflow and heat dispersion, depending on the fireplace design and material. A professional can advise on whether you should make certain repairs or modifications before using your fireplace as an open hearth.</p></div>

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Q: Do I also need a cricket for my chimney?

• <div><p>In addition to flashing, a roof cricket can help divert water around your chimney so that it drains properly off your roof. It&rsquo;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. </p><p><a href="https://codes.iccsafe.org/content/IBC2021P1">The International Building Code</a> (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&rsquo;t required to have crickets installed.</p></div>

Q: Is it safe to use an outlet that sparked?

• <div><p>No, it is not safe to use an outlet that sparked. A spark from an outlet could indicate a short circuit, loose or frayed wiring, or other serious damage. Continuing to use an outlet that sparks can increase the risk of electrical shock, electrical fires, and other hazards. It's important to turn off the power to the outlet at the circuit breaker if possible and avoid using the outlet until a licensed electrician has inspected and repaired it.</p></div>

Q: How high should a pergola be above a fire pit?

• <div><p>While your municipality may have its own regulations requiring pergolas or other structures to be a certain height above a fire pit, the standard recommendation is that the pergola should be at least 10 feet above the fire pit. A taller pergola allows the heat from the flames to dissipate before reaching the structure.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Fire Pit Installation pros in Chesapeake, OH

*The Angi rating for Fire Pit Installation companies in Chesapeake, OH is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Fire Pit Installation needs.

*The HomeAdvisor rating for Fire Pit Installation companies in Chesapeake, OH is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Fire Pit Installation needs.

Last update on February 02, 2026

Reviewed in February 2026
We called so many plumbers and one “professional” company showed up and didn’t even bring exploratory tools. We found Adkins and they showed up with an excavator and shovels ready to find the problem in this frigid cold. They gave us a quote and started working at 4pm and stayed until 8pm to...
Adkins Plumbing & Contracting, LLC
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Reviewed in January 2024
Andrew called me within minutes of asking for a quote. He came to my house the same evening, went and got parts and fixed my kitchen sink all within little over an hour. It works and looks great! I would highly recommend and will be using his services again in the future
WAM Services, LLC
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Reviewed in September 2022
They were very good. Excellent job. I plan to hire them again sometime.
Freedom Trimmers and Lawn Care, LLC
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Reviewed in April 2022
I hired sunshine lawn care to complete my mowing and weed eating he did an excellent job my lawn looks great and he is reasonably priced.
Sunshine Lawn Care
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Reviewed in February 2021
The project was performed professionally and completed quickly. I will definitely rehire this contractor again.
J&M Home Improvements LLC
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Reviewed in September 2017
Well it was fine, but hideously expensive. I spoke to other people and they said wow we can't believe you paid $1400 for two small windows. I said well you know I won't do that again. I probably will go somewhere else. I have about 30 windows in my house. I will be using elsewhere. But it was...
Champion Windows and Home Exteriors of Columbia
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Reviewed in November 2016
Greg was very responsive and helpful, even though we decided not to install a septic system at this time.
Liberty Excavating LLC
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Reviewed in November 2013
The electrician was prompt, efficient, friendly, and professional. The house was left in the same order as when he begain working. The fan needed a replacement part that is difficult to find, but he was able to find it and install it in a timely fashion. We cannot say enough good things about...
COX COMMERCIAL APPLIANCE & REFRIGERATION
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Reviewed in November 2012
This was the worst business experience in my entire life; After paying them more than $70,000 and four months of lousy work we <br /> ended up firing them. They never completed the work and yet dare to ask for more money? yes after paying them $70,000 to do extensive poor and unnecessary...
now service pros
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Reviewed in February 2012
The job went fair. A roof cap was suppose to be installed but the workers put the old vents back on. The boss told me if I would accept the mistake he would not charge me for the wood. When the job was done I called them back because the roof is not level. "It has waves in it". They were polite...
Secure Construction Company Inc
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Fire Pit Installation questions, answered by experts

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.

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 some cases, you can use a fireplace once the insert has been removed. However, before burning a fire, you must have a professional inspect it and the chimney to make sure they're functioning properly and no damage has occurred from removing the insert. That’s because using a fireplace without an insert could create fire hazards due to issues with airflow and heat dispersion, depending on the fireplace design and material. A professional can advise on whether you should make certain repairs or modifications before using your fireplace as an open hearth.

No, it is not safe to use an outlet that sparked. A spark from an outlet could indicate a short circuit, loose or frayed wiring, or other serious damage. Continuing to use an outlet that sparks can increase the risk of electrical shock, electrical fires, and other hazards. It's important to turn off the power to the outlet at the circuit breaker if possible and avoid using the outlet until a licensed electrician has inspected and repaired it.

While your municipality may have its own regulations requiring pergolas or other structures to be a certain height above a fire pit, the standard recommendation is that the pergola should be at least 10 feet above the fire pit. A taller pergola allows the heat from the flames to dissipate before reaching the structure.

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