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>

Get matched with top fireplace pros in Athena, OR

Q: What is the best style of chimney cap?

• <div><p>The best style of chimney cap for a brick chimney is one that fits tightly around the brick top of the chimney. The cap should have a screen to fully enclose it to keep animals out. The best materials include stainless steel, copper, or aluminum that fit tightly or are custom fabricated for a perfect fit on your chimney.</p></div>

Q: Can you close up instead of demolishing a chimney?

• <div><p>You can close up a chimney instead of demolishing it. Homeowners often go this route because the cost of removing a chimney, especially a structurally important chimney, can be expensive.</p><p>Properly closing up a chimney involves closing and sealing the damper, installing a chimney cap damper, and sealing the fireplace opening with a door or bricks. The <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-much-it-get-my-chimney-sealed-and-capped.htm">cost to seal and cap a chimney</a> is around <b>$500 to $650</b>&mdash;significantly less than the average chimney removal cost. </p></div>

Q: Do outdoor fireplaces require regular maintenance?

• <div><p>Outdoor fireplaces are extremely sturdy if constructed correctly, but they do require regular maintenance. The good news is that cleaning and checking the fireplace needs to be done just once a year. However, for safety reasons, let a professional clean the fireplace. Homeowners should expect to pay between <b>$100</b> <b>and</b> <b>$300</b> for outdoor fireplace maintenance. Any damage to the fireplace itself, however, will cost much more to repair. </p></div>

Q: How do I stop my fireplace backdraft?

• <div><p>Backdraft is usually caused by a ventilation or pressure problem. To stop it, you need to replace the air your fireplace draws out through the chimney, so open a window to try and increase the airflow. Sometimes turning on a kitchen or bathroom exhaust fan can help, but they could also be the cause of the backdraft depending on the air pressure inside your home. You may need to install a makeup air system (MUAS) or chimney fan.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Fireplace Service pros in Athena, OR

*The Angi rating for Fireplace Service companies in Athena, OR is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Fireplace Service needs.

*The HomeAdvisor rating for Fireplace Service companies in Athena, OR is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Fireplace Service needs.

Last update on August 07, 2026

Reviewed in August 2026
Great company to work with! They were professional, responsive, and did an excellent job on our garage door. Everything was installed correctly and looks great. I would definitely recommend them to anyone looking for quality work and great service.
SUMMIT GARAGE DOORS & GATES
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Reviewed in June 2025
They completed the job ahead of schedule. The work was excellent, as it was on an earlier job they did for us. Always go the extra mile to make sure all is as it should be and make us very happy. We wholeheartedly recommend the excellence of their work.
Mark J O'Neill Jr.
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Reviewed in August 2024
Great price, had my roof done in 2.5 days. Also left the property spotless.
RV American Roofing LLC
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Reviewed in April 2024
They started on the exact day promised.....were very tidy and extremely respectful.....did an absolutely great job...love the new deck...would definitely recommend Mike and crew for any project you might have. Judy Harris Betts
Elk Head Construction
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Reviewed in June 2023
We have had Ryan help us with several projects - including some that included plumbing and welding elements. He is also a great woodworker! He is conscientious, hardworking, honest. Highly recommended.
Handyham The Handyman
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Reviewed in April 2023
The best and most experienced company ever dealt with. Had others and never really solved problems. He very good and knows what needs be done. Once he did services all problems were solved no ants and no scorpions etc. can not say enough knows products Annâ s has best products out there
Norton Pest Control
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Reviewed in December 2022
We had some major water damage that had not been addressed before we moved in. The damage included water heater area and extended into the bathroom floor under the vanity. Let me tell you, this was not a pretty job to take on, and being an old mobile home, never straightforward. Greg was so kind...
G&L Builders LLC
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Reviewed in September 2022
They did a great job. They did a really good job cleaning up. Prices are great as well.
Jones Excavation, LLC
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Reviewed in July 2022
Ivan is SUPER quick and keeps my system running TOP NOTCH... Thanks Ivan *****
Total Comfort Solutions, LLC
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Reviewed in July 2022
Great service we were really happy with the results and Gabriel being so helpful and kind willing to go above and beyond. I would highly recommend to anyone.
NW Surface Tech
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Find Fireplace pros in Athena

Nicks Eco Friendly Painting LLC

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 Athena, OR and surrounding areas

Approved

We are family owned and operated and have been serving Washington State for 15 years! The services we offer are Painting, drywall, carpentry and much more!! We strive on detail, quality and reasonable pricing. Over 20 years experience. We service all of Benton, Yakima, Franklin,and Umatilia Counties. Possibly farther depending on details we have done work all over Washington State.

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Jo Cleans

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 Athena, OR and surrounding areas

Approved

Hi there! I’m Josephine, the one behind Jo Cleans, and I’m so glad you found me! ❤️ I genuinely love helping people make their homes feel fresh, comfortable, and welcoming. 🧽✨\n\nLife gets busy, messy, and overwhelming—there’s no judgment here! Whether you need a routine cleaning, deep clean, or just some help getting your space back under control, I’m here to help.\n\nI’m hardworking, dependable, detail-oriented, and I treat every home with the same care and respect I’d want for my own. My goal is simple: to make your life a little easier and leave your space looking and feeling its best!

2 neighbors recently requested a quote

Clean and Inspect a gas fireplaceClean and Inspect a wood burning stove or pellet stoveClean and Inspect a wood fireplace chimney

Serving Athena, OR and surrounding areas

In business since 2007

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Everything is going great. Also added some other equipment such as app controlled door locks, etc."

Recommended by93%of homeowners

Brick or Stone Fireplace (Gas) - InstallBrick or Stone Fireplace (Gas) - RepairBrick or Stone Fireplace (Non-Gas) - Install+12 more

Serving Athena, OR and surrounding areas

In business since 2013

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

Cleaning and installation services for your stoves and fireplaces. Whether it's wood, gas or pellet, we service them all. we have the experience, connections and style to bring your vision to life,on schedule and on budget! Call us today for the area's best!

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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JBC Group Solutions Inc

4.0(

)

Brick or Stone Fireplace - Repair

Serving Athena, OR and surrounding areas

In business since 2007

Emergency services offered

"I have been using them for 3 years for multiple projects and would not go to somebody else. They also built a cabin in the woods. It was built 10 miles from the road so it was like carrying all the stuff up the path. They also did the garage and remodeling of the house, mostly kitchen and a little bit of plumbing work in the bathroom. I am still using them and I would be using them for the next thing that will be coming up too."

Recommended by75%of homeowners

Clean and Inspect a gas fireplaceClean and Inspect a wood burning stove or pellet stoveClean and Inspect a wood fireplace chimney

Serving Athena, OR and surrounding areas

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

Warranties offered

I am a former United States Marine. I have experience in cleaning AND in organizing. I really enjoy this line of work.\nI have worked in restaurants closing and cleaning their grills, fryers, kitchen.

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KatesKeenKlean

New to Angi

Clean and Inspect a gas fireplaceClean and Inspect a wood burning stove or pellet stove

Serving Athena, OR and surrounding areas

Having partnered in ownership of a cleaning company in San Diego California I bring a versatile set of skills to meet every demand. \nIncluding safe and toxic free cleaning agents and proper disposal of waste. \nQuick turnovers for airbnbs and or vacation rentals. \nReoccurring cleans for busy households. \nOne time standard clean, deep cleans, move out / in cleans.\nI also offer gift cards. \nAs homes can be on different levels of attention needed I prefer to bid the job after I am able to do a walk-through with the customer. \nGreat references and before and after pics.

4 neighbors recently requested a quote

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Fireplaces questions, answered by experts

The best style of chimney cap for a brick chimney is one that fits tightly around the brick top of the chimney. The cap should have a screen to fully enclose it to keep animals out. The best materials include stainless steel, copper, or aluminum that fit tightly or are custom fabricated for a perfect fit on your chimney.

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.

You can close up a chimney instead of demolishing it. Homeowners often go this route because the cost of removing a chimney, especially a structurally important chimney, can be expensive.

Properly closing up a chimney involves closing and sealing the damper, installing a chimney cap damper, and sealing the fireplace opening with a door or bricks. The cost to seal and cap a chimney is around $500 to $650—significantly less than the average chimney removal cost.

Outdoor fireplaces are extremely sturdy if constructed correctly, but they do require regular maintenance. The good news is that cleaning and checking the fireplace needs to be done just once a year. However, for safety reasons, let a professional clean the fireplace. Homeowners should expect to pay between $100 and $300 for outdoor fireplace maintenance. Any damage to the fireplace itself, however, will cost much more to repair.

Backdraft is usually caused by a ventilation or pressure problem. To stop it, you need to replace the air your fireplace draws out through the chimney, so open a window to try and increase the airflow. Sometimes turning on a kitchen or bathroom exhaust fan can help, but they could also be the cause of the backdraft depending on the air pressure inside your home. You may need to install a makeup air system (MUAS) or chimney fan.

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