Murphy's Fireplace & Stove Inc. was started in 2000 when Paul Sanders saw there was a need for a certified and fully trained chimney service company in the Willamette Valley area. You never have to worry if the person that is entering your home and servicing your vent system or repairing your fireplace is trained and certified, because we guarantee it! Murphy's never uses subcontractors for our projects and is able to handle all of your home & hearth needs. Satisfaction Guaranteed CCB: 206435
"Patrick had to do demolition to remove my old fireplace so he could make the master peace. He can listen to your ideas and make what you would see as a dream to reality. I am happy I contracted Patrick with his work, price and time frame making sure this winter my house could be warmer."
"Jose and his crew came out to fix a paver project that another contractor started and messed up. They were all professional, easy to work with, and did an incredible job. I highly recommend them if you want a job done right."
"James was a pleasure to work with. He was very knowledgeable and helped educate me on the care of my chimney. I look forward to witkowith him on my yearly inspection and cleanings."
At FOREST FRESH HOME SOLUTIONS, our mission is to improve the air quality, safety, and comfort of homes across the Portland, Oregon metro. We are committed to delivering reliable, eco-friendly services from Chimney Repairs and Sweeps , Weatherization Solutions , Heating & Cooling and Duct & Dryer Repair and cleaning. Every project is guided by our values of integrity, professionalism, and personalized care, ensuring lasting benefits for every homeowner we serve.
We do a full array of chimney services, chimney sweeping, brick and mortar repair, safety inspections, leak inspections, rain caps, water proofing. Experienced, professional, licensed, bonded, insured, residential, commercial, CCB #250143. \n
Licensed and insured local chimney and masonry company providing inspections, cleanings, repairs, leak diagnosis, flashing, caps, liners, tuckpointing, and full chimney rebuilds. Our experienced technicians focus on safety, code-compliant work, and long-term solutions—not shortcuts. We clearly explain findings, provide honest recommendations, and keep job sites clean and professional. Homeowners trust us for reliable scheduling, quality workmanship, and repairs that last.
Homeowners insurance may cover chimney leaks, repairs, or replacement, but coverage depends on the cause of the damage. If the chimney is damaged by a sudden, covered peril like a lightning strike, storm, hail, fallen tree, or an unexpected fire, your policy is likely to cover the costs. However, insurance generally does not cover damage resulting from normal wear and tear, old age, or a lack of proper maintenance, such as failing to perform regular cleanings and inspections. If a fire or other damage is caused by a known issue you didn't address, the claim may be denied. Additionally, some policies may have specific exclusions for events like high winds or earthquakes.
The height of the chimney for your outdoor fireplace depends on where the fireplace is located. Ideally, the chimney should be 2 to 3 feet higher than surrounding structures; this allows smoke to ventilate properly without endangering anyone or anything.
Note: Your municipality may have strict requirements regarding chimney heights, so it’s always a good idea to check local building codes.
Pellet stoves are designed to run for several hours at a time. Running them for an entire day is not uncommon. More advanced models can run continuously for up to 48 hours, making them ideal if you live in extremely cold conditions and don't want to keep refueling the stove.
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.
Modern gas fireplaces are relatively efficient and don't burn excessive amounts of gas, especially compared to older models. A gas fireplace might use between 10,000 to 40,000 BTUs per hour; the total amount of gas used depends on the fireplace's size, heat output, and how often it's in use. To help keep your running costs down, consider using a thermostat and turning off the fireplace when not needed to minimize gas consumption
The Aurora, OR 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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