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 Harbor, OR

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>

Q: What are common issues found during a chimney inspection or cleaning?

• <div><p>Common issues discovered during a chimney inspection or cleaning include creosote buildup, cracked liners, structural degeneration or masonry degradation, and obstructions such as blocked flues or animal nests. These issues are potential safety hazards that can lead to combustion problems or poor air quality if not addressed.</p></div>

Q: What are the signs that a chimney needs to be replaced?

• <div><p>Signs that your chimney may need to be replaced include visible damage like cracks in the structure, bricks, or mortar, as well as crumbling or flaking mortar and loose bricks. Leaks, dampness, discoloration, and efflorescence (a white, stain-like substance on the bricks) are also key indicators of water damage, which can compromise the chimney's safety. Addressing these problems is essential, as a chimney in this condition may be at risk of collapsing and causing major damage to your home. A full replacement costs about $10,000 on average, but can range from $3,100 to $15,400.</p></div>

Q: Are new wood stoves better than old?

• <div><p>In some aspects, yes, new wood stoves are better than old ones. For example, today&rsquo;s EPA emission limits for wood-burning stoves are much lower than they were several decades ago. Stoves that meet these stricter standards produce less air pollution, reduce fire risks, and decrease your risk of inhaling harmful particles.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Fireplace Service pros in Harbor, OR

*The Angi rating for Fireplace Service companies in Harbor, 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 Harbor, 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 March 11, 2026

Reviewed in March 2026
Mold Fire Water did a thorough inspection of our mold problem left from irresponsible renters, including a borescope, and gave us a clear and honest assessment of our problem based on objective evidence. Instead of pushing unnecessary remediation, they explained that our situation was manageable...
Mold Fire Water, LLC
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Reviewed in March 2026
Underdog Timber Felling exceeded our expectations on several levels. Isaac is also a 16yr Fireman & is hired by the department to clear areas for fire remediation. He has a good crew too. Taylor (Ms.Underdog) was easy to talk to and arrange the job. They were flexible. They were...
Underdog Timber Felling, LLC
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Reviewed in May 2025
Chris and his team were awesome to work with! We had Chris do a complete kitchen remodel, including replacing a load bearing wall with a massive glue-lam beam into the ceiling! He installed all the kitchen cabinets, replaced flooring throughout our home, and all new interior paint plus more. We...
TNT Maintenance
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Reviewed in October 2024
We used OJEG Construction to rebuild our home after a recent forest fire. We are now living in our new house that we designed. Some of OJEG's strengths are: first, listening to owner's desires; second, using skilled subcontractors and, third: maintaining quality control. We had a...
OJEG Construction, LLC
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Reviewed in November 2023
I recommend Jordan anytime someone needs Excavating done or any earth work done! He is very professional and takes great pride in his work!
TK Excavation LLC
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Reviewed in October 2023
Atlas Renovations has been our first choice for all of our Oregon single family flips as well as our larger multi family remodeling projects. They can handle the entire job to include kitchen and bath remodels, flooring, windows, roofs, siding, decks and full landscaping. The crew is...
Atlas Renovations LLC
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Reviewed in May 2023
IÃ¢Â Â d give them a five but they promised to come back and remove tree limbs that had been broken in storms and they have not returned. Very nice young men and I would recommend them.
Nathanial W Williams Tree Service
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Reviewed in March 2023
We had a great experience with Advanced Pavers. From the initial meeting with Lacy who designed our project and offered her professional input, Caleb the project manager, Temo and his entire crew. You can tell how much pride everyone takes in their work. Edgar, the owner, came by every day to...
Advanced Interlocking Pavers
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Reviewed in August 2021
They were helpful with good workmanship. I would highly recommend them to any body.
Allen's Granite & Marble
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Reviewed in August 2014
Matt was on time for the assessment, jovial, professional and confidant in his ability to fix the problem. If I had any questions he would get back to me. Matt seemed sure the leak was due to Improper flashing around the chimney. I and Dreamsavers asked if the chimney needed work. Matt was...
Myer Roofing
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Find Fireplace pros in Harbor

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

Serving Harbor, 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 Harbor, 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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Brian Franklin Millett

4.8(

)

Brick or Stone Fireplace (Gas) - InstallBrick or Stone Fireplace (Non-Gas) - Install

Serving Harbor, OR and surrounding areas

In business since 1998

Free estimates

Warranties offered

"Brian's work is very professionally done. In addition to the cement work he completed a small addition to my deck. I have already recommended him to friends. It was a pleasure working with him."

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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JBC Group Solutions Inc

4.0(

)

Brick or Stone Fireplace - Repair

Serving Harbor, 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

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Fireplaces questions, answered by experts

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.

Common issues discovered during a chimney inspection or cleaning include creosote buildup, cracked liners, structural degeneration or masonry degradation, and obstructions such as blocked flues or animal nests. These issues are potential safety hazards that can lead to combustion problems or poor air quality if not addressed.

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.

Signs that your chimney may need to be replaced include visible damage like cracks in the structure, bricks, or mortar, as well as crumbling or flaking mortar and loose bricks. Leaks, dampness, discoloration, and efflorescence (a white, stain-like substance on the bricks) are also key indicators of water damage, which can compromise the chimney's safety. Addressing these problems is essential, as a chimney in this condition may be at risk of collapsing and causing major damage to your home. A full replacement costs about $10,000 on average, but can range from $3,100 to $15,400.

In some aspects, yes, new wood stoves are better than old ones. For example, today’s EPA emission limits for wood-burning stoves are much lower than they were several decades ago. Stoves that meet these stricter standards produce less air pollution, reduce fire risks, and decrease your risk of inhaling harmful particles.

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