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>

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Q: Do you need a flue or chimney cap?

• <div><p>If you have a chimney, you need a flue or chimney cap. The right covering keeps rain, debris, and animals from getting into your flue or chimney and causing damage. A flue or chimney cap also provides fire protection. The mesh insert around the cap keeps sparks from flying out of the chimney and igniting leaves and other materials.</p></div>

Q: What time of year is firewood cheapest?

• <div><p>Firewood tends to be cheaper during the spring and summer. When the demand for firewood is lower during these seasons, many firewood companies offer lower prices and added discounts. In addition, the supply of firewood is typically higher in these months, meaning the quality is typically higher as well. </p></div>

Q: How tall are chimney caps typically?

• <div><p>Ideally, your chimney cap should be at least 8 inches above the top of the flue, though it's better if it's even higher. You want it to sit that high because it won't affect the chimney's draft, which pulls the smoke up and out of your chimney and away from your home.</p></div>

Q: How do I stop my fireplace from smoking?

• <div><p>How you stop your fireplace from smoking depends on the cause. Sometimes it&rsquo;s as simple as opening the damper. Other times, you need to battle air pressure. The best course of action is to ensure proper ventilation, whether that means opening a door or a window; avoid building a large fire, which produces more smoke; and use seasoned hardwoods, which produce less smoke than other types of wood. If the issue persists, call a pro ASAP.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Fireplace Service pros in Merlin, OR

*The Angi rating for Fireplace Service companies in Merlin, 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 Merlin, 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 October 31, 2024

Reviewed in October 2024
Justin was professional and shared good insights with our bath project. It was a start from scratch job that included a hydronic floor heating system that we love. From the tiling to the wall texture he delivered the character we wanted for our century old home.
JUSTIN SANDERS PROJECT MANAGEMENT LLC
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Reviewed in August 2024
Had some doors replaced, interior painting done, my deck stained, and it turned out great!
Maple Painting & Carpentry, LLC
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Reviewed in January 2024
We needed a door and a couple windows installed into a metal building. They guys did a great job, very professional and friendly. I will definitely be calling them again for future projects.
BRANDON BURTONS GENERAL CONTRACTING
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Reviewed in November 2023
They replaced the entire heating/ac system including ductwork, which had never been properly installed. They were prompt, efficient, neat, and pleasant we are very pleased.
Indoor Air Man
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Reviewed in September 2023
They painted doors and out building. They did not refinish my cabinets
Douglas Painting
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Reviewed in January 2023
There's nothing like walking into a spotless house after a long day at work. Tasha takes all the stress of the mess away and makes time for me to enjoy with my family. I know that my house and my pets are in the best of hands when they're left in Tasha's care!
Before and After Cleaning Services, LLC
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Reviewed in July 2021
Very nice people! Did a great job on 15 shrubs.
A&J Specialties, LLC
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Reviewed in March 2021
This review is long overdue, but this company is excellent! Jerry knows his stuff and he and his wife Sherry are great!!! Will be our go to heating and air people.
GRANTS PASS HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING
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Reviewed in December 2014
So, Smokey's sometimes has a reputation for being spendy, but I needed a fireplace extension (a fireproof "mat" in front of the wood stove insert) in order to pass insurance inspection -- and for safety reasons. The clerk at the Grants Pass Smokey's was wonderful: light-hearted, professional,...
Smokey's Stoves
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Reviewed in October 2013
We live in a rural area. Our propane gas fireplace insert with a blower, had not been used for at least five years. We recently moved in and could not get the fireplace to work despite taking it apart ourselves and following suggestions in the owners manual. We found Andrew on Angie's list. It...
Andrew Korte Heating & A C Inc
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Find Fireplace pros in Merlin

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

Serving Merlin, 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 Merlin, 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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Collins Home Services

4.0(

)

Gas, Pellet, or Wood Stove - Repair

Serving Merlin, OR and surrounding areas

In business since 2019

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"He was efficient and kind, enclosed our porch and now we have a beautiful space to enjoy during the cold or hot weather."

Recommended by71%of homeowners

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Brian Franklin Millett

4.8(

)

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

Serving Merlin, 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 Merlin, 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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Brown bear masonry

New to Angi

Brick or Stone Fireplace (Gas) - InstallBrick or Stone Fireplace (Gas) - RepairBrick or Stone Fireplace (Non-Gas) - Install+1 more

Serving Merlin, OR and surrounding areas

We are able to help with any project that involves concrete, masonry, pavers, you name it we can do it. Please reach out for a free quote, we can make an appointment to look at what you would like done.

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Fireplaces questions, answered by experts

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.

If you have a chimney, you need a flue or chimney cap. The right covering keeps rain, debris, and animals from getting into your flue or chimney and causing damage. A flue or chimney cap also provides fire protection. The mesh insert around the cap keeps sparks from flying out of the chimney and igniting leaves and other materials.

Firewood tends to be cheaper during the spring and summer. When the demand for firewood is lower during these seasons, many firewood companies offer lower prices and added discounts. In addition, the supply of firewood is typically higher in these months, meaning the quality is typically higher as well.

Ideally, your chimney cap should be at least 8 inches above the top of the flue, though it's better if it's even higher. You want it to sit that high because it won't affect the chimney's draft, which pulls the smoke up and out of your chimney and away from your home.

How you stop your fireplace from smoking depends on the cause. Sometimes it’s as simple as opening the damper. Other times, you need to battle air pressure. The best course of action is to ensure proper ventilation, whether that means opening a door or a window; avoid building a large fire, which produces more smoke; and use seasoned hardwoods, which produce less smoke than other types of wood. If the issue persists, call a pro ASAP.

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