"We recently hired Shamrock Chimney to repoint the brick walls on both of our bay windows and our front steps. We also had them perform a safety inspection and cleaning of our gas fireplace. Mr. Juan Ortiz was the company representative, and we found him to be extremely knowledgeable, professional, and courteous. The repointing took approximately 7½ hours, and the results were exceptional. They carefully removed the old mortar, and the new mortar was matched perfectly to the existing brickwork. The bay window walls look like new again! They also completed a thorough safety inspection of our gas fireplace and did an excellent job cleaning the glass and fireplace. We were very pleased with the quality of the work and the professionalism of the crew. I would definitely recommend Shamrock Chimney to anyone needing chimney, masonry, or fireplace services."
Winters Complete Care is your complete home care solution. We are a husband and wife team offering services ranginging from Deep Cleans, Weekly and Biweekly Cleanings, Organization, Outdoor Cleaning, Painting, Furniture Delivery and Assembly, Moving, and Handyman Services.
"It went very well. They came on time. They did their work well. They told me how often I should get it cleaned and if I'm just using the fireplace twice a year, not to worry, that I didn't have to get it cleaned until every 3 or 4 years."
"We have Frontpoint at two houses. We had been looking for ways to cut our monthly expenses (Frontpoint is approx. $100 per month total), so I called them to find out what I could do. They informed me that I was under contract for another year, and that I cannot get out of the contract without an early termination fee that is equal to the cost of the service. I'm a little disappointed, because the upfront cost of the system was very expensive ($1,000+) for each house, so it seems odd that I would get sucked into this contract. Nevertheless, I forgot that I signed up for this with them. My calendar is marked for the day that my service ends, and I will be switching to a company that charges about half of what they do. They have OK customer service and are very responsive, but the wireless system had some issues with reception in my house due to a fireplace, and then they didn't want to work with me to get that resolved. They're OK, but I can't really recommend them."
F. Stone Design Company LLC is a repairs & restoration construction company that proudly serves the Washington DC metro area. We consist of a 5-member crew of contractors around Virginia, Maryland, & DC. We focus mostly on exterior construction such as: pavers, chimneys, patios. We have over 20 years of experience in the field and customer satisfaction is our priority. All of our work is guaranteed.
Brick Solutions Inc. is a fully insured company with the resources available to meet all your masonry needs. Full scope of masonry industry, big job or small, new work or repair.
Not all gas fireplaces need a chimney. If you install a ventless gas fireplace, it will release low levels of combustion byproducts back into your living space (instead of pushing them outside through a chimney or vent). Ventless fireplaces burn fuel efficiently, so the emissions are minimal—but they could bother people with allergies or respiratory issues.
Yes, removing a chimney is a difficult and major undertaking. Chimneys often provide structural support to a home, so if it's a load-bearing structure, you'll need to take extra precautions to maintain your home's integrity. A project of this complexity typically requires a structural engineer, a masonry contractor, and a demolition crew. The removal process may involve taking the chimney out brick by brick from inside the walls. The cost for chimney removal can range from $2,000 to $10,000, depending on the job's complexity. Due to the difficulty and cost, some homeowners opt to remove the fireplace and seal the chimney at the top and bottom, sometimes also removing the visible exterior portion at the roofline.
Single-pane windows might let in the cold, but if you’re not ready for a long-term solution or window replacement, there are quick fixes to keep your space warmer. Start by sealing gaps with weatherstripping or caulking around the frame to block drafts. For an extra barrier, apply window insulation film to the glass, trapping an air pocket between the film and the window. Thick curtains or thermal drapes can also help keep the chill at bay. And if you’re in a pinch and looking to get creative, bubble wrap can provide a surprisingly effective layer of insulation—just spritz the window with water and press it on, bubble side in.
In many cases, it is worth repairing an old fireplace. You can repair any portion of the fireplace, and even extensive repairs will usually cost less than a full replacement. Most fireplace repairs cost around $600 and top out around $2,500. Replacing your fireplace will cost around $2,500 and reach as high as $4,000. Not only will fireplace repair save you money in most cases, but the process is also much less invasive and time-consuming, so you’ll only have to set aside one day to be home for the work rather than multiple days.
While wood stove fans are effective for improving heat distribution, they rely on the stove reaching a certain temperature to operate efficiently. If the stove does not generate enough heat, the fan may not start or may not move air effectively. Additionally, like any fan, wood stove fans cannot cool a stove or reduce its heat output—they only redistribute existing warmth.
The Appalachia, VA homeowners’ guide to fireplace services
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
With a gas fireplace, it’s important to stay up-to-date on your inspections. Learn more about how much gas fireplace inspections cost before you book one.
Find out if you really need a chimney to install a fireplace in your home. This guide helps you understand your options, such as a ventless fireplace, when choosing the right fireplace for your home if you don't have a chimney.
