"Our chimney had a serious water leak into the fireplace, and none of the local chimney folks seemed to know how to deal with it. But Jeff came by, quickly diagnosed the problem, took apart the top of our chimney, and put it back together again. We've had several heavy rains since and ... no leaks! Jeff was responsible, friendly, and professional. He left the site clean of the debris, and with a chimney that looks better from the outside than it did before. We would definitely use him again for other masonry work."
"The experience was wonderful; Juan, the lead technician, explained the entire job before carrying it out, and we were very pleased with the result. I also received excellent service at the office. I would always recommend a Shamrock fireplace."
Ready to work. Happy to serve the area, work hard and can climb. Fair pricing efficient, friendly. Doing tree removal, chipping, clearing, stump grinding. Reasonably priced, clear communication.
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.
BlueCore Maintenance is a North Carolina-based property maintenance company serving residential and commercial customers. We provide dependable repairs, handyman services, painting, carpentry, plumbing, electrical, and HVAC solutions through qualified trade professionals. Our focus is simple: responsive communication, competitive pricing, quality workmanship, and reliable service from start to finish. Whether you need a small repair or ongoing property maintenance, BlueCore is ready to help keep your home or business running smoothly.
"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."
Shiplap can be safe for a gas fireplace, but you should consult with a fireplace installation pro before proceeding. You need to make sure your project meets building and safety codes since shiplap is made from flammable wood. You may need to install another non-combustible material, like stone or brick, around the fireplace for a certain amount of space before you can add shiplap.
Handbuilt masonry fireplaces are likely what comes to mind when we think about curling up by the fire at the end of the day. But bricks in the firebox and chimney tend to be heavy, which is not ideal for homes with weak or damaged foundations.
Prefabricated fireboxes come with a full flue and chimney system, significantly reducing the price and installation time. However, if you need to replace the panels down the line, you are locked into the same model or something very similar.
There are a few things you can look out for to ensure your chimney is safe to use. Check for the following issues:
Cracks or missing pieces in the masonry of the chimney
Creosote buildup in the chimney, which is a black, tar-like substance
Cracks, stains, or scorch marks in the firebox
Water stains in or around the fireplace
A broken or stuck damper
A well-constructed and regularly maintained brick chimney can last 50 to 100 years, potentially spanning multiple generations of homeowners. The exact lifespan depends on the quality of construction, materials, local environment, and maintenance. In contrast, a metal chimney typically lasts 15 to 20 years. While the main structure is durable, individual components have shorter lifespans and require more frequent replacement. For example, mortar may need repointing every 20 to 30 years, chimney crowns last 50 to 75 years, and liners can last anywhere from 15 to 50 years depending on the material (e.g., stainless steel vs. cast-in-place).
To ensure the safety and longevity of your pre-fabricated fireplace, perform regular maintenance. This includes regular cleaning, checking the unit for cracks, and ensuring the venting and ventilation systems are clear and functioning properly. Additionally, scheduling professional inspections helps ensure safe operation.
The Fort Chiswell, 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.
