"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.
"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.
You can complete some maintenance tasks on your own, including cleaning your gas fireplace. However, it’s still best to have a professional inspect your fireplace every year. When you hire a pro, they’ll take a thorough look at each part of your fireplace, including the gas lines and venting system, to ensure that everything is safe and working as it should.
Common problems include pilot light failure, clogged burners, and faulty ignition systems. Regular maintenance prevents many issues.
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.
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).
Some of the reasons a chimney damper won't close properly include shoddy installation, age-related damage, or heavy snow or ice affecting a top-sealing type. Poor chimney maintenance and a buildup of rust, debris, or creosote can also cause dampers to jam. Annual inspections and chimney sweep costs are worth it to help you avoid a damper disaster.
The Monterey, 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.
