Get matched with top fireplace pros in Reading, VT

Q: How often do I need to clean my chimney?

• <div><p>You should get your chimney cleaned around once per year, but you might want to opt for bi-annual cleanings if you use your fireplace often. Remember, your boiler likely vents into your chimney as well, so cleaning is required even if you don&rsquo;t use your fireplace. It&rsquo;s a good idea to clean your chimney during the summer so that it&rsquo;s ready to use when you want a worry-free cozy fire on that first crisp autumn night of the season.</p></div>

Q: Should a chimney flue be open or closed?

• <div><p>The damper, located just above the firebox, can open or <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-to-close-chimney-flue.htm">close the chimney flue</a>. The damper should remain closed unless there&rsquo;s a fire burning in the fireplace. Closing the damper prevents energy loss through the chimney and cold air from seeping into the home during the winter. Opening the damper helps maintain airflow when there is a fire and prevents smoke and gases from venting into the house.</p></div>

Q: Are there any limitations to using wood stove fans?

• <div><p>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&mdash;they only redistribute existing warmth. </p></div>

Q: Will having a pellet stove raise my insurance rates?

• <div><p>Having a pellet stove can indeed raise your insurance rates since they're a relatively common cause of fires in the home. However, rate increases vary by insurance provider so you should reach out to yours to determine exactly how much your rates might increase with a new pellet stove install.</p></div>

Q: What preventative measures can reduce the risk of fire or smoke damage?

• <div><p>Maintain smoke alarms, ensure safe electrical and cooking practices, and regularly clean chimneys to minimize fire or smoke hazards.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Fireplace Service pros in Reading, VT

*The Angi rating for Fireplace Service companies in Reading, VT 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 Reading, VT 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 April 03, 2025

Find Fireplace pros in Reading

McBriens Fire & Flue

4.9(

)

Serving Reading, VT and surrounding areas

Approved

Super Service Award Winner

In business since 2017

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"I am too happy with the work I do MC briens Fire Flue my fireplace needed a fix and in reality they are experts in what they do 10/10 thanks to Omar for your incredible performance !!"

Response time9 hrs

Response rate90%

30 neighbors recently requested a quote

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Sidewinder Industries Handyman Services

5.0(

)

Serving Reading, VT and surrounding areas

Approved

Super Service Award Winner

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

Small jobs welcome

"Sidewinder Industries was very knowledgeable, accessible, and helpful. Sidewinder Industries went out of its way to help and support. Thank you"

+15

Response time6 hrs

Response rate100%

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Shamrock Maintenance Corp.

3.5(

)

Serving Reading, VT and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2015

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"The Owner of the company came out personally to do the work, Chuck did the antenna removal from the roof and connected a smaller form of receiver. Also, fixed the brick work around the chimney and weather sealed it. Brian and Chuck installed receiver in the pool house for TV reception. They are both technically savvy, thorough, professional and knowledgeable. Great with brick work, went above and beyond and super nice guys! I highly recommend Shamrock Chimney for any project. Thanks again guys!"

+40

Response time8 hrs

Response rate92%

77 neighbors recently requested a quote

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LJ Masonry repair

New to Angi

Serving Reading, VT and surrounding areas

Approved

Free estimates

Small jobs welcome

3 years of bricklaying experience 🧱.

Serving Reading, VT and surrounding areas

Approved

Free estimates

Small jobs welcome

"Adam and his team did an amazing job on completing a backyard fence for my family. He was hardworking and detailed with the work. Kept me updated through every step of the way from the permit process, ordering materials and check-ins as the build was happening. Our fence is great! He also completed a custom railing and gate to attach to our existing deck. Will definitely be using we do it all again for future projects."

35 neighbors recently requested a quote

Serving Reading, VT and surrounding areas

In business since 2000

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"They came to clean chimney and give me a quote. They were super friendly and gave me a great price. They were able to do the work immediately! Highly recommend Shamrock Chimney"

+43

Recommended by60%of homeowners

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Vermont Pressure Washing - Home Facebook

4.6(

)

Serving Reading, VT and surrounding areas

In business since 2007

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"Extremely prompt and courteous service."

+21

Response time3 days

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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Green Mountain Chimney Care, LLC

5.0(

)

Serving Reading, VT and surrounding areas

In business since 2022

Emergency services offered

Warranties offered

"I helped Tyler when he was initially was starting out. Even when an issue came out later, he was quick to help! He is an honest and committed professional."

Response time12 hrs

Recommended by75%of homeowners

Serving Reading, VT and surrounding areas

In business since 2009

Free estimates

"The job came out great: straight/plumb, and so on. The crew worked hard and cheerfully through some very tough weather to complete the job in a timely fashion.
"

Recommended by100%of homeowners

Request Quote

Mezzogiorno Masonry, LLC

5.0(

)

Serving Reading, VT and surrounding areas

In business since 2010

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"Dante DiBiase has affordable prices and overall I was very satisfied with his work. I would highly recommend him!"

+13

Response time3 days

Recommended by100%of homeowners

Request Quote

Showing 1-10 of 21

Fireplaces questions, answered by experts

You should get your chimney cleaned around once per year, but you might want to opt for bi-annual cleanings if you use your fireplace often. Remember, your boiler likely vents into your chimney as well, so cleaning is required even if you don’t use your fireplace. It’s a good idea to clean your chimney during the summer so that it’s ready to use when you want a worry-free cozy fire on that first crisp autumn night of the season.

The damper, located just above the firebox, can open or close the chimney flue. The damper should remain closed unless there’s a fire burning in the fireplace. Closing the damper prevents energy loss through the chimney and cold air from seeping into the home during the winter. Opening the damper helps maintain airflow when there is a fire and prevents smoke and gases from venting into the house.

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.

Having a pellet stove can indeed raise your insurance rates since they're a relatively common cause of fires in the home. However, rate increases vary by insurance provider so you should reach out to yours to determine exactly how much your rates might increase with a new pellet stove install.

Maintain smoke alarms, ensure safe electrical and cooking practices, and regularly clean chimneys to minimize fire or smoke hazards.

The Reading, VT homeowners’ guide to fireplace services

From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.

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