Get matched with top fireplace pros in Reading, VT

Q: Can you use a fireplace with a cracked flue?

• <div><p>You can, but you shouldn&rsquo;t. While you can still start a fire in your fireplace, the smoke and other fumes won&rsquo;t have a proper way to escape if the flue is cracked. By continuing to operate your fireplace, wood stove, or furnace, you are putting your home at risk of absorbing toxic byproducts of the fire source.</p></div>

Q: What is considered the hearth of a fireplace?

• <div><p>A fireplace hearth is a fireproof flooring material that extends out from the base of the fireplace and into the room. Hearths can be made of brick, ceramic, marble, limestone, and more. A hearth serves the purpose of decreasing the fire risk in the area directly around the fireplace. If flying embers hit carpet or wood, they&rsquo;ll spark and create a fire. But if they hit something like tile or granite, they&rsquo;ll simply go out.</p></div>

Q: Does a gas fireplace need a chimney?

• <div><p>Not all gas fireplaces need a chimney. If you install a <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/pros-cons-ventless-gas-fireplaces.htm">ventless gas fireplace</a>, 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&mdash;but they could bother people with allergies or respiratory issues.</p></div>

Q: How do I know if my chimney is safe to operate?

• <div><p>Beyond having an inspection, it&rsquo;s important to do chimney maintenance at least annually to be certain the chimney is safe to use. Cleaning the flue of any built-up particles, creosote, and soot reduces the risk of fire. Fortunately, the cost of hiring a pro to do a chimney inspection often includes a chimney cleaning, so you may not have an extra expense for maintenance.</p></div>

Q: Do gas fireplaces need servicing?

• <div><p>Gas-burning fireplaces need servicing to keep them in proper working order. You should call a fireplace pro to inspect and clean your gas-burning fireplace at least once per year or whenever problems arise. Servicing your gas-burning fireplace will help it function properly while also extending its lifespan. It&rsquo;ll also ensure that your fireplace is operating safely.</p></div>

Enter your zip and get matched with up to 5 pros

Need a pro for your fireplace service project in Reading, VT?

Select your specific project to find the pro for you.

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

Reviewed in April 2025
This is the second time we have had Artur back for another project. He always does an amazing job. He is timely, efficient, neat and works for perfection. He constructed a retaining wall the length of our yard and built a fire pit on our patio. We love his work and would highly recommend ...
AD Masonry LLC
Request a quote
Reviewed in August 2024
We needed our porch floor, stairs, and railings repaired due to water damage. Ac Construction responded quickly to our inquiry through ANGI and gave a very reasonable estimate. They began work immediately. The porch is like brand new. The quality of their work is EXCELLENT. Workers are...
AC CONSTRUCTION LLC
Request a quote
Reviewed in August 2023
Zamora's first power washed the deck and brought it back to like-new condition. They then sanded every surface, including all the many balusters, and then applied a penetrating sealer. The deck looks like new and I couldn't be happier. They show up when they say they will, they...
Zamora Painting
Request a quote
Reviewed in June 2023
Brian did an exceptional job painting the complete exterior of a wooden three story home. Quality work and within the agreed price. Highly recommended.
Quality Painting
Request a quote
Reviewed in May 2023
We had pipes burst during a very cold night and suffered severe damage to two floor of our home. All Dry started remediation immediately and worked for several weeks to clean up and extract all the damaged property. They are very professional and capable and I highly recommend them.
All Dry Services of Central Mass
Request a quote
Reviewed in December 2022
Painting of stairs and walls in 225+ year old house was completed as requested. Chris was clear about quality of paint and time it would last. Ty!!!!
Gryphon Paint & Restoration
Request a quote
Reviewed in October 2022
The work person was very polite, always on time, worked tirelessly all day, used clean tarps everyday leaving not even a speck of dust, and gave easy to understand instructions regarding our particular fireplace and chimney. He was able to very capably repair damage to our large chimney.
Woodchuck Chimney Service, LLC
Request a quote
Reviewed in October 2022
The guys were prompt and considerate, and the fall special pricing was very cheap ($50/chimney) - but I did feel like the company was using a cheap cleaning to upsell on additional services, e.g. $500 creosote treatment. We had all our chimneys cleaned/inspected just one year earlier, and had...
Shamrock Maintenance Corp.
Request a quote
Reviewed in May 2022
Had a few holes dug for posts, had rope strung to each post. Cut remaining fence for burning. Took away excess wood. Every step of the way they asked if it was sufficient to my requests. Very respectful. I will hire them again.
Vermont Outdoor People
Request a quote
Reviewed in September 2021
Mark and Caleb did a fantastic job cutting down the trees and stacking the wood in neat piles. They cleaned up all the branches and debris. Mark is the trapeze artist who climbs to the top of the trees to cut them in sections, being precisely careful as to where it lands so as to not harm...
Accelerated Property Management, LLC
Request a quote

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

Request Quote

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%

Request Quote

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

Request Quote

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

Request Quote

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

Request Quote

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 can, but you shouldn’t. While you can still start a fire in your fireplace, the smoke and other fumes won’t have a proper way to escape if the flue is cracked. By continuing to operate your fireplace, wood stove, or furnace, you are putting your home at risk of absorbing toxic byproducts of the fire source.

A fireplace hearth is a fireproof flooring material that extends out from the base of the fireplace and into the room. Hearths can be made of brick, ceramic, marble, limestone, and more. A hearth serves the purpose of decreasing the fire risk in the area directly around the fireplace. If flying embers hit carpet or wood, they’ll spark and create a fire. But if they hit something like tile or granite, they’ll simply go out.

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.

Beyond having an inspection, it’s important to do chimney maintenance at least annually to be certain the chimney is safe to use. Cleaning the flue of any built-up particles, creosote, and soot reduces the risk of fire. Fortunately, the cost of hiring a pro to do a chimney inspection often includes a chimney cleaning, so you may not have an extra expense for maintenance.

Gas-burning fireplaces need servicing to keep them in proper working order. You should call a fireplace pro to inspect and clean your gas-burning fireplace at least once per year or whenever problems arise. Servicing your gas-burning fireplace will help it function properly while also extending its lifespan. It’ll also ensure that your fireplace is operating safely.

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.

See all articles

Rachel Hoffman
•
May 3, 2026May 3, 2026
How Much Does It Cost to Convert a Fireplace to Gas? [2026 Data]
Want a safer, cleaner alternative to your traditional fireplace? Use this guide to determine the cost to convert a fireplace to gas in your home.
Tyler Lacoma
•
May 30, 2026May 30, 2026
How Much Does Fireplace Installation Cost? [2026 Data]
The average fireplace installation cost is $2,438, but prices vary depending on the type and size of the fireplace. Calculate your costs with our guide.
Allie Ogletree
•
May 5, 2026May 5, 2026
How Much Does a Bioethanol Fireplace Cost? [2026 Data]
Bioethanol fireplaces are a chimney- and vent-free way to enjoy a real-flame fire in your home. Keep reading to find out how much ethanol fireplaces cost.
Julissa Arangure
•
May 21, 2026May 21, 2026
3 Ways to Mount Your Fireplace and How to Choose the Right One For Your Home
Find out about the different ways to mount a fireplace and determine which type is right for your space. Because everyone needs warm, cozy vibes in their home.
Timothy Moore
•
May 22, 2026May 22, 2026
How to Build a Fireplace to Boost Your Home’s Coziness Factor
Want to know how to build a fireplace to add charm and warmth to your home? We’ll walk you through the steps—and let you know when to call in the pros.
Ginny Bartolone
•
May 22, 2026May 22, 2026
Make Your Fireplace the Center of Attention With These 13 Tips
Showcasing a room's focal point is half the battle of interior design. Here are 13 tips for making the fireplace the star of the show, no matter the season.