Chimney

A chimney is the vertical structure that safely vents smoke and gases from your fireplace, furnace, or stove to the outside. Beyond basic function, proper chimney care involves inspections, cleaning, cap installation, and masonry repairs to keep your home safe and efficient. Whether you're dealing with creosote buildup or cracked flue liners, Angi helps you find the right pro and guidance for every chimney project.

Related to Chimney Service

Chimney Service Articles and Advice
Mizuki Hisaka  •  Apr 10, 2026
Everything You Need to Know About Rebuilding a Chimney
If your chimney has structural damage, a partial or complete chimney rebuild is the only way to continue safely enjoying your fireplace.
Haniya Rae  •  Apr 10, 2026
What Is a Chimney Damper and How Is It Used?
Wondering what is a chimney damper? A chimney damper is a small flap that allows you to open and shut the airflow through your chimney.
Gemma Johnstone  •  Apr 10, 2026
What Does a Spark Arrestor Do, and Why Is It a Must-Have Chimney Part?
Learn what a spark arrestor does and why this is essential to your fireplace chimney installation and other combustion systems.
Haniya Rae  •  Apr 10, 2026
What Is Repointing a Chimney?
What is repointing a chimney? Repointing a chimney is a necessary repair to keep your structure leak-free. Find out what’s needed and how long it lasts.
Chelsea Van Bloom  •  Apr 10, 2026
What Is Tuckpointing a Chimney?
What is tuckpointing a chimney? Tuckpointing a chimney involves replacing old, damaged mortar to preserve its structural integrity and enhance its appearance.
Jill Harness  •  Apr 10, 2026
What Is a Chimney Cap, and Why Do You Need One?
Not all chimneys have caps, but most fireplaces can benefit from having one. But what is a chimney cap, and why is it important? Our guide breaks it all down.
Deirdre Sullivan  •  Apr 9, 2026
The Six Best Chimney Caps, Including Pros and Cons
We break down the types of chimney caps, including the pros and cons associated with each one, plus additional information homeowners should know.
Jenna Jonaitis  •  Apr 9, 2026
What Is a Chimney Liner? Keeping Your Fireplace Safe With This Simple Flue Tube
Your chimney liner is a major piece of your fireplace. But what is it and what does it do? Learn the different types of flue liners and whether you need one.
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Common Chimney Service Questions

The best style of chimney cap for a brick chimney is one that fits tightly around the brick top of the chimney. The cap should have a screen to fully enclose it to keep animals out. The best materials include stainless steel, copper, or aluminum that fit tightly or are custom fabricated for a perfect fit on your chimney.

A chimney requires both a cover and a cap, but these parts often get confused with one another. A chimney cover seals the top of the chimney around the flue pipe to prevent water from entering the chimney. A chimney cap is a piece that sits above the flue to prevent animals, debris, and water from entering the flue.

Replacing older chimneys or fireplaces, like wood-burning stoves, with something more eco-friendly can actually increase the value of your home. Some homeowners opt to remove chimneys as they pursue LEED certification, which may also increase the value of your home. But in general, many potential buyers actually look for operational fireplaces in homes, so removing a chimney and fireplace could decrease your home’s value by up to $5,000.

Raccoons in a chimney sound like thumping, rustling, scratching, or scurrying. Because they can weigh as much as 20 pounds, they make noises that are noticeable and hard to miss. Plus, they have an average litter size of 3 to 7 kits, so you may hear what sounds like multiple animals thumping, rustling, scratching, or scurrying.

Yes, you can use an existing chimney with a wood-burning stove if it meets specific requirements. The stove’s vent pipe size must be compatible with the size of your chimney flue. Your contractor can tell you whether your chimney is suitable for installation.