Serving Downers Grove, IL and surrounding areas
Approved
Super Service Award Winner
In business since 2005
Free estimates
Warranties offered
"Affordable, quick to respond, very clear on what needed to get done to make our fireplace safe and usable."
+41
Serving Downers Grove, IL and surrounding areas
Approved
In business since 1989
Emergency services offered
Warranties offered
"Anthony and Brandon were excellent, extremely professional and knowledgeable! Anthony and Brandon repaired our chimney and installed a new damper and cap and beautiful new logs in under 2 hours! Both men were very friendly and answered all our questions. We couldn't be more excited about our new fireplace and cannot wait to show it off! We highly recommend A-1 Safety Chimney Service and Anthony and Brandon, they exceeded our expectations and we couldn't be happier!! Thank you Anthony and Brandon and A-1 Safety!!!"
+17
Serving Downers Grove, IL and surrounding areas
Approved
In business since 2020
Free estimates
Emergency services offered
"Rebuilt chimney & converted wood burning fireplace to gas. Great service & value."
+34
Serving Downers Grove, IL and surrounding areas
Approved
In business since 2021
Free estimates
Emergency services offered
"Manuel completely rebuilt the inside of our fireplace that included installing a new cast iron burner/starter, all new wall panels, and tearing out and putting in fresh new concrete for the "floor" He also cleaned our chimney. I had 3 different fireplace repair company's come to my home and I immediately liked Manuel, partially choosing him for this reason and the fact that he many 5 star reviews. That sealed the deal. He did very good work. Mark H. Elgin, IL"
+37
Serving Downers Grove, IL and surrounding areas
Approved
Super Service Award Winner
In business since 2019
Free estimates
Customers say: True professional
"Franco’s Fireplaces were professional, responsive and economical. They did a quality job at a great price."
+12
Serving Downers Grove, IL and surrounding areas
Approved
Super Service Award Winner
In business since 2017
Free estimates
Emergency services offered
"Professional workers who made sure the job was done correctly. They made sure to come back a week later and ensure proper installation so my family can enjoy the fireplace safely"
Serving Downers Grove, IL and surrounding areas
Approved
In business since 1964
Free estimates
Warranties offered
"The chimney project went smoothly. The result of the initial work on the fireplace was less satisfying. Richard Olsen, the owner, agreed with me and had the work redone. He made sure that the end result was something that we both were happy with. I was impressed by his professionalism and the pride he took in the work done by his company. I will not hesitate to hire him again or to recommend him."
+15
Serving Downers Grove, IL and surrounding areas
Approved
In business since 2010
Free estimates
Warranties offered
"Jon was great to work with. He was professional and friendly. He gave me a fair quote and then delivered on our fireplace hearth repair. He and Mario were in an out in no time and our hearth looks great. Plus, he cleaned up - like really cleaned up - any and all mess. I couldn't even tell that they were there. I highly recommend them."
+54
Serving Downers Grove, IL and surrounding areas
Approved
In business since 1999
Customers say: Quality work
"Great work. We hired Al to replace 5 rows of brick at the top of our chimney as well as the cap. The new brick is a perfect match and the chimney looks great."
+96
Serving Downers Grove, IL and surrounding areas
Approved
Super Service Award Winner
In business since 2017
Free estimates
Emergency services offered
"Professional, trustworthy, friendly, knowledgeable, efficient. Fernando and Jesus gave us a call 30 minutes before arriving. Examined our fireplace and explained what they discovered and gave us several solution options . They swept the chimney, cleaned the fire box, and examined the chimney top. They caulked around the cap. Great service ! 5 stars!!"
Start with a professional inspection. If damage is limited to a few bricks or the crown, a targeted repair helps keep costs and disruption to a minimum. Severe leaning, widespread mortar failure, or major fire damage usually signals it’s time for a complete teardown and rebuild. Your contractor will outline both price tags, but remember that rebuilding a failing stack is often cheaper than repeated patch jobs and the water leaks or fire hazards they allow.
Cracks provide water with an easy path into the masonry, weakening the bricks and mortar and increasing the risk of collapse or fire. Gaps can also let hot gases and sparks escape into attic spaces. Call a chimney pro as soon as you see cracking so they can seal small joints or recommend a larger rebuild before minor damage turns into a costly emergency.
Smoke rolling back into the room often indicates a blocked flue, a broken damper, or a drafting issue. Have a sweep inspect the damper, flue liner, and any obstructions right away. Most fixes involve clearing debris, repairing the liner, or adjusting the damper so the fireplace pulls air correctly. Don’t light another fire until a professional pinpoints the cause and confirms your system is venting safely.
Most policies cover chimney repairs caused by a sudden, covered event, such as lightning, a fallen tree, or a house fire. They won’t cover damage that stems from neglected maintenance or everyday wear. Review your policy or contact your agent before scheduling work to determine what documentation your insurer requires and what costs you will be responsible for.
Component life spans vary. Clay tile or cast-in-place liners last close to 50 years, while stainless-steel liners last 15 to 20 years. Mortar requires attention every 25 to 30 years, while crowns last 50 to 75 years. Use these numbers as a maintenance roadmap: schedule regular inspections, budget for future upgrades, and replace parts before age-related cracks develop into more significant problems.
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
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