Smoke problem repair
The cause of smoke in the room is fixed so smoke goes up the chimney.
Fireplace Service
Fireplace Repair Palos Heights, IL
Most fireplace problems in Palos Heights homes, from smoke in the room to a cracked hearth, can be repaired by finding the cause, whether it is the firebox, damper, smoke chamber or flue. Dial (708) 708-7262 to talk with a local chimney pro about your fireplace.
When a fireplace acts up, the problem can be in any of several parts, some visible and some not. Cracked firebrick, a stuck damper, a crumbling smoke chamber or a damaged hearth can each cause trouble. Finding the real cause is what makes a repair last.
Smoke coming into the room is one of the most common fireplace complaints, and it has several possible causes. Bathroom and kitchen fans, a cold chimney, a blocked cap or an opening that is too big for the flue are typical culprits. Once the cause is known, the fix is usually straightforward.
Safety comes first with any fireplace problem. A chimney fire may sound like a freight train or jet, and the right response is to get out and call 911. If a gas fireplace smells of gas, do not light it, get outside and call the gas utility or 911.
Many fireplace repair calls in Palos Heights also turn up a need for firebox repair or chimney damper repair.
Dealing with this in Palos Heights, IL right now? Call (708) 708-7262 and describe the problem to a chimney sweep who works in Palos Heights.
Call nowThe process
The fireplace repair process
Repairs depend on what is wrong, so the process begins with an inspection.
Start with an inspection
The sweep checks the hearth, firebox, damper, smoke chamber and flue. Video helps with parts that cannot be seen directly.
Pinpoint the issue
For smoking problems, the sweep checks draft, the flue size, the damper and pressure in the house. That decides which repair makes sense.
Explain the options
The options are laid out, from small fixes to larger work. Some issues are safety related and some are cosmetic.
Complete the work
The work is completed using firebrick, refractory mortar or replacement parts as needed. Bigger jobs may involve a mason.
Check the draft
The draft is checked and the fireplace is tested where it is safe to do so. Ask about curing time if masonry was repaired.
What is included
Types of fireplace repair
Hearth extension repair
The hearth and hearth extension are fixed so embers cannot fall through gaps so it protects the floor in front of the fire.
Firebox repair
Damaged firebrick is replaced and joints are repointed to protect the structure.
Damper repair
Stuck or leaky dampers are repaired or replaced for a better seal.
Glass door repair
Fireplace doors are fixed or replaced with ones that fit the opening so they close properly.
Related service
Fireplace Restoration Palos Heights, IL
Many older homes have fireplaces that were closed off or neglected, and restoration makes them usable again. It often starts with a Level 2 inspection, since an unused fireplace may have a cracked liner, missing mortar, nests or other hidden damage. From there, the work may include relining the flue, rebuilding the firebox, repairing the smoke chamber and replacing the damper.
Restoration can also cover the look of the fireplace, such as repairing face brick, resetting the hearth or refinishing the surround. Calling (708) 708-7262 from Palos Heights with the history of the fireplace helps the sweep plan. An unused fireplace should be inspected before the first fire.
Local help
Fireplace Repair Near Me
Around Palos Heights, fireplace repairs often come up at the start of the heating season. In Palos Heights and places nearby like Worth, Palos Park, Chicago Ridge and Palos Hills, weather and years of fires take a toll on fireplaces and chimneys alike, which is why fireplace repair is often paired with a chimney sweeping.
Need fireplace repair around Palos Heights? Call (708) 708-7262 for a Palos Heights chimney sweep who serves the towns around it too.
How the weather here affects chimneys around Palos Heights
This part of the country gets long winters, heavy snow in places and stretches of bitter cold. Heating systems and wood stoves work nearly nonstop for months, which means fast creosote buildup and a lot of stress on liners, crowns and flashing. Snow drifting against the back of a chimney melts slowly and works water under tired flashing. Most chimney cleaning in Palos Heights, IL happens right before the first snow.
Why call
Why not wait
Smaller repairs
Small chimney problems caught early usually stay small repairs.
Local knowledge
Local sweeps see the same chimney types and weather wear across Palos Heights and nearby towns.
Know what happens next
Ask your questions before you agree to anything.
Fireplace Repair FAQ
What causes a fireplace to smoke?
Smoke in the room usually comes from poor draft, which can be caused by a closed damper, a blocked flue, a cold chimney or negative pressure in the house. Opening a nearby window slightly or warming the flue first can help, and a sweep can find the real cause. If smoke keeps building or anyone feels unwell, get to fresh air and call 911.
What is the difference between a masonry fireplace and a prefab fireplace?
Masonry fireplaces are built by a mason with brick, block and firebrick, while prefab fireplaces are metal units made in a factory. A factory-built fireplace has a metal firebox lined with refractory panels and a metal chimney pipe, often inside a framed chase. The sweep will tell you which you have.
What are the signs of a chimney fire?
A chimney fire may cause a loud roaring sound, heavy smoke or flames and sparks from the top of the chimney. Leave the house and call 911 immediately. After a chimney fire, have the chimney inspected before using it again.
Is it worth restoring an old fireplace?
Many old fireplaces can be restored with the right repairs. An inspection shows what needs to be done. The sweep will explain the options and what makes sense.
How often should a fireplace be inspected?
A yearly inspection is the standard recommendation for fireplaces and chimneys. Sweeping is done when there is enough buildup to need it. Have it checked after any chimney fire or before using a fireplace that has sat unused.
More questions? Call (708) 708-7262
Related services
Firebox Repair
Fixing the firebrick lining and panels that take the direct heat of every fire before heat can reach the framing behind it.
Learn moreChimney Damper Repair
Repairing dampers that will not open, close or seal or replacing them with a top sealing damper.
Learn moreGas Fireplace Repair
Fixing gas fireplaces and gas logs that click, go out or soot up the glass, from standing pilot units to electronic ignition models.
Learn moreFireplace Cleaning
Cleaning ash, soot and debris out of wood-burning fireplaces, from the hearth to the damper, with the face of the fireplace cleaned too.
Learn more
Looking for something else?
See all chimney servicesTalk to a Palos Heights chimney sweep about fireplace repair
Call now for Palos Heights fireplace repair and help in the towns around it.
(708) 708-7262
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