Damper repair
Stuck or leaky dampers are repaired or replaced for a better seal.
Fireplace Service
Fireplace Repair Steger, IL
Most fireplace problems in Steger homes, from smoke in the room to a cracked hearth, can be repaired in both masonry fireplaces and factory-built units. Call (708) 708-7359 to reach a local chimney sweep.
A fireplace is a system: the hearth, the firebox, the damper, the smoke chamber and the flue all have to work together. Problems range from smoke in the room and cold drafts to cracked brick, loose hearth stones and broken glass doors. The first step is figuring out which part is causing the problem.
A smoky fireplace can come from a closed or partly closed damper, a blocked flue or poor draft. A cold flue, a tight house with strong exhaust fans, a firebox opening that is too large for the flue or a chimney that is too short can all pull smoke into the room. Some fixes are simple, like warming the flue first, while others involve changes to the fireplace or chimney.
A few safety basics apply to every fireplace. A chimney fire may sound like a freight train or jet, and the right response is to get out and call 911. For gas units, a gas smell means leave right away, avoid switches and flames and call the gas utility or 911 once outside.
Many fireplace repair calls in Steger also turn up a need for firebox repair or chimney damper repair.
Looking for Steger fireplace repair? Call (708) 708-7359 and describe the problem to a chimney sweep who works in Steger.
Call nowThe process
The fireplace repair process
Here is how a sweep usually handles a fireplace repair.
Check the system
The sweep checks the hearth, firebox, damper, smoke chamber and flue. The inspection often includes a camera scan.
Pinpoint the issue
Draft issues, damaged parts or masonry problems are traced to their source. It also rules out other causes.
Plan the repair
The sweep explains the repair options and what each involves. Some issues are safety related and some are cosmetic.
Fix the fireplace
The needed repairs are done with materials suited to fireplace heat. Bigger jobs may involve a mason.
Test the fireplace
A draft test confirms smoke goes up the chimney. You will hear when it is safe to use again.
What is included
Types of fireplace repair
Firebox repair
The firebox lining is repaired with heat rated materials for safe use.
Glass door repair
Cracked glass, loose frames and broken hinges are repaired using glass rated for fireplace heat.
Smoke problem repair
Smoking fireplaces are fixed by addressing the damper, flue, opening size or house pressure with smoke guards, cap changes or flue work.
Hearth extension repair
The hearth and hearth extension are fixed so embers cannot fall through gaps with a solid, noncombustible surface.
Related service
Fireplace Restoration Steger, IL
Fireplace restoration brings an old or unused fireplace back to safe, working condition. A thorough inspection comes first, because years of disuse can hide damage in the flue and smoke chamber. Typical restoration work includes firebox repair, smoke chamber parging, a new damper and sometimes relining.
Restoration can also cover the look of the fireplace, such as repairing face brick, resetting the hearth or refinishing the surround. When you call (708) 708-7359 from Steger, it helps to say whether the fireplace was ever closed off or converted. An unused fireplace should be inspected before the first fire.
Local help
Fireplace Repair Near Me
Fireplaces in Steger see plenty of use through the colder months, and that use shows up as wear over time. In Steger and places nearby like South Chicago Heights, Crete, Sauk Village and Chicago Heights, 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 Steger? Call (708) 708-7359 for a Steger chimney sweep who serves the towns around it too.
Chimneys in this climate
Winters here are cold and long, with lake effect snow in many towns and deep cold snaps that can last for days. Furnaces, wood stoves and fireplaces run hard from fall to spring, 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. That is why Steger chimney sweeps are busiest every September and October.
Why call
Why act early
Safer fires
A chimney problem fixed early rarely spreads to the masonry, the liner or the house.
Familiar with local homes
Chimney sweeps in Steger know the chimneys and fireplaces common in local homes.
Know what happens next
Ask the sweep about the cause, the options and the estimate before work starts.
Common questions about fireplace repair
Why does my fireplace smoke into the room?
The most common causes are a damper not fully open, a blocked cap or flue, a cold chimney or a tight house. The fix depends on the cause, which an inspection will show. If anyone feels sick, get them to fresh air right away.
Is it worth restoring an old fireplace?
Many old fireplaces can be restored with the right repairs. The first step is a thorough inspection. The sweep will explain the options and what makes sense.
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. Prefab units usually have a metal frame, refractory panels and a rating plate with the model number. Each type needs different parts and repairs.
What should I do if I think I had a chimney fire?
Chimney fires often sound like a freight train or a jet and send sparks out of the top. Leave the house and call 911 immediately. Do not use the fireplace again until it has been inspected.
How often should a fireplace be inspected?
Industry standards call for a yearly inspection of the fireplace and chimney. Cleaning depends on how much buildup is found. Have it checked after any chimney fire or before using a fireplace that has sat unused.
More questions? Call (708) 708-7359
Often needed together
Firebox Repair
Restoring a damaged firebox with firebrick, refractory mortar or new panels in masonry and factory-built fireplaces alike.
Learn moreChimney Damper Repair
Repairing dampers that will not open, close or seal including handles, chains and seals.
Learn moreGas Fireplace Repair
Repair for gas fireplaces that will not light, will not stay lit or burn dirty, with the burner, glass and venting checked on every visit.
Learn moreFireplace Cleaning
Cleaning ash, soot and debris out of wood-burning fireplaces, from the hearth to the damper, and checked for cracks or damage.
Learn more
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(708) 708-7359
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