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Fireplace Repair

Lindemann Heating & Cooling has been Chicagoland’s leader in fireplace and masonry repair for more than 50 years. Our expert technicians specialize in repairing a wide range of fireplace problems, from fire and water damage to improper construction and poor maintenance.

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Fireplace Repair Services

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Years of Experience

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Common Issues

Common Fireplace Problems

Over time, fireplaces can develop a range of issues that require professional repair services. If you’re experiencing problems with your fireplace, it’s important to address them promptly to prevent safety hazards and ensure that your fireplace is functioning properly. Here are some of the most common fireplace problems that homeowners may encounter:

  • Damaged or cracked flues: A damaged or cracked flue can cause smoke to enter your home, which can be a serious health hazard. It can also prevent proper ventilation, leading to a buildup of dangerous gasses like carbon monoxide. Flue damage can be caused by moisture, rust, or general wear and tear over time.
  • Malfunctioning dampers: The damper is an essential part of your fireplace, as it regulates the flow of air into the firebox. A malfunctioning damper can cause your fireplace to smoke or prevent proper ventilation. Dampers can become stuck or warped over time, preventing them from functioning properly.
  • Cracked or deteriorating chimneys: A cracked or deteriorating chimney can allow smoke or gasses to enter your home, and can also be a safety hazard. Cracks can be caused by water damage or general wear and tear, while deterioration can be caused by exposure to harsh weather conditions.
  • Damaged firebox or firebrick: The firebox and firebrick are essential components of your fireplace, as they contain the fire and prevent it from spreading to other areas of your home. Damage to the firebox or firebrick can cause your fireplace to become unsafe or inefficient. Damage can be caused by high heat or general wear and tear over time.
  • Issues with the chimney cap or crown: The chimney cap and crown are designed to prevent water and debris from entering your chimney. Damage to these components can cause water to enter your chimney, leading to deterioration and other issues. Damage can be caused by exposure to harsh weather conditions or general wear and tear over time.

Our Services

Our Fireplace Services Include

No matter the size or scope, every repair project involves craftsmanship, attention to detail, and clear communication throughout the process. We offer a range of specific fireplace and chimney repair services including firebox repair, crown repair, tuckpointing, and complete chimney rebuilds.

Firebox Repair

Fireboxes weaken with age and can sustain damage if a chimney fire occurs. Broken bricks, cracked mortar, and other small imperfections can lead to larger, more serious issues. Although firebox materials such as brick and mortar are designed to withstand high temperatures, they do deteriorate over time. Our professional masons perform both full and partial rebuilds, restoring damaged fireboxes to proper fit, finish, and function.

Tuckpointing

Tuckpointing is needed when the mortar between bricks is cracked or missing, and helps prevent water from entering into your home or the chimney system. If mortared joints are not repaired in a timely manner, all forms of precipitation can further penetrate these areas. If left unrepaired, this deterioration leads to larger, more costly restoration.

Crown Repair

Cracked or crumbling crowns caused by age and weather exposure are easy to spot during routine inspection. If cracks are not sealed, water penetrates the crown causing moisture damage to the crown itself and the bricks below. Leaving a damaged crown unrepaired ensures moisture damage (e.g., brick “spalling”) and crown deterioration. Our repair solutions ensure your chimney crown stays weatherproofed and sealed to minimize future issues.

Spalling

Spalling occurs when moisture seeps into a brick and enters the destructive cycle of freezing and thawing. Spalling bricks on the inside or outside of your chimney will crumble, flake, and even fall out completely. Your climate, home architecture, and home exterior can contribute to the impact moisture has on brickwork. If unrepaired, pieces of the brick facing can fall and cause more damage.

Rebuilds

In some cases, chimney damage is so extensive that it requires a complete rebuild. The scope of each rebuild depends on the damage discovered, and may affect the entire chimney or just a portion of it. Our team of professionals works with homeowners throughout this process. Once a rebuild is complete, many customers choose waterproofing to further protect their chimney and preserve its integrity.

Our Process

Fireplace Repair Process

When you’re experiencing problems with your fireplace, it’s important to address them promptly to prevent safety hazards and ensure that your fireplace is functioning properly. Lindemann’s professional fireplace repair service can help you identify and resolve any issues with your fireplace. Here are the general steps involved in the fireplace repair process:

  1. Inspection: A professional fireplace repair service will start by inspecting your fireplace to identify any issues. They will check the flue, damper, chimney, firebox, and other components to determine the cause of the problem.
  2. Diagnosis: Based on the inspection, the repair service will diagnose the issue with your fireplace and recommend the best course of action to resolve the problem. They may need to perform further testing or analysis to determine the extent of the damage.
  3. Repair: Once the repair service has identified the issue and developed a repair plan, they will begin the repair process. This may involve repairing or replacing damaged components, cleaning the chimney, or other necessary repairs.
  4. Testing: After completing the repairs, the fireplace repair service will test your fireplace to ensure that it’s functioning properly. They will check the flue, damper, and other components to make sure that everything is working as it should.
  5. Maintenance: To prevent future problems with your fireplace, the repair service may recommend regular maintenance and cleaning. This can help to prevent issues like flue damage, creosote buildup, and other common fireplace problems.

Safety

We Value Safety

At Lindemann, safety is our top priority. We understand the potential dangers of carbon monoxide and other hazards associated with fireplaces, which is why we take every precaution to ensure that your fireplace is functioning safely and efficiently. Here are some important safety considerations to keep in mind:

  • Keep flammable materials away from the fireplace: Flammable materials like paper, clothing, and furniture should be kept a safe distance away from the fireplace to prevent them from catching fire.
  • Use a fireplace screen: A fireplace screen can help prevent sparks and embers from escaping the firebox and potentially causing a fire.
  • Install carbon monoxide detectors: Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that can be produced by a malfunctioning fireplace. Installing carbon monoxide detectors in your home can help you detect any dangerous levels of gas and take action to address the issue.
  • Have your chimney inspected and cleaned regularly: Regular chimney inspections and cleanings can help prevent issues like flue damage, creosote buildup, and other common fireplace problems that can pose safety risks.
  • Properly dispose of ashes: Ashes from your fireplace should be disposed of in a metal container with a lid, and should be kept a safe distance away from your home to prevent them from catching fire.
  • Never leave a fire unattended: It’s important to never leave a fire unattended, as this can increase the risk of a fire starting or spreading.

By keeping these safety considerations in mind and following proper fireplace maintenance practices, you can enjoy the warmth and comfort of your fireplace while ensuring the safety of your home and family.

50+ Years of Experience

Why Choose Lindemann For Your Fireplace Repair

Every customer deserves to work with trustworthy, knowledgeable technicians on their important projects.

In Chicago’s North Shore and communities across northern Illinois, Lindemann works hard to earn new business and build trust and satisfaction with existing customers. We are a family-owned operation that takes pride in craftsmanship, attention to detail, and customer service.

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