Having a properly functioning chimney is crucial for home safety and enjoyment. A damaged or dirty chimney can lead to a host of problems, from poor airflow and smoking issues to catastrophic fires or carbon monoxide poisoning. When chimney issues arise, you need the best chimney repair company to quickly diagnose and fix the problem correctly. But with so many chimney repair companies to choose from, how do you find the right one? We outline the top chimney repair companies available today and what makes them the best.
What to Look for in a Chimney Repair Company
When hiring a chimney repair company, you want to find reputable professionals that provide high-quality work at a fair price. Here are the key factors that set the best chimney repair companies apart:
Experienced Technicians
Look for companies that employ technicians with several years or more handling all types of chimney repairs. Their broad expertise allows them to accurately diagnose and fix any chimney issues.
NACS Certification
Companies certified by the National Association of Chimney Sweeps (NACS) undergo extensive training and testing. This certification ensures the company follows rigorous standards for quality work.
Range of Services
The top chimney companies offer much more than just repair work. They provide services like chimney cleaning, chimney crown repair and replacement, relining, and more. This versatility means they can handle any chimney job.
Positive Reviews
Read reviews on multiple websites to verify customers have had positive experiences with the company’s pricing, technicians, and work quality. Numerous 5-star reviews indicate a reputable company.
Warranties
The best chimney repair companies stand behind their work with warranties of 1 year or more. Long warranties show the company is confident their technicians provide excellent repairs that will last.
Safety Certifications
Look for current certifications like CSIA, which requires proper licensing, insurance, background checks on technicians, and a written money-back guarantee. These measures ensure a safe and professional experience.
With these factors in mind, we’ve compiled the top chimney repair companies in the industry today. Read on to discover the best of the best for your chimney repair needs.
1. Magic Sweep Chimney Sweeps
Magic Sweep Chimney Sweeps tops our list as the best chimney repair company due to their unparalleled industry expertise, incredible range of services, and stellar safety record.
In business for over 30 years, Magic Sweep’s seasoned technicians have seen and repaired every chimney issue possible. Their broad expertise allows them to pinpoint and fix any chimney problem precisely and efficiently. They hold multiple certifications, including CSIA, NACS, and NFI.
Beyond chimney repair, Magic Sweep provides other services like:
- Chimney sweeping
- Chimney relining
- Chimney crown and damper repair
- Chimney rebuilding
- Chimney cap replacement
- Masonry repairs
- Fireplace restoration
- Dryer vent cleaning
- Log lighter installation
With this incredible range of services, Magic Sweep can handle all your chimney needs for many years to come.
One reason we rank Magic Sweep as the best is their stellar safety record. Their rigorous tech training and CSIA certification ensure background-checked technicians work safely and conduct proper repairs. The company carries full liability insurance and guarantees all repair work in writing.
Magic Sweep has nearly 700 glowing 5-star reviews. Customers rave about the company’s affordable pricing, friendly and clean technicians, and the consistently high quality of their repair work.
For the absolute best chimney repairs from true industry experts, choose Magic Sweep Chimney Sweeps.
2. ABC Chimney Company
Our runner-up for best chimney repair is ABC Chimney Company. In business for over 25 years, their seasoned technicians provide efficient, long-lasting chimney repairs.
All ABC Chimney technicians undergo ongoing training and hold certifications from the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA). The CSIA’s strict certification process checks criminal backgrounds, ensures proper licensing and insurance, and sets rigorous standards for member companies. These high standards give customers confidence in the safety and quality of ABC’s work.
ABC Chimney provides these chimney repair services:
- Chimney sweeping
- Masonry repairs
- Crown repair
- Concrete cap replacement
- Damper installation and repair
- Chimney leaks
- Draft issues
- Smoke shelf repair
- Tuckpointing damaged brick
- Liner repair and replacement
- Rebuilding damaged chimneys
- Code compliance corrections
The company has an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau thanks to reasonable prices and outstanding service. Numerous happy customer reviews confirm ABC Chimney’s technicians complete repairs promptly, treat homes respectfully, and fix chimney issues correctly the first time.
For chimney repairs done to rigorous safety and quality standards, choose ABC Chimney Company.
3. Ace Chimney Sweeps
Family-owned since the 1980s, Ace Chimney Sweeps provides expert chimney services ranging from repairs to maintenance to inspections.
Ace’s seasoned technicians are fully licensed, insured, and background checked for safety. The company holds an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau and maintains certifications like CSIA and NACS.
For chimney repairs, Ace provides:
- Brick and mortar repairs
- Liner replacement
- Crown repairs
- Rebuilding damaged chimneys
- Correcting code violations
- Draft and smoking issues
- Capping chimneys
- Firebox repairs
Ace Chimney truly does it all when it comes to fireplace maintenance as well, with services like log lighter installation, blowers, gas fireplace repair, fireplace door replacement and more.
Many happy customers give Ace 5-star reviews for their prompt arrival, clear communication, and providing exactly the right solutions for chimney issues. The technicians take time to explain every repair in detail and answer all questions. The company provides guaranteed work for peace of mind.
For a family-owned chimney company with an outstanding reputation, contact Ace Chimney Sweeps.
4. Burns Chimney Services
Burns Chimney Services was founded over 65 years ago and brings extensive industry experience to all chimney repairs.
The company holds numerous certifications, including CSIA, NACS, and NFI. All Burns technicians are fully licensed, insured, and background checked for safety, as the CSIA requires.
For repairs, Burns provides:
- Complete chimney rebuilding
- Repointing and sealing
- Crown repairs
- Chimney cap installation
- Concrete crown replacements
- Flashing repair
- Smoke chamber repairs
- Lintel repair
- Damper installation
- Chimney drain systems
- Code violation fixes
Past customers rave about Burns’ quality workmanship, reasonable prices, and friendly technicians. The company offers guaranteed work plus maintenance plans for ongoing chimney care.
For generations of chimney expertise, choose Burns Chimney Services.
5. Champion Chimney Company
Locally owned for over 45 years, Champion Chimney Company provides complete chimney repair services at affordable rates.
Champion holds an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau thanks to their honest pricing, punctual arrival times, and dedication to solving chimney issues properly on the first visit. Past customers highly recommend Champion for doing quality chimney repair work at fair prices.
The company employs background-checked technicians who treat customers in a friendly, professional manner. All technicians train extensively in the latest repair methods and safety standards.
Champion provides these chimney repair services:
- Crown and damper repair
- Masonry repairs
- Smoke chamber and liner repairs
- Draft and smoking issues
- Chimney cap releveling and replacement
- Concrete crown replacing
- Code compliance issues
- Chimney rebuilding
Champion also performs chimney sweeping, fireplace repairs, dryer vent cleaning, and leak repairs on chimneys and venting systems.
For affordable, quality chimney repairs from licensed local technicians, choose Champion Chimney Company.
Hiring the Best Chimney Repair Company: Key Steps
If your chimney needs repairs, follow these key steps to hire the right company:
Inspect and Identify Problems
Carefully examine your chimney and note any issues, like missing or cracked bricks, damage, leaning, creosote buildup, and exterior deterioration. Document problems with photos. Consult a technician if the issues are unclear. This inspection helps in explaining the problems so the company understands what chimney repair work is needed.
Research Local Companies
Search for chimney repair companies in your area and read reviews on sites like Google, Yelp, and the Better Business Bureau. Look for companies with certifications like CSIA and NACS that indicate proper licensing, tech training, and adherence to safety codes. Check out their websites for photos of past repairs, service areas, and an overview of their repair process.
Ask About Licensing and Insurance
Confirm the company and technicians carry up-to-date licenses and liability insurance. This protects you in the unlikely event of damages or injuries on your property. Ask for copies of current certifications.
Schedule Multiple Estimates
Have 3-4 of the top reviewed companies provide quotes based on your chimney inspection. Describe all issues needing repair and ask what solutions they recommend. Compare the estimates to find the right balance of affordability and experience.
Verify Warranties
The best companies offer warranties of 1 year or longer on chimney repairs. Long warranties show the company is confident in providing high-quality, lasting repairs.
Evaluate Technician Expertise
Ask how long technicians have been doing chimney repairs and what specific training they have undergone. Look for NACS certifications and several years of hands-on repair experience. This expertise ensures proper diagnosing and repairing of all chimney issues.
Check Safety Record and Certifications
Certifications like CSIA require member companies to run background checks, follow OSHA standards, and prove proper licensing and insurance. Choose companies committed to safety and training through rigorous certification processes.
Read Customer Reviews
Check reviews on Google, Facebook, and the Better Business Bureau for feedback on companies’ repair quality, timeliness, technicians, warranties, safety standards, and pricing. Numerous glowing reviews indicate a reputable company that treats customers well.
Confirm Upfront Pricing
Avoid companies that won’t provide firm quotes upfront. The best companies offer flat-rate pricing on common repairs so you know costs before work begins.
By thoroughly researching companies using these steps, you can hire the best chimney repair professionals to fix your chimney safely and correctly.
Common Chimney Repair Issues
Chimneys can develop a range of problems that require repair by trained technicians to restore full, safe functionality. Here are some of the most common repairs needed on chimneys:
Chimney Crowns
The chimney crown is a slab of concrete at the top of the chimney that protects it from exterior elements. Cracked or crumbling crowns need repairs like resealing or replacing the crown for waterproofing.
Chimney Caps
Chimney caps keep out animals, debris, and rain. Loose, damaged, or missing caps must be realigned or replaced entirely to prevent moisture and pest damage.
Masonry Repairs
Over time, masonry can deteriorate, resulting in issues like:
- Damaged, missing, or cracked bricks
- Mortar damage
- Loose smoke chamber bricks
- Leaning chimney
Repairs involve replacing damaged bricks and repointing mortar joints. For severely deteriorated chimneys, rebuilding is required.
Liners
Liners provide a smooth surface for smoke to rise through the chimney safely. Cracked liners lead to blockages, smoke buildup, and performance issues. Liner repairs involve sealing small cracks or replacing the liner completely.
Flashing
Flashing seals joints between the chimney and roof. When flashing is compromised, moisture leaks into the home. Flashing repairs involve resealing or replacing the flashing.
Draft/Smoking Issues
Improper draft makes smoke back up into the home instead of outside. Technicians troubleshoot the root cause and provide solutions like chimney extensions or relining.
Creosote Buildup
Creosote is a black tar-like residue left by burning wood. Too much buildup can cause chimney fires. Creosote removal involves physically sweeping the chimney clean.
Catching chimney issues early allows for more straightforward repairs. Contact the best chimney repair company in your area at the first sign of damage.
Warning Signs to Call a Chimney Repair Company
Certain signs indicate your chimney needs professional repair services. Call a chimney repair company right away if you notice:
- Crumbling crown, cap, or masonry
- Cracked, missing, or broken bricks
- Loose or missing mortar
- Leaning or detached chimney
- Creosote buildup over 1/4 inch thick
- Rust particles or streaking on the chimney exterior
- Animals, birds, or pests entering the chimney
- Moisture damage like water stains on the chimney or ceiling
- Smoke backing up into the home
- A burning plastic smell when using the fireplace
- Unpleasant or strong odors coming from the fireplace
- Visible smoke coming from the top of the chimney
Never use a damaged chimney yourself. Stop all fireplace use and call a professional chimney repair company promptly if you notice any of these warning signs of chimney damage. Delaying needed repairs can quickly lead to hazardous situations.
DIY Chimney Repairs: What Not to Do
While basic chimney maintenance like sweeping can sometimes be a DIY project, chimney repairs should always be left to the licensed professionals. Never attempt dangerous DIY repairs like:
- Rebuilding crumbling chimneys
- Replacing crowns or caps yourself
- Relining chimneys
- Removing creosote buildup without proper training and equipment
- Repointing damaged mortar joints yourself
- Modifying the chimney structure or shape without an engineering assessment
- Using “quick fix” temporary repair products advertised online and on TV
These DIY repairs often appear deceptively quick and easy. However, chimney repair mistakes made by inexperienced homeowners can not only damage the chimney further but also lead to hazardous outcomes like chimney fires, gas leaks, or carbon monoxide poisoning.
Leave chimney repairs to certified chimney professionals who understand structural engineering and chimney codes to provide reliable, long-lasting repairs safely. The risk of DIY repairs gone wrong is simply too great.
Maintaining Your Chimney After Repairs
Once your chimney is repaired, proper ongoing maintenance keeps it in good working order for years to come. Follow these chimney maintenance tips:
- Have a CSIA-certified company sweep your chimney yearly to remove creosote buildup
- Use seasoned, dry firewood to reduce creosote production
- Let fires burn hot and bright for cleaner burning
- Check the chimney crown and cap regularly for cracking or damage
- Watch for small leaks, crumbling mortar, missing bricks, or other issues, and repair immediately before they worsen
- Avoid burning trash or cardboard, which can damage the flue liner
- Check the fireplace damper seal and have it replaced if worn out
- Use fireplace inserts and log lighters properly to avoid damage
- Don’t let any living plants grow too close to the chimney
- Install chimney screens to keep animals out
With proper care and maintenance, your chimney will provide warmth, beauty, and enjoyment for decades after high-quality chimney repairs.
Frequently Asked Questions About Chimney Repair
Chimney repair projects often lead to common questions for homeowners. Here are answers to some of the top FAQs about chimney repairs:
How Often Do Chimneys Need Repairs?
With proper maintenance, chimneys typically only need minor repairs about once every 10 years. Reconstruction is needed about every 30 years as elements cause mortar and brick to slowly deteriorate over decades.
How Long Do Chimney Repairs Take?
Simple repairs take 2-3 hours typically, while extensive repairs can take several days if rebuilding is required. Technicians provide estimates on project length after assessing damage.
What Does Repointing a Chimney Involve?
Repointing repairs damaged mortar joints. Technicians rake out worn, crumbling mortar and replace it with new mortar for a solid bond between bricks. Proper repointing prevents moisture penetration.
How Much Does Chimney Repair Cost?
Simple repairs like tuckpointing or sealing cracks cost $200-$350 on average. Major repairs like rebuilding a chimney or relining cost $2,000-$6,000 on average. Get estimates from several companies.
When Do I Need a Chimney Crown Repaired?
Crowns commonly need repairs if you notice crumbling concrete, splintering, cracking, leaking, or if the crown wasn’t installed properly. Damaged crowns let in moisture that damages the chimney.
Does Homeowner’s Insurance Cover Chimney Repair?
Homeowner’s insurance typically covers repairs needed due to covered events like fires, falling objects, severe weather damage, and vandalism. Standard wear and tear or age-related repairs are not covered.
Can I Repair a Chimney Myself?
No, chimney repairs like tuckpointing mortar, relining, crown repairs, or rebuilding damaged areas should only be done by certified chimney professionals. Improper DIY repairs can severely damage the chimney or pose serious safety risks.
How Soon After a Fire Should I Repair a Chimney?
Have the chimney inspected by a CSIA-certified company immediately after any fires. Even if damage isn’t visible, intense heat could have compromised the structure. Repairs soon after fires prevent further deterioration.
What Causes Chimneys to Deteriorate Over Time?
Common causes of chimney deterioration include:
- Water and ice damage from the freeze/thaw process
- Salt and chemical damage from chimney caps eroding
- Normal expansion and contraction cracking bricks or mortar
- Age causing mort