Atlanta Chimney & Fireplace Repair & Renovation Companies

Home Services Review Five Star Rated Selections

The Mad Hatter, Inc.
(Repair/Replacement/Cleaning)
678-337-1965

Anglin's Foundation & Masonry Repairs
(Repair & Replacement)
678-486-5294

Products Provided:

Chimney and fireplace repair, replacement, renovation and re-build.

Complementary Products / Services:

Chimney and fireplace renovations and re-builds.

Total Number of Companies in Category:

Approximately 18 viable companies in Metro Atlanta

Number One Complaint in the Chimney & Fireplace Repair & Renovation Category:

The number one complaint for this service category: Be wary of representatives of chimney & fireplace repair companies that may tell you that both the chimney and utility flue need to be re-lined and use this as a serious carbon monoxide risk by warning you into a $4,000 to $5,000 fix. Get a second opinion before you make this possible unnecessary investment.

Top Consumer Tips for the Atlanta Chimney & Fireplace Repair & Renovation Category:

Historically the only available method to repair defective or deteriorated mortar joists between flue liners in a masonry chimney is to reline the flue. During the original construction of some homes, it is not uncommon for some masons to improperly align the flue liners or neglect to fill the joints between the flue liners with the appropriate refractory mortar. As stated in The BOCA National Mechanical Code, M-1207.2.1 Fire- Clay flue liner: “The fire-clay flue liner shall be installed ahead of construction of the chimney as the chimney is carried up and carefully bedded one on the other in an approved medium-duty refractory mortar, with close joints left smooth on the inside.” Even if the mason filled the joint with mortar, it most likely was the same mortar used to lay the brick, block or stone, which is not an approved refractory. In fact, standard mortar has almost no refractory properties. Standard mortar in the joints of flue liners cannot withstand the adverse conditions present within a chimney environment. The result of using standard mortar is rapid deterioration of the joint, ultimately leaving dangerous openings between the flue liners.
The results of improper practices are dangerous openings within the flue area. These openings allow flammable creosote (by-products from wood combustion) to build-up between the outside of the flue lining and inside of the chimney casing. Should these flammable deposits ignite, the heat and quite possibly the flame could transmit to the dwelling. As recommended by the National Fire Protection Agency 211 - Standard for Chimneys, Fireplaces, Vents, and Solid Fuel-Burning Appliances, “If the flue liner in a chimney has softened, cracked or otherwise deteriorated so that it no longer has the continued ability to contain the products of combustion (i.e., heat, moisture, creosote, and flue gases), it shall be either removed and replaced, repaired, or relined.
Beware of Chimney & Fireplace repair companies that offer you a special on chimney cleaning for a very low price (i.e., $39.95). If you’ve just moved into a new home, they may say that the previous residents (and mention their names to add credibility) used their company. Once they get to your home, they may inspect your chimney and tell yo that there is structural damage, or that you need new chimney caps, (also known as spark arresters). They may even bring in dead birds or pieces of concrete that they claim fell down the chimney. Some fraudulent companies usually focus on concerns about carbon monoxide poisoning. They often claim that it’s really lucky you caught the leak now, since it could be fatal. In fact carbon monoxide leakage in chimneys are rare. There are instruments that prove carbon monoxide leakage, if you hear this claim, make sure they prove it to you. Or, better yet, get a second opinion before you act.
Beware of some fraudulent companies that may claim you need a new liner. Liners are made of clay, cast concrete or metal to contain the fire and direct it upwards, and they are expensive.
Check to make sure the company is licensed and doesn’t have a lot of complaints. The Chimney Safety Institute of America recommends annual inspections.
Make sure the company has up-to-date liability insurance and workers compensation.