Chimneys & Fireplaces

Your chimney and fireplace offer your home warmth and charm—but in return, they need your help to work well and last for years. Our expert guidance on how to inspect, maintain, repair, and replace chimneys and fireplaces will teach you everything you need to know—including who to call if something goes awry.

Living room with a traditional fireplace
Photo: bmak / Adobe Stock
Living room with a traditional fireplace
Photo: bmak / Adobe Stock
Explore top articles
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
 gas fireplace in modern family home
May 29, 2025
May 29, 2025
With a gas fireplace, it’s important to stay up-to-date on your inspections. Learn more about how much gas fireplace inspections cost before you book one.
living room with lit fireplace
Jun 3, 2025
Jun 3, 2025
A fireplace remodel cost depends on the extent of the remodel and the materials you choose. Use this guide to calculate your costs and budget accordingly.
Large electric fireplace set in a bright modern living room
May 12, 2025
May 12, 2025
The up-front cost of an electric fireplace is lower than a gas or wood-burning fireplace. This guide will help you understand what you're paying for.
Wood burning fireplace in luxury living room
May 23, 2025
May 23, 2025
In the heated battle of ventless versus vented gas fireplaces, which one comes out on top? Let’s explore the pros and cons of each type.
modern living room with fireplace
May 22, 2025
May 22, 2025
Adding a fireplace to your home is no small undertaking, but fireplaces add value, warmth, light, coziness, and visual appeal as the focal point of the room, so weighing the pros and cons of the different types of fireplaces is essential.
Family sitting by the fire
May 23, 2025
May 23, 2025
Maintaining your chimney extends its life and prevents safety hazards. So, no matter how small, find out why cracks appear and the best ways to fix them ASAP.
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Stylish fireplace at home
If you own a fireplace, learning how to open and close your chimney flue ensures you allow smoke out of your home when it’s in use and stay warm when it’s not.
 gas fireplace in modern family home
With a gas fireplace, it’s important to stay up-to-date on your inspections. Learn more about how much gas fireplace inspections cost before you book one.
Fire burning in a brick fireplace
Here is your guide for how to empty a fireplace ash dump so you can keep your hearth tidy, safe, and running efficiently.
Family sitting by the fire
Maintaining your chimney extends its life and prevents safety hazards. So, no matter how small, find out why cracks appear and the best ways to fix them ASAP.
Wood burning fireplace in luxury living room
In the heated battle of ventless versus vented gas fireplaces, which one comes out on top? Let’s explore the pros and cons of each type.
Stainless steel chimney flue installed outside of the house
Oversized flues lead to chimney corrosion, freeze/thaw damage, and an uncomfortable draft. Here are the standard chimney flue sizes to ensure proper integration.
modern living room with fireplace
Adding a fireplace to your home is no small undertaking, but fireplaces add value, warmth, light, coziness, and visual appeal as the focal point of the room, so weighing the pros and cons of the different types of fireplaces is essential.
stone chimney on roof
Your chimney inspection cost will vary based on the type of inspection, how accessible the chimney is, the chimney size, and the number of flues.
A galvanised metal chimney with a rain cap
Chimney cap repair costs depend on the material, type of repair, and whether you need any prep work. Here’s a guide to help you budget for your chimney cap project.
A modern concrete fireplace
Looking for fireplace hearth ideas that’ll upgrade your home? Advanced DIYers can cover a brick fireplace with concrete for a cozy and chic look.
white chimney red roof
A worn-out chimney can threaten the strength of your masonry. Learn how to repoint a chimney for durability and aesthetics with this guide.
close up roof and chimney
A chimney liner helps make your fireplace safer and more efficient. Here’s a closer look at who can install a chimney liner.