Doctor Flue, inc.

Nick & Caz arrived a few minutes early & as always, very professional & courteous.

I called the company to have a clean and video check done on my fireplace and chimney. The chimney sweep arrived on time. He placed floor protection on my carpet and stairway. He brushed the interior of the chimney with a mechanical thing that rotated and moved the soot around. He kept a vacuum running to try to keep the dust from blowing around my whole house. I am very sensitive to dust and the vacuum did not actually work well. He did not wear any respirator and I think he is at risk for lung problems from the soot he inhales. He put a camera up the chimney to check for defects. It seemed as though he did not go very far up the chimney with the camera (interior portion from inside the house) before he found a "crack" in the existing liner. It wasn't really a crack, but a portion of mortar that had fallen out between the horizontal connections of parts of the tile liner. It looked from what I could see in the video that it is a clay/tile liner. He did not inspect the entire vertical length of the chimney. He used a ladder to inspect the exterior of the chimney which I asked him to do, but was not part of the "clean and check" of the fireplace. He found many things wrong with the chimney inside and out, the least of which was that it needed a new chimney cap which cost $138. I do not have experience with this and was told later that that was a very expensive chimney cap. The final estimate for the cost of the repairs on the chimney, inside and outside, was $4,516.00. This included installing a new liner in the chimney to cover the "crack," repair the crown and seal the bricks to keep them from water deterioration. He suggested I stop using the fireplace because of the "crack" in the existing chimney liner. He said it could possibly build up with creosote and start a fire. Although the video that he showed me of the crack did not show any creosote build up in the crack. He said creosote could get into the crack and build up in the wall behind the chimney and "we don't know what's already in the wall." He said there was no way of telling if the chimney was properly built in 1978. I did not see any creosote on the inside of the chimney in the video he showed me. He advised me to stop using the fireplace until the repairs were done. He did not clean all the ash out of the fireplace box. He did not do a very good cleaning. I have not used the fireplace since because of his warnings. I am considering closing it off so it will never be used again. I will not pay $4,516.00 to repair the chimney. The chimney sweep was polite, but not happy that I did not immediately accept his repair proposal. My impression was that the company used the opportunity to clean and check my fireplace to have an opportunity to propose a very expensive repair.....but did not really clean my fireplace nor did they do a thorough inspection since they only used the camera for a short distance up the chimney and stopped when they saw the crack. I wish there was another company that offered video inspection so I could get a second opinion, but I know of none. My only option is to discontinue use of the fireplace. I have owned two homes with fireplaces. I have used two chimney sweeps; one at each location. I will never buy another house with a fireplace. I have also owned a house with a free standing wood burner with a triple walled chimney. I would get one of those installed again any day because the stainless chimney is safe and easy to clean and maintain which I can do myself.

The job went very well and he was honest enough to tell me that everything was fine and the chimney did not need to be cleaned at this time. He sent me the pictures he had taken going down the flue.

After 6 years of everyday use in the winter months my Mendota insert fireplace finally failed to keep pilot light lit. I had issues finding an authorized Mendota dealer in my area since my original dealer went out of business years ago. After contacting Mendota they stated I could call another service company, which they would work with if my fireplace needed parts. Thank goodness for Angie's List I found Doctor Flue. Called and spoke to their administrative assistance who verified they could work on this Mendota insert and continued to set-up appointment. Tip of the hat to the admin's: They were always pleasant and professional when setting up the scheduling and answering my questions. First appointment was to evaluate what my fireplace needed. Nick and Cory arrived 15 minutes early from appointment time which is always a plus in my book and proceeded to lay down drop cloths and began trouble shooting. After an hour Nick had the information needed to get in touch with Mendota for the special parts needed to get this unit fired up again. I also stated that both fan blowers were beginning to make noise and if they could also replace both of those. Nick stated he would Email me the evaluation form with breakdown on labor and pricing on the parts. After reviewing the evaluation with part pricing/labor I proceeded with the second appointment for installation of the parts. Mike and Jason was the crew that showed up for the installation. Early again I might add. +1 Again drop cloths applied in working area and they went right to work replacing both Mendota blower motors, control module and pilot assembly. The blower motors took more time to replace then what they had scheduled, but the guys were always positive and finally had them installed. We test fired everything plus the guys waited an additional 15 minutes until the automatic blower fans turned on to be sure everything was functioning correctly. Both crews were courteous, friendly and answered all of my questions. Thanks Doctor Flue!

Nick and Caz, both very organized and professional, did a thorough job. Very clean as well. No sales pressure, finds alternatives resolving issues with fireplaces.

Nick and Caz. Very friendly and competent service people, careful to keep area clean.

Jacob and Jason did an excellent job and were very professional as they dealt with some unexpected challenges discovered during the inspection. They were on time and accommodating. Jacob did an excellent job explaining the various steps and condition of the chimney.

We have two chimneys - I was prompted to get service on our house's two chimneys for two reasons. 1) During our original home inspection, it was noted by our home inspector that we should have the crowns on each chimney replaced as they were not proper crowns. 2) A few months ago during a bad wind storm, the cap on the chimneys blew off the chimney and on to our front lawn. I was able to salvage the cap relatively unharmed. When I originally made the appointment, I was given a 6-hour window with a promise of a 1-hour window closer to our appointment date. About a week before the appointment, I was given a 1-hour window that I could expect the technician. Mike arrived 5 minutes prior to our appointment window. He and his colleague were very professional and took care in our home (usual precautions of wearing shoe covers, etc.). The entire appointment was fantastic - they had iPads which enabled them to take and show me photos of my chimneys and their inspection and they were not pushy at all when it came to recommending other services.

For what I had done, the price was fair. They did the best possible job. They came out to do some things, and then they came back to do some more. They took pictures of the chimney and gave us a CD of it.

It went great, I could not have asked for better service! They were honest, reliable service. Jacob and Jason explained things clearly and showed me how to operate the gas starter.

Jacob and Jason showed up exactly on time and were on site for about 1:15 minutes. They removed the old cap and hauled away; showed me pictures of the newly installed cap, and left a clean site.

Jacob and Jason, arrived on time, very efficient in their work. Inspected chimney, said it did not need cleaning. Fixed leak on roof despite snow. Cleaned snow off to fix. They had a product that could work on wet roof. They had photos of flashing before and after.

Jacob & Jason taught me how to deal with an updraft.

Ii had contacted Doctor Flue thru Angie's List in regards to a ventless gas log set up. Made an appointment for a inspection and find out my needs, they were very apologetic because they were a few minutes Late , but we're very curious to phone 20 minutes before to let me know ( so much better than a cable guy with a 6 hour window ) they inspected my fireplace , Chimney and assed what I type of gas log I they could install, Jason & Jacob walked me through the system and gave me the pros and cons of the type of system then walked me through the selection process, and we reached an selected the gas log for me. They did a total inspection before the assessment by using instant photos and making a nice presentation of what and how they would perform the install. So they Left we me ordering the gas Log and would get back with me as soon as they could get a price of the install , the log and it's availability. Which I received by the end of the day. They scheduled a general booking for the install , but it was weeks away and I had asked when it was available could they install before Christmas as it was my family Christmas this year and it would be a great atmosphere for the gathering. They said they would try to accommodate my wish but couldn't promise . One week later they phoned and found an opening and came the next day, they were clean , protective of the house , and very quick they completed the project in 2 1/2 hours and explained the operation of the Gas logs in great detail. We couldn't be happier and pleased with the service , the Product, and especially the attention to everything they did, as well as there office staff for scheduling and billing. I would Highly recommend this company , they are a class act To Jason & Jacob I thank you personally for a job well done. They prove that Angie's List works . Bob Thrasher Chelsea

Mike & Caz were very professional and polite. They answered all of my questions and set up a time to seal my fireplace in the spring.

Jake & Jason on time, very professional and tidy, focused on job.

He looked over the chimney and said it didn't need to be cleaned at this time since I've only used the wood oven a year. He fixed the chain that controls the damper so that it works now. He did not charge me anything. He said he could come out in the summer and clean the chimney from the rooftop. I was surprised he didn't charge me. Very nice.

Mike and Kevin ( or i think that was their names) came 15 minutes late, but they called ahead of time stating that they were running late. so i appreciate their professionalism. they were very curious, they introduced themselves right of the bat. They come in, putting shoe covers immediately. they inspected the fireplace, laid down a tarp big enough to trap any falling dust. they took plenty of pictures, made sure the fireplace is clean and running well. they also took a look at a project in the basement where i am planning to install a fireplace, then left me with brochures, a quote for the project and a good impression.

Mike & Caz left message that they'd be a little bit late. Professional & informative.

Core & Cavin were prompt, very knowledgeable, efficient and expert in their job. Very clean and respectful of house. Everything one could ask for.

Excellent!! Jake and Joe were on time and professional. They laid out drop cloths in front of the fireplace and cleaned up nicely after themselves. I received an estimate for a new chase cover and I will be calling back this spring to complete this project.

It went just fine. They were very prompt. They had very good follow-up and they were clean.

Jacob Jason showed up on time. Introduced themselves right away. Very clean and friendly. Explained everything clearly.

Jake and Jason were on time, did a thorough job and gave a great report.

I was completely satisfied with the professionalism done by both Mikes!