Work with a certified Wisconsin chimney sweep and fireplace repair experts that adheres to NFPA 211, IRC, and state amendments. Our service includes HEPA-contained cleaning, Level I/II inspections, safety and ventilation testing under worst-case depressurization, and comprehensive reporting. We handle tuckpointing, crowns, waterproofing, liners, spark-arresting caps, and factory-built system compliance. We expertly install EPA-certified wood, pellet, and gas units with correct clearances, venting, and permits. Scheduled maintenance packages guarantee system reliability-and continue reading to learn more about our process.

Important Summary
- We deliver expert NFPA 211-regulated chimney assessments, HEPA-contained maintenance, and qualified sweep services tailored to satisfy Wisconsin standards and routine maintenance needs.
- Comprehensive draft and smoke analysis with precise draft measurements, CO level verification under maximum depressurization scenarios, and airflow balancing procedures for optimal combustion safety.
- Our masonry repair services include, including tuckpointing, crown repair and restoration, proper flashing solutions, and moisture protection solutions, all with thorough evaluations meeting code requirements and custom mortar color matching.
- We install and specify chimney liners, caps, and spark arrestors in accordance with UL/NFPA standards, featuring high-quality stainless complete-protection caps and certified factory-built components.
- We offer fireplace and stove setup and modification services, including required paperwork and comprehensive documentation packages featuring visual reports, building code specifications, and authenticated test results for pressure and venting.
Thorough Chimney Safety Inspections and Cleaning Services
Regularly book comprehensive chimney cleaning and an industry-standard safety inspection to lower fire risk and ensure proper draft. You'll receive systematic creosote removal using graded brushes and rotary rods suited to chimney specifications and liner type. We document soot buildup, glaze formation, and draft readings, then clean out any flue obstructions, including bird nests or masonry debris, using HEPA-filtered methods to avoid indoor contamination. We inspect cap, crown, and flashing connections without addressing structural rebuilds. Technical carbon monoxide testing confirms appliance venting under worst-case depressurization. We inspect connectors, thimble seals, and terminations for clearance-to-combustibles compliance. You'll receive burning technique recommendations-fuel moisture targets, load configuration, and air control settings-to prevent creosote accumulation. Final documentation include images, NFPA 211 checklists, and corrective recommendations.
Professional Masonry Services: Repairs, Tuckpointing, and Reconstruction
Fix mortar failures, spalled brick, and compromised crowns right away to prevent water intrusion and preserve structural integrity. You'll prevent weather-related deterioration, stability issues, and safety hazards. We evaluate masonry following NFPA 211 and local Wisconsin codes, recording displacement, efflorescence, and joint loss.
When restoring mortar, we precisely align the gradation, color, and strength of sand, then cut joints to proper depth and install appropriate Type N or S mortar, forming to achieve dense, shed-ready profiles. We swap out deteriorated or shifting brick with matching materials, ensuring complete, properly bonded joints. If crown deterioration exists, we strip back to solid masonry and create a reinforced, sloped crown with expansion joint around the flue.
After heat damage compromises the chimney, we coordinate flue relining following masonry stabilization.
Chimney Liners, Caps, and Waterproofing Solutions
You'll assess chimney liners for proper dimensions, materials, and UL certification to enhance draft, contain heat, and satisfy NFPA 211 and manufacturer guidelines. You'll select long-lasting caps-ideally stainless or copper with ember guards and protective mesh-firmly attached to resist uplift and block moisture infiltration. You'll implement thorough waterproofing by sealing crowns, fixing flashing, and using vapor-permeable masonry sealants to stop infiltration without capturing moisture.
The Benefits of Chimney Liners
Installing a chimney liner properly delivers remarkable improvements in safety and performance. The installation safeguards combustibles against high temperatures, controls corrosive elements, and establishes a compliant venting pathway. A correctly sized and insulated liner enhances draft stability, minimizes condensation, and reduces creosote buildup-essential factors for fire prevention and extended liner life. Additionally, you'll achieve better energy efficiency by maintaining optimal flue gas temperatures and promoting more complete combustion.
A protective liner shields the chimney's masonry from damaging condensation and freeze-thaw cycles, maintaining structural integrity. It's essential when changing fuel appliances, correcting damaged tile flues, or meeting NFPA 211 and manufacturer listings. Code-compliant stainless steel liners endure heat cycles and fire events more effectively than unlined systems. With correct installation and regular inspections, you'll enhance performance, minimize repair risk, and ensure clean indoor air.
Picking Resilient Caps
After measuring and insulating the liner to ensure proper airflow and regulatory standards, shield the upper portion of the system with a heavy-duty, listed chimney cap. Opt for stainless caps to prevent corrosion from Wisconsin freeze-thaw cycles, acidic condensate, and creosote byproducts. Verify UL listing, spark-arrestor capabilities, and compatibility with your fuel type and liner termination. Specify a full-coverage cap that deflects precipitation, anchors to the flue or crown securely, and preserves required free area to eliminate draft restriction.
Install custom mesh dimensions to maintain spark management and airflow: 3/4-inch to contain embers as required by regulations, larger only if manufacturer-approved. Include bird and wildlife exclusion. Choose removable screens to enable maintenance. Use stainless fasteners and gasketed seams. Verify bonding/grounding if required by code or lightning concerns.
Key Waterproofing Strategies
Beginning at the crown and extending to the firebox, proper waterproofing starts with a protective system that stops moisture and water vapor penetration while ensuring proper ventilation and building codes. First, ensure the chimney liner is intact, certified, and correctly dimensioned; restore deteriorated flues to comply with NFPA 211 standards and manufacturer guidelines. Fit a comprehensive cap featuring mesh and a rain collar to shed precipitation without restricting exhaust.
Protect the crown with elastomeric, UV-stable silicone membranes that bridge cracks and adapt to freeze-thaw movement. For masonry, use breathable coatings that block bulk water yet enable vapor diffusion, avoiding spalling and efflorescence. Ensure get more info proper counter-flashing and sealing at step joints. Repair mortar joints with Type N or S, then tool for proper compression. Perform annual inspections and refresh protective layers according to manufacturer specifications.
Fireplace and Stove Installations and Upgrades
Modernize your hearth with systems that meet current codes, improve efficiency, and prioritize safety. You'll get systems properly matched to your room load, with clearances, chimney height, and connector diameters established per NFPA 211 and Wisconsin Uniform Dwelling Code. We verify flammable materials, floor protection, and seismic requirements, then implement listed appliances in accordance with manufacturer specifications.
Select EPA-certified heating appliances with sealed combustion. Our team incorporates stainless steel liners, insulated thimbles, and balanced flue terminations. Ventilation enhancements include direct outdoor air supply, make-up air solutions, and integrated ventilation systems to preserve proper pressure relationships. Electrical and gas runs are installed with isolation valves, condensate traps, and proper GFCI/AFCI protection. For hearth aesthetics, we select safety-rated surrounds, code-compliant mantels, and designer panels that enhance performance while preserving safe clearances.
Fixing Draft, Smoke, and Efficiency Issues
After your appliance has been correctly sized and installed to specifications, performance depends largely on stable draft, clean combustion, and correct pressure balance. Our first step is to verify the flue dimensions, liner condition, and proper chimney height. Next, we measure draft pressure, flue temps, and O2 levels to ensure efficient combustion. Should smoke backdraft, we implement draft improvements: sealing leaks at the thimble and cleanout, adjusting offsets, and enhancing chimney insulation to increase stack temperature.
For indoor systems, we carry out airflow balancing procedures. We evaluate home pressure levels during fan operation, ensure sufficient makeup air, and add a direct outdoor air kit when necessary. We fine-tune damper positions, seal integrity, and latch tightness. As a final step, we address fuel moisture content, ash bed thickness, and baffle alignment to ensure consistent burning and minimize creosote formation.
Area Regulations, Professional Certifications, and Service Plans
It's important to verify that your fireplace and exhaust systems comply with current Wisconsin Fireplace Codes, including specifications for clearances, liner specs, and chimney height requirements. Engage technicians with Certified Sweep credentials to verify inspections, maintenance, and repairs follow established standards and standardized procedures. We'll create a periodic maintenance routine that coordinates code-compliant inspections in advance of heating season and after-season inspections to detect wear, creosote, and safety concerns before they escalate.
Wisconsin Fireplace Requirements
Even though fireplace design is significant, Wisconsin's safety and building regulations take precedence. You need to properly size flues based on appliance requirements, keep necessary distances from flammable materials, and put in required noncombustible hearth extensions according to NFPA 211 and Wisconsin Uniform Dwelling Code. Stone chimneys need flue linings, approved caps, and appropriately flashed terminations. Manufactured systems require certified parts and supports as specified by the manufacturer.
Before starting work, secure necessary local permits and consider permit timelines that vary by jurisdiction. Keep detailed records of building code adherence with detailed cut sheets, photo evidence, and signed pressure and venting tests. Converting to gas logs or inserts must have proper shutoff valves, verification of venting, and carbon monoxide detectors as specified in SPS 321.42. Solid-fuel installations must include spark arrestors and readily available cleanout access. Arrange regular preseason inspections, sweep when required, and document all findings to facilitate easy insurance, resale, and occupancy certifications.
Certified Sweep Programs
Going beyond aesthetics, a certified sweep program connects your fireplace care to municipal standards, industry qualifications, and a structured maintenance protocol. You receive a certified chimney expert who implements NFPA 211, IRC, and Wisconsin amendments at every visit. Their thorough sweep training encompasses combustion air, clearances to combustibles, venting geometry, and fuel-specific hazards, preventing missed problems.
We arrange seasonal maintenance services consisting of: initial Level I system check, interim draft and carbon monoxide assessment, and end-of-season Level II check when required. You'll receive detailed photographic reports, building code citations, and a risk-based correction plan. Our technicians carefully examine chimney components such as caps, liners, dampers, hearth extensions, and smoke chamber alignment; they conduct draft analysis and carbon monoxide testing at your appliance. This detailed reporting enables regulatory permits, insurance documentation, and real estate transactions, maintaining your system continues to be safe, efficient, and regulation-compliant all year long.
Common Questions
What Are Your Emergency Chimney Service Hours?
Absolutely, we provide urgent chimney assistance during nights, weekends, and holidays. We maintain round-the-clock service with professional experts trained in NFPA 211 standards. We handle smoke backup, chimney fires, carbon monoxide concerns, and structural hazards. Expect immediate assistance, remote diagnosis, and safe temporary stabilization. We record all issues, complete repairs to code standards or ensure system safety until comprehensive service can be completed. You'll get clear safety guidance and future service planning.
Which Parts of Wisconsin Do You Cover, and Do You Charge Travel Fees?
We provide service to Milwaukee suburbs, Southern suburbs, Fox Valley, Door County, Northern lakes, and Western Wisconsin. Not sure if we service your area? You'll receive NFPA 211-compliant work statewide with thorough inspections and verified draft measurements. Additional fees are required when traveling beyond a 25-mile radius from our hubs; these fees are zone-based, transparent, and eliminated with repair services following inspection. You'll benefit from efficient route planning, complete access evaluations, and permit management for code compliance.
Are Itemized Estimates and Payment Plans Available
You'll receive detailed estimates outlining labor, materials, code-required components, and safety upgrades. Each item aligns with applicable NFPA 211 and local building codes for your verification of work scope and code adherence. We offer various payment plans featuring upfront deposits, milestone payments, and inspection reserves. We'll itemize separately all permits, modifications, and clearance requirements. You'll need to approve everything in writing prior to starting to guarantee clear understanding and safety compliance.
Are Your Technicians Background-Checked and Insured for On-Site Work?
Indeed - we ensure all our technicians are thoroughly vetted and insured. We implement thorough background verification processes prior to employment and conduct regular re-verification. We provide technicians backed by complete liability coverage and workers' compensation insurance for on-site work. We document credentials, maintain training logs, and follow NFPA and local code requirements. We deliver comprehensive service reports, safety evaluations, and insurance documentation upon request, ensuring safety, accountability, and code-compliant workmanship from start to finish.
Do You Handle Homeowners Insurance When Filing Claims?
Yes. You are provided with full insurance support and claim help from first inspection through final repair. We record damage with code-compliant reports, photo evidence, and NFPA 211 references, then liaise with your adjuster to coordinate scope, cost analysis, and safety requirements. You authorize all work confirmations. We schedule emergency mitigation, deliver permitting support, and ensure chain-of-custody for materials. You obtain transparent updates, compliant workmanship, and a final closeout package for your insurance provider's records.
Wrapping Up
You opt for well-maintained flues, not hidden creosote; sturdy masonry, not deteriorating joints; tight liners and caps, not water intrusion; professional installations, not guesswork; optimal drafts, not smoky rooms. You comply with NFPA 211, IRC, and local codes. You arrange seasonal inspections, report findings, and fix defects. You confirm clearances, assess draft, and validate CO safety. You protect your home, preserve efficiency, and satisfy inspection-securely, legally, reliably-today, this season, annually.