Connect with a certified Wisconsin chimney sweep and fireplace repair specialists that complies with NFPA 211, IRC, and state amendments. We provide HEPA-contained cleaning, Level I/II inspections, draft and CO testing under worst-case depressurization, and comprehensive reporting. We perform tuckpointing, crowns, waterproofing, liners, spark-arresting caps, and factory-built system compliance. We professionally fit EPA-certified wood, pellet, and gas units with correct clearances, venting, and permits. Seasonal maintenance plans guarantee system reliability-and continue reading to learn more about our process.

Important Summary
- We deliver professional NFPA 211-regulated chimney evaluations, HEPA-certified maintenance, and qualified sweep services tailored for Wisconsin standards and periodic maintenance specifications.
- Expert draft and efficiency evaluation with precise draft measurements, CO level verification under worst-case depressurization conditions, and air circulation adjustment for optimal combustion safety.
- Our masonry repair services include, including mortar joint repair, crown repair and restoration, flashing installation and fixes, and comprehensive waterproofing, all with professional documentation and assessments and custom mortar color matching.
- Chimney liners, caps, and spark arrestors installed and specified to meet UL/NFPA standards, featuring durable stainless full-coverage caps and approved factory-built elements.
- We offer stove and fireplace installations and conversions, including all required permits and detailed documentation sets featuring visual reports, building code specifications, and certified test results for pressure and venting.
Professional Chimney Cleaning and Safety Inspections
Regularly book thorough chimney maintenance and an industry-standard safety evaluation to lower fire risk and guarantee proper draft. You'll get precise creosote clearing using graded brushes and rotary rods suited to chimney specifications and liner type. We record soot levels, glaze presence, and draft measurements, then clear any flue blockages, including nests or masonry debris, using HEPA-filtered methods to avoid indoor contamination. We inspect cap, crown, and flashing joints without addressing structural rebuilds. Technical carbon monoxide testing verifies appliance venting under worst-case depressurization. We examine connectors, thimble seals, and terminations for clearance-to-combustibles compliance. You'll obtain burning technique guidance-fuel moisture targets, load configuration, and air control settings-to reduce creosote formation. Final documentation include photos, NFPA 211 checklists, and repair proposals.
Professional Masonry Services: Repairs, Tuckpointing, and Reconstruction
Tackle damaged mortar, deteriorating bricks, and worn crown caps early to halt water penetration and preserve structural integrity. This prevents weather-related deterioration, stability issues, and safety hazards. Our team assesses masonry per NFPA 211 and local Wisconsin codes, noting structural shifts, mineral deposits, and mortar deterioration.
In our mortar restoration process, we precisely align sand specifications including gradation, color, and strength, then make precise depth cuts in joints and apply matching Type N or S mortar, shaping to create dense, shed-ready profiles. We substitute spalled or loose brick with compatible replacements, guaranteeing full-bed, fully buttered bonds. If chimney crowns show damage, we strip back to solid masonry and install a strengthened, angled crown with expansion joint around the flue.
After heat damage compromises the chimney, we arrange chimney relining once we complete securing the masonry work.
Essential Chimney Safety Components
You'll assess chimney liners for appropriate dimensions, materials, and UL certification to optimize draft, manage heat, and meet NFPA 211 and manufacturer specifications. You'll select robust caps-optimally stainless or copper with ember guards and wildlife barriers-firmly attached to resist uplift and stop moisture penetration. You'll apply reliable waterproofing by sealing crowns, fixing flashing, and using vapor-permeable masonry coatings to prevent infiltration without capturing moisture.
The Benefits of Chimney Liners
Few home improvements offer as many safety and performance benefits as a well-installed chimney liner. You effectively protect combustible materials from high flue temperatures, contain harmful byproducts, and ensure code-compliant exhaust venting. When sized and insulated correctly, the liner stabilizes draft, reduces moisture issues, and minimizes creosote formation-key aspects of fire prevention and system longevity. The system also increases energy efficiency through better temperature control and improved combustion processes.
A liner protects the masonry from corrosive condensate and freeze-thaw deterioration, protecting structural stability. It's necessary when upgrading heating systems, correcting damaged tile flues, or adhering to NFPA 211 and manufacturer listings. Stainless steel and listed liners withstand heat cycles and fire events better than unlined systems. With correct installation and yearly maintenance, you'll optimize function, minimize repair risk, and ensure clean indoor air.
Choosing Durable Caps
After measuring and insulating the liner to maintain stable draft and code compliance, safeguard the crown of the system with a durable, listed chimney cap. Opt for stainless toppers to guard against corrosion from Wisconsin freeze-thaw cycles, acidic condensate, and creosote byproducts. Confirm UL listing, spark-arrestor function, and compatibility with your fuel type and liner termination. Select a full-coverage cap that diverts precipitation, attaches to the flue or crown securely, and keeps required free area to avoid draft restriction.
Implement custom mesh measurements to maintain spark control and airflow: 3/4-inch for ember containment as required by regulations, larger only if manufacturer-approved. Incorporate bird and wildlife protection. Choose removable screens for service access. Require stainless fasteners and sealed seams. Verify bonding/grounding where lightning protection or code compliance is needed.
Professional Waterproofing Solutions
Beginning at the crown and extending to the firebox, effective waterproofing requires a waterproof barrier preventing liquid water and vapor intrusion while preserving code-compliant airflow. Begin by confirming the chimney liner is intact, certified, and correctly dimensioned; reline damaged flues to satisfy NFPA 211 requirements and manufacturer recommendations. Mount a full-coverage cap with mesh and a water collar to shed precipitation without limiting ventilation.
Seal the crown with elastomeric, UV-stable silicone membranes that bridge cracks and adapt to freeze-thaw fluctuations. For masonry, install breathable coatings that repel bulk water yet allow vapor diffusion, avoiding spalling and efflorescence. Counter-flash and seal all flashing at joint steps. Repair mortar joints with Type S or N, then tool for proper compression. Maintain annual inspections and recoat based on product requirements.
Expert Installation and Upgrade Solutions for Fireplaces and Stoves
Modernize your hearth with systems that conform to current codes, improve efficiency, and ensure safety. You'll obtain systems perfectly sized to your room load, with setbacks, chimney height, and connector diameters set per NFPA 211 and Wisconsin Uniform Dwelling Code. We evaluate combustible clearances, floor protection, and anchoring requirements, then set up listed appliances following manufacturer specifications.
Select EPA-certified wood, pellet, or gas units with sealed combustion. We install high-grade stainless liners, insulated chimney thimbles, and balanced vent terminations. Ventilation improvements include dedicated outside air, make-up air strategies, and mechanical ventilation coordination to maintain proper pressure relationships. Electrical and gas runs are routed with safety shutoffs, drip legs, and GFCI/AFCI compliance. For hearth aesthetics, we recommend safety-rated surrounds, safety-standard mantels, and decorative panels that optimize function while ensuring safe clearances.
Fixing Efficiency, Draft, and Smoke Problems
Once your new appliance is properly sized and installed according to code, performance depends largely on stable draft, clean combustion, and correct pressure balance. We start by confirming flue sizing, liner integrity, and chimney height relative to the roof. We then take measurements of draft (inches w.c.), flue temperature, and excess oxygen to verify combustion efficiency. When smoke enters the room, we implement draft improvements: addressing thimble and cleanout gaps, optimizing offsets, and improving chimney insulation to boost stack temps.
In indoor settings, we conduct air distribution balancing. We test house pressure when exhaust fans are operating, verify proper makeup air, and implement a fresh air intake kit as needed. We fine-tune damper positions, gasket seals, and door closure pressure. Finally, we address moisture in fuel, ash bed thickness, and heat baffle setup to stabilize the burning process and reduce creosote buildup.
Area Regulations, Professional Certifications, and Service Plans
It's important to verify that more info your fireplace and exhaust systems meet current Wisconsin Fireplace Codes, including guidelines for clearances, liner specs, and chimney height guidelines. Hire technicians carrying Certified Sweep credentials to ensure inspections, maintenance, and repairs meet industry standards and proper procedures. We'll implement a seasonal maintenance schedule that sets up code-compliant inspections in advance of heating season and subsequent inspections to identify wear, creosote, and safety issues early.
Wisconsin Fireplace Requirements
Although the appearance of fireplaces matters, safety and building codes in Wisconsin must be followed first. It's essential to ensure flues are sized according to appliance specifications, keep necessary distances from flammable materials, and put in required noncombustible hearth extensions as specified by NFPA 211 and Wisconsin Uniform Dwelling Code. Stone chimneys need lined flues, approved caps, and appropriately flashed terminations. Manufactured systems require listed components and proper manufacturer-approved mounting.
Before starting work, acquire all local permits and plan according to permit approval periods that vary by jurisdiction. Maintain thorough documentation of regulatory requirements with specification documents, visual documentation, and completed pressure and venting tests. Converting to gas logs or inserts need appropriate shutoff valves, proper ventilation confirmation, and carbon monoxide detectors following SPS 321.42. Wood-burning appliances must include spark arrestors and readily available cleanout access. Plan regular preseason inspections, sweep when required, and document all findings to ensure smooth insurance, resale, and occupancy approvals.
Accredited Sweep Services
Going beyond aesthetics, a certified sweep program links your fireplace upkeep to municipal standards, industry qualifications, and a regular service timeline. You receive a certified chimney specialist who follows NFPA 211, IRC, and Wisconsin amendments for each service. Their comprehensive sweep training includes combustion air, clearances to combustibles, venting geometry, and fuel-specific hazards, ensuring no issues are overlooked.
We arrange seasonal maintenance inspections consisting of: pre-burn Level I inspection, mid-season draft and CO testing, and end-of-season Level II check when required. We deliver detailed photo documentation, building code citations, and a prioritized remediation plan. Our skilled professionals carefully examine chimney components like caps, liners, dampers, hearth extensions, and smoke chamber conditions; they perform draft analysis and carbon monoxide testing at the installation point. These records enables regulatory permits, insurance verification, and property disclosures, guaranteeing your system remains safe, efficient, and code-compliant year-round.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Get Emergency Chimney Service on Nights, Weekends, and Holidays?
Yes, we provide emergency chimney support during nights, weekends, and holidays. We offer round-the-clock service with emergency specialists certified according to NFPA 211 standards. We address chimney fires, smoke issues, structural problems, and carbon monoxide dangers. Count on immediate assistance, virtual evaluation, and safe temporary stabilization. We document all findings, conduct repairs meeting all regulations or ensure system safety until complete repairs can be completed. You'll get clear safety guidance and follow-up scheduling.
What Areas of Wisconsin Do You Service, and Are There Travel Fees?
We serve Milwaukee suburbs, Southern suburbs, Fox Valley, Door County, Northern lakes, and Western Wisconsin. Not sure if we service your area? You'll get NFPA 211-compliant work statewide with documented inspections and draft verification. Travel fees apply for areas beyond a 25-mile radius from our hubs; they're flat-rated by zone, disclosed upfront, and waived when full repairs follow a safety inspection. We offer route-optimized scheduling, ladder/roof access assessments, and permits handled to maintain local code compliance.
Are Itemized Estimates and Payment Plans Available
We'll send you detailed estimates specifying all costs including labor, materials, safety features, and code requirements. Each item references relevant building codes and NFPA 211 standards for your verification of work scope and code adherence. You can select various payment plans with upfront deposits, milestone payments, and inspection reserves. We'll separately document change orders, permit fees, and venting clearances. Written approval is required for all work details before we begin to ensure complete transparency and safety.
Are Your Technicians Background-Checked and Insured for On-Site Work?
Absolutely - our technicians are fully vetted and insured. We implement thorough background verification processes before hiring and re-verify periodically. Our team is protected with comprehensive insurance coverage and workers' compensation protection for on-site work. We maintain documentation of qualifications, record training progress, and comply with NFPA and local code requirements. We deliver comprehensive service reports, safety evaluations, and insurance documentation when needed, guaranteeing safe, responsible, and regulation-compliant service from arrival to cleanup.
Do You Handle Property Insurance When Filing Claims?
Absolutely. You receive full insurance assistance and claim assistance from initial inspection through final repair. We document damage with detailed reports, photo evidence, and NFPA 211 references, then work with your adjuster to align scope, cost analysis, and safety requirements. You sign off on all work authorizations. We coordinate emergency mitigation, deliver permitting support, and ensure chain-of-custody for materials. You get transparent progress reports, compliant workmanship, and a final closeout package for your insurance company's records.
In Summary
You select properly cleaned flues, not hidden creosote; solid masonry, not failing joints; secure liners and caps, not water intrusion; certified installations, not guesswork; optimal drafts, not smoky rooms. You follow NFPA 211, IRC, and local standards. You set up seasonal inspections, report findings, and fix defects. You check clearances, test draft, and ensure CO safety. You protect your home, preserve efficiency, and meet inspection-securely, compliantly, reliably-today, this season, every year.