Chimney & Duct FAQ

Question 1

How often should a chimney be cleaned?

Accepted Answer

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA 211) recommends that chimneys, fireplaces, and vents be inspected at least once a year and cleaned as needed. If you burn wood regularly — more than 2–3 cords per season — annual cleaning is the minimum. Heavy users may need cleaning twice a year. Gas fireplace flues should be inspected annually even though they produce little creosote, because debris, moisture, and animal nests can still block the flue. GEM Chimney & Duct serves Wheeling, Arlington Heights, Northbrook, and the northwest Chicago suburbs.

Question 2

What is creosote and why is it dangerous?

Accepted Answer

Creosote is a dark, combustible byproduct that forms when wood smoke cools and condenses inside the flue. It builds up in three stages: Stage 1 is flaky and easy to brush away; Stage 2 is tar-like and harder to remove; Stage 3 is a hardened, glazed coating that is extremely flammable and requires chemical treatment or special tools. Third-degree creosote is the primary cause of chimney fires. A single chimney fire can reach temperatures over 2,000°F and crack the flue liner, putting the entire home at risk. Annual cleaning by a professional prevents dangerous buildup.

Question 3

How much does chimney cleaning cost in the Chicago suburbs?

Accepted Answer

GEM Chimney & Duct offers routine chimney cleaning starting at $169. This includes a full sweep of the firebox and flue plus a visual inspection. Pricing varies based on the level of buildup, chimney height, and whether a Level 2 video inspection is needed. We provide upfront written estimates before any work begins — no surprise charges. Call 773-900-4838 or request a free estimate online.

Question 4

How long does a chimney cleaning take?

Accepted Answer

A standard single-fireplace cleaning takes 45–90 minutes. If we find heavy creosote buildup, need to perform a Level 2 video inspection, or are cleaning multiple flues, the appointment may run 2–3 hours. We work cleanly — we use drop cloths and a HEPA vacuum so there is no mess left behind in your home.

Question 5

Can I clean my own chimney?

Accepted Answer

DIY chimney brushes are sold at hardware stores, but they are not a substitute for professional cleaning. A homeowner with a brush can remove loose Stage 1 creosote from the firebox area, but cannot safely access the full flue, inspect the liner for cracks, check the crown and cap, or remove Stage 2 or Stage 3 buildup. A professional chimney sweep also identifies problems — cracked liners, deteriorated mortar, animal nests — that a homeowner would miss. For safety, annual professional cleaning is strongly recommended.

Question 6

What is a Level 1 vs Level 2 chimney inspection?

Accepted Answer

A Level 1 inspection is a visual check of all accessible areas of the chimney — the firebox, damper, smoke chamber, and exterior crown and cap. It is appropriate for routine annual maintenance when nothing has changed. A Level 2 inspection adds video scanning of the entire flue interior and is required when there has been a change in the heating system, after a chimney fire, or when buying or selling a home. GEM Chimney & Duct provides written inspection reports for both levels.

Question 7

Do I need a chimney inspection when buying a house?

Accepted Answer

Yes — a Level 2 chimney inspection is strongly recommended before purchasing any home with a fireplace or wood-burning stove. Seller disclosures rarely cover chimney defects, and problems like cracked flue liners, deteriorated crowns, and blocked flues are invisible without professional inspection. A chimney inspection typically costs far less than the repairs that go undetected without one. GEM Chimney & Duct provides written reports you can use in your real estate transaction.

Question 8

Do gas fireplaces need to be inspected?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Gas appliances produce combustion byproducts — including carbon monoxide — that can corrode flue liners over time. The venting system can also become blocked by debris, bird nests, or moisture damage. Most gas appliance manufacturers recommend annual inspection of the venting system. If your gas fireplace is not drafting properly, producing soot, or showing a yellow flame instead of blue, call a professional immediately.

Question 9

What does a chimney inspector look for?

Accepted Answer

A professional chimney inspector checks: the condition of the flue liner (cracks, gaps, deterioration); the firebox and smoke chamber for damage; the damper for proper operation; the chimney crown for cracks; the chimney cap for blockages or damage; the exterior masonry for spalling brick or failing mortar joints; and the flashing where the chimney meets the roof for water infiltration. GEM Chimney & Duct provides a written report documenting every finding.

Question 10

How do I know if my chimney needs repair?

Accepted Answer

Common warning signs include: visible cracks in the mortar or brick; spalling (flaking or crumbling) brick on the exterior; white staining (efflorescence) on the chimney face; water stains on interior walls or ceilings near the chimney; rust stains on the firebox or damper; a damaged or missing chimney cap; and a cracked or crumbling chimney crown. If you notice any of these, call GEM Chimney & Duct at 773-900-4838 for an inspection before the damage gets worse.

Question 11

What is tuckpointing and when do I need it?

Accepted Answer

Tuckpointing is the process of removing deteriorated mortar from between the bricks and replacing it with fresh mortar. Mortar joints typically last 25–30 years before they begin to fail. Once mortar cracks or crumbles, water enters the joints, freezes in winter, and accelerates the damage. Left untreated, failing mortar leads to loose bricks, structural instability, and expensive rebuilds. Tuckpointing is the most cost-effective way to stop water infiltration and extend the life of your chimney masonry.

Question 12

What is a chimney crown and why does it crack?

Accepted Answer

The chimney crown is the concrete or mortar cap that seals the top of the chimney around the flue liner. It is the first line of defense against rain, snow, and ice. Crowns crack due to thermal expansion and contraction, freeze-thaw cycles (Chicago averages 20–30 per winter), and natural settling. A cracked crown is the #1 cause of water infiltration in chimneys. GEM Chimney & Duct repairs crowns using SaverSystems CrownCoat, a flexible elastomeric sealant that bonds to the existing crown and prevents future cracking.

Question 13

What is chimney flashing and why does it leak?

Accepted Answer

Chimney flashing is the metal (usually aluminum or lead) that seals the joint between the chimney and the roof. It prevents water from running down the chimney and into the attic or walls. Flashing fails when the sealant dries out and cracks, when the metal corrodes, or when it was improperly installed in the first place. A leaking chimney is often a flashing problem, not a masonry problem. GEM Chimney & Duct inspects and repairs flashing as part of our chimney repair services.

Question 14

Do I need a chimney liner and what does it cost?

Accepted Answer

A chimney liner is required by code for all new installations and strongly recommended for any chimney that is cracked, deteriorated, or being converted to a different fuel type. Liners protect the house structure from heat and combustion gases, improve draft, and extend the life of the chimney. GEM Chimney & Duct installs Lindemann Premier Flex Lite 316 stainless steel flexible liners — a professional-grade product rated for wood, gas, and oil appliances. Call 773-900-4838 for a free liner estimate.

Question 15

Why is my gas fireplace not lighting?

Accepted Answer

The most common reasons a gas fireplace will not light are: a faulty thermocouple or thermopile (the safety sensor that allows gas to flow); a dirty or clogged pilot assembly; a failed igniter; or a gas supply issue. If you smell gas at any point, leave the house immediately and call your gas company. For non-emergency troubleshooting, GEM Chimney & Duct provides gas fireplace inspection and repair service throughout the northwest Chicago suburbs.

Question 16

Why does my gas fireplace smell like burning?

Accepted Answer

A burning smell from a gas fireplace is usually caused by dust burning off the burner or logs at the start of the season — this is normal and typically goes away after a few uses. A persistent burning smell, a sulfur or rotten-egg odor, or a smell of burning plastic are not normal and require immediate professional inspection. Carbon monoxide is odorless, so if you have any symptoms of CO exposure (headache, dizziness, nausea), leave the house and call 911.

Question 17

Why is my gas fireplace flame yellow instead of blue?

Accepted Answer

A yellow or orange flame on a gas fireplace indicates incomplete combustion — the burner is not getting enough air, or there is a blockage in the venting system. This can produce carbon monoxide. A healthy gas flame should be primarily blue with small yellow tips. If your flame is predominantly yellow, do not use the fireplace until it has been inspected by a professional. Call GEM Chimney & Duct at 773-900-4838.

Question 18

Is it safe to use a gas fireplace every day?

Accepted Answer

Yes, gas fireplaces are designed for regular use. However, annual inspection of the venting system is essential regardless of how often you use it. Over time, the flue can accumulate moisture damage, corrosion, or blockages that are invisible without professional inspection. If you use your gas fireplace daily during winter, an annual inspection before the heating season is the safest practice.

Question 19

How often should a dryer vent be cleaned?

Accepted Answer

Annual dryer vent cleaning is recommended for most households. If you do laundry frequently — more than 5 loads per week — or have a long vent run (over 25 feet), cleaning every 6 months is safer. Signs that cleaning is overdue: clothes take more than one cycle to dry; the dryer or laundry room feels unusually hot; there is a burning smell during operation; or the outside vent flap does not open when the dryer is running.

Question 20

Can a clogged dryer vent cause a fire?

Accepted Answer

Yes — clogged dryer vents are one of the leading causes of house fires in the United States. Lint is highly flammable and accumulates in the vent over time. When airflow is restricted, heat builds up and can ignite the lint. The U.S. Fire Administration reports thousands of dryer fires annually, with failure to clean the vent as the leading contributing factor. Annual professional cleaning by GEM Chimney & Duct eliminates this risk.

Question 21

How often should air ducts be cleaned?

Accepted Answer

The EPA recommends cleaning air ducts when there is visible mold growth inside the ducts or on HVAC components, evidence of pest infestation, or excessive dust and debris being discharged into the living space. For general maintenance, every 3–5 years is a reasonable interval for most homes. Homes with pets, allergy or asthma sufferers, smokers, or recent renovations may benefit from more frequent cleaning. GEM Chimney & Duct provides professional air duct cleaning throughout the northwest Chicago suburbs.

Question 22

Does air duct cleaning actually improve air quality?

Accepted Answer

Professional air duct cleaning removes accumulated dust, debris, pet dander, mold spores, and other contaminants from the duct system. For homes where the ducts have not been cleaned in many years, or where there is visible buildup, cleaning can meaningfully reduce the amount of particulate matter circulating through the home. It is not a cure for all indoor air quality issues, but it is a legitimate part of a healthy home maintenance routine — especially for allergy and asthma sufferers.

Question 23

What areas does GEM Chimney & Duct serve?

Accepted Answer

GEM Chimney & Duct is based in Wheeling, IL and serves the northwest Chicago suburbs including Arlington Heights, Northbrook, Buffalo Grove, Palatine, Schaumburg, Glenview, Deerfield, Lake Zurich, Barrington, Libertyville, Vernon Hills, Mundelein, Wauconda, Streamwood, Elk Grove Village, Des Plaines, Mount Prospect, Prospect Heights, Rolling Meadows, Hoffman Estates, Inverness, South Barrington, Kildeer, and Long Grove.

Question 24

How quickly can I get a chimney appointment?

Accepted Answer

Most appointments are available within the same week. For urgent situations — chimney fires, active leaks, carbon monoxide concerns, or a gas fireplace that will not shut off — we prioritize same-day or next-day service. Call 773-900-4838 to check current availability. We offer 24/7 service for emergencies.

Question 25

Do you provide written estimates and inspection reports?

Accepted Answer

Yes. GEM Chimney & Duct provides upfront written estimates before any work begins. We do not start work without your approval and we do not add charges after the fact. After every inspection, you receive a written report documenting the condition of your chimney and any recommended repairs.

Question 26

Is GEM Chimney & Duct insured?

Accepted Answer

Yes. GEM Chimney & Duct is registered and fully insured in Illinois. We carry liability insurance on every job. You can verify our credentials before scheduling — just ask.

Question 27

What payment methods do you accept?

Accepted Answer

We accept all major credit cards, checks, and cash. Payment is due at the time of service. For larger repair projects, we can discuss payment arrangements. Call 773-900-4838 for details.

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