Connect with a certified Wisconsin chimney sweep and fireplace repair experts that complies with NFPA 211, IRC, and state amendments. You'll get HEPA-contained cleaning, Level I/II inspections, carbon monoxide and draft analysis under worst-case depressurization, and photo/citation reports. We handle tuckpointing, crowns, waterproofing, liners, safety caps and arrestors, and factory-built system compliance. We professionally fit EPA-certified wood, pellet, and gas units with required clearances, venting, and permits. Periodic care plans maintain safety and efficiency-and see below for our detailed approach.

Main Highlights
- We deliver expert NFPA 211-regulated chimney assessments, HEPA-contained cleanings, and professional sweep services tailored to satisfy Wisconsin regulations and periodic maintenance needs.
- Comprehensive draft and smoke analysis with precise draft measurements, CO safety checks under worst-case depressurization conditions, and airflow balancing procedures for secure and effective operation.
- Our masonry repair services include, including mortar joint repair, crown repair and restoration, proper flashing solutions, and moisture protection solutions, all with professional documentation and assessments and custom mortar color matching.
- Professional installation of chimney liners, caps, and spark arrestors to meet UL/NFPA standards, utilizing durable stainless full-coverage caps and approved factory-built components.
- We handle fireplace and stove setup and modification services, along with required paperwork and comprehensive documentation packages featuring visual reports, relevant code citations, and verified pressure and venting test results.
Thorough Chimney Cleaning and Safety Inspections
Regularly book thorough chimney servicing and a professional safety evaluation to minimize fire risk and guarantee proper draft. You'll benefit from precise creosote clearing using graded brushes and rotary rods suited to flue diameter and liner type. We document soot levels, glaze formation, and draft levels, then clean out any flue impediments, including animal debris or masonry debris, using HEPA-filtered methods to eliminate indoor contamination. We verify cap, crown, and flashing interfaces without addressing structural rebuilds. Instrumented carbon monoxide testing confirms appliance venting under worst-case depressurization. We examine connectors, thimble seals, and terminations for clearance-to-combustibles compliance. You'll receive burning technique instructions-fuel moisture targets, load configuration, and air control settings-to minimize creosote buildup. Final deliverables include photos, NFPA 211 checklists, and corrective recommendations.
Masonry Repairs, Tuckpointing, and Rebuilds
Address masonry issues and crown deterioration promptly to halt water penetration and protect structural integrity. This prevents weather-related deterioration, stability issues, and safety hazards. Our team assesses masonry per NFPA 211 and local Wisconsin codes, documenting structural shifts, mineral deposits, and mortar deterioration.
In our mortar restoration process, we carefully match the gradation, color, and strength of sand, then create properly-sized joint cuts and install appropriate Type N or S mortar, shaping to create water-resistant, durable surfaces. We substitute spalled or loose brick with compatible replacements, guaranteeing full-bed, fully buttered bonds. If crowns are cracked, we remove to sound masonry and pour a reinforced crown with proper pitch with appropriate expansion space around the flue.
Following heat-related damage to the flue, we arrange flue relining once we complete stabilizing the masonry.
Chimney Liners, Caps, and Waterproofing Solutions
You'll evaluate chimney liners for correct sizing, material, and UL listing to optimize draft, contain heat, and meet NFPA 211 and manufacturer guidelines. You'll choose durable caps-optimally stainless or copper with spark screens and wildlife barriers-firmly attached to resist uplift and block moisture entry. You'll provide effective waterproofing by protecting crowns, fixing flashing, and using vapor-permeable masonry coatings to block infiltration without trapping moisture.
Why Chimney Liners Matter
Few home improvements offer as many safety and performance benefits as a well-installed chimney liner. The installation safeguards combustibles against high temperatures, controls corrosive elements, and establishes a compliant venting pathway. Proper liner sizing and insulation improve draft consistency, limit condensation, and decrease creosote accumulation-critical elements for preventing fires and maximizing liner durability. The system also increases energy efficiency through better temperature control and improved combustion processes.
A liner protects the chimney's masonry from damaging condensation and freeze-thaw cycles, protecting structural soundness. It's necessary when changing fuel appliances, repairing deteriorated flue tiles, or meeting NFPA 211 and manufacturer listings. Listed stainless steel liners endure heat cycles and fire events more effectively than unlined systems. With correct installation and yearly maintenance, you'll enhance performance, reduce maintenance needs, and protect indoor air safety.
Finding Quality-Made Caps
Upon properly fitting and insulating the liner to ensure stable draft and code compliance, shield the top of the system with a robust, listed chimney cap. Choose stainless toppers to resist corrosion from Wisconsin freeze-thaw cycles, acidic condensate, and creosote byproducts. Verify UL listing, spark-arrestor capabilities, and proper fit with your fuel type and liner termination. Select a full-coverage cap that deflects precipitation, anchors to the flue or crown securely, and keeps required free area to avoid draft restriction.
Use custom mesh sizing to optimize spark containment 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 to enable maintenance. Require stainless fasteners and gasketed seams. Verify bonding/grounding if required by code or lightning concerns.
Key Waterproofing Strategies
From the crown to the firebox, proper waterproofing starts with a waterproof barrier preventing moisture and water vapor penetration while preserving code-compliant airflow. You start by verifying the chimney liner is intact, certified, and correctly dimensioned; reline damaged flues to meet NFPA 211 and manufacturer specifications. Install a complete cap including mesh and a rain collar to divert water without impeding airflow.
Protect the crown with flexible silicone protective coatings that cover cracks and accommodate freeze-thaw fluctuations. For masonry, apply breathable sealants that repel bulk water yet enable vapor diffusion, check here preventing spalling and efflorescence. Flashing must be counter-flashed and sealed at joint steps. Repair mortar joints with either Type N or S mortar, then tool tight. Perform annual assessments and reapply coating based on product requirements.
Fireplace and Stove Installations and Upgrades
Improve your hearth with systems that satisfy current codes, enhance efficiency, and focus on safety. You'll receive systems correctly dimensioned to your room load, with spacing, chimney height, and connector diameters configured per NFPA 211 and Wisconsin Uniform Dwelling Code. We check flammable materials, floor protection, and structural requirements, then implement listed appliances following manufacturer specifications.
Choose EPA-certified wood, pellet, or gas appliances with sealed combustion. Our team incorporates high-grade stainless liners, thermal thimbles, and balanced exhaust systems. Ventilation improvements feature direct outdoor air supply, air replacement methods, and coordinated mechanical ventilation to ensure proper pressure relationships. Utility connections are configured with safety shutoffs, condensate traps, and proper GFCI/AFCI protection. For hearth design, we specify fire-resistant surrounds, code-compliant mantels, and decorative panels that enhance performance while ensuring safe clearances.
Addressing Draft, Smoke, and Efficiency Issues
Once your new appliance is properly sized and installed according to code, optimal operation relies on proper draft, efficient combustion, and balanced pressure. We begin by checking proper flue sizing, liner continuity, and termination height. We then take measurements of draft levels, exhaust temperature, and oxygen content for optimal performance. When smoke enters the room, we apply corrective measures: sealing leaks at the thimble and cleanout, adjusting offsets, and enhancing chimney insulation to increase stack temperature.
In indoor settings, we perform airflow balancing procedures. We test building pressure with active exhaust fans, confirm adequate makeup air, and implement a dedicated outside air system when necessary. We optimize damper settings, gasket seals, and door closure pressure. As a final step, we address fuel moisture levels, ash bed depth, and heat baffle setup to maintain stable combustion and decrease creosote accumulation.
Area Regulations, Professional Certifications, and Service Plans
It's important to verify that your chimney and venting systems meet current Wisconsin Fireplace Codes, including requirements for clearances, liner specs, and chimney height specifications. Always work with technicians possessing Certified Sweep credentials to ensure inspections, cleanings, and repairs adhere to recognized standards and official procedures. We'll create a yearly maintenance routine that schedules code-compliant inspections prior to heating season and after-season examinations to identify wear, creosote, and safety concerns early on.
Wisconsin Fireplace Codes
While fireplace aesthetics are important, Wisconsin building and safety codes are the top priority. It's essential to match flue sizes to appliance listings, observe required spacing from combustibles, and put in required noncombustible hearth extensions in compliance with NFPA 211 and Wisconsin Uniform Dwelling Code. Brick chimneys must have flue linings, listed chimney caps, and appropriately flashed terminations. Factory-built systems must use certified parts and proper manufacturer-approved mounting.
Prior to beginning, acquire all local permits and factor in permit approval periods that change based on location. Document thoroughly of building code adherence with product documentation, photo evidence, and completed pressure and venting tests. Gas log or insert installations need proper shutoff valves, proper ventilation confirmation, and carbon monoxide detectors as specified in SPS 321.42. Solid-fuel heating units need spark arrestors and convenient cleanout access. Schedule regular preseason inspections, perform cleaning as needed, and keep comprehensive logs to facilitate easy insurance, resale, and occupancy certifications.
Verified Sweep Solutions
Going beyond aesthetics, a certified sweep program ties your fireplace maintenance to municipal standards, third-party certifications, and a documented maintenance schedule. You work with a certified chimney expert who follows NFPA 211, IRC, and Wisconsin amendments for each service. Their specialized sweep training encompasses combustion air, clearances to combustibles, venting geometry, and fuel-specific hazards, ensuring no issues are overlooked.
We arrange periodic maintenance inspections consisting of: Level I inspection before burning season, mid-season draft and CO testing, and post-season Level II inspection when necessary. We deliver comprehensive visual documentation, applicable code references, and an action plan prioritized by risk. Our technicians carefully examine your chimney system including caps, liners, dampers, hearth extensions, and smoke chamber alignment; they perform draft measurements and carbon monoxide testing at the installation point. This documentation supports regulatory permits, insurance documentation, and property disclosures, ensuring your system stays safe, efficient, and code-compliant throughout the year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Emergency Chimney Services Available Outside Regular Hours?
Absolutely, we provide emergency chimney support outside normal business hours, including holidays. We maintain 24/7 availability with on-call technicians certified according to NFPA 211 standards. We address smoke backup, chimney fires, carbon monoxide concerns, and structural hazards. Count on rapid holiday response, remote diagnosis, and emergency safety measures. We maintain detailed records, perform code-compliant repairs or stabilize the chimney until complete repairs can be completed. You'll receive detailed safety instructions and follow-up scheduling.
What Areas of Wisconsin Do You Service, and Are There Travel Fees?
Our service area covers Milwaukee suburbs, Southern suburbs, Fox Valley, Door County, Northern lakes, and Western Wisconsin. Wondering if we'll reach you? You'll receive NFPA 211-compliant work statewide with comprehensive documentation and verified draft testing. Service charges are added for locations 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 efficient route planning, complete access evaluations, and permit management for code compliance.
Are Itemized Estimates and Payment Plans Available
You'll receive comprehensive estimates specifying every aspect from materials and labor to safety requirements and code compliance. All components references relevant building codes and NFPA 211 standards for your verification of work scope and code adherence. We provide various payment plans featuring initial deposits, progress milestones, and final payment retention. We'll separately document change orders, permit fees, and venting clearances. Written approval is required for all work details before we begin for your protection and complete transparency.
Do Your On-Site Technicians Have Background Checks and Insurance?
Absolutely - all our technical staff undergo complete vetting and carry full insurance. We implement thorough background verification processes before onboarding and maintain ongoing verification. We provide technicians backed by complete liability coverage and workers' compensation insurance for on-site work. We keep detailed records of certifications, track training, and adhere to NFPA and local code requirements. You'll receive service reports, job-site hazard assessments, and proof of insurance on request, guaranteeing safe, responsible, and regulation-compliant service from start to finish.
Do You Work With Home Insurance When Filing Claims?
Yes. You receive full insurance support and claim guidance from first inspection through final repair. We document damage with compliant documentation, photographic documentation, and NFPA 211 references, then work with your adjuster to coordinate scope, pricing, and safety requirements. You authorize all work confirmations. We coordinate emergency mitigation, deliver permitting support, and ensure chain-of-custody for materials. You obtain transparent progress reports, compliant workmanship, and a final closeout package for your insurance company's records.
Conclusion
You select properly cleaned flues, not hidden creosote; solid masonry, not crumbling joints; properly fitted liners and caps, not water intrusion; professional installations, not guesswork; clear drafts, not smoky rooms. You adhere to NFPA 211, IRC, and local codes. You set up seasonal inspections, report findings, and correct defects. You check clearances, evaluate draft, and validate CO safety. You safeguard your home, maintain efficiency, and meet inspection-safely, compliantly, dependably-today, this season, every year.