The chimney blog
The questions Chicago-area homeowners ask us most, answered with Illinois and City of Chicago rules, local weather and real price ranges.
Where does Chicago require carbon monoxide alarms?Illinois requires a CO alarm within 15 feet of every bedroom. Chicago adds alarms inside bedrooms with a fireplace and next to every furnace, boiler and water heater.
Do you need a permit to rebuild a chimney in Chicago?Chicago's Express Permit covers in-kind chimney rebuilds written on the permit; small in-kind repairs up to 50 sq ft need none, except possibly in landmark districts.
What changes when your chimney is in a Chicago Landmark district?In a Chicago Landmark district the Historic Preservation Division reviews chimney permits. What that means for your chimney, plus Oak Park's own district rules.
Why does a new furnace make the old chimney flue a problem?A high-efficiency furnace vents out the wall and leaves the water heater alone in a clay flue sized for two. Why that flue can fail and what a liner costs.
How do you match Chicago common brick on a chimney?Chicago common brick hasn't been made since 1981. How salvaged commons and the right mortar keep a bungalow or two-flat chimney looking and working like the original.
How do Chicago freeze-thaw days damage a chimney crown?O'Hare sees about 78 days a year that freeze at night and thaw by day, by our count from NOAA normals. Why that cracks chimney crowns and what repair costs.
What does the Illinois disclosure form ask about chimneys?Illinois disclosure item 6 asks about chimney leaks and defects, item 13 about the fireplace or wood stove. What sellers should know before listing.
Who is responsible for a two-flat's shared chimney?In a Chicago two-flat, one brick chimney often serves furnaces, water heaters and a fireplace for two units. Who is responsible for it and for CO alarms.
Why won't my gas fireplace pilot light stay lit?A pilot that lights and then goes out is usually the thermocouple or thermopile, a dirty pilot, or draft. Common causes, what parts cost, and when to call.
How does lake-effect snow cause chimney leaks?In November 2025, lake-effect bands dropped 10 inches on Winthrop Harbor and over 5 in Evanston and West Ridge. How heavy snow and melt find leaks around chimneys.
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