Chimney and fireplace service in Arlington Heights
Most Arlington Heights homes went up between the 1950s and 1980s. We inspect the chimney or gas fireplace for free and write down the price first.
Arlington Heights took its name in 1874 and stayed mostly farms and greenhouses until a population explosion in the 1950s and 1960s carried it to 64,884 people by 1970. The Census Bureau's 2020–2024 survey lines up with that: of 33,005 homes, 12.7 percent were built in the 1950s, 21.7 percent in the 1960s, 22.7 percent in the 1970s and 17.8 percent in the 1980s. The median home dates to 1974, and only 4.9 percent predate 1940.
Utility gas heats 78.5 percent of homes and electricity 18.8 percent, a higher electric share than Elmhurst or Des Plaines, and 22.3 percent of the housing is in buildings of 20 or more units. In single-family neighborhoods the chimney is either masonry with clay flues or, in later houses, a factory-built fireplace in a chase. We check either kind at the free inspection.
1950s–60s brick chimneys
The ranches and split-levels of the boom years mostly have brick chimneys that carry the furnace and water heater beside the fireplace flue. After 60-odd winters at about 78 freeze-thaw days a year (derived from O'Hare's NOAA 1991–2020 normals), crowns crack and mortar washes out of the top joints first.
Crown crack repair typically runs $150 to $700, minor masonry repair $200 to $850, and flashing replacement $300 to $1,800. If the furnace has been changed to a side-vented high-efficiency model, we also check whether the water heater is now alone in a flue that is too big.
1970s–80s prefab fireplaces
Houses from the 1970s and 1980s usually have factory-built wood fireplaces or gas units in a framed chase. These have their own wear points: a rusted chase cover, a cracked firebox panel or a gas valve that won't hold.
A prefab metal cap typically runs $200 to $650 and a custom chase cover $425 to $850. On gas fireplaces, a pilot assembly typically runs $100 to $350 and a thermopile or valve $150 to $300. Converting an old wood fireplace with a gas insert typically runs $2,000 to $5,000.
Where we work in Arlington Heights
Scarsdale · Stonegate · Northgate · Downtown Arlington Heights · Arlington Park · Lake Arlington area · Recreation Park · Southwest Arlington Heights
FAQ
Arlington Heights chimney questions
Our gas fireplace pilot keeps going out. What does a repair cost?
Often a worn thermocouple or thermopile. A thermocouple typically runs $150 to $350 and a thermopile or valve $150 to $300. We diagnose it at the free inspection and write down the price before any repair.
How much does a chimney cleaning cost in Arlington Heights?
We price it at the free inspection, after seeing the flue, and you get it in writing before any work. Booking is Sunday to Friday in 3-hour windows, and we call to confirm.
Do we need a CO alarm if our fireplace is gas?
Yes. Illinois law requires a CO alarm within 15 feet of every sleeping room in any home with a fireplace, fuel-burning heater or attached garage, and gas fireplaces count.
Who do I call about a gas smell?
Leave the house, then call Nicor Gas at 888-642-6748 and 911 from outside.
Book online
Book in Arlington Heights. The inspection is free.
Free inspection in a 3-hour window: 8 to 11, 11 to 2, or 2 to 5. We call to confirm before we arrive.