Chimney Repair and Sweeping in Crystal Lake, Illinois
Crystal Lake grew fastest in the 1970s, '80s and '90s, and most of its chimneys date from those years. The inspection is free.
The lake gave the city its name in 1835, when an early visitor called the water as clear as crystal. Crystal Lake and the neighboring village of Nunda incorporated in 1874, and North Crystal Lake was annexed in 1914 to form one city. The Col. Gustavus A. Palmer House dates from 1858, and the Dole Mansion still stands on the lake.
In the Census Bureau's 2020–2024 survey, Crystal Lake's median year built is 1986. About 16 percent of homes date from the 1970s and 26 percent from the 1990s; only about 5.5 percent are older than 1940. Gas heats about 83 percent. Most chimneys we expect here are factory-built, often with gas fireplaces, plus brick stacks on the 1970s ranches and split-levels.
Chase covers and prefab caps
A 1990s Crystal Lake house usually has a framed chase with a metal flue inside and a sheet-metal cover on top. Once the cover rusts and dishes, water collects and runs down into the chase. A custom chase cover typically costs $425–$850 and a prefab metal cap $200–$650.
McHenry County winters
Crystal Lake is about 45 miles northwest of the city and well inland. NOAA's 1991–2020 normals for Rockford, the nearest inland station, show about 136 nights a year at or below freezing and about 86 freeze-thaw days (derived), against about 121 and 78 at O'Hare. Every one of those cycles widens a crack in a crown or a mortar joint. Typical ranges: minor crown repair $150–$700, flashing $300–$1,800.
- Gas fireplaces that won't light or stay lit
- Snow over a direct-vent cap on the side wall
- Brick crowns cracking on 1970s chimneys
Where we work in Crystal Lake
Four Colonies · Coventry · The Villages · Wedgewood · Downtown · West End · Around the lake · North of downtown near Prairie Ridge
FAQ
Crystal Lake chimney questions
How much is a chimney sweep in Crystal Lake?
We price cleanings at the free inspection, after we see whether you have a masonry or factory-built chimney. You get it in writing first.
Snow covered our gas fireplace vent. Is that a problem?
It can be. Nicor Gas warns that snow or ice over a gas vent can cause a dangerous carbon monoxide buildup. Clear it by hand or with a broom, not a shovel, and have the fireplace checked once a year.
Do you rebuild prefab chimneys?
We inspect the chase, cover, flue and firebox panels, then tell you which parts can be replaced and what it costs before any work.
When can you come?
Sunday through Friday, 8 to 11, 11 to 2 or 2 to 5. Closed Saturday. We call to confirm.
Book online
Book in Crystal Lake. 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.