Get Top-Rated Chimney Repair in Madison By Hansen & Sons

Even when you take pristine care of your fireplace and chimney system, sometimes, damage is inevitable. Whether you’re experiencing issues with your flue and are in need of a chimney relining service, or those Midwest freeze/thaw cycles have wreaked havoc on your brickwork, it’s important to schedule the necessary repairs as soon as possible so you can resume enjoying your appliance.

brick chimney with mountains in background at sunset

Experienced & Knowledgeable

Fortunately, for those living in the greater Madison, WI area, Hansen & Sons Chimney & Fireplace are just a phone call away. Our team is made up of experienced and knowledgeable masonry professionals who can not only diagnose chimney defects, but suggest the best options for restoration repairs that adhere to all building codes and standards, too – all at a reasonably affordable price. From minor fireplace repairs like replacing the damper, to something more intensive like a full system rebuild, the experts at Hansen & Sons are the ones to trust for it all.

Don’t spend any more time scouring the web for “chimney repair near me,” call us instead. Schedule your appointment by phone at 608-466-4185 or fill out this appointment request form right here through our website.

What Chimney Repair Services Do You Provide?

Because Hansen & Sons is a full service chimney repair and maintenance company, we do it all. Due to the inherent complexity of fireplaces and their chimneys, we’ve divided our repair services into two different categories: those specific to the part of the appliance inside your home (fireplace, stove, or insert) and those catered to the chimney itself.

brick chimney on home

We’re proud to offer the following chimney repair services:

  • Chimney Relining: Regardless of appliance model or fuel type, a properly installed chimney liner is crucial in protecting both your chimney and home against dangerous gases and combustion fumes. Liners are also vital in ensuring that your system operates as safely and efficiently as possible.
  • Flashing/Cricket Repair & Replacement: Designed to safely redirect water out and away from your chimney stack, effective flashing and/or cricket repair ensures the juncture between your roof and chimney remains watertight. Otherwise, you’re likely to experience costly leaks and other structural damage.
  • Chase Covers: Generally found on prefabricated chimneys (but becoming more popular for masonry, too), chase covers shield the top of the system from rain, debris, and animals. They help to maintain the integrity and longevity of your chimney system.
  • Concrete Chimney Crowns: The traditional masonry chimney’s alternative to a chase cover, a properly formed and well-constructed concrete chimney crown acts as the first line of defense against water penetration, preserving the health of your entire chimney structure.
  • Rain Caps (also known as Chimney Caps): Found atop your chimney’s vulnerable flue, rain caps prevent water, animals, and any other floating debris from entering your chimney. A quality chimney cap will allow for proper system ventilation, while simultaneously reducing the risk of water damage, fire hazards, and external blockages.
  • Chimney Rebuild: A chimney rebuild both prevents a potential collapse and restores the structural integrity and operational safety, without requiring a total demolition.
  • Top-Sealing Dampers: An excellent alternative to the more traditional throat damper, a top-sealing one will help improve airflow leading to both more efficient performance and protection against the elements.
  • Waterproofing/Water Repellent: Properly waterproofing your chimney masonry prevents excessive water absorption that could otherwise lead to leaks, freeze-thaw cycle damage, and general deterioration.
  • Smoke Chamber Repair & Sealing: Repairing and sealing the smoke chamber ensures efficient smoke flow and prevents dangerous creosote buildup, enhancing overall chimney safety.
  • Prefabricated Fireplace/Chimney Repair & Replacement: To ensure that you enjoy your prefabricated chimney system for as long as you can, timely prefab fireplaces and/or chimney repairs or replacements are a must. Not only will they improve appliance performance and efficiency, they ensure you’re protecting your home against fire hazards, too.
worn down brick chimney

Helping Local Homeowners

Though our chimney repair service list is quite comprehensive, if you’re not seeing what you’re looking for – or have a question about any of our listed services – please don’t hesitate to reach out to someone from the Hansen & Sons team. There’s a reason we’ve been trusted in the Madison area for the past seven decades…we’re in the business of helping local homeowners with their hearths wherever and however we can.

Get in touch online, by filling out this appointment request form, or call 608-466-4185 to learn more today.

What Are Common Signs of Chimney Damage?

Chimney damage can be sneaky – and can present in a variety of ways. Sometimes it’s evident there is a problem and it’s equally as easy to determine what it is and where it’s coming from. Other times, it’s not so clear or simple.

But, remember, chimney damage frequently flies under the radar, too. The only real way to know the extent of your fireplace and chimney’s overall soundness and safety is to keep up with your yearly preventative maintenance tasks like chimney sweeps and inspections. Otherwise, it’s possible to not notice damage until it’s too late and repair costs are much higher than if the issue had been caught earlier.

Even still, there are some telltale signs that something is awry and you should stop using your fireplace, stove, or insert until a professional can come out and take a look:

  • Foul Odors: This can be anything from must or mildew to campfire smoke lingering around your hearth. Unless there is a fire burning in your firebox, any noticeable aromas signal an issue.
  • Noticeable Soot and/or Creosote Accumulations: Whether it’s dark black and flaky or more dust-like in nature, when you begin to see more byproduct deposits, you should schedule a service. While not necessarily indicative of damage per se, you shouldn’t use a noticeably dirty appliance – creosote is highly flammable and if there are significant amounts within the firebox, operation is not safe.
  • Any Signs of Leaking or Water Damage: No matter if you’re actively hearing water drip down your flue or you have a water stain on your ceiling or nearby walls, any signs of water presence are problematic. Especially because without the proper tools and professional equipment and eye, it can be virtually impossible to know where exactly the leak is coming from.
  • Visible Stains or Discoloration Anywhere on Your System: If you’ve begun to notice a change in the appearance of your chimney – particularly the external masonry – it’s a sign that the structure has already endured some semblance of water damage. This can present in the form of white, chalky efflorescence, rust, or even vegetation growth.
  • Strange System Behavior or Changes in Operational Performance: Anytime your fireplace, insert, or stove begins to act differently than how it previously was, that is a glaring sign that something is wrong. Whether the issue lies in the inability to spark and sustain a flame, or your fire stops burning shortly after it’s lit, a distinct difference in functional operation points to damage somewhere.
red home with brick chimney

Request Service

Here at Hansen & Sons, we’re well-versed in each inspection level, so no matter which one you need to schedule, you can rest assured that our team is the one to trust. Give us a call at 608-466-4185, or fill out this contact form through our website to book a chimney inspection for your Madison home.

Brick chimney with brick damage

Is Chimney Damage Preventable?

Many homeowners are surprised to learn that nine times out of ten, chimney damage is actually quite preventable. This is because industry leaders such as the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) strongly recommend homeowners have their hearth appliances cleaned out and inspected on an annual basis by certified professionals. When those services are scheduled each and every year, chimney techs are able to get up close and personal with the otherwise impossible-to-see internal components and make note of anything that requires further attention or repairs. That way, any notable deterioration is caught before it turns into a full-blown issue that compromises both appliance function and performance as well as your family’s health and safety…

 

Prevent Chimney Disasters with Annual Maintenance

The biggest caveat to this is, of course, damage caused by a natural weather event or other unforeseen circumstances. If, for instance, a crazy thunderstorm tore up your chimney stack a bit, so long as you are able to prove that you’ve maintained a regular care and service routine, you shouldn’t have too difficult a time submitting a claim to your homeowners insurance.

To learn more about what you can do to protect your Madison, WI home against costly chimney repairs, give us a call. Fill out our contact form and reach us online, or give us a call at 608-466-4185.

Brick chimney with brick damage

How Do I Choose the Right Chimney Repair & Services Company?

Choosing the “right” chimney repair and services company largely comes down to personal preference; not every homeowner has the same desires and requests and the same is true for providers, too. However, there are some important things to keep in the front of your mind while weighing your multitude of options for “fireplace and chimney repair Madison” or “masonry repair near me”.

  • Is the company licensed and insured?
  • How long have they been in business?
  • What do their reviews look like? Are they mostly positive?
  • Do they seem friendly and able to complete the services you are looking for?
  • Are they trustworthy and reliable?

 

This is just a list of five questions to ponder, but it is in no way exhaustive. Do your research, ask the questions most important to you, and feel out the different possibilities. When you’re hiring someone to come in and fix an appliance in your home, the most important thing is for you and your family to feel safe and comfortable. 

brick chimney on home

Request Service

Here at Hansen & Sons, next to meeting a high standard of excellence when it comes to our various services, our goal is to create an environment where you feel like part of our family. Whether you just have a couple questions you need answered or you’re interested in scheduling a repair service, our team is here for you – first and foremost. Schedule your appointment today by calling 608-466-4185. Or, if you’d prefer, reach out online by filling out our contact form.

white metal chimney

Why Hansen & Sons? Give Us a Call & See for Yourself

Whether we’re performing an annual fireplace and chimney inspection or rebuilding your whole structure, we guarantee that our work is exceptional and thorough…and has been for the last 71+ years. Our large customer base frequently describes their experience working with us as satisfying and enjoyable. From our punctual arrivals to our attention to detail, our polite demeanor to the fact that we never outsource work to subcontractors, there are so many reasons to love working with Hansen & Sons.

We’re proud to make Madison chimneys safer. But, don’t just take our word for it – schedule an appointment with us and see for yourself why so many local homeowners keep coming back. Contact us today, by filling out this appointment request form, or call 608-466-4185.