Chicagoland Chimney Repair & Restoration: Leonard & Sons Is Your Trusted Team
Keeping your chimney and fireplace in great condition takes work, but Leonard & Sons is here to help to handle the hard part – all you have to do is call us in. We’ve been repairing, restoring, and maintaining the chimneys and fireplaces of our neighbors in Chicagoland and the northwest suburbs of our favorite windy city since 1966. If you live in Algonquin, Cary, Dundee, McHenry, or anywhere else nearby, we want you to count on us for fireplace restorations, masonry repairs, chimney troubleshooting, and more.
Whether you have some major performance and safety issues, a chimney leak, or are just tired of the look of your fireplace, our team of Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) certified chimney and masonry specialists can help. Call or schedule with us online today.
Chimney Repair – Before
Chimney Repair – After
Chimney Repair – Before
Chimney Repair – After
How Can We Repair Your Chimney & Fireplace?
When it comes to fireplace and chimney repair services, finding a team you can trust for the job is a must. Fortunately for those in the area, we’ve been providing reliable care for decades. Our specialties include:
- Smoke Chamber Parging: Smoke chambers have an important job, but when they’re corbelled, riddled with holes, or lined with cracks, these important components can lead to a host of performance problems – as well as safety and health hazards. Don’t let a damaged smoke chamber render your fireplace unsafe and ineffective. We can parge it smooth with Chamber Coat.
- Chimney Relining: There are few home components as important as the chimney liner or the liner venting your furnace or water heater. If it’s time to have your chimney relined, let Leonard & Sons get the job done for you. We use HeatShield® and stainless steel liners to make sure our customers get long-lasting service and protection – whether the liner is venting their furnace, their water heater, or their fireplace or stove.
- PriorFire Retrofit Fireplace Installation: These systems are designed to restore functionality, enhance aesthetics, and increase heating efficiency for your current fireplace. They’re easy to install, durable, code-compliant, and come with a lifetime limited warranty – an excellent choice for most standard-sized fireplaces. Talk with us today about your options.
- Masonry Restoration: Are popping, water-damaged bricks and receding mortar joints making your fireplace or chimney unsafe for use and unpleasant to look at? We can help. We specialize in tuckpointing and brick replacement and can help you keep your chimney and fireplace looking stronger and more beautiful, year after year.
- Leaky Chimney Repair: Nothing can ruin your chimney and fireplace faster than a leak. Is water making its way into your home? We repair flashing and chimney crowns, as well as replace and install chimney caps, rain pans, and chase covers. Let us help stop chimney leaks in their tracks and keep water out of your fireplace for good. We also offer masonry waterproofing, which gives your masonry the extra protection it needs, year after year.
- Fireplace Refacing & Changeouts: Is an out-of-date hearth or smoke-stained fireplace making an unwelcome style statement in your home? Consider a fireplace refacing service or changeout. Whether you need a new appliance installed, unsightly smoke stains removed, or you’re ready to get the beautiful stone fireplace you’ve always dreamed of, we can take care of it for you.
How Do I Prevent Costly Chimney Repairs in the Future?
The best chimney repair is the one you never have to have. Consistent, proactive maintenance is far less expensive – and far less disruptive – than waiting for problems to develop and then addressing them after the damage is done.
- Schedule annual inspections. This is the single most important step – a professional catches small issues before they become big ones.
- Get your chimney swept regularly. Removing creosote and debris protects your flue liner and reduces fire risk
- Make sure your chimney cap is in good condition. A properly fitted cap keeps out rain, snow, animals, and debris – and is one of the least expensive preventive measures you can take.
- Address repairs promptly. When an issue is identified, don’t put it off – small problems compound quickly, especially when water is involved
- Have your chimney waterproofed. A professional-grade breathable waterproof sealant applied to the exterior masonry significantly reduces water intrusion and extends the life of the brick and mortar.
- Burn only seasoned hardwood. Wet or green wood produces far more creosote than properly seasoned wood, accelerating buildup and increasing fire risk.
- Monitor your chimney crown and flashing. These are high-exposure areas that take the brunt of weather and should be checked every year.
In the end, a small investment in annual maintenance consistently saves homeowners from much larger repair bills down the road. Our team is here to help you stay ahead of problems…not just fix them after the fact.
Will Chimney Repairs Be Covered by My Homeowner’s Insurance?
This is a question we hear frequently, and the answer depends on your specific policy and the cause of the damage. In general, homeowner’s insurance covers sudden and accidental damage…but does not cover damage resulting from lack of maintenance or normal wear and tear.
Situations that may be covered:
- Chimney damage caused by a lightning strike
- Structural damage resulting from a fire
- Damage caused by a falling tree or severe storm
- Sudden and accidental events that cause physical damage to the chimney
Situations that are typically not covered:
- Deterioration of mortar joints over time
- Creosote buildup and related damage
- Gradual water damage from a neglected crown or cap
- Normal age-related wear on flue liners, dampers, or masonry
A detailed written inspection report documents the condition of your chimney and the cause of any damage, which can be essential when filing an insurance claim. If damage was caused by a covered event, having professional documentation strengthens your claim significantly. In fact, some insurance companies require proof of annual chimney maintenance to honor claims related to chimney fires or damage
Contact your insurance provider to understand exactly what your policy covers. If you believe your damage may be the result of a covered event, we can provide the documentation and professional assessment you need to support your claim.
We’re a Chimney Service Company You Can Trust
Leonard & Sons has been serving Chicagoland for more than five decades and we’re not going anywhere. We’re here to help our neighbors throughout the area, year after year, whatever chimney and fireplace repairs you may need performed. We’re a family-owned and -operated business, and we’re committed to providing quality, family-friendly service on each and every job.
We hope you’ll give us the opportunity to take care of you and your home. Request an appointment – call 847-658-7659 or fill out our online scheduling form today. We hope to speak with you soon.
Need to update your fireplace’s look? Our chimney and fireplace services include fireplace refacing and changeouts, ensuring you get exactly the look you’re hoping for.