Leonard & Sons: Gas Log Service & Installation in Chicagoland, Algonquin & More
Gas log fireplaces are a great addition to any home. They offer fire in a much more convenient manner than a traditional wood fireplace and they’re known for burning cleaner too – all while maintaining that cozy, warm aesthetic you love from a fireplace. That said, all these perks don’t mean they require less upkeep or that professional installation still isn’t a must… Gas fireplace systems still require expert installation and regular maintenance.
If you’re thinking of investing in gas logs or you want to make sure your existing gas log set is working properly and ready for another season, we can help. We offer gas fireplace servicing and gas log installation for those in Chicagoland, Woodstock, Barrington, Cary, Crystal Lake, and more. For all things chimney, count on us – reach out now with questions!
Why Should Gas Logs Be Professionally Installed?
It’s a common question… Can I install gas logs myself?
We all love a good DIY project, but when it comes to fireplace installation, trusting a professional is always a must. Even a minor flaw or mishap can lead to issues – gas logs produce carbon monoxide (an odorless, tasteless, and invisible gas) that can lead to a myriad of health problems and even death. Needless to say, it’s imperative that your gas logs be installed properly.
Long story short, if any mistakes are made during fireplace installation, you’re put at risk, and your gas logs may not work properly. But when you have your gas logs installed by an experienced and certified chimney professional, you can be confident your gas logs will be installed exactly as directed – and will work as safely and as efficiently as they were designed to.
What Kind Of Maintenance Do Gas Logs Need?
How do you maintain gas logs? Do gas logs need a lot of maintenance? You bet. Just like your other home appliances, a gas log system needs annual maintenance and regular care. Here’s what we recommend:
- Book an annual inspection. Every year, you should have your gas logs inspected by a certified professional, just as you would your wood-burning fireplace or stove. During an inspection, you’ll have your gas valves, pilot light, gas lines, connections, and chimney checked. Your tech will be looking for any problems, damage, buildup, or areas of concern.
- Get cleaning by a professional. Although gas logs don’t require the level of cleaning that wood-burning appliances do, they still require some brushing and removal of dust or dirt.
- Don’t wait to book fireplace repair services. Gas logs are relatively low maintenance, but components can occasionally break or fail. When they do, they should be repaired quickly. Some of the repairs we can help with include gas line leaks, broken valves, and burner issues.
- Don’t hesitate to invest in new embers or decorative glass. Sometimes you simply need embers or other decorative elements like fire glass replaced – and we can help with that too! We’ll make sure your gas logs look great and up-to-date, year after year.
Can Gas Logs Be Installed in Any Fireplace?
The short answer: not always. Yet, most traditional fireplaces can be converted to gas logs with the right preparation and professional assessment.
- Traditional masonry fireplaces are typically the best candidates for gas log installation. These brick or stone fireplaces were built to handle heat and usually have the firebox dimensions needed to accommodate a log set.
- Factory-built (prefabricated) fireplaces can sometimes accommodate gas logs, but only specific log sets approved for that particular unit. Installing the wrong system in a prefab fireplace can be a serious safety hazard.
- Wood stoves and inserts are generally not compatible with standard gas log sets and require a different conversion approach entirely.
Before any gas log installation, a chimney inspection is essential. A damaged flue, cracked firebox, or deteriorating damper can create dangerous conditions when combined with a gas appliance.
Gas logs require a dedicated gas supply line run into the firebox. If your home doesn’t already have a gas line near your fireplace, one will need to be installed by a licensed professional before the log set can be hooked up. This is not a DIY project – improper gas line installation is one of the leading causes of home fires and carbon monoxide incidents.
The best way to know if your fireplace qualifies is to schedule a professional assessment. Our team will evaluate your fireplace, discuss your options, and recommend the safest and most appropriate system for your home.
How Long Does Gas Log Installation Take?
Most gas log installations can be completed within a few hours if your home already has a gas supply line running to or near your fireplace. Typically, this process will go as follows:
- A pre-installation inspection of the fireplace, firebox, and existing gas connection
- Placement and assembly of the log set on the burner
- Connection and testing of the gas line, pilot, and ignition system
- A full safety check and walkthrough with you before our technician leaves
From start to finish, this type of installation usually takes 2 to 4 hours.
If no gas line currently exists near your fireplace, additional time and coordination will be needed to:
- Route a new gas line from your home’s supply to the fireplace location
- Ensure proper shutoff valves and connections are in place
- Pass any required inspections before the log set is connected
This process may require a separate appointment or an extended visit, and total time can range from half a day to a full day depending on your home’s layout and local permitting requirements.
What Does a Gas Log Service Appointment Include?
Annual service is one of the most important things you can do to protect the life of your gas log system and the safety of your home. A professional service appointment is far more thorough than a quick visual check.
Inspection of the Log Set & Burner
- Each individual log is carefully inspected for chips, cracks, or deterioration. Damaged logs can affect flame appearance and, in some cases, burner performance.
- The burner itself is examined for corrosion, blockages, and wear. A compromised burner can produce uneven flames, incomplete combustion, or dangerous gas buildup.
Cleaning
- Burner ports are cleaned to remove dust, debris, and any buildup that can restrict gas flow or cause irregular flame patterns.
- The log set is carefully cleaned and repositioned if needed — log placement directly impacts how the flame looks and how safely the system operates.
- The firebox interior is inspected and cleared of debris that may have accumulated since the last service.
Gas Connection & Leak Check
- All gas connections, fittings, and flex lines are inspected for signs of wear or corrosion.
- A leak test is performed to confirm there are no gas leaks at any connection point. This is a non-negotiable safety step that should be done every year.
- The shutoff valve is tested to confirm it operates correctly.
Ignition & Pilot System Testing
- The pilot light is inspected, cleaned, and tested for consistent ignition.
- The thermocouple or thermopile (the safety devices that sense whether the pilot is lit) are checked to make sure they’re functioning correctly – a faulty thermocouple is one of the most common reasons a pilot light won’t stay on.
- Electronic ignition systems are tested for reliable operation.
- Remote controls and wall switches are tested if applicable.
Venting & Firebox Assessment
- For vented systems, the damper is checked to confirm it opens fully and is functioning properly.
- The flue and venting are evaluated to ensure combustion gases are safely exiting your home.
- The firebox walls, floor, and surrounding masonry are inspected for cracks or deterioration that could pose a safety concern.
Before our technician leaves, they’ll walk you through what was found, what was done, any identified concerns, recommended next steps, tips for operation, and when to schedule your next service.
Book Your Gas Log Installation Service With Us
Adding gas logs to your home? From fireplace installation to maintenance and repair, you can count on Leonard & Sons Building Service of Chicagoland to keep your gas logs looking great and working the way they should. Request an appointment with one of our experienced gas log specialists today by calling 847-658-7659 or filling out our online appointment request form. Let our family serve your family!
Year after year, we perform all kinds of chimney and fireplace repairs as a regular part of our chimney and fireplace services.