Level 1 sweep and inspection to the NFPA 211 annual standard - flue, crown, cap, and flashing checked and photographed
Chimney sweep logs do not sweep chimneys. They loosen some creosote - which then falls where a brush and vacuum still have to collect it.
Before
After
Before
After
Before
AfterTrusted Chimney Liner & Rebuild for Arlington Heights Homeowners
A deteriorated flue liner or compromised chimney structure in Arlington Heights can vent carbon monoxide into living spaces or ignite a chimney fire without warning. Emberly Chimney Cleaners Arlington Heights installs stainless steel and flexible liners, performs partial and full rebuilds, and repairs damaged sections using materials from DuraFlex, HeatShield, and Olympia Chimney, with a written price before any work starts and a documented photo record when it’s done. Call (331) 202-2419 for a free estimate with camera inspection included.
We’ve inspected and cleaned more than 38,000 chimneys since 2009, every one with a written price agreed upfront and a photo archive delivered afterward. That practice became Clause 4 of the Haven Standard, and we apply it to every liner and rebuild job in our Chimney Liner & Rebuild in Arlington Heights, Palatine, and Glenview. Arlington Heights homes built between 1960 and 1995, especially in neighborhoods like Scarsdale and Hasbrook, often have unlined masonry chimneys or original clay liners that have cracked after decades of freeze-thaw cycling. The clay soils in northwest Cook County shift seasonally, and we’ve found that movement accelerates liner failure in two-story homes with exterior chimneys. Our technicians are background-checked, uniformed, and assigned by name, you’ll get a text when we’re on the way, and a live person answers our phones 24 hours a day.
What Our Chimney Liner & Rebuild Service Includes
Stainless Steel Liner
A stainless steel liner is a continuous metal tube inserted down the flue to contain combustion gases and protect masonry from corrosive byproducts. In Arlington Heights, we specify 316Ti stainless for wood-burning applications and 304 alloy for gas, matching the liner alloy to the appliance type per NFPA 211. We source our stainless liners through Olympia Chimney’s Haven buying network, which keeps material costs predictable and lets us quote a flat installed price rather than a range that balloons once we’re on site.
Flexible Liner
Flexible liners are corrugated stainless tubes that navigate offset flues, chimney thimbles, and transitions between fireplaces and heating appliances without breaking the masonry envelope. They’re essential in Arlington Heights ranches and split-levels where the chimney offsets around a stairwell or where a previous remodel boxed in the flue path. We use DuraFlex flexible liner for these jobs, and we always run a camera ahead of the pull to verify the flue is clear of obstructions and old liner fragments that could tear the new installation.
Liner Replacement
Liner replacement removes a failed clay, concrete, or metal liner and installs a new system rated for the connected appliance. We perform this service when camera inspection shows cracked tiles, spalled concrete, or gaps between liner sections that allow flue gases to contact the brick. In Arlington Heights, we see accelerated clay tile failure in homes near Lake Arlington and the Des Plaines River corridor where groundwater wicks into foundation masonry and the chimney base stays damp through spring. Our replacement jobs include a smoke chamber parge with HeatShield when the chamber above the firebox is corbeled brick with exposed mortar joints.
Partial Rebuild
A partial rebuild addresses the top courses of brick, the crown, or a section of wall where spalling, cracking, or lean has compromised structural integrity but the majority of the chimney remains sound. Arlington Heights sees significant crown deterioration from deicing salt spray off Golf Road and Rand Road, plus the thermal shock of sun-heated brick hit by winter rain. We rebuild with matching brick when possible, pour a new concrete crown with drip edge and expansion joint, and flash the chimney to roofline with step and counterflashing in copper or painted steel depending on roof pitch and exposure.
Full Chimney Rebuild
A full rebuild dismantles the existing chimney to the roofline or foundation and constructs new masonry, liner, and crown to current code. We recommend this when inspection shows multiple wythes of cracked brick, a leaning stack, or extensive internal deterioration that makes spot repair uneconomical. In Arlington Heights, full rebuilds are most common in pre-1970 homes in the Village Green and Stonegate areas where original construction used soft salmon brick and lime mortar that has eroded. We document the existing structure with photos before dismantling, haul debris daily to keep the site clean, and schedule work to minimize exposure of the roof opening.
Liner Repair
Liner repair addresses localized damage, cracks under six inches, joint gaps, or surface spalling without removing the entire liner system. We use HeatShield cerfractory foam for resurfacing clay tile flues, applied with a custom plug and smoothing tool that leaves a smooth, continuous surface rated to 2900°F. For metal liners, we source patch kits and replacement sections through Gelco’s distributor network. Repair is viable only after camera inspection confirms the surrounding liner is intact, we’ll show you the footage and explain exactly what we found before recommending repair versus replacement.
What happens when you call
- 1
A real person answersNo phone trees - you reach a local pro.
- 2
You get an upfront price rangeHonest numbers before anyone is dispatched.
- 3
A background-checked tech heads outLicensed & insured, dispatched right away.
- 4
You approve before work beginsNothing starts until you say go.
Brands We Service for Chimney Liner & Rebuild
We source liner materials through Haven’s buying network specifically to keep customer prices honest, and we maintain direct relationships with manufacturers whose products we’ve installed in thousands of Chicago-area homes. Our technicians have hands-on experience with DuraFlex flexible liners, which we specify for offset flues and tight clearance jobs where rigid pipe won’t fit. We’ve pulled DuraFlex through Arlington Heights chimneys with multiple 30-degree offsets and documented every installation with pre- and post-camera footage under Haven Standard Clause 4. HeatShield cerfractory resurfacing is our standard for clay tile repair when the tile body is sound but the surface is cracked or the mortar joints have opened, we’ve applied HeatShield in more than 400 Arlington Heights and Palatine homes since 2015 and track every application in our warranty database.
Olympia Chimney supplies our rigid stainless liner and component systems, including tees, caps, and termination kits that we stock in our Arlington Heights warehouse for same-week installation. Whether you have an Olympia system, need a liner sized for a specific appliance, or aren’t sure what brand was installed previously, we can identify it during camera inspection and match replacement parts through our distributor relationships. We also work with Gelco and Famco components when specified by manufacturer warranty or matched to existing installations.
BeforeAfterSigns You Need Chimney Liner & Rebuild Right Now
- White efflorescence or spalling brick on the exterior. These are minerals left behind as water moves through masonry, and they signal that the liner is no longer protecting the brick from flue gas condensation. In Arlington Heights, we see this most on north-facing chimneys that stay damp, and it worsens every freeze-thaw cycle until the brick face pops off entirely.
- Bits of clay tile in the firebox or at the cleanout door. This means the liner is actively disintegrating. Clay fragments can block the flue, and the gaps they leave allow creosote to accumulate between the liner and masonry where it can’t be cleaned. We find this in roughly one-third of pre-1980 Arlington Heights homes during initial inspection.
- Smoke or odors entering the home during operation. A liner with gaps, cracks, or missing sections can reverse draft under certain pressure conditions, especially in tightly sealed modern homes. This is a carbon monoxide risk, and it warrants immediate camera inspection to locate the breach.
- Visible cracks in the chimney crown or missing mortar between cap bricks. Water enters here and accelerates liner failure from the top down. Arlington Heights gets driving rain from the west and northwest, and an unsealed crown will funnel that water directly to the flue liner interface.
- Your home inspector flagged the chimney, or your insurance requires Level 2 documentation. Many Arlington Heights home sales in 2023 and 2024 included chimney conditions in the inspection report, and insurers are increasingly requiring NFPA 211 Level 2 camera inspection before binding coverage. We provide the stamped documentation they need, and our reports are accepted by every major carrier writing in Cook County.
Our Chimney Liner & Rebuild Process - Step by Step
- 1
Schedule and confirm. Call (331) 202-2419 and speak with a live person, or request a callback. We ask about the appliance type, fuel, age of home, and any symptoms you’ve noticed. We assign a named technician and text you when they’re en route, typically within a two-hour window.
- 2
NFPA 211 Level 2 camera inspection. Our technician sets up containment, runs a high-resolution camera the full length of the flue, and records footage of the liner, smoke chamber, firebox, and exterior crown. You watch the feed in real time if you’re present. This inspection is included with every liner and rebuild estimate in Arlington Heights, and the footage becomes your Clause 4 documented record.
- 3
Written diagnosis and price. We show you what we found, explain the repair or replacement options, and deliver a written scope with line-item pricing and a written warranty term before any work begins. This is Haven Standard Clause 1: have it in writing. If you have a competitor’s written estimate, we’ll provide a free second opinion with our camera inspection.
- 4
Installation or rebuild with photo documentation. For liner jobs, we prep the flue, install the specified system with proper clearance to combustibles, and verify with a final camera pass. For rebuilds, we stage materials, protect the roof and landscaping, and photograph each phase. You receive a complete photo record at completion under Clause 4.
- 5
Final inspection, testing, and warranty registration. We perform a smoke test or draft measurement to verify proper function, clean the work area, and register your 365-Day Done Right Promise. If anything isn’t done right, we make it right. The written warranty, photo record, and invoice are emailed to you before our technician leaves.
How Much Does Chimney Liner & Rebuild Cost in Arlington Heights?
Chimney liner installation in Arlington Heights typically runs $2,800-$4,500 for a standard stainless steel liner in a single-flue masonry chimney serving one appliance. Flexible liner installations in offset flues add $400-$800 for the additional labor and material. Liner replacement with smoke chamber parging runs $3,200-$5,500 depending on flue diameter and height. Partial rebuilds, including crown replacement and top six courses of brick, range from $1,800-$3,500. Full chimney rebuilds from the roofline up generally fall between $6,500-$12,000, with two-story homes and complex scaffolding at the higher end.
| Service | Typical Range in Arlington Heights | Primary Cost Drivers |
|---|---|---|
| Stainless steel liner, single flue | $2,800 - $4,500 | Flue height, diameter, appliance type |
| Flexible liner, offset flue | $3,200 - $5,300 | Number of offsets, access difficulty |
| Liner replacement with smoke chamber parge | $3,200 - $5,500 | Existing liner removal, chamber condition |
| Partial rebuild (crown + top courses) | $1,800 - $3,500 | Brick matching, scaffolding height |
| Full rebuild, roofline to top | $6,500 - $12,000 | Height, brick type, liner specification |
| Liner repair (HeatShield resurfacing) | $1,200 - $2,400 | Flue length, number of cracks |
What moves the price: flue height above the roofline, whether the existing liner must be extracted, accessibility for scaffolding on steep roofs, and whether the smoke chamber or firebox needs repair in addition to the liner. We price these factors individually so you see where your money goes, and we never upsell a full liner when a repair is viable. Every estimate includes the camera inspection, written scope, and photo record at no additional charge. Call (331) 202-2419 for an exact quote, estimates are free.
Chimney Liner & Rebuild Near Arlington Heights - Our Service Area
Emberly Chimney Cleaners Arlington Heights dispatches technicians daily to Palatine, Glenview, Lake Zurich, Hoffman Estates, Park Ridge, Highland Park, Bloomingdale, Elmhurst, Evanston, Lombard, and Cary. Most Arlington Heights appointments are available within three to five business days, and we schedule rebuild work to minimize weather exposure during the gap between demolition and new crown installation. If you’re in Scarsdale, Hasbrook, Stonegate, or Village Green, your technician likely knows your neighborhood’s typical construction and common failure modes from previous jobs on your block. We also service Chimney Liner & Rebuild in Palatine and Chimney Liner & Rebuild in Glenview with the same camera-inspection standard and written pricing.
Serving Arlington Heights, IL - Our Local Coverage Area
We’re based in the Arlington Heights area and know this community well. Use the map below to see our service coverage - if you’re nearby, we can almost certainly help.
Frequently Asked Questions - Chimney Liner & Rebuild in Arlington Heights
Chimney liner and rebuild service restores the internal flue passage and external masonry structure that vent smoke and combustion gases from your fireplace or heating appliance. The liner protects the brick from corrosive condensation and heat, while the rebuild addresses cracked, spalled, or leaning masonry that compromises structural integrity. Emberly Chimney Cleaners Arlington Heights performs both services with NFPA 211 Level 2 camera inspection, written pricing before work starts, and a documented photo record on completion.
A standard stainless steel liner installation typically takes one day, flexible liners and offset jobs may extend to two days. Partial rebuilds require two to three days including cure time for mortar and crown concrete. Full rebuilds from the roofline up generally take three to five days depending on height, brick availability, and weather. We schedule start dates with buffer for rain, and we tarp the roof opening overnight if work is interrupted. Call (331) 202-2419 to check current scheduling in Arlington Heights.
Stainless steel liner installation runs $2,800-$4,500, flexible liners $3,200-$5,300, partial rebuilds $1,800-$3,500, and full rebuilds $6,500-$12,000 depending on height and materials. HeatShield liner repair is $1,200-$2,400 when the existing tile is otherwise sound. Every estimate includes camera inspection and photo documentation, and we deliver a written price before any work begins. Call (331) 202-2419 for a free estimate with exact pricing for your chimney.
Yes, we install and repair DuraFlex flexible liners, apply HeatShield cerfractory resurfacing, and source Olympia Chimney rigid systems and components through Haven’s buying network. We also work with Gelco and Famco products. Our technicians can identify your existing liner brand during camera inspection and match replacement parts or compatible systems. Call (331) 202-2419 to schedule inspection for any make of liner or chimney system.
We answer calls live 24 hours a day and prioritize situations involving carbon monoxide risk, active water intrusion, or structural instability that threatens roof integrity. For non-emergency liner and rebuild work, we schedule within three to five business days in Arlington Heights and Hoffman Estates Chimney Liner & Rebuild surrounding communities. If you’ve had a chimney fire or your detector has alarmed, call (331) 202-2419 immediately and we’ll guide you through immediate safety steps and schedule emergency inspection.
Every job is backed by our 365-Day Done Right Promise: if it’s not done right, we make it right. Stainless steel liners carry a lifetime manufacturer warranty through Olympia Chimney when installed to their specification, which we guarantee. HeatShield applications are warranted against material failure for 20 years. The written warranty terms are included in your pre-work scope under Haven Standard Clause 1, and warranty claims are handled directly by your assigned technician, not a call center.
Clear a path from your driveway to the fireplace or appliance, remove fragile items from the mantel and hearth area, and ensure pets are secured in another room. For rebuilds, move vehicles from the driveway to allow material delivery and debris removal. You don’t need to cover furniture, we bring containment sheeting and HEPA vacuums. Plan to be available for the initial camera inspection so we can show you the footage and discuss options, though you don’t need to be present for the full installation if you’ve already approved the written scope. Call (331) 202-2419 with any access questions before your appointment.
Schedule Your Chimney Liner & Rebuild Service in Arlington Heights Today
Call (331) 202-2419 now and speak with a live person, any time of day. We’ll schedule your NFPA 211 Level 2 camera inspection, show you exactly what your flue looks like, and deliver a written price before any work starts. Every job includes a documented photo record under Haven Standard Clause 4 and is backed by our 365-Day Done Right Promise. Estimates are free, second opinions on competitor quotes are free, and there’s no obligation until you’ve seen the footage and approved the scope in writing.
Written by Corrine Halstead, Owner at Emberly Chimney Cleaners Arlington Heights, serving Arlington Heights since 2009.