Business Details
Your Trusted Chimney & Fireplace Experts in Wauwatosa
Carlson's Chimney is a family-owned business serving Wauwatosa and rural Wisconsin, founded on over 30 years of hands-on expertise. Our focus is on ensuring homes remain safe and efficient through comprehensive fireplace and chimney inspections, repairs, and installations. With a foundation in masonry learned from a master Italian mason, we combine traditional craftsmanship with modern solutions like stainless steel liners and stone veneer to address structural issues, water damage, and ventilation problems. We prioritize integrity and quality, specializing in restoring chimney crowns, resolving flue blockages, and waterproofing to protect against fire risks and moisture damage. 
Services
Chimney Repair
Fireplace Restoration
Stainless Steel Liner Installation
Stone Veneer Work
Chimney Flashing Repair
Highlights and features
- We offer 30+ years of hands-on experience in chimney repair and masonry.
- Our team specializes in durable stainless steel liner installations for modern efficiency.
- We prioritize waterproofing and corrosion-resistant galvanized steel flashing for long-lasting results.
- Our owner learned traditional masonry techniques from a 60-year industry veteran.
- We address chimney issues comprehensively, from structural cracks to ventilation blockages.
Services
Chimney Repair
Our chimney repair service addresses cracks, water damage, and structural wear to ensure safe operation. Using waterproof sealants and corrosion-resistant materials, we restore chimney crowns, fix flue blockages, and replace damaged liners. This service prevents fire hazards and maintains proper ventilation for wood-burning fireplaces.
Stainless Steel Liner Installation
We install durable stainless steel chimney liners to improve draft efficiency and prevent heat loss. This service replaces deteriorated clay or flexible aluminum liners, ensuring compliance with safety standards while protecting homes from corrosive gases and internal moisture buildup caused by fireplace use.
Stone Veneer Work
Our stone veneer installations enhance fireplace aesthetics while maintaining functionality. Using natural or concrete materials, we create modern stacked stone designs or rustic fieldstone finishes. This service adds home value through decorative upgrades that improve insulation and fireplace efficiency without compromising safety standards.
Chimney Flashing Repair
We repair chimney flashing using galvanized steel to prevent roof leaks where chimneys meet rooftops. Our process includes ice-and-water barrier underlayment, tin shingles, and counter-flashing installation. This prevents interior water damage from faulty seals while maintaining structural integrity against weather exposure.
Creosote Removal
Our creosote removal service eliminates flammable buildup in wood-burning chimney systems. Using professional-grade tools, we clean blockages caused by animal nests or debris accumulation to maintain proper airflow. This maintenance prevents fire hazards while extending the lifespan of masonry and metal chimney components.
People
Chris Carlson
Owner
Chris Carlson brings 30+ years of masonry experience to Carlson's Chimney. He apprenticed under a 60-year veteran Italian mason, mastering stone veneer techniques and chimney repair. Relocating from Wauwatosa to rural Wisconsin, he continues to apply traditional craftsmanship to modern fireplace safety and efficiency solutions.
Questions
What chimney issues require professional repair?
Cracked crowns, water leaks, flue blockages, and creosote buildup demand immediate attention. Our team identifies structural damage, ventilation issues, and corrosion risks during inspections to maintain safe fireplace operation.
How does a chimney liner improve safety?
Stainless steel liners prevent heat loss and contain corrosive gases, reducing fire hazards. They maintain proper draft efficiency while protecting home structures from moisture damage caused by improper ventilation.
Can fireplace aesthetics be upgraded safely?
Yes. Our stone veneer installations combine decorative finishes with functional improvements. We apply mortar joints and reclaimed materials to create modern or rustic designs without compromising fireplace efficiency and safety standards.
Why choose galvanized steel flashing?
Galvanized steel resists corrosion better than aluminum when exposed to masonry lime. Our flashing process uses ice-and-water barriers and layered metal seals to prevent roof leaks where chimneys meet rooftops.
How often should chimneys be inspected?
Annual inspections are recommended for active fireplaces. Our maintenance checks identify creosote buildup, structural wear, and ventilation issues before they create safety hazards or costly repair needs.
