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.
HeatShield Chimney Liner & Rebuild in Arlington Heights: What to Know First
We provide independent HeatShield chimney liner & rebuild in Arlington Heights, typically completing liner replacements in one to two days and partial rebuilds within three to five days depending on weather. Every job starts with a written price before any work begins, and we only recommend what the camera shows us. This page is for homeowners who know they’ve got a HeatShield liner or suspect their chimney system includes HeatShield components and need straight answers on repair versus replacement. Call us at (331) 202-2419 for a free estimate with no obligation.
How HeatShield Products Fail - and How We Fix Them
- Cerfractory Foam liner resurfacing separates from the substrate. HeatShield’s CFM system is designed to restore clay flue liners by applying a ceramic refractory foam coating, but in Arlington Heights we see separation where the original clay was heavily spalled or moisture-saturated before application. The freeze-thaw cycles here, especially in homes near Lake Arlington where groundwater sits higher, accelerate delamination. We strip the failed coating, assess the clay beneath, and either reapply to sound substrate or pivot to a stainless steel liner if the clay is too far gone.
- JointShield gaps reopen at mortar joints. HeatShield’s JointShield product seals flue tile mortar joints, but thermal cycling in Arlington Heights’ zero-degree winters and 90-degree attic stacks causes the sealant to pull back from expansion-contraction stress. We see this most in the older colonials along Campbell Street where flues were built with lime mortar that never fully cured. Our fix: remove the compromised JointShield, re-point with compatible refractory mortar where the joint structure allows, or recommend a full liner replacement if the tile shift is structural.
- Cerfractory Foam develops pinholing from creosote acid attack. Class III creosote, the glazed, tar-like buildup common in Arlington Heights homes burning seasoned hardwood on slow burns, produces acidic condensation that etches the CFM surface over seasons. Pinholing isn’t cosmetic; it’s a path for flue gases to reach the masonry. We camera-map the damage, remove the affected CFM layer, and either reapply with improved draft conditions or specify a 316Ti stainless liner for severe cases.
- Smoke chamber parging fails where HeatShield was used as a stopgap. Some Arlington Heights contractors used HeatShield Cerfractory Foam to parge smoke chambers that really needed structural rebuilds, especially in 1960s and 1970s ranches near Rand Road. The foam can’t carry the thermal load of a poorly designed smoke chamber. We remove the foam, rebuild the smoke chamber to NFPA 211 slope requirements with proper refractory materials, and document the before-and-after with camera footage.
- HeatShield liner coatings crack above the damper in high-heat fireplaces. Factory-built fireplaces retrofitted with HeatShield CFM in Arlington Heights sometimes see cracking in the first 18 inches above the damper where radiant heat concentrates. This isn’t a product defect; it’s a mismatch between the coating’s rated temperature and the fireplace’s output. We replace the section with a stainless steel connector or specify a listed factory-built chimney system if the appliance demands it.
Our HeatShield Chimney Liner & Rebuild Process

- 1
Level 2 inspection with camera documentation. We run a chimney camera the full flue length, record the footage, and note HeatShield product identification where visible. Clause 4 of the Haven Standard requires this photo record on every job.
- 2
Written scope and price delivered before work. Corrine Halstead reviews the findings and we deliver a written price, written scope, and written warranty. No exceptions. Haven Standard Clause 1: have it in writing.
- 3
Parts decision: HeatShield OEM, quality aftermarket, or alternative brand. We source HeatShield-compatible materials through our Haven buying network alongside DuraFlex, Gelco, and other proven lines. We explain the trade-offs, cost differences, and warranty implications of each path.
- 4
Repair or rebuild execution with progress documentation. Our background-checked, uniformed technician completes the work with the assigned license number on record. We photograph critical stages and final condition.
- 5
Post-repair camera verification and draft test. We re-run the camera, verify liner integrity, and perform a smoke or draft test to confirm safe operation.
- 6
Final documentation and 365-Day Done Right Promise activation. You receive the complete photo record, written warranty, and our stamped promise: if it’s not done right, we make it right.
Before
AfterWhat HeatShield Chimney Liner & Rebuild Costs in Arlington Heights
| Service | Typical Range |
|---|---|
| HeatShield JointShield repair (localized) | $850 - $1,400 |
| HeatShield CFM resurfacing (standard flue) | $2,200 - $3,800 |
| Partial liner replacement (stainless insert) | $3,500 - $5,500 |
| Full stainless liner with HeatShield removal | $4,800 - $7,200 |
| Partial chimney rebuild with new liner | $6,500 - $10,000 |
| Full chimney rebuild | $12,000 - $18,000+ |
Price moves with flue height, accessibility (steep roofs near Lake Arlington’s wind exposure add time), and whether the existing HeatShield product can be salvaged or must be fully removed. We don’t guess at price over the phone; we inspect, camera-document, and write it down. Call (331) 202-2419 for your free estimate.
Why Arlington Heights Homeowners Call Level Two Chimney Arlington Heights for HeatShield Work

We’ve inspected and cleaned more than 38,000 chimneys since 2009, and a growing share of our Arlington Heights calls involve HeatShield systems installed by others that didn’t hold up to local conditions. The camera doesn’t guess. Neither do we.
Our technicians know the difference between HeatShield’s Cerfractory Foam and JointShield applications, and they know when a HeatShield repair is worth pursuing versus when a DuraFlex or Gelco stainless liner is the smarter long-term spend. Every job carries the 365-Day Done Right Promise, and we offer a free second opinion on any competitor’s written estimate. Live phone support runs 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
FAQs
Original HeatShield warranties are product-specific and typically require certified applicator installation; as an independent HeatShield service provider, our repairs don’t carry the OEM warranty but are backed by our own 365-Day Done Right Promise and documented photo record. Many Arlington Heights homeowners find our warranty terms more practical than chasing manufacturer coverage on a 10-year-old installation. Call (331) 202-2419 to discuss what’s covered.
We source HeatShield-compatible materials through our Haven buying network and can obtain OEM Cerfractory Foam and JointShield products when appropriate; we also specify quality aftermarket and alternative brands like DuraFlex or Gelco when they offer better value or durability for your specific failure mode. We explain the options and price differences in writing before you decide.
The camera tells us: localized JointShield gaps or minor CFM pinholing often repair well, but widespread delamination, structural clay tile failure, or smoke chamber sagging means replacement is the safer call. We show you the footage and write down both paths with prices so you can decide. Nothing gets recommended without camera evidence you can see for yourself.
Most liner replacements finish in one to two days; partial rebuilds with masonry work typically run three to five days depending on weather and permit timing. We don’t promise same-day turnaround because proper curing and testing can’t be rushed. We’ll give you a specific timeline with your written estimate.
Compromised flue liners allow exhaust gases, including carbon monoxide, to leak into wall cavities and living spaces; creosote can also reach combustible framing, creating chimney fire risk. The danger isn’t theoretical, but we won’t invent hazards your system doesn’t have. We camera-inspect, show you exactly what’s wrong, and tell you plainly whether the risk is immediate or can wait until you’re ready. Call (331) 202-2419 for a free estimate.
Written by Corrine Halstead, Owner, Level Two Chimney Arlington Heights at Level Two Chimney Arlington Heights, serving Arlington Heights and nearby areas.





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