Insights from Daniel Freeman of The Chimney Doctor
Installation sits at the heart of the hearth, barbecue, and outdoor living industry. It is where product knowledge, technical skill, and safety work together to create a system that performs well and protects the home. For Daniel Freeman of The Chimney Doctor, installation is a craft learned through experience, ongoing education, and a deep respect for the complexity behind every project.
Freeman entered the chimney industry in 2013, drawn to the variety and challenge the work offered. “Chimneys were just a place where everything was always new and a little different,” he explains. “It always presented unique and interesting problems.” Over the past decade, his team has installed systems in modest homes and in properties valued at more than $20 million, sometimes removing 30-foot stone facades or replacing fireplaces through existing openings without touching surrounding finishes.
One of the most common homeowner questions is how long a fireplace should last. Freeman notes that most units are designed for a 20 to 30-year lifespan, but conditions vary widely. “If someone’s in a coastal area where it’s moist and humid, they may get ten years out of it before it’s rusted. In a dry climate, you may find a system from the 1960s that still looks brand new.” Regular inspections remain essential in identifying issues early.
For retailers explaining the value of professional installation, Freeman recommends sharing real examples from the field. He regularly encounters problems in brand-new homes. “We often find no fire blocking, insulation blown against fireplaces, or finishing materials that don’t meet requirements because the contractors didn’t communicate,” he says. Professional installation, he adds, “isn’t just put it in and move on. It’s a relationship that starts with getting it right and making sure other contractors don’t compromise the installation.”
Documentation is one of the clearest hallmarks of quality. “If it wasn’t documented in a picture, it never happened,” Freeman tells his team. His company stores detailed photo records for every job to support warranty service, inspections, and future maintenance.
Training is another critical factor. Freeman estimates that “it takes about a year to really train an employee to do ninety percent of what we do,” which means retailers and installers must intentionally schedule training time to stay current with new products and standards.
For homeowners planning ahead, Freeman recommends starting early. “If someone wants something done for fall, they should think about it as soon as they’re done burning in the spring,” he says. Many companies, including his own, book out months in advance.
Ultimately, Freeman believes the art of installation comes down to professionalism, communication, and integrity. When installers stand behind their work and prioritize safety at every step, customers feel it and they return year after year.