Fireplace Repair
If your fireplace has become un-functional, you may need to make some repairs. The following is a list of common problems and how to repair them.
Fireplace Flue
The chimney is the primary way to vent smoke and heat from your fireplace. A clogged or damaged flue can cause carbon monoxide to leak into your home, which can be deadly if you’re sleeping on the second floor.
A good rule of thumb: If it looks cracked or broken, don’t use it!
If you have an electric fireplace, there’s no need to worry about a chimney. The electricity that powers the unit heats up its metal elements and creates a flame effect without any smoke or carbon monoxide emissions.
Repairing Damaged Mortar
Remove the damaged mortar using a chisel and hammer.
Use a tapered-point bit to drill out what you can't remove with the chisel and hammer, then remove it with a sledgehammer if necessary.
Use a medium-sized drill bit to drill out the mortar between bricks. You may need to use a hammer and chisel to remove some of the loose mortar from around the brick.
Repairing the Firebox
The firebox is the part of your fireplace where logs are placed. It can be made of brick, stone or cast iron and it’s usually located in the back of your fireplace (if you have one).
The most common problem with this part is that it gets damaged by water from your houseplants or wood ash. If this happens, then we recommend replacing it with a new one because they are very durable and will not rot over time like other materials might do if left exposed to too much moisture throughout their lifetime.
Another common problem with your fireplace is that the damper gets stuck in an open position. If this happens, then there’s a good chance that you may have to remove the damper and clean it out before placing it back into place. This will help ensure that it functions properly again so you don’t have to worry about having issues with your fireplace anymore.
Chimney Caps and Spark Arrestors
Chimney caps and spark arrestors are used to prevent sparks from escaping the fireplace. A chimney cap is placed on top of your fireplace, and it prevents debris from falling down into your home’s heating system. Spark arrestors are also required by law and can be purchased at most hardware stores.
Chimney caps and spark arrestors are a great way to prevent fires from starting in your home’s chimney. These devices are fairly inexpensive, so it’s worth the investment!
Damper Replacement
Before you start, make sure the damper is open. If it’s closed, you’ll need to open it first and then close it again after replacing your flue.
If you’re replacing your damper with a new one, check that it fits properly by measuring from the top of one side of the door to another on both sides. You should be able to fit two fingers between each side of your new damper and where they meet in front of each other on an old one (the gap between these two pieces will be slightly smaller). If there’s any doubt about whether or not this has been done correctly—or if there are any gaps between them—you may want to try using an old piece as a template for making sure things line up properly before installing new hardware onto them!
Repairing a Gas Fireplace
If your fireplace is gas, you will probably have to contact a professional for repairs. Gas fireplaces are more complicated than wood burning ones and require more maintenance and repairs over time. A gas fireplace can be expensive to repair because of its intricate nature, so it’s best if you leave this type of work up to professionals who know what they’re doing.
If your gas fireplace is electric, you will probably be able to fix it yourself. Electric fireplaces are usually very simple and easy to repair. You can usually find the problem by simply checking the wiring or power source and then repairing it.
If Your Fireplace is in Despair, Contact a Professional
When you have a fireplace that’s in need of repair, it’s important to know that there are risks involved with the process. For instance, if you’re not experienced or knowledgeable about how to fix your fireplace properly and safely, then there is a chance that someone could get hurt.
A professional can help ensure that the work is done correctly and without incident. He or she will be able to fix any problems with the structure itself while also addressing any safety concerns such as falling debris or fire hazards.
When you have a fire-damaged fireplace, you may be worried about the cost of repair. But remember that it’s not only about money. You want your house to be in good working order and safe for your family.