One component of your fireplace system that is put under the most stress is the firebox. Your firebox is
built out of materials which are capable of handling extreme temperatures, open flames, and corrosive byproducts associated with burning fuel. However, over time, your firebox may begin to crack, crumble, and show signs of wear. When this happens your firebox can’t properly do its job of protecting the rest of the house from fire. This can lead to serious and hazardous issues that can put your home at risk. At Northeastern Masonry & Chimney, we want to help you identify issues associated with your firebox and let you know that we are here to help you with all of your firebox repairs.
Masonry fireboxes
If you notice damage to your firebox masonry, it needs to be repaired. If the brick is cracked, it may be able to be patched. However, if you notice any crumbling bricks, you will have to replace them. The bricks in your firebox aren’t like normal bricks, but are specially made refractory brick designed to handle high temperatures. Because of this, only let an experienced mason replace brickwork within your firebox to assure that the correct materials and methods are being used.
If you notice that your masonry joints and mortar are cracked and crumbling, the will need to be repaired with a process called tuckpointing. Tuckpointing involves grinding away the mortar between brickwork and replacing it with new mortar.
Sometimes the damage to a firebox may be extensive enough that a rebuild is required. This involves removing all the old brickwork in your firebox and replacing it with new brickwork. Although this may seem like a big project, a lot of people use it as an opportunity to change the overall design of their fireplace.
Prefabricated metal fireboxes
Sometimes a metal panel on a prefabricated firebox will start to develop cracks or become brittle. This can be remedied by simply removing the old panel and replacing it with a new one. This is a repair that some people will try to do themselves. However, replacing a firebox panel is something that requires experience and training. If panels aren’t installed correctly, you could be putting your home at risk. Therefore you will only want a trained professional to work on your prefabricated firebox
Whether you need crack repair, tuckpointing, panel replacement or an entire rebuild, Northeastern Masonry & Chimney can help you with all of your firebox repairs. Our masons have many years of experience and have been certified by the Chimney Safety Institute of America. That means you can be confident that their work will be done correctly and safely. Call us at 518-767-9315 or visit us online and to schedule an appointment today!