Your firebox is where most of the action occurs in your fireplace and, therefore, is one of the most crucial components of your fireplace and chimney anatomy. Your firebox needs to be able to withstand extreme temperatures, smoke, fire and corrosive gases. Because of this, it was built from materials that are capable of handling extreme conditions. It shouldn’t be surprising then, that over time your firebox may begin to show signs of wear. Cracking and crumbling of the bricks and mortar in your firebox are issues that need to be addressed quickly. This is because your firebox won’t be able to block heat and exhaust from affecting the home surrounding it. This can lead to a very hazardous situation, putting your home at risk.
If you have noticed any of these issues in your firebox, Northeastern Masonry & Chimney can help! Our expert masons can identify issues associated with your firebox and repair what needs to be fixed,
Your Firebox
If you haven’t looked at your fireplace firebox in a while, you should. Look for chipped bricks or cracked and crumbling mortar in your masonry joints. These type of issues can allow heat to seep through your firebox and transfer to the house framework surrounding it. If you have this issue, our masons can fix it with a process called tuckpointing or repointing. Tuckpointing and repointing involve grinding away the mortar between your bricks and replacing it with new mortar. There are some minor differences between the two processes, mainly involving the type of mortar that is used.
The Repair Process
Our masons will perfectly match your brick with the mortar, so you will never notice the difference. If you see cracked, crumbling, or loose bricks, they will need to be repaired as well. This often times means replacing the bricks in your fireplace. It is important to have an experienced mason work on your firebox because the bricks used to construct your firebox aren’t normal bricks that are commonly used in masonry. They are a brick specifically designed to handle high heat and extreme temperature swings. Because fireboxes use these specialized materials, you will want to hire a mason that has worked with these materials before. At Northeastern Masonry & Chimney, our masons have been repairing fireboxes for over 25 years, so you can trust our experience.
When to Rebuild
Occasionally, we run across a firebox that is in such bad shape the repairing it isn’t possible. When this happens, a rebuild is often required. A rebuild involves removing old brickwork in your firebox and replacing it with new bricks. This is a large project to undertake, however, some people use it as an opportunity to redesign their fireplace, and give their home a brand new look!
Whether your firebox needs tuckpointing, repointing, or needs to be entirely rebuilt, we here at Northeastern Masonry & Chimney can help you with all of your firebox needs. Our masons have over 25 years of experience and are certified by the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA), meaning that you can be confident that their work will be done correctly and safely. Give us a call today at 518-767-9315 or visit us online to schedule an appointment. We look forward to hearing from you!