Substances such as fumes, soot, melted coal, hydrocarbons, gases and various minerals are left as residue. If you have a masonry fireplace, your firebox should be made of firebrick and refractory mortar. Firebox Repair Cost. © 2021 Advanced Chimney Sweep | Service Areas | Main Office (706) 833-4630 | Web Marketing by Brandtastic. There are actually a number of ways to replace a firebox. A masonry fireplace can also handle hotter fires compared to that of a pre-fabricated one because it is made entirely from brick. If your fireplace is a pre-fabricated metal fireplace, the interior panels of your firebox will eventually need repair or replacement. They often fix chimney crowns and fireboxes, to name a few. We serve the CSRA (Central Savannah River Area) and the South Carolina Midlands region, Augusta GA, Thomson GA, Lincolnton GA, Martinez GA, Evans GA, Lexington SC, Aiken SC, Orangeburg SC, Batesburg-Leesville SC, West Columbia SC, Chapin SC and more. When these panels show cracks they will need to be replaced since even the smallest opening can allow very high temperatures to escape the firebox. There are actually a number of ways to replace a firebox. Fireplace insert. How Do You Repair Cracks In Fireboxes? A gap has opened in the fireplace below the chimney where the damper was cemented in place. The firebox is the refractory paneling or firebrick area of the fireplace — the area that holds the grate and fire. Jewelry Repairs & Services WORRYNOMORE Protection Whether you notice that your metal insert or your masonry firebox are deteriorating, another option for firebox repair is to have a fireplace insert installed. 2) The hearth/fireplace gap is common - the fireplace almost always sits on its own concrete foundation which is geneally NOT connected to the house, so the house and fireplace settle a bit differently. If the mortar crumbles easily, it's time to replace the firebox. Hence, the firebox repair price could be around $65 to $75 based on his/her average rate per hour. The materials and labor costs of a customized masonry fireplace is also an option but makes it the more expensive option. As the condition worsens, your home is at increased risk of fire and exposure to carbon monoxide, especially if the flammable gasses penetrate the bricks through cracks or openings. Water Intrusion â There are many entry points for water leaks including a cracked or deteriorated chimney crown, missing chimney cap, defective flashing and damaged or missing mortar joints. Low-Grade Construction â Many older homes were built before stricter building codes began requiring fireboxes to be made with refractory materials. If the brick is crumbling, have it replaced with a new firebrick embedded in refractory mortar. If the brick has broken into more than one piece, apply a layer of cement along one edge of the break and push the pieces firmly back together. This company is great. But if your fireplace insert is rusting, the aesthetics come into question. Energy-saving products and solutions that pay for themselves are our specialty. A prefab fireplace generally has a firebox of cast refractory panels, and usually some metal is visible in the room all around the firebox. Although the refractory mortar and firebricks that are used to construct the firebox are able to withstand extremely high temperatures, they are still vulnerable to deterioration and degradation over time. Pre-fabricated fireplaces are highly efficient. Apply fire cement to the area that is being repaired, using the trowel. Firebox repairs should only be performed by a licensed and certified chimney professional. Chimney sweeping and cleaning are truly beneficial for one’s health. The most common problems we see within the firebox are cracked and deteriorated brick or mortar (usually in the back wall), water infiltration, and improper dimensions of the firebox (often causing smoking into the room). Came out to seal my antique bricks for spalding. A prefab firebox has firebrick replacement panels with technical specifications uniquely designed to its manufacturer. In fact, these are refractory panels that fit together to form the interior walls of the fireplace. Not sure why you want to tear out the brick rather than just repair it, but a metal liner should cost about $600 plus or minus, installed. There is a wide variety of styles available. Repair the joints using heat-resistent mortar. Brick fireplaces are more durable in the long run but pre-fabricated fireplaces are more cost friendly to install. We will inspect your firebox and provide you with a written estimate for a quality repair. QUIKRETE® Fireplace Repair Mortar is suitable for cracks in the firebox not exceeding 1/8” in width, regardless of surface area. Old mortar can be replaced with new mortar in a process called “tuckpointing” to reinforce the joints of the masonry. If there is any chance you have a cracked fireplace refractory you should take care of it right away. If the firebox is made with stone and mortar, gently scrape the walls with a trowel. Fireplaces are nice to have on a cold winter day, and having a fireplace insert keeps the logs in place and looks great too. And above the roof is more round metal chimney, sometimes surrounded by a simulated brick housing. Preventing Firebox Damage . When you notice signs of firebox deterioration, call the Certified Chimney Professionals at Advanced Chimney Sweep. Replacing your firebox on a regular basis is a wise practice, as it can keep you healthy as well as to ensure the health of the rest of your household. A handyman, however, tackles a more mechanical aspect of the fireplace repair. If you have a prefab fireplace, your firebox is most likely made of metal. Question by Guest_95189602: Do I need to repair the crack in my fireplace (rear wall: behind the grate) that I just discovered? A stone firebox that needs rebuilding can cost upwards of $1,500 or $2,500. Fireplace inserts provide numerous benefits. If a brick in a masonry fireplace cracks, you need to patch it. If you look up past the damper, you will see a round metal chimney. Refractory panels can withstand temperatures up to 1,800°F. Ideally they should be replaced before they fail completely. There has been substantial movement of the fireplace itself (and probably the chimney too) - this is an unsafe fireplace that should not be used. As a result, many builders and contractors were using the same brick and mortar material in the firebox as in the remainder of the chimney. If you notice broken bricks or cracked mortar, contact a qualified chimney contractor. A new gas, wood-burning, electric, or masonry fireplace firebox unit costs between $1,100 and $2,800, or about $1,800 on average. Remove the logs, lava rocks and any other pieces inside the fireplace. Replacing a fireplace panel runs between $180 to $250 including labor. Whichever you choose is fine based on your personal preferences and experience level. Overtime the brick will deteriorate however there are some Since non-refractory materials cannot withstand the higher temperatures and flammable gases, the firebox deteriorates faster, resulting in premature firebox repairs. Find the screws or bolts holding the insert to the … Look for cracks in the firebox, which are indicators that it faces replacement. Fireplace Facing Kits Add beauty to your wood, gas, or electric fireplace with a fireplace facing kit. Use the putty knife to spread fireclay across damaged areas, and work the material deep into the cracks using the flat blade of the putty knife to apply pressure. The Importance Of The Firebox. 2. Although a masonry firebox is built to withstand the gas emissions and extreme temperatures, it will eventually begin to show signs of deterioration. by scrubbing excess ash and dust from the walls of the fireplace to expose the brick. To begin, remove the fire grate from the fireplace, and use a fireplace brush and dustpan to... Clean the Mortar Joints. If the mortar crumbles or falls away easily, your firebox is in need of repairs. It is not intended to repair chipping areas or deteriorating bricks. Stopping the rust quickly is the best thing to do, and it can be done with a little bit of prep in just an afternoon. Prefabricated fireplaces sometimes have only a 1/2 -1 inch clearance between the fireplace and surrounding structure. A masonry fireplace is built of brick or stone and mortar, whereas a pre-fabricated fireplace include a metal chimney and firebox. Initially when you begin with firebox replacement you will need to first determine whether or not your firebox is prefabricated. Because your firebox receives is exposed to intense heat, it can be subject to wear and tear. These panels are composed of a refractory ceramic material that gives it its heat resistant qualities. Postponing the care of the refractory puts your home at risk of a house fire. Wood burning w/gas starter. When the firebox is completely cool, shovel the. Even with regular use, its degradation is inevitable, but water leaks, cracked firebricks, and inferior construction can accelerate its decline. Your firebox might be fitted with a pre-fabricated metal fireplace insert. Firebox Repairs – Fire Prevention Due to the high temperatures reach within the firebox as well as moisture issues deterioration and degradation can occur of the bricks and mortar. It’s time to repair or rebuild your firebox if it shows signs of … Although if your fireplace is a simple traditional one, then cleaning it will be something you can do on your own. Most of the time, it is easier to clean than brick chimneys. Factory-built metal fire boxes are pre-assembled and usually sold in fireplace stores along with a compatible chimney or flue, plus other accessories such as chimney cap, fire logs and glass door for the firebox. Prefab refractory panels are the concrete sides, back and bottom of the firebox and are replaceable. Professional installation and finishing adds $800 to $2,800, or about $2,100 on average, bringing your overall cost to install a fireplace at $1,900 to $5,600.These prices are before any veneer, hearth, or mantel is added. Depending on the extent of the damages, we may recommend parging or rebuilding. When you have to repair the firebox, you may want to consider buying a fireplace insert instead. Clean any soot, grease or dust from the fire brick that is to be repaired – allow brick to dry before beginning the repair. The moisture will eventually soften the firebricks and mortar and cause metal chimney components to rust and corrode. Both bricks and fireclay mortar are designed to withstand very high temperatures, but brick, mortar and panels can crack or even crumble over time. Either way, the point is to have an annual cleaning of your firebox and Chimney Saver Solutions would be more than glad to help you with your concerns and address your needs in no time! The fireplace floor will also be sealed with mortar to cover up and cracks or small openings. Fireplace Inserts. They will give you the opportunity of an instant makeover. Step 7 They saw where the mortar... more, Proper Fire Safety with a Fireplace or Stove, Web Design & SEO (Search Engine Optimization) in Richmond, VA by Brandtastic. Cracks. Particularly if you have a masonry fireplace, the heat of your fire can erode the mortar in your fireplace and create gaps in your bricks. One is to contact a mason, especially if you have an expensive fireplace. Products that will directly be in contact with the high heat, should be made of refractory cement. Expect to pay $360 to $750 if replacing multiple panels. Our third fireplace damage photograph (above) is the final nail in the coffin of this unfortunate fireplace. Disconnect the gas line using an adjustable wrench. Like we said the extreme temperature changes in a Firebox will put high stress on firebrick used for your firebox. The fireplace inserts slide right into the existing firebox opening. As your families enjoy the warmth provided by their fireplaces and wood stoves, the chimney’s role to expel the excess debris are often looked over. If the firebox becomes warped , the entire unit may need to be replaced. If the mortar joints in a firebox are crumbling, chisel out the old mortar and replace it with new mortar. Home » Chimney & Fireplace Services » Chimney & Fireplace Repair & Restoration » Firebox. One is to contact a mason, especially if you have an expensive fireplace. If your firebox contains a metal fireplace insert, replacement of the panels may eventually be needed. Instructions Remove the Loose Mortar. These zero-clearance fireboxes are a great alternative to conventional fireplaces. Both masonry and prefabricated fireplaces contain what is known as a “firebox,” which is essentially the visible area of your fireplace where your fire is lit and burns openly. Fireplace ideas made easy! Fixing a firebox costs $160 to $750. Schedule an appointment with us today! Fireplace Interior Repair -Firebox Problems. Then clear any loose mortar from the firebox floor and walls. After And if the damper is open when it rains or snows, water will pool in the firebox. Water Intrusion – There are many entry points for water leaks including a cracked or deteriorated chimney crown, missing chimney cap, defective flashing and damaged or missing mortar joints. Step 2 Fireplace Panel Replacement Cost. Remove the front portion of the fireplace to access the panels properly. Firebox repairs should only be performed by a licensed and certified chimney professional. Firebox Repair. Having said all that, pre-fabricated fireplaces will be a far more affordable choice and can be made of very good quality components. In a masonry fireplace, firebrick is used to make the firebox, while refractory brick panels line a firebox of a prefab metal fireplace. If you have a fireplace that is only listed to burn gas (vent-free, direct vent or B-vent), please see these universal panel options: El Dorado Decorative Brick Firebox Panel Seville Decorative Brick Firebox Panel Florence Decorative Brick Firebox Panel Each of these panels measure 22.5" wide by 19.5" high and they are 1/2" thick. Although if your fireplace is a simple traditional one, then cleaning it will be something you can do on your own. Just as hazards we find within the Smoke Chamber ambers and gasses can be released into areas behind the fireplace … Remove the clips that hold the panels in place. The deterioration of the firebox can expose the wood-framing in back of the firebox. Cracked or Broken Firebricks â After years of using the fireplace, the process of combustion, and constant exposure to high heat can cause aging firebricks to crack. Cost to Replace Fireplace Mantle New fire bricks and refractory mortar can be built up inside of the original firebox allowing continued use of the fireplace. If you look inside the firebox in a pre-fab fireplaces you may see what looks to be a brick-like walls. Fireplace Conversion Kits Quickly, easily and inexpensively convert your gas fireplace from propane to natural gas or natural gas to propane.These kits work for full gas fireplaces as well as fireplace inserts. This mortar is called “fireclay”. The metal flues are also less likely to have a dangerous buildup of creosotes. The existing material will have a bearing on how you replace the firebox. Step 6 Smooth out the fireclay for an even coat and uniform appearance. In a pre-fab fireplace, the moisture can rust right through the metal firebox and require a complete replacement. Fireplace Installation Cost. Costly because not only will it be custom-made to fit and suit your preferences and the design of the house but, with appropriate care, it will also last you and your family a lifetime. Also, softened bricks due to water intrusion can crack, break, or crumble. Take extra precaution by not experimenting by using another manufacturer’s panels. Both are equally safe when maintained well. Fill the Joints With Caulk. Chimneys that are cleaned at least once a year aid in the removal of hazardous creosote deposits and other toxins. Warped metal is not only compromised but may decrease those clearnaces further.