In this article, we’ll be discussing all things relating to fireplace repair. The information contained here should enable you to take appropriate steps to address any fireplace-related issues you may be faced with.

Every home with a chimney at some point will need some form of maintenance work.

Such maintenance work may cover the entire chimney or may be restricted to certain parts of the system. Here, we are more concerned about the chimney fireplace repair.

Every chimney fireplace will eventually encounter common issues that will need to be fixed. Such issues may be complex or common. Whatever the case may be, having your fireplace fixed should be the right step to take.

Here is a guide on repairing an electric fireplace.

Any delay in having your chimney issues resolved may likely worsen the problem.

4 Reasons For Fireplace Repair

Experience has shown that the best way to prevent a fireplace problem is being able to identify common problems that may result.

That way, such a problem can either be prevented from happening or can be addressed at its earliest stage which saves you significant fireplace repair costs.

So, what could go wrong with a fireplace? Several things could happen to affect its smooth functioning. These range from damper problems, structural problems, chimney, and flue issues.

Just listing these possible problems without giving further information won’t be helpful. Therefore, we’ll provide you with brief details on the above problems you’re likely to encounter with your fireplace.

  • Damper Problems

A fireplace damper is designed to seal your fireplace when not in use.

By being shut, it prevents the escape of heated air from your home. The damper is mostly installed within the chimney throat. However, problems arise when it becomes covered in soot.

Excess soot will prevent the damper from opening. Apart from being caked with soot, issues may also arise from the cracked damper. The easiest way to notice such a problem is when smoke becomes trapped.

When any of these problems are noticed, you should avoid using your fireplace until such problems are fixed. It’s best to call for professional help to have your chimney properly repaired.

Further fireplace inspections are necessary to find out if the issues are restricted to the damper alone or go beyond it.

  • Structural Problems

No matter how well a fireplace is built, it will gradually give way or deteriorate.

This is a natural phenomenon that happens to all structures and requires maintenance to keep them functioning optimally. However, the type of maintenance depends on the severity of the problem.

There are different types of chimney-related structural problems. They include leaks at chimney flashing, dilapidated or missing chimney liner as well as damaged or misaligned materials.

Leaks at Chimney Flashing usually happens at the point where the roofing meets with the chimney. Such leaks result from improper sealing of the flashing.

To have this problem fixed, you’ll need to call the services of a professional.

Time is of the essence when it comes to fixing a leaking chimney flashing. The earlier it’s fixed, the better it is as it doesn’t degenerate further.

Dilapidated or Missing Chimney Liner is also another common chimney structural problem homeowners face.

Missing liners are mostly associated with older chimneys as they are usually worn out. This affects its proper operation as the byproducts from combustion aren’t channeled safely away.

Such dilapidation of the chimney liner significantly increases the risks of a chimney fire. This impending disaster can be contained by calling the professionals for an inspection and possible repairs of your fireplace.

Damaged or Misaligned Materials are also common structural chimney problems that adversely affect the fireplace. The damaged or misaligned materials are mostly those on the external parts of the chimney structure.

All structural problems with chimneys must be repaired as soon as possible. Doing so early will save you the possibility of incurring additional repair costs associated with delay.

  • Chimney

A chimney is designed to serve as an effective ventilation channel. This structure helps channel out products of combustion from a fireplace. Now, when such a chimney develops a fault, you should be certain that it will affect the proper functioning of your fireplace.

To prevent problems from developing, you’ll need to carry out frequent inspections.

The frequency of such inspections will depend on the type of fuel being used. Cleaning, repointing, and even total overhaul or reconstruction of the chimney are maintenance and repair tasks that will be beneficial.

For comprehensive maintenance and repair services, it’s best to call for professional help. Trying to cut down on cost by handling it yourself without the requisite skills can be devastating.

The experts will know best how to tackle or address the problem without making it worse.

  • Flue Issues

The flue is the duct in your chimney through which exhaust gases from combustion are channeled out. This connects with your fireplace and plays a key role. Now, when your flue has issues, it impacts negatively on the entire chimney system.

The degree of repair needed will be dependent on how damaged the flue is. Certain repairs may require total replacement while others may only require minor fixes. In any case, you’ll need the expertise of professionals.

The ability of the professional to not only repair a flue issue but also provide recommendations on the best maintenance measures to adopt is crucial.

Fixing Your Firebox

The firebox is an important part of your fireplace. It is the heat source where fuels are burned.

Now, this part of your fireplace may develop faults too. Faults resulting from firebox damage are mostly cracks. Such fireboxes are made of different materials such as metal, brick, or stone.

When you find a crack in your firebox, it could be due to joint damage between bricks. This is a common problem caused by wood combustion which results in the rising and dropping of temperature when burning and when off respectively.

Such continued changes in temperature will eventually cause the mortar between your fireplace bricks to crack. Apart from cracks, there are other causes of damage to the firebox. These include improper construction, wear, and tear as well as water seepage.

Any of these problems will cause your firebox and by extension your fireplace not to function effectively.

Improper Construction is a situation where a firebox is not properly built. All firebox constructions must follow certain standards without which issues develop which affect their smooth operations.

Also, not building fireboxes with the right materials can cause problems.

Wear and Tear are common problems with fireboxes.

These aren’t meant to last forever. Therefore, gradual deterioration is expected. When firebox issues become too frequent, it may be a sign that you need to replace a new one.

Water Seepage is among the issues most reported among chimney owners. When water gets into your firebox, it causes significant problems when not addressed quickly.

  • Repair

To fully address a firebox problem, your best bet is to call professionals whose specialization involves fixing fireplaces and chimneys. Trying to get the job done yourself without the know-how or experience will only serve to compound the problem and eventual cost of repair.

Now, without a frequent inspection, you’ll hardly know that there’s a crack or problem with your firebox. It’s best to call for a yearly inspection to ascertain its functionality.

Other Forms of Fireplace Problems That Need Repairing

A lot of things could go wrong thus affecting your fireplace. These include heat and conditional damages. So, what are these all about? Read on to learn more.

  • Heat Damage

Constant heating and cooling cycles will eventually impact a fireplace.

This results in the weakening of the chimney component. Common signs you’re likely to notice include scorched and worn-out mortar. Such mortar does not only look scorched but may also be weak.

In some situations, it gives way under pressure. Additional signs caused by heat damage on a fireplace include seepage of air through the brickwork as well as fissures or cracks in metal parts.

  • Conditional Damage

Conditional damage results from multiple issues such as chimney fires and natural disasters. Additional causes of conditional damage include not burning the right fuel in the fireplace as well as an animal infestation.

Such a problem doesn’t take long to take its toll on your fireplace. Any of the above situations can immediately impact your chimney leading to problems.

Both heat damage and conditional damage can be resolved. You don’t have to worry about how to get the job done. All you need is to place a call to your nearest qualified chimney technician.

Getting Value for Money Spent

Every homeowner will want to get real value for money spent on chimney repairs. In other words, you need to get the right repair professionals for the job. By so doing, the problem is properly and satisfactorily rectified.

First, you’ll need to hire a locally available contractor. In searching for one, it’s best to read online reviews before establishing contact with your most preferred contractor. Having established contact, it’s important to get estimates relating to your chimney issue.

A background check is also necessary. In other words, try finding out if the professional is who he claims to be. Certifications and qualifications will help you determine that.

Your chimney contractor should also have comprehensive insurance coverage.

Fireplace repair is an important task that must be performed immediately you notice an issue affecting the smooth functioning of your fireplace. Equally important is the need to have a qualified professional or contractor to handle the repair job.