Signs that Your Firebox Needs Repairs
One of the hardest working components of your chimney and fireplace system, the firebox is exposed to extremely high temperatures every time you enjoy a fire. Whether you have a masonry chimney with a firebox built with firebricks and refractory mortar or a prefabricated chimney with a firebox made from stainless steel panels, you should always be on the lookout for signs that this important part of your system is damaged and in need of repairs. A damaged firebox can lead to dangerous safety hazards, which include accidental residential fires and carbon monoxide poisoning. Since 1978, Chim Cheree has been the top choice in the Upstate South Carolina region for superior professional chimney maintenance, repair, and installation services, and our team of professionals has been trained and certified by industry experts, such as the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) and the National Fireplace Institute (NFI), in the best ways to keep your chimney and fireplace system working safely and efficiently. Your safety is our number one priority, and we would like to tell you more about how to know when your firebox needs our professional repair services.
What signs do I need to look for if I have a masonry firebox?
Masonry fireboxes are built with the most durable materials available so that they can withstand years of exposure to high heat and combustion gases; however, even the toughest firebricks and refractory mortar can suffer from damage. Since masonry damage can deteriorate and worsen if it is neglected, Chim Cheree recommends that you periodically check your firebox for cracked bricks and mortar joints to stay ahead of extensive damage that can lead to gaps and voids in the firebox. When this occurs, you have a much higher risk of an accidental residential fire from heat transfer through the cracks, gaps, and voids left from damaged masonry materials. Another early sign of firebox damage is stains on the bricks and mortar joints. This can alert you to water leaking into your chimney and fireplace system, and if you catch this type of damage early enough, you can avoid more extensive and expensive chimney repairs in the near future.
What signs do I need to look for if I have a prefabricated firebox?
The firebox of a prefabricated chimney system is made of stainless steel panels that can be just as durable as masonry materials; however, according to the CSIA, these components will eventually wear out and need to be replaced. Signs of aging include cracked firebox panels, and this type of damage is dangerous as heat transfer could ignite the combustible parts of your home. You could also be at a much higher risk for carbon monoxide poisoning because this toxic combustion gas can easily leak into your home through cracks in the firebox. You should also be aware of any discoloration, such as rusting from corrosion. This can be an early sign of cracking in the metal panels of your firebox.
How can Chim Cheree help me with my damaged firebox?
No matter if you have a masonry chimney or a prefabricated chimney, our team of certified chimney professionals can assist you in making your fireplace safe to use again. For over 40 years, we have provided superior masonry firebox construction and repair services to the Upstate South Carolina region. You can trust us to do the best job because we know how important it is to use masonry repair techniques like tuckpointing so that the repair work is not noticeable. If we find that your firebox is damaged beyond repair, we can rebuild the firebox to be even better than it was before. Our team will work with you throughout the entire process as we want to give you the hearth of your dreams.
Chim Cheree also provides prefabricated firebox repair and installation services, so if you have noticed cracked or corroded firebox panels, you should contact us as soon as possible to schedule an appointment with our professional technicians. Although we will first see if the damage can be repaired, as we mentioned earlier, prefab chimney and fireplace systems are not built to last forever. Additionally, this type of system is meant to work as one unit, which means that the firebox replacement panels will need to be a specific brand. Unfortunately, some types of prefabricated chimneys are no longer manufactured, and the right kind of panel may not be available. In this situation, we can recommend a new prefab chimney that we can install that will provide you with years of safe, cozy fires.
The most common cause of any type of firebox damage is water penetration of your chimney. Protect your fireplace with our professional chimney water leak preventive services, such as chimney cap installation, flashing system repair and construction, and waterproofing. Chim Cheree wants your family to enjoy your fireplace for years to come. Contact us today to schedule an appointment with our CSIA-certified chimney professionals. We are here for all of your chimney and fireplace maintenance, repair, and installation needs.