Repairing Your Firebox Isn’t a Problem for Our Team of Pros
The firebox is the area of your fireplace that actually contains the fire and logs. But as strong as refractory brick, refractory mortar, and refractory panels are, eventually all of that wear is bound to take a toll. How do you know when it’s time to replace your firebox refractory panels or repair your firebox? Basically, if you notice any cracks or gaps in the panels or brickwork, it’s time to hold off on fireplace use and call in our sweeps.
Lighting a fire when openings are present in the firebox can lead to safety issues for your home, and it isn’t worth taking any chances. Simply call in the thoroughly trained team from English Sweep to take care of it all! Schedule an inspection online or call us at 636-225-3340.
Are There Different Types of Fireboxes?
The type of fireplace and the fuel source determine which firebox is best for your system. The most common fireboxes are masonry fireboxes and prefabricated fireboxes. Masonry fireboxes are made with heat-resistant materials like firebricks, stone blocks, and refractory mortar. They’re mostly seen in wood-burning fireplaces and can last for several years with proper maintenance.
Prefabricated fireboxes are used in factory-built units. They’re made with metal or other refractory materials that don’t last as long as masonry fireboxes. They can support all fuel types including propane gas, natural gas, electric, and wood.
If you have a traditional brick fireplace, but want a more modern look, a steel fireplace is a popular alternative to a masonry firebox. These fireboxes can be prone to rusting and may need to be replaced sooner. If you decide to go with a steel firebox, be sure to schedule annual inspections to protect it from water intrusion.
Decorative fireboxes are used in factory-built fireplaces. They feature ceramic panels that are designed to resemble the brick-and-mortar appearance and texture of a masonry firebox. Although they can imitate the aesthetic and charm of a traditional fireplace, they aren’t the most efficient heating source.
Firebox Repair and Rebuild
What Causes Fireboxes To Deteriorate?
Refractory panels, refractory mortar, and refractory brick, while able to withstand years and years of use, aren’t meant to last forever. Eventually, the stress and heat from your fireplace will cause cracks to form, after which both your safety and the efficiency of the appliance will be compromised.
Other times, moisture or creosote can wear things down in a hurry. And sometimes it’s the fault of the homeowner. If firewood is carelessly tossed into the firebox over and over again, hitting the panels throughout the process, this can be quite damaging.
Regardless of the cause of firebox damage, the issues need to be addressed as soon as possible or your system won’t be safe for use.
What Are Some Signs That My Firebox Needs Repairs?
The firebox has the hardest job in the chimney system because it takes on intense heat. Even the strongest firebrick and refractory mortar will succumb to wear and tear at some point, and the most common firebox problems we see are cracks in the brick and gaps in the mortar. From time to time, check your firebox for chipped or cracked brick and missing mortar joints. If we can intervene early to seal gaps and repair cracks, you can avoid a firebox rebuild.
Another problem we deal with often is staining. Extreme heat from the fire can produce staining and that doesn’t necessarily indicate an issue. However, pay attention to the color of the staining. White or green stains can be the result of water damage, and black tarry stains could point to a venting problem. If you’re not sure if the stains on your firebox are normal, schedule an inspection and let us check it out.
Prefabricated fireboxes don’t have brick and mortar, so the warning signs are a little different. Refractory panels can last as long as 30 years with a good maintenance routine, but over time panels can crack or thin. Anytime there is a crack in a refractory panel, you need to replace it right away, as cracked refractory panels may lead to a potential fire hazard. Thinning panels are also an urgent concern because they won’t provide as much insulation as they should.
Why Is Firebox Damage Dangerous?
What exactly can happen if fires continue to be lit when your firebox is damaged? First of all, you’ll be more at risk for carbon monoxide exposure. This colorless, odorless, and very poisonous gas can enter your space without you even knowing, which is why both proper fireplace care, as well as carbon monoxide detectors, are something every homeowner should invest in.
Cracks can also increase your risk of having a fire form in your home. If gaps are present in the firebox, any adjacent combustibles will be more prone to ignite, which will cause damage to your home and possible injury to anyone within it.
Don’t take a chance by using your fireplace if your firebox is damaged. If you have a problem, English Sweep is just a phone call away! We’re here so you don’t have to take any unnecessary risks. Call us now at 636-225-3340 or schedule with us online.
How Long Should a Firebox Last?
A masonry firebox is built to stand the test of time. If it’s installed correctly and is well-maintained, it can last for decades – or even longer. What does a reasonable maintenance plan look like? It should feature annual chimney inspections, regular cleanings, and timely repairs. When you see a problem with your brick and mortar, don’t wait to call us in to fix it. Prompt repairs will extend the lifespan of your firebox.
If you have a prefabricated firebox, you’re looking at a lifespan of 10 to 30 years, although refractory panels may need to be replaced sooner than that. Maintenance is still very important to the lifespan of your firebox. Yearly inspections allow us to find small problems before they can advance. If you have a refractory panel that’s thinning and needs to be replaced, we can do so before it compromises the entire firebox and fireplace.
Need Firebox Repairs or New Refractory Panels? Help Is Never Far
We have good news for you – whether repair needs are minor or entire refractory panels need to be replaced, we’ve got your back. For minor repairs, we can use a refractory material to seal gaps and cracks and insulate the firebox against heat transfer. For more extensive damage, we can replace entire firebox panels with new refractory panels.
Think your firebox could use some love? Call English Sweep at 636-225-3340 to book your appointment – and enjoy the perks of having our CSIA-certified team at your service.
You can’t always plan far ahead for your chimney repairs. If you suddenly need emergency chimney repairs, just give us a call and we’ll be there before you know it.