Fireplace repair in Davis Islands

How far the hearth has to reach

The hearth extension protects the floor in front of and beside the opening. Code section R1001.10 calls for 16 inches of it ahead of the opening and 8 inches to each side; when the opening is 6 square feet or larger, make that 20 inches ahead and 12 inches per side.

Hearths are sometimes trimmed back during flooring projects, and some were built short in the first place. Our specialists measure yours during the free inspection and explain how a shortfall can be corrected with noncombustible material.

When the firebox gets wet

Rain that reaches the firebox came in higher up, through the top of the chimney, a missing cap or the masonry. Wet firebrick, rust streaks on the damper and a musty smell are the fireplace showing the symptom.

Our specialists repair the fireplace parts the water damaged and trace the source, so the chimney leak repair can be quoted on its own. Fixing the firebox while water keeps coming in would only buy time.

If your fireplace burns gas

Gas fireplaces and gas log sets have their own controls, valves and venting, and they are repaired from the maker's service instructions. An unvented gas log heater may go in a factory-built fireplace only when that fireplace is listed for it, under code section R1004.4.

If you ever smell gas, leave the house first and call 911 or the gas utility from outside. For everything else, faults in the pilot, burner or ignition go to our gas fireplace repair service, and the make and model help us bring the right parts.

What your fireplace repair estimate lists

A useful estimate names each part of the fireplace, what was found and what the repair involves, so you can compare it with any other quote. Ours covers the pieces below when they apply.

• The firebox lining and its joints
• The damper, handle and linkage
• The lintel and the brick above it
• The hearth and its extension
• Doors, screens and the grate
• Curing and first-use steps