Fireplace repairs for homes in South Tampa

What sits behind the firebox lining

Firebrick is only the face of the firebox. Code section R1001.5 wants the back and side walls built of 8 inches of solid masonry when that total includes a firebrick lining 2 or more inches thick, and 10 inches of solid masonry when there is no lining.

That depth is what keeps the heat of a fire away from the framing of the house. A coat of patching compound spread over missing brick does not rebuild it, which is why our pros repair the wall itself with brick and refractory mortar once the lining has worn through.

Parts that belong to the same system

Factory-built fireplaces and their chimneys are tested together as one system. Chimney makers such as DuraVent state in their instructions that parts from other systems must not be mixed in, and improvised pieces fall outside the listing.

So our team does not patch a factory-built unit with look-alike parts from another brand. We fit listed components for the model, or explain your options plainly when those parts are no longer made.

Fireplace odors on damp days

Deposits in a firebox and flue give off a stale, smoky smell when warm, damp air moves down the chimney. Closing the damper helps only if it seals, and a worn throat damper often does not.

Our pros find where the air is getting in and which deposits are causing the smell, then recommend a cleaning, a damper repair or a tighter-sealing damper. The fix is priced upfront after a free look.

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