For the Best Masonry Fireplace Repair Services in Denver & the Foothills, Reach out to Mountain Man Fireplace & Chimney, Inc.
A well-maintained masonry fireplace can be both a beautiful feature and a source of warmth for your home. But even the strongest fireplaces can develop cracks and other problems that can make them unsafe and less efficient due to wear and tear. Fortunately, Mountain Man Fireplace & Chimney has a team of skilled chimney technicians who are dedicated to restoring and preserving the beauty and functionality of your masonry fireplace.
From expert tuckpointing services to complete fireplace rebuilds, we’re a Swiss army knife for masonry repairs. With years of experience and knowledge, you can count on Mountain Man Fireplace & Chimney to get the job done right.
Schedule an appointment with us by clicking here or calling us at 303-679-1601.
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What Are the Most Common Signs That My Masonry Fireplace Needs Repair?
A lot of fireplace damage is hidden and will only be found during an annual chimney inspection or a more in-depth Level 2 real estate inspection. However, there are signs that you should stay vigilant about that often point to masonry issues. These include:
- Cracks in the brick-and-mortar. Cracks in the masonry aren’t just an eyesore, they could also spell doom for the structural integrity of your fireplace. Even the smallest cracks can allow smoke and gases to seep into your home and they will get worse as time goes on.
- Efflorescence on the masonry. Have you noticed a white, powdery substance on your fireplace bricks? It’s called efflorescence and while it isn’t directly harmful, it is a symptom of a more widespread moisture problem. When water seeps into the masonry and eventually evaporates, it leaves behind mineral deposits that push through to the surface of the brick leaving behind this white residue.
- Spalling or flaking bricks. Bricks can deteriorate through a process called spalling. This happens when moisture is absorbed into the brick and freezes. As the water freezes, it expands, causing the brick to crack and crumble away in flakes or chips.
- The firebricks are crumbling. Firebricks are the special bricks that line the firebox of your fireplace. They are designed to withstand high temperatures but will wear down eventually. When firebricks need to be replaced, they’ll often become loose or crumbly.
How Do I Prevent Future Damage to My Masonry Fireplace?
Masonry fireplaces – even well-maintained units – will need attention at some point. Wear and tear are inevitable, especially when you have an appliance that is affected by extreme heat. However, you can be proactive and stay ahead of problems with these tips:
- Book annual chimney inspections. Yearly chimney inspections are the best way to find potential weak points in your chimney system and address them before they snowball into something bigger and more expensive.
- Don’t skip annual chimney sweepings. Creosote is an unavoidable risk factor when you have a wood-burning hearth appliance. Schedule at least one chimney cleaning a year to keep creosote buildup at a manageable level and remove other potentially flammable debris.
- Only used seasoned firewood. When firewood has been left out to dry for at least six months to reduce its moisture content, it is called seasoned firewood. If you use firewood that holds a lot of moisture, it will exacerbate creosote build-up.
- Promptly address damages. If you suspect a problem or your annual chimney inspection uncovers an issue, don’t put off repair work. For example, if your yearly chimney checkup unveils an improperly installed chimney cap, replace it as soon as you can. Waiting can increase the chances of bigger problems like brick spalling or mold growth.
Need Your Masonry Fireplace Fixed? Trust Our Team!
Chimney inspections and sweepings are just one part of a good chimney maintenance routine. Timely repairs are also needed to keep your hearth appliance working safely and efficiently for as long as possible. Fortunately, Mountain Man Fireplace & Chimney is here to be the ultimate one-stop shop for all of your fireplace needs. Book with us now by calling 303-679-1601 or requesting an appointment online.
Working to get your wood-burning fireplace repaired is all in a day’s work for our skilled repair technicians.