Restoring a neglected wood fireplace in Bay Harbor Islands
Tell us how you want to use the fireplace, and we plan the restoration around that goal.
- Owned and run locally
- Available for same-day service
- Fully licensed and insured
- Family owned and run
When patching an old fireplace stops working
- Patches in mismatched mortar
- Debris or nesting in the firebox
- Loose stones on a stone face
- Water marks inside the firebox
Jump to
Restoring what is there rather than replacing it
Opening up the route from firebox to flue
In the building code, the throat, damper and smoke chamber form a single route for smoke, and that route may not be narrower in area than the flue above it.
In a neglected fireplace, debris, a half-open damper or rough masonry can narrow that passage. Restoration aims to open it back up to its intended size. We check each part of the passage and explain what is narrowing it. Clearing and repairing it is often what turns a smoky fireplace back into a usable one.
Cleaning with the gentlest method first
Masonry cleaning guidance says to choose the gentlest method that works for the brick and the soiling. Harsh methods can remove the fired surface of a brick, and that surface does not grow back.
We start with the mildest approach, such as plain water and a bristle brush, and step up only if needed. Chemical cleaners are used only where they suit the brick and the stain. Each step is judged before the next. The goal is a clean face that still looks like the original brick.
The flue above the fireplace
A restored fireplace still depends on a clear, sound flue. Restoration covers the fireplace itself, but the flue above it has to be ready too.
We look up the flue as far as the free inspection allows and tell you what we see. If it needs sweeping or a closer inspection, that is a separate service with its own line. We would not want a newly restored firebox to vent into a flue that has not been checked, so we raise it before the first fire.
A family team for your fireplace
Ours is a family-owned and locally owned business. Whoever inspects your fireplace also explains the plan, item by item, before anything is agreed.
Clear explanations matter on a job with many parts. You can ask questions at the inspection, during the work and at the walkthrough. If something changes, you hear it from the people doing the work. The written record at the end reflects what we did, in plain language. If you want to see a failed part or a problem joint, we show you before the work goes ahead.
Your restoration scope for a home in Bay Harbor Islands
- Firebrick replaced where units have failed
- Damper freed, repaired or replaced
- Loose stones reset on a stone face
- Walkthrough of the finished fireplace
Restoring an old fireplace, questions answered
Is the chimney part of a fireplace restoration?
The focus is the fireplace itself, from the firebox and damper to the hearth and face. Findings on the chimney above are noted and listed as separate items, each with its own reason and price.
How long does a fireplace restoration take?
It depends on how many parts need work and on mortar curing times. We give you a sequence with the estimate. If the job runs over several days, the open flue is covered at the close of each work day.
What happens if you find hidden damage partway through?
We stop and explain it. The finding, the proposed repair and the price are set out before we continue. Nothing is added to the job without your approval, and the estimate is updated in writing.
More Ways to Care for Your Fireplace
- Chimney Cap Installation and ReplacementProtect the chimney opening with a cap chosen for its fit, attachment and compatible system.
- Firebox RepairRepair the damaged fireplace chamber using an approach suited to masonry or manufactured components.
- Chimney Chase Cover ReplacementReplace the chase top with a properly planned cover and clearly defined pipe connections.
- Fireplace Hearth RepairRepair the hearth surface after considering the supporting assembly and fireplace requirements.
- Stone Chimney RepairRepair affected stone chimney surfaces with the supporting construction and visual match considered together.
We received your request
Our team will contact you to arrange your inspection.
Chimney & Fireplace Brands We Work With
DuraVent 
Olympia Chimney and Venting 
Copperfield Chimney Supply 
Rutland 
Heatilator 
Heat & Glo