Restoration for wood-burning fireplaces in Lauderdale Harbours
We clean gently, repoint with matched mortar and reset loose units, one agreed step at a time.
- Owned and run locally
- Available for same-day service
- Fully licensed and insured
- Family owned and run
When an old fireplace needs more than one repair
- Cracked or loose hearth tiles
- Musty smell from the fireplace
- Crumbling joints in the face brick
- Several small faults at once
Jump to
Restoring function first, then the look
Soot across the face brick
A face darkened by years of smoke can hide good brick and sound joints. It can also hide cracks and old patches that need attention.
We clean the face in stages with the gentlest method that works. Cleaning comes after the repairs that caused the smoke, so the face stays clean. Once it is clean, we look again at the brick and joints and confirm the repointing and repair items. Anything new that shows up is explained before it is added.
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.
Dust and noise during the work
Removing old mortar and cutting out damaged brick make noise and dust. Cleaning makes less noise but can involve water and brushes near the opening.
We protect the room, manage dust at the source and clean up as we go. If there are times when noise would be a problem, tell us and we plan the loud steps around them. When the work is done, debris is bagged and hauled away, and the area is cleaned before we leave. Tell us about anyone in the house who is sensitive to dust, so we take extra care at the opening.
Old fireplace restoration in the right order
An old fireplace often has several problems that built up over the years. Tackling them in the wrong order wastes effort, because later work can damage earlier work.
Old fireplace restoration starts with the parts that affect safety and draft, such as the firebox, damper and smoke chamber. The face and hearth come after, once smoke and debris from the upper work are done. We explain the sequence at the free inspection so you know what happens first and why.
The restoration scope in writing
- Firebox joints refilled with refractory mortar
- Smoke chamber parged smooth where needed
- Damper freed, repaired or replaced
- Hearth cracks and loose units repaired
Fireplace restoration questions in Lauderdale Harbours
What does a fireplace restoration include?
It returns a neglected fireplace to safe use and to the look it was built with, under one plan. Typical items are firebrick and firebox repairs, damper work, smoke chamber parging, face cleaning and repointing, and hearth repairs, each priced separately.
When can I light a fire after the restoration?
Once the new mortar has dried and cured as its maker directs. Some heat-resistant mortars call for small fires before full use. We tell you how long to wait and how to build those early fires.
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 Animal RemovalAssess occupied chimney openings and plan appropriate follow-up cleaning or entry protection.
- Chimney Leak RepairFind the chimney water entry point and plan a repair before restoring the damaged finish.
- Chimney Flue RepairAssess repairs to damaged existing flue linings and distinguish them from a new liner installation.
- Chimney Cap Installation and ReplacementProtect the chimney opening with a cap chosen for its fit, attachment and compatible system.
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