Fireplace refurbishing and restoration in South Middle River
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
What a neglected brick fireplace shows
- Damper that no longer moves
- Musty smell from the fireplace
- Loose stones on a stone face
- Several small faults at once
Jump to
Fireplace restoration in South Middle River, planned as one job
Deciding which firebrick to replace
Firebrick lines the firebox and takes the direct heat of the fire. Over years it can crack, loosen or erode. Replacing all of it is rarely needed.
We check each area for units that are loose, broken through or worn thin. Those are marked for replacement. Units with fine surface lines but a sound body can often stay. The estimate shows which areas are affected, so you can see that the rest of the firebox is being kept on purpose.
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.
A cast iron fireback
Some fireplaces have a cast iron plate against the back wall of the firebox. It reflects heat into the room and protects the masonry behind it.
A fireback can crack, rust or come loose over time. We check its condition and how it is held in place. A sound fireback is cleaned and reset. A cracked one may still be usable if it stays firmly in place, and we explain the options. The fireback is noted separately from the firebrick behind it.
Comparing restoration proposals
If you compare restoration proposals, check what each one includes. One may clean and repoint the face only. Another may include firebox, damper and smoke chamber work. They are not the same job.
Ask each company what will be kept, what will be replaced and in what order. Ask which mortar they will use in the firebox and on the face. Our written estimate covers each of those points, which makes a fair comparison easier. Ask too how hidden damage would be handled and priced if it appears during the work.
Your restoration scope for a home in South Middle River
- Firebox joints refilled with refractory mortar
- Smoke chamber parged smooth where needed
- Clearance to nearby trim checked
- Written record of the restoration work
Your restoration questions, in plain terms
Is restoration the same as remodeling a fireplace?
No. Restoration keeps the existing design and brings it back to working order. Changing the look, the materials or the layout is remodeling, which we do not offer. We tell you if a request falls outside restoration.
Can a restoration be done in stages?
Yes. Essential safety repairs can go ahead before finish work. Each stage is priced separately, and we explain which items must happen before the fireplace is used and which can wait.
Will restoring the fireplace fix a smoky fire?
It may, when the cause sits inside the fireplace. A damper stuck partway and a rough smoke chamber are common examples. We check those first and explain any cause outside the fireplace separately.
More Ways to Care for Your Fireplace
- Hurricane and Storm Damage Chimney RepairAssess storm-related chimney concerns and distinguish temporary protection from permanent component repair.
- Chimney Damper Repair and ReplacementRestore a usable damper mechanism after checking the plate, frame and control linkage.
- Firebox RepairRepair the damaged fireplace chamber using an approach suited to masonry or manufactured components.
- Wood-Burning Fireplace Insert InstallationFit a wood-burning insert after assessing its host fireplace and full connection requirements.
- Chimney TuckpointingRenew deteriorated mortar joints around chimney bricks that can appropriately remain.
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