Cracked hearth and tile repair in Miami Shores
A written record of the work notes what was replaced on the surface and what was done beneath it.
- Owned and run locally
- Available for same-day service
- Fully licensed and insured
- Family owned and run
Hearth problems you can see and feel
- Flooring tucked under the hearth edge
- White powder on hearth bricks
- A raised hearth that flexes when sat on
- Slate flaking near the fireplace opening
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Hearth repair from the surface down
The code's rules for building a masonry hearth
For a masonry fireplace, the Florida Building Code calls for the hearth and hearth extension to be concrete or masonry on noncombustible support. They must also be reinforced to carry their own weight and the loads placed on them. Minimum thicknesses apply to both.
A repair has to keep to those rules. Replacing a broken surface with a thinner one, or resting it on a combustible base, would leave the hearth short of what the code expects. We explain the construction we find and what the repair must preserve, without quoting dimensions until the actual fireplace has been measured.
A raised firebox and a thinner extension
The code allows a thinner hearth extension where the bottom of the firebox opening is raised well above it. In that case the extension may be a layer of noncombustible material such as brick, concrete, stone or tile.
That exception depends on the height of the opening above the extension. If a floor was raised, or a new finish laid on top, the relationship can change. We check the fireplace as it stands now and explain whether the thinner build still applies to your hearth.
Loose stones on a raised hearth
Raised hearths built from natural stone are laid in mortar, and individual stones can loosen as the mortar ages or the bed shrinks. Stones at the corners and front edge take the most knocks.
A loose stone is taken up, its bed cleaned and the stone reset in mortar suited to it. Where several stones have loosened together, the core of the platform may have moved, and we check before resetting. The estimate lists stones by position so you can see where the work goes.
The screen and the hearth work as a pair
A screen that closes across the opening keeps most sparks on the firebox side. The hearth takes whatever gets past. If one is failing, the other has more to do.
During a hearth visit we check that the screen closes fully and sits on the hearth without gaps. A torn or sagging screen is noted even though it is not hearth work. Keeping both in order reduces the marks and wear on the repaired hearth afterwards. A screen that leaves a gap at the base lets embers straight onto the hearth edge.
What the free hearth inspection looks at
- Hearth size checked against the opening
- Base condition beneath the finish
- Finish material and matching options
- Workmanship warranty on the hearth work
Questions about tile, stone and brick hearths
Can you replace a single cracked hearth tile?
Often, if the base under it is sound and a matching tile can be found. We tap the surrounding tiles first. A line of cracks or hollow areas nearby points to the base, and then a single new tile would crack again.
Is my hearth big enough for the fireplace?
That depends on the fireplace. A masonry fireplace follows the code's rules for the extension, which grow with the size of the opening. A factory-built unit follows its own manual. We measure both on the visit and tell you plainly whether the hearth falls short.
What does the written record say after a hearth repair?
It notes what was replaced on the surface, the work carried out beneath it, the materials used and their source, and any setting time still running. It also lists what we saw but did not touch.
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