Fireplace Restoration and Repairs
We know how cold it can get in Minnesota at Element Hearth and Home, in Brainerd especially. That’s why we are committed to providing Brainerd fireplace repair services to its citizens tired of leaving their fireplaces in disrepair.
Element Hearth and Home can provide services to all residents of Minnesota in addition to Brainerd fireplace repair services. These services include masonry, inspections, and restorations.
Are Repairs Necessary If You Don’t Use the Fireplace?
We receive this question more often than you'd think. Regardless of how sparingly you use the fireplace, performing a chimney inspection, flue relining, or fireplace repair is essential for keeping you and your family safe while maintaining a high property value.
The Importance of a Fireplace to Property Value
In Minnesota, having a fireplace adds almost 6-12% value to a property. Having performed a fireplace restoration with a stone veneer can increase this even further. These numbers assume, however, that the fireplace is in working condition and does not need a chimney smoke chamber repair or some other masonry service.
How Fireplace Repair Protects Your Health
If your fireplace is in disrepair, leaving it alone or putting it off can be tempting, primarily if you use it sparingly. However, a fireplace in disrepair is dangerous as trapped ash, soot, and carbon monoxide does not get the chance to escape the chimney and instead filters back into your home.
On top of that, if you neglect your fireplace, underlying issues could affect your home if you are a renter. If your fireplace isn’t operating correctly, it could harm tenants who use it, and they could hold you at fault. For this reason, in addition to property value, fireplace inspections are crucial whenever you have a chimney, even one that finds use sparingly.
Tired of the Old Fireplace?
What should you do when you are tired of the old fireplace, especially if it requires more repairs and maintenance than it is worth? Maybe the rustic, old-fashioned look was what the home came with, but now you want something modern with more veneer?
Fireplace restoration can spruce up an old hearth and make it look modern, classy, and new. We recommend using stone veneer remodeling for your fireplace due to its polished, sophisticated, and warm look.
Reason to Restore a Fireplace
Even if you use a fireplace sparingly, restoring it can be financially beneficial if it is in disrepair or needs an update with new flue lines, chimney chambers, or masonry. If you plan on selling your home, having a modern fireplace increases the property value even more, often repaying its costs in full. Alternatively, you may want a more modern-looking fireplace to match your tried and true hearth to all the modern fixtures.
Whatever your reason, Element Hearth and Home can make sure you receive the highest quality service. Contact us today to perform a full inspection of your fireplace and learn what we can do to improve your quality of life.
Remodeling a fireplace can be a great way to update the look and feel of a room. Here are some steps to consider when remodeling your fireplace:
Set a budget: Before you start any remodeling project, it's important to determine how much you are willing to spend.
Choose a design style: Consider the design style of your home and choose a fireplace style that fits with the overall look and feel.
Decide on materials: Choose materials that are durable and fit with your design style. Options include stone, brick, tile, and wood.
Hire a contractor: Unless you have experience with home renovation projects, it's a good idea to hire a contractor to help with the remodeling process. They can help with design, materials selection, and installation.
Consider functionality: If you plan to use your fireplace, make sure it's safe and functional. Hire a professional to inspect your chimney and make any necessary repairs.
Don't forget about the mantle: The mantle is an important part of the fireplace, and you can customize it to fit your design style. Choose a material and design that complements the rest of the fireplace.
Add finishing touches: Add finishing touches like decor, lighting, and accessories to complete the look of your remodeled fireplace.
Remember that remodeling a fireplace is a big project that can have a big impact on your home's value and appearance. Be sure to take your time, choose high-quality materials, and work with a reputable contractor to ensure that the final result is exactly what you want.
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Stone Veneer
Use stone veneer to remodel your fireplace. Stone veneer is a popular option for fireplace remodels because it is lightweight, easy to install, and can create a natural stone look without the need for a full masonry installation. Here are some things to consider when using stone veneer for your fireplace remodel:
Choose the right type of stone veneer: There are many different types of stone veneer available, including natural stone, manufactured stone, and cultured stone. Each type has its own unique look and characteristics, so choose the one that best fits your design and budget.
Prepare the surface: Before installing the stone veneer, you'll need to prepare the surface of the fireplace. This may include cleaning, removing any existing materials, and installing a waterproof barrier.
Install the stone veneer: Follow the manufacturer's instructions for installing the stone veneer. This will typically involve applying a layer of adhesive to the surface and then attaching the stone veneer.
Grout and seal: Once the stone veneer is installed, you'll need to grout the joints between the stones and then seal the surface to protect it from moisture and staining.
Consider hiring a professional: While stone veneer can be an easy DIY project, it can also be a challenging one. If you're not comfortable with DIY projects or you want to ensure the best possible result, consider hiring a professional to install the stone veneer for you.
Overall, stone veneer can be a great option for remodeling your fireplace. It can add a beautiful and natural-looking feature to your home, and with the right installation, it can be a durable and long-lasting addition to your space.on goes here
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Smoke Chamber Parging
A smoke chamber is a part of a fireplace that is located just above the firebox and below the flue. It is designed to help direct smoke and other byproducts of combustion up and out of the flue. Smoke chamber parging is a process that involves applying a special type of mortar or cement to the walls of the smoke chamber to improve its functionality and safety.
The goal of smoke chamber parging is to smooth out the walls of the smoke chamber and eliminate any gaps, voids, or rough spots that might trap smoke or other byproducts of combustion. By doing so, it helps ensure that smoke and other byproducts are efficiently and safely directed up and out of the flue.
To perform smoke chamber parging, a professional will typically start by cleaning the smoke chamber to remove any debris or buildup that may be present. They will then mix up a special type of cement or mortar that is designed for use in smoke chambers. This material is typically made from a mix of materials, including cement, sand, and other additives that help improve its durability and heat resistance.
The professional will then apply the cement or mortar to the walls of the smoke chamber, using a trowel to smooth it out and ensure that there are no gaps or voids. The material will then be left to dry and cure for a period of time, after which the fireplace can be used safely.
Overall, smoke chamber parging is an important process for ensuring the safety and functionality of a fireplace. It helps prevent smoke and other byproducts of combustion from escaping into the home and can also help improve the efficiency of the fireplace. If you are considering having your fireplace renovated or repaired, it is important to have a professional evaluate the condition of the smoke chamber and determine whether or not it needs to be parged.
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Rebuilding the Firebox
Description goesThe need for rebuilding a firebox depends on several factors, such as the age and condition of the fireplace, the materials used to construct it, and how well it has been maintained over time. A firebox that is damaged, deteriorated, or not functioning properly can pose a safety hazard, so it's important to have it inspected by a professional to determine whether rebuilding is necessary.
Some signs that your firebox may need to be rebuilt include:
Cracks or gaps in the firebox walls: Over time, the repeated heating and cooling of the firebox can cause the walls to crack or separate, which can allow heat and smoke to escape into the surrounding area.
Damaged masonry: If the masonry that forms the walls of the firebox has become damaged or deteriorated, it can affect the integrity of the structure and pose a safety risk.
Corrosion: If the metal components of the firebox, such as the damper or smoke shelf, have become corroded, it can affect the functionality of the fireplace and pose a safety hazard.
Smoke or carbon monoxide entering the home: If you notice smoke or carbon monoxide entering your home from the fireplace, it may be a sign that there is a problem with the firebox.
If you notice any of these signs, it's important to have your firebox inspected by a professional. They will be able to evaluate the condition of the firebox and recommend whether rebuilding is necessary. Rebuilding a firebox is a complex process that requires specialized knowledge and experience, so it's important to work with a professional to ensure that the job is done safely and correctly. here
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Wood Under My Hearth
If you have found wood under the hearth of your firebox, it's possible that the previous owner or a previous contractor may have made modifications to the fireplace without following proper building codes. Here are some steps to take if you have found wood under the hearth of your firebox:
Stop using the fireplace: If you have found wood under the hearth of your firebox, it's important to stop using the fireplace until you can have it inspected by a professional. Using the fireplace under these circumstances can be dangerous.
Have the fireplace inspected: Contact a professional fireplace inspector or a qualified contractor to inspect the fireplace and determine the cause of the problem. They will be able to evaluate the condition of the fireplace and recommend the best course of action.
Remove the wood: If the wood is not serving a structural purpose, the inspector or contractor will likely recommend that it be removed. This may involve dismantling parts of the fireplace or cutting through the hearth to access the wood.
Repair or rebuild the fireplace: Depending on the extent of the damage or modification, the inspector or contractor may recommend repairing or rebuilding the fireplace. This can be a complex and potentially expensive process, but it is necessary to ensure the safety of your home.
Follow proper building codes: To avoid future problems, it's important to make sure that any modifications or repairs to the fireplace are done in compliance with local building codes and regulations.
Finding wood under the hearth of your firebox is a serious issue that should be addressed by a professional. By taking prompt action, you can help ensure the safety of your home and prevent further damage to your fireplace.Description goes here