Fireplaces, like any machine, eventually need repair and restoration. Sadly, after more than a decade of loyal service keeping your home warm, a fireplace’s time may come, and a new one must take its place. Determining whether your fireplace needs repairs, restoration or retirement all starts with regular service and inspections from qualified technicians.
Service
Every fireplace and stove, whether gas or wood, needs regular maintenance and inspection so that it can continue to operate efficiently for a long time. That regular maintenance can catch and resolve issues now before they become serious problems. You should have your fireplace serviced at least once a year by our licensed and qualified technicians to maintain its functionality. You can arrange an inspection any time of the year but scheduling a service by Fall is always wise. This is when your fireplace will soon have its busiest season, so you will want to be sure it is prim and proper for the job.
What Can I Expect a Fireplace Service to Include?
Our annual servicing includes a cleaning and an inspection to ensure the fireplace is clean and working properly and safely. For every fireplace we inspect the exterior and interior for any possible cracks, loose seals, or other damage. This is especially important for gas fireplaces which should be airtight. The gas line and ignition are also inspected to be certain there are no leaks and work correctly. Wood fireplaces are inspected in the hearth, damper, and flue for any damage to the glass or bricks or obstructions to ventilation.
The fireplaces are cleaned of any residue produced from burning. While gas fireplaces may not burn wood, they still produce debris. The residue is cleaned from the sides, logs, and glass to make the fireplace pristine. Ceramic logs can also deteriorate over time and any fragments are removed so they do not block vents. The exhaust is also inspected for any potential blocks to airflow. Wood fireplaces need to be cleaned more often than gas ones because of the ash from burning wood. This can be done regularly with a broom and vacuum. However, over time burning wood also naturally creates soot and creosote, a tar-like substance. Annual service removes these buildups because they impair appearance and are fire risks. Creosote and soot also build up in the chimney, which blocks airflow and causes chimney fires. This is why the chimney also needs to be annually inspected and cleaned.
Repair and Restoration
Inspections can reveal minor and major issues in a fireplace that impair its functionality. These don’t mean you need to start ringing death bells for your home’s hearth. Many of these issues can be easily addressed with specific repairs or restoration. In both gas and wood fireplaces, the glass screen can potentially crack or deform. This will need to be replaced to prevent future damage and leaks, especially for gas fireplaces. The screen itself can be replaced by a technician without needing to replace the entire fireplace. If leaks are discovered, technicians can apply specialized cement or caulking. Similarly, not every damage or crack to the interior or exterior requires a full replacement. For wood fireplaces with brick interiors or panels, like the Napoleon High Country series, damage can be addressed with a localized repair to that section. A qualified technician will always recommend the best solutions for your fireplace or stove.
If you notice any damage or concerns in your fireplace, contact us immediately to schedule an inspection before continuing use. Similarly, if a fireplace has sat unused for a lengthy time, be sure to get it inspected and serviced before firing it up. We’ll be able to determine whether the fireplace is ready to operate or if there is any issue, and it needs repairs or restoration.
Retirement and Replacement
An unfortunate truth is that eventually a fireplace’s time comes, and it needs to be replaced. Most fireplaces with regular service and maintenance last at least a decade and a half before they retire from warming your home. Regular service will help determine if your fireplace is approaching or reached that point. If it has, then the fireplace will need to be replaced. Fortunately, advances are regularly made in fireplaces and Classic Fireplace offers a top line of models from leading brands like Napoleon, Jotul, Stuv, Valor, and many others to choose from.
It’s easiest to replace a gas or wood fireplace with the same kind, since the other infrastructure, like gas lines and exhausts, are already present. Similarly, if your home has an older, disused fireplace that you’re hoping to revive, there are a few options. One is a full replacement and reconstruction. Another option is a gas insert, like the Jotul Astrid, a wood insert, like the Stuv 16, or an electric, like the Valor Lex line. These are a less cost and construction intensive way to rekindle that old hearth. If you’re considering a change, we can happily help explain that process and provide an estimate.
Caring For Your Fireplace
Regular service is essential for your fireplace’s long life and proper functionality. Inspection and maintenance by qualified technicians ensure it is operating correctly and efficiently to keep your home cozy and warm. That service also helps spot issues that may impact the fireplace’s longevity, so service now can save you from costly repairs or replacements in the future. If you have any questions about your fireplace or believe it needs repair, restoration, or retirement, feel free to contact us at Classic Fireplace or visit any of our locations.
