Fireplace Renovation / Opening Boarded Up Fireplaces

Posted by Dave on Nov 2nd, 2009 | 3 comments

Redesigning an old fireplace

 

Fireplace Renovation / Opening Boarded Up Fireplaces 

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My fireplace is covered up. What do I need to do to make it usable? Though it can vary from fireplace to fireplace, there are several things that should be looked at and one should expect to spend a couple thousand dollars or more.

If you have a turn of the century home, it would not be unusual to spend $5,000 or more. It all depends on what needs to be done and how you want to dress up your fireplace.

Old Fireplaces

Old fireplaces in Capital hill or other older parts of town often had coal burning fireplaces. These are often boarded up. Whether or not they are closed off, if they have not been renovated they invariably need to be.

If they have an old flue liner it will need to be removed and then relined. If there is no flue liner you will also need relining. Please don’t try to talk your inspector or yourself into not doing this. Hundred year old chimneys need attention before being used. Period.

Below the Liner

Below the liner is the smoke chamber and throat. If there are crevices or voids between the brick in these areas they should be filled. Parging, which is coating the brick with insulating cement may also be recommended. Below the throat is the fireplace or firebox.

On row houses with shared “Party” walls you should measure the inside depth of the fireplace and the depth of the chimney on the outside of the fireplace to determine the thickness of the firebox rear wall.

Remember if your walls have been framed or if they have plaster directly on the walls you must account for these in you measurements. Plaster on brick is roughly one inch and 2X4 walls are 4″ with drywall, (2″ if the boards are set sideways to save space).

Row House Fireplaces

Usually old fireplace rear walls in row houses are 2 brick thick and should be lined with firebrick. Before building a firebrick firebox, the hearth extension and hearth or fireplace floor should be inspected.

If they have not been redone, more than likely they will need to be removed, along with the brick and mortar below and then a concrete slab can be poured in place. The firebox floor should be firebrick and for the hearth any non combustible material is fine.

Chimney Top

At the top of your chimney a cement crown, which is a dome shaped cement layer of cement, is usually installed as is a short section of terracotta flue liner (for Damper mounting or rain cap installation).

The brick above the roof and the flashing should also be inspected ans repaired if needed. Dressing up the fireplace includes options like adding a layer of brick up to mantel height.

A new hearth extension and facade covering like tile, brick or marble, a new mantel and accessories like glass doors, tool sets, log grates, etc. Since it can get costly to do everything to your fireplace,have it carefully inspected and be there to ask questions and discuss all of your options.

  Dave Myers  CEO 301chimney

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