What is a Fireplace Changeout? How Can it Benefit Your Historic Home?
What is more comforting than a cozy night by an architectural masterpiece? A fireplace in an older home brings a sense of history. The same ambiance is just not felt in a newer-built fireplace. Historic fireplaces have been known as the heart of the home, offering not only warmth but also providing comfort, beauty, and a powerful connection to years gone by.
These fireplaces tell stories of craftsmanship, family gatherings, and evenings spent by a glowing fire. The warmth and flickering flames once served as a primary source of heat, light, and cooking. Today, we are still captivated by historic fireplaces, blending timeless design with the inviting warmth that makes a house a home.
From hand-laid brick hearths in colonial kitchens to finely carved stone mantels to grand parlors, homeowners are willing to do what it takes to preserve and restore their beauty. Homeowners want to benefit from a fireplace changeout to continue the ambience that it once had. They are looking to restore the beauty and historic integrity.
Before committing to restoring your historic fireplace, consider a few factors.
What Should I Consider Before I Changeout?
- Has the fireplace been used recently? Over time, chimney flues become blocked or damaged. A fire in an uninspected fireplace can pose a dangerous situation. A professional chimney inspector will assess for damage and determine what, if any, repairs are needed.
- Does the ventilation system need an upgrade?
- Is the flue liner adequate for a fire? Are there cracks that need to be assessed? Do you need a new liner altogether?
- Components of the fireplace may be outdated and need to be replaced. Damper or other metal parts may have rusted over the years of non-use. Updates will improve the fireplace’s performance.
Techniques Of Restoring Historical Charm
Historical charm is captured by professionals with experience in rebuilds. They arrive prepared with materials and techniques that have proven successful in rebuilding historical fireplaces and chimneys.
- Brickwork and Masonry. Skilled technicians use techniques such as stripping paint, repointing, and repairing cracks to restore old masonry and bring it back to life. Color is important as well when matching bricks and mortar to preserve the historic timeframe.
- Design and pattern experts to bring back the historical beauty. Capturing designs from years ago comes with the talents of experienced technicians.
- Incorporate modern component functionality without losing historical charm.
- Rebuilding or replacing the liner. A chimney without a functioning liner will pose a safety concern. Cracks in a liner can combust to the inner walls, causing a fire. This also creates a health concern as carbon monoxide can seep into your home.
- Adding a chimney cap and crown. Caps and crowns act as a water protectant. Water intrusion can contribute to health issues, the deterioration of your metal fireplace components, and water damage to your home.
Always choose a professional with experience in restoring historical fireplaces and chimneys. Call on Northeastern Chimney for expert advice.
Schedule your inspection or cleaning soon by calling Northeastern Chimney. We service all of Hartford, Tolland, and Litchfield Counties. All our chimney technicians are trained and qualified. We are active in the National Chimney Sweep Guild (NCSG).
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