Damaged Firebox

The firebox is a vital organ of the chimney system. You might even say it is the "heart of the hearth." However, masonry fireboxes are constructed with a different type of brick and mortar than the rest of the chimney. Because the firebox is constantly exposed to the intense heat of a flaming gas or wood-burning fireplace, it is built with firebrick and refractory mortar specifically designed to withstand the hot temperatures, which can exceed over 1,100°F. Although firebricks are more durable than standard brick and mortar, they still deteriorate over time, which will require firebox repair at some point.

The CSIA/NFI certified chimney sweep and masonry professionals at Bethesda Chimney provide exceptional firebox repair services for homes, businesses, and government buildings around the Capital Beltway and Greater Washington, DC Metropolitan Area.

What is a Firebox

So, what is a firebox? In short, it is the area inside the fireplace where your gas log set or wood logs burn. When most people refer to the fireplace, they are essentially talking about the firebox. Since firebrick and mortar deteriorate, you may notice voids or gaps in the brickwork where mortar used to be. You may also see that some of the firebricks are cracking, flaking, or even crumbling. Decaying mortar and firebricks will render your fireplace unsafe for use because of the increased fire and safety hazards. Our firebox repair & rebuilding services will make it safe for you to continue enjoying the warmth of your beautiful fireplace for decades to come.

How Much Does It Cost?

The cost to repair a firebox can vary widely - from an average repair to a complete firebox rebuild or replacement. It ultimately depends on the type of fireplace, its age, and the extent of the repairs required to restore the firebox and bring it up to date with current local building and safety codes. Schedule with our office today to determine the cost to fix your firebox.

Firebox Replacement/Rebuilding

When the firebox has more extensive damage, such as cracked, chipped, spalling, or missing firebricks, firebrick replacement or a complete firebox rebuild is often the best option to restore your fireplace. Our chimney experts are the guys for the job!

Repointing

We typically recommend firebox repointing when there are decaying mortar or gaps in the joints, but the firebricks are undamaged. It’s a relatively simple process where our chimney professional carefully removes the loose and crumbling mortar and fills the joints with new refractory mortar cement. Refractory mortar is designed to withstand temperatures of up to 2,000°F.

Firebox Repair Services

Yes, your cracked firebox can be repaired! Bethesda Chimney provides complete firebox repair services that will restore your fireplace so that it is safe and efficient to operate and looks great too. We serve residential, commercial, and government customers in Centreville VA, Manassas VA, Arlington VA, Springfield VA, Tysons VA, Alexandria VA, Montgomery County, MD, Washington DC, and Northern VA. Call 301-969-4444 or 703-935-4444 to schedule an appointment for a free repair estimate today!