In the Merrimack Valley and North Shore, winters are long and cold, with temperatures barely inching above the freezing mark. There's nothing better than spending a snowy day relaxing beside the comforting crackling sound of a warm fire with the fresh scent of maple wood floating in the air. However, frequent use of aging fireplaces takes its toll, making repairs and restoration a necessity eventually.
With over 20 years of excellence, homeowners throughout northern Massachusetts and southern New Hampshire trust the certified professionals at Sweepnman for expert fireplace repairs and restoration, recognizing our outstanding craftsmanship and attention to every detail.
Common Problems with Fireplaces in New England
The extreme heat and corrosive byproducts of combustion, along with our region’s weather, can cause or reveal several issues, such as:
- Cracked Firebricks: The constant cycle of heating and cooling over decades of use can eventually cause the mortar joints and firebricks within the firebox to crack, crumble, and spall. This structural damage is dangerous, as it can allow heat to compromise the surrounding walls.
- Reduced Heating Efficiency: Aging fireplaces, especially open hearths, often draw too much warm air out of the home, reducing efficiency and increasing heating bills.
- Water Damage: A damaged or missing chimney cap allows water to leak into the flue, rusting the fireplace damper and compromising the firebox's integrity.
- Improper Construction: We have observed fireboxes constructed with standard brick and mortar, rather than the required firebrick and refractory mortar. Standard chimney bricks cannot withstand the intense heat inside the firebox, which can reach temperatures over 900°F. It is a common cause of premature failure and is a fire hazard.
Fireplace Repairs Vs. Restoration: What's the Difference?
Firebox Repair
Typically addresses minor issues, such as replacing a few damaged firebricks or tuckpointing mortar joints, to restore the fireplace, making it safe, functional, and visually appealing.
Fireplace Restoration (includes Insulated liner, smoke chamber repair, new top mount damper)
A restoration is a partial or complete overhaul of the fireplace, returning the hearth to its original and appealing condition, often with improved efficiency.
Firebox Rebuilding
For fireboxes with extensive structural failure, a complete rebuild is the most effective solution. It ensures that the entire combustion area is structurally sound with the required clearance from combustible materials.
PriorFire Retrofit Fireplace
The HeatShield® PriorFire system is ideal for homeowners who want to maximize heat output and minimize emissions. It is an excellent option for upgrading an existing firebox to a more modern, high-performance standard without a complete teardown. Sweepnman is your local factory-authorized dealer for HeatShield®, a recognized leader in the hearth industry.
Ahren-Fire™ Fireplace Restoration
Sweepnman is proud to offer the Ahren-Fire system for affordable and attractive restorations. This UL-listed system is engineered with precision to restore the entire fireplace from the chimney top to the hearth. The result is an appealing code-compliant restoration that is highly heat-resistant, enhancing both the safety and the drafting efficiency of the fireplace.
Sweepnman Is Your Local Fireplace Repairs & Restoration Expert
Miss cozy nights by the fire? Is your fireplace unattractive? Whether you need minor firebrick repairs or a complete firebox rebuild and restoration, the certified professionals at Sweepnman are your local fireplace repair and restoration experts. Let our team enhance the beauty and functionality of your wood or gas-burning fireplace. We proudly serve communities throughout the North Shore and Merrimack Valley areas, including Andover, MA; Swampscott, MA; Haverhill, MA; Exeter, NH; Portsmouth, NH; and Hampton, NH.
Contact us today to schedule an appointment or request an estimate. We are fully insured and bonded for your protection, and we offer affordable financing options!
