Fireplaces are a charming centerpiece in New England homes. In the winter, the warm, crackling fire creates a cozy, inviting atmosphere: the perfect recipe for winter ambiance and heating on a chilly evening. Unfortunately, whether due to lack of maintenance, age-related wear and tear, or the constant stress of extreme heat, damage to the firebox can render the fireplace unsafe and unusable.
For over 20 years, homeowners throughout northern Massachusetts and southern New Hampshire have trusted the certified experts at Sweepnman to revive their fireplaces with quality, affordable firebox repairs using the innovative PriorFire retrofit system.
What is the PriorFire System?
The PriorFire Retrofit Fireplace System is an innovative solution for restoring damaged masonry fireboxes without requiring a costly, disruptive tear-down and rebuilding. PriorFire is a code-compliant restoration that provides an attractive, structurally sound firebox and enhanced heating efficiency.
Sweepnman is proud to be the local, factory-authorized HeatShield® PriorFire™ dealer serving Merrimack Valley and North Shore communities.
How it Works
The PriorFire system includes a pre-cast refractory ceramic insert that is professionally installed directly inside your existing, damaged firebox. It creates a new, code-compliant, and heat-resistant firebox.
PriorFire Benefits
The PriorFire retrofit system offers significant advantages over traditional masonry firebox repairs. This includes:
- Affordable Restoration: PriorFire is often a much more cost-effective solution than a complete firebox tear-down and rebuild.
- Code-Compliant: It instantly repairs firebox damage with a code-compliant, non-combustible barrier for superior heat-resistance.
- Better Performance: Its innovative design improves drafting, reduces smoke, and delivers more heat into your living space.
- Faster Installation: The installation process is generally quicker and less invasive than traditional masonry work.
- Durability: The refractory ceramic material is built to last, providing years of reliable performance.
- Trusted Reputation: The HeatShield PriorFire system is manufactured in the USA by SaverSystems® and is the leading provider of refractory solutions for the hearth industry, trusted by chimney and fireplace contractors alike.
Common Problems with Fireplaces in Merrimack Valley
Homeowners in the Merrimack Valley may experience several firebox issues. The most common are:
- Smoking Problems: Deterioration and a poorly constructed firebox can prevent proper drafting, causing smoke to flow back into the room.
- Damaged Mortar Joints: Compromised mortar joints can allow heat to transfer to the combustible framing of the chimney’s structure, creating a serious fire hazard.
- Cracked Firebricks: Corrosive combustion residue, mortar decay, and extreme heat can cause the firebricks to crack, crumble, and spall, rendering the fireplace unsafe and unusable.
Much Does It Cost to Repair a Firebox?
The cost of firebox repair varies widely based on the extent of the damage. Minor repairs (like replacing a few bricks) are relatively inexpensive. However, if the damage is structural or extensive, a traditional rebuild can be very costly and time-consuming. Our team will assess the condition of your firebox and provide you with a detailed quote.
The PriorFire system offers a high-quality and often more affordable alternative to a complete rebuild, providing significant value by restoring the safety and efficiency of the fireplace with a single code-compliant solution.
Sweepnman Is Your Local PriorFire Dealer in MA/NH
Do you miss cozy nights by the fire? Does your fireplace have a smoking problem? Whether your firebox needs minor repairs or is completely unusable, the certified professionals at Sweepnman, your local, factory-authorized Heatshield® PriorFire dealer, are here to help. Let our certified professionals restore the beauty and functionality of your fireplace with the PriorFire retrofit system.
We proudly serve communities throughout the North Shore and Merrimack Valley areas, including Rockport, MA; Peabody, MA; Lowell, MA; Derry, NH; Manchester, NH; and Portsmouth, NH. Contact us today to see if our PriorFire system is the right solution for your fireplace.
