The firebox in your fireplace, holding the burning fire, should ideally be crafted from firebricks and refractory mortar in a masonry chimney, materials specifically intended to withstand intense heat. Some older chimneys were constructed with ordinary bricks and cement, which are no match for the specialized products used today to promise a secure and durable chimney. The relentless exposure to high heat can lead to wear and tear on masonry materials not designed for such extremes, resulting in deteriorated, loose, and cracked mortar joints. Such conditions are not only highly inefficient but also pose major hazards. Gaps and cracks facilitate the leakage of toxic gases into your living area and allow heat to reach the combustible materials behind your fireplace and chimney, leading to a major fire risk.

Whether your choice is to rebuild and redesign your firebox or to install a fireplace insert, always entrust the job to a qualified chimney specialist. The complexity of chimney systems often belies their seeming simplicity. It's far too common to encounter fireboxes constructed with unsuitable kinds of firebricks and improperly installed fireplace inserts. Selecting for an experienced, qualified chimney technicians is the most efficient way to protect your residence, your loved ones, and your investment.