Older neighborhoods such as Goldsboro and the Georgetown Historic District have brick fireplaces that may be a century old; newer subdivisions mostly have factory-built units. That decides what most repairs here involve.
Masonry or factory-built: different repairs
| Feature | Masonry fireplace | Factory-built (prefab) fireplace |
|---|---|---|
| Firebox | Firebrick and refractory mortar | Refractory panels from the maker |
| Damper | Cast-iron throat damper or a top-sealing damper | The unit’s own damper assembly |
| Smoke chamber | Parged masonry | Part of the listed unit |
| Parts rule | Materials rated for fireplace heat | Only parts listed for that model |
Firebox
- Masonry fireplace
- Firebrick and refractory mortar
- Factory-built (prefab) fireplace
- Refractory panels from the maker
Damper
- Masonry fireplace
- Cast-iron throat damper or a top-sealing damper
- Factory-built (prefab) fireplace
- The unit’s own damper assembly
Smoke chamber
- Masonry fireplace
- Parged masonry
- Factory-built (prefab) fireplace
- Part of the listed unit
Parts rule
- Masonry fireplace
- Materials rated for fireplace heat
- Factory-built (prefab) fireplace
- Only parts listed for that model
In depth: repairing a cracked firebox, replacing cracked refractory panels, fixing a stuck or broken damper and parging a rough smoke chamber.
Fireplaces in Sanford
Century-old fireboxes can usually be restored: firebrick replaced, joints repointed with refractory mortar and a damper fitted. The flue above has to be confirmed safe before a restored firebox is used.
When to call about the fireplace
- Smoke comes into the room during fires
- Cracks or missing pieces in the firebrick or panels; see when firebox cracks matter
- The damper won’t open, close or seal; see why dampers stick
- Glass is cracked or doors don’t close properly
- Rust inside a factory-built firebox; see a rusting prefab firebox
Repair, restore or replace
| Situation | Usual answer |
|---|---|
| Masonry firebox with cracked bricks or eroded joints | Repair; see repairing a wood-burning fireplace |
| Older masonry fireplace with several worn parts | restoring an older fireplace |
| Factory-built unit with cracked panels, parts available | Repair with listed parts |
| Factory-built unit rusted through or parts discontinued | replacing a worn-out factory-built fireplace |
Gas and electric fireplaces
This page covers wood-burning and factory-built fireplaces. Gas fireplaces that won’t light or stay lit are covered by the gas fireplace repair service, and routine upkeep by yearly gas fireplace service. Electric fireplaces are electrical and control work: see electric fireplace repair. Gas piping is quoted as separate, permitted work.
Fireplace repair across Sanford
Repairs are available anywhere in Sanford, including Goldsboro. Tell us whether the fireplace is brick or factory-built, wood or gas, and what it’s doing; the rating plate model helps for prefab units. If you’d like the chimney checked too, add an inspection in Sanford. For the rest of the house, see chimney and fireplace services in Sanford. The same service covers firebox and damper repair in Lake Mary, repairs for Longwood fireplaces and fixing fireplaces in Winter Springs.
Background reading: the repair guide for wood and prefab fireplaces and how a smoke chamber works.
References (3)
Public data and code references cited for Sanford.
