Hearth extension repair done right in Camellia Gardens

When the whole hearth finish should be replaced

Replacing the whole finish makes sense when many tiles are hollow, the matching tile is gone, or the extension has to grow to meet the size rule anyway. It also gives a chance to rebuild any layers the original job left out.

Full replacement is a bigger scope and a bigger visual change, so we only suggest it with a reason. The estimate lists removal, base preparation, the new finish, the edges and trim, and any flooring that has to be adjusted around the new extension.

• Removal and disposal
• Base preparation or rebuild
• New finish and setting materials
• Edges, trim and floor transitions

Tile found laid over plywood

Some hearth extensions turn out, once the old tile comes up, to be thin tile set on plywood or particleboard. The finish looked like a hearth, while the material under it can burn.

The code expects hearths and extensions of concrete or masonry on noncombustible support. When we find wood under a hearth finish, we stop, show you and price a proper extension. Tiling over that wood again is off the table.

• Work stopped when wood is found
• The finding shown to you
• A proper extension priced on noncombustible support

Removing old hearth tile without harming the fireplace

Breaking out a hearth finish next to a fireplace face and a finished floor takes care. Heavy blows travel into the firebox and surround, and a slipped chisel can mark flooring you want to keep.

We cut relief lines at the edges first, remove the finish in small pieces and work away from the parts that stay. If something unexpected turns up under the finish, we stop and show you before the scope changes.

Damage that only shows once the finish is off

Some hearth problems stay hidden until the tile comes up, such as a cracked slab, an old patch, wood left under the base or a void where support has washed out.

We tell you before starting which findings would change the job, and we stop to show you if one appears. Nothing is added to the work without your approval, and the revised scope and price are written down first.

• A cracked slab under sound tile
• An old patch in the base
• Wood left under the hearth
• A void where support washed out