Metal fireplace and chimney repair in Lake Mann Gardens

How refractory panels are replaced

Panel replacement follows the manual for the model. Retainers are released, the damaged panels come out in the order the design allows, the firebox behind them is cleaned and checked, and the new panels go in with their retainers secured.

Because the panels interlock, one damaged side panel can mean moving others to reach it. We explain which panels come out and why, and we look over the steel firebox behind them while it is exposed.

• Retainers released
• Damaged panels removed in order
• Steel firebox cleaned and checked
• New panels fitted and retainers secured

Mantel clearances on a factory-built fireplace

Each factory-built model sets its own mantel clearances. One maker's 36-inch model keeps combustible trim and mantels projecting from the face at least 12 inches from the opening, its larger models 18 inches, with further limits on anything that projects more than 1 1/2 inches.

A mantel added after the fireplace was installed is often the first thing we measure. If it sits closer than the manual allows, we show you the numbers and discuss moving it or changing its depth.

A fireplace for supplemental heat

A prefab fireplace is built to add warmth to a room. One maker states that its factory-built fireplace is not intended as a substitute for a furnace to heat an entire home, and is meant for supplemental heat only. Long, hot fires meant to warm the whole house are one path to overfiring.

A sensible fire sized to the firebox protects the panels and the metal. We share the manual's guidance when we hand back a repaired fireplace.

Birds and animals in a metal chimney

A metal chimney with a damaged or missing termination screen can take in birds, squirrels and nesting material. Nests in a narrow round flue block the smoke path quickly.

Animal removal is its own service, and we schedule it first when an animal is present. Afterward, the prefab repair replaces the damaged termination with the listed part so the flue stays closed to wildlife.

• Animal removal scheduled first
• Nesting material cleared
• Termination replaced with the listed part
• Pipe below checked for damage