Family-owned hearth repair serving Lake Mary Jane

Wood left under a hearth from the original build

Hearths were often poured over wooden forms, and the code is plain about what should happen afterward. Section R1001.9 says combustible material shall not remain against the underside of hearths and hearth extensions after construction.

Sometimes a repair reveals boards or plywood still in place under the slab. That finding changes the job from a surface fix to a support fix. We show you what was found, explain the options for removing it or rebuilding the extension on proper support, and wait for your approval before going further.

Keeping a good base under a new surface

Not every hearth replacement needs demolition to the floor. When the concrete or masonry base is sound, thick enough and properly supported, the finish can be removed and renewed on top of it.

We confirm the base before promising that shortcut, because a new finish cannot fix what lies under it. Saving a good base usually shortens the job and reduces dust, and the estimate shows it as its own step.

• Base checked for soundness
• Thickness confirmed
• Support confirmed
• Finish renewed on top

Hearth items on a home inspection report

Home inspection reports often mention a cracked hearth, loose tiles or an extension that looks short. The note may be brief, and the buyer and seller both need to know what it means.

We visit, measure and write down the condition and the repair options in plain language. A written scope lets both sides discuss a defined job, and it separates hearth repairs from any chimney or firebox items on the same report.

• Condition of the finish and base
• Extension size against the opening
• Repair options in plain language
• Separate lines for chimney or firebox items

What a written hearth estimate should list

A useful hearth estimate reads like a plan. It names the fireplace type, the opening size and the extension size, then separates finish work from any base or support work.

Ours also lists removal and disposal, protection of the room, setting materials, edges and transitions, and when the fireplace can be used again. With upfront pricing on each line, you can compare options and approve exactly the work you want.

• Fireplace type and opening size
• Extension size against the rule that applies
• Finish work and base work as separate lines
• Date the fireplace can be used again