Cracked panels and worn fireplace parts fixed in South Orange

Factory-built units lined with loose firebrick

Loose firebrick lines the steel walls of some factory-built fireplaces, set in the maker's pattern with its joint material and spacers. One maker's instructions cover that firebrick wall installation step by step, with wall spacers and grate retainers listed as parts.

When a brick in this kind of unit cracks or falls, the repair follows that maker's method and materials. We check the spacers and retainers along with the bricks, since a loose wall can lean toward the fire.

How high a factory-built chimney must reach

One maker's instructions follow a familiar rule for the top of the chimney. The top has to stand 3 feet or more above the highest point of its roof penetration, and 2 feet taller than any part of the roof that lies within 10 feet.

Additions and roof changes can put a higher roof section inside that 10-foot circle. If the chimney no longer meets the rule, we explain what the manual allows for extending it with listed sections.

• At least 3 feet above the roof penetration
• At least 2 feet above roof within 10 feet
• Extensions with listed sections only

A cracked firebox floor panel

The floor panels of a factory-built firebox carry the grate, the fire and the ash, and they take the knocks from logs and tools. Cracks there often show before the side panels wear.

One maker divides the floor into bottom rear and bottom front panels, so a cracked front piece can sometimes be replaced alone. We check both before ordering.

• Bottom front panel
• Bottom rear panel
• Grate position over the floor
• Retainers along the edges

Prefab fireplace repairs for rental properties

Owners and managers of rental homes often find fireplace damage only between tenants, when panels are cracked, screens are torn and nobody knows the model.

We identify the unit, write a scope that separates safety items from cosmetic ones and order the parts before the work day. Access through a manager works well, as long as someone can approve the scope.

• Unit identified from the rating plate
• Safety items listed first
• Cosmetic items listed separately
• Parts ordered before the work day