Cracked hearths repaired and rebuilt in Windhover

Larger fireplace openings need a larger hearth

When the fireplace opening is 6 square feet or larger, section R1001.10 asks for more coverage, at least 20 inches in front of the opening and at least 12 inches beyond each side. A wide or tall opening crosses that line sooner than many homeowners expect.

We work out the area from the opening's width and height at the free inspection. If your fireplace falls into the larger class and the extension was built for the smaller one, the estimate shows how far it has to grow and which materials can extend it cleanly.

The insulating layer some manuals require

Some factory-built fireplace manuals ask for more than a noncombustible surface. One maker specifies a layer of noncombustible, inorganic material with a stated thermal conductivity under the finish, and shows how to work out the thickness needed from the rating of the material chosen.

That layer is easy to lose in a remodel because it hides under the tile. When we replace the finish on a hearth like this, we confirm what the manual requires underneath and rebuild the layers in order, so the new surface keeps the protection the original design had.

• A noncombustible, inorganic insulating layer
• Thickness worked out from its rating
• The finish laid over it in order

Scheduling hearth work around your household

A hearth repair can take more than one visit, with removal and preparation on one day, setting on another, and finishing after the materials cure.

We give you the sequence and the expected number of visits before starting, and we keep the fireplace area safe to walk past between visits. If the household has a date to work around, tell us at booking and we plan backward from it.

• Removal and preparation
• Setting the new finish
• Curing
• Final finishing and cleanup

What the free hearth inspection covers

The free inspection is a real look at the hearth. We tap the finish, measure the opening and the extension, check the edges and the seam at the firebox, and look at the base wherever damage has already opened it.

You get the findings in plain words and a written estimate with upfront pricing. There is no charge for the visit, and you take 10% off if you book the repair within 72 hours after it.

• Finish tapped for hollow spots
• Opening and extension measured
• Edges and the firebox seam checked
• Base looked at where damage allows