The firebox in your fireplace, holding the burning fire, should ideally be crafted from firebricks and refractory mortar in a masonry chimney, materials specifically intended to withstand intense heat. Some older chimneys were constructed with ordinary bricks and cement, which are no match for the specialized products used today to promise a safe and long-lasting chimney. The relentless exposure to high heat can lead to wear and tear on masonry materials not designed for such extremes, resulting in deteriorated, loose, and broken mortar joints. Such conditions are not only highly inefficient but also pose major risks. Gaps and cracks facilitate the leakage of toxic gases into your living area and allow heat to reach the combustible materials behind your fireplace and chimney, leading to a major fire risk.

Whether your choice is to rebuild and redesign your firebox or to install a fireplace insert, always entrust the job to a qualified chimney specialist. The complexity of chimney systems often belies their seeming simplicity. It's far too common to encounter fireboxes constructed with unsuitable types of firebricks and improperly installed fireplace inserts. Opting for an experienced, qualified chimney workers is the most effective way to protect your residence, your loved ones, and your investment.