Your chimney consists of different components that work together to provide you with cozy, warm, and safe fires. Perhaps the hardest working component is the firebox. Since this is where the flames are burning, your firebox is exposed to extremely high temperatures with each fire. For this reason, your firebox should be constructed with special materials to withstand the heat. A firebox should be made out of fire bricks and refractory mortar, but even build correctly it suffers a lot of damage. The most important function of the firebox is to protect the combustible parts of your home from heat transfer. A damaged firebox puts you at much higher risk for accidental fires and structural damage.
If you have noticed cracked, loose, or missing bricks and mortar joints in your firebox, its time for a repair. Blue Ridge Chimney Services can restore this essential component to protect your home from a devastating fire. For years we have provided the Shenandoah Valley region with our top quality professional chimney maintenance, repair, and installation services, and you can trust our certified and experienced technicians to do the job properly. We would like to tell you more about firebox repairs by answering a couple of frequently asked questions for you.
What are the most common causes of firebox damage?
We mentioned exposure to high heat as one cause of damage to masonry fireboxes, but there are a couple of other common causes that Blue Ridge Chimney Services would like to tell you more about. According to the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA, water leaks can lead to firebox damage. Water can pool on the smoke shelf that is located directly above the firebox, and when soot mixes in with this water, an acidic slurry can develop, which can eat away the mortar joints in the firebox. Another cause of firebox damage is improper construction. Not using the right materials, including refractory mortar, can lead to the premature deterioration of your firebox.
How do I know my firebox needs to be repaired?
Of course, if you see cracked, loose, or missing bricks and mortar joints in your firebox, you should give us a call at Blue Ridge Chimney Services to schedule an appointment for our repair services. Other signs of firebox damage include pieces of mortar on the firebox floor and smoke stains on the firebox walls. We also recommend that you get in touch with us if you ever notice standing water on the floor of your firebox.
Neglecting firebox damage can be dangerous. If you have noticed any of the signs of a damaged firebox, contact us today at Blue Ridge Chimney Services. We will make an appointment with you for one of our experienced chimney professionals to take care of it.