How a Fireplace Changeout Will Transform Your Historic Fireplace
If you own one of the many lovely historic homes in the Indianapolis, IN, area, your fireplace is one of the features that needs to be maintained according to code and kept looking beautiful.
Historic fireplaces tend to have predictable problems as they age. Chimney Solutions of Indianapolis would like to share how you can solve and prevent these problems with a fireplace changeout.
Fireplace and chimney issues
When we talk about fireplaces in historic homes, we’re usually also talking about the chimneys. Both units need to be built and maintained correctly so they’ll operate safely and efficiently.
Common issues we see with historic fireplaces and chimneys include:
- Cracks or splits in the bricks and panels of the firebox
- Damaged chimney masonry
- Low heat production
- Sluggish drafting
- A damaged chimney liner or no liner at all
- Rusted or warped fireplace damper
- Excess flammable creosote buildup
Chimney problems can be resolved with repair and rebuilding work (see below). Fireplace problems that persist and worsen are best addressed with a fireplace changeout.
How a fireplace changeout works
Changing out a fireplace means adding a powerful new fireplace insert. The insert can run on gas or wood and is designed to be installed right inside your existing firebox.
A fireplace changeout allows you to keep your original fireplace surround and the overall look of the hearth area while enjoying some important benefits:
- Up to four times more heat than with a standard masonry fireplace
- EPA-certified for efficient burns and minimal emissions
- The closed-combustion system means a dramatic reduction in draftiness
- Insulated for performance and safety
- Beautiful finishes, colors, and design styles to choose from
Venting a fireplace insert
Gas and wood inserts vent through their own pipes that run up the existing chimney. Your fireplace changeout won’t require building a new chimney or modifying your current one. It’s a fast and straightforward installation.
Historic chimney work
Older chimneys can develop numerous problems over the years. Bricks often have to be replaced. Sometimes, parts of the chimney need rebuilding. Leaks in the masonry can damage the chimney structure and parts of the home.
Historic chimney restoration by qualified masons includes matching bricks and mortar to the original materials, maintaining the historic charm while upgrading the chimney’s structural integrity.
One of the biggest concerns with historic chimneys is that they may not have a proper chimney liner. In the “old days,” chimneys were typically built with the bricks themselves as the only safeguard against smoke and flames. Today, all newly built chimneys are required by law to have chimney liners. All older chimneys should have them too.
A chimney liner made of clay tiles, stainless steel, or a poured compound keeps flames, smoke, and combustion gases, such as deadly carbon monoxide, inside the flue. An unlined chimney is a dangerous chimney that shouldn’t be operated until a proper liner is in place.
Look into a historic fireplace changeout
If your historic fireplace is costing you too much to keep safe and operational, it might be time to consider a fireplace changeout with Chimney Solutions of Indianapolis. We’re experts at restoring older fireplace and chimney systems to bring our customers reliable heating performance and stunning good looks. Learn more about a fireplace changeout by calling us or using our contact form.
