Wood-burning fireplaces are a source of pride, warmth, and comfort for many homeowners in Southeast Wisconsin. After a hard day’s work or a day on the slopes, the thrill of a roaring, crackling fire helps melt away the chill of a cold winter. What many don’t realize, however, is the incredible heat these flames generate. Temperatures inside the fireplace can reach a sweltering 1200°F or higher, even hotter than a brick pizza oven in Wauwatosa!
This thermal shock, resulting from continuous heating and cooling season after season, can weaken brick or stone masonry, eventually requiring fireplace repairs, rebuilding, or restoration. At Smoke Stacks, our unparalleled expertise ensures that your hearth remains a source of pride and comfort, while our commitment to safety and adherence to local building codes provides you with peace of mind.
Does Your Fireplace Need Attention?
Even the most well-built fireplaces will eventually show signs of wear and tear due to the intense heat and combustion gases they endure. Ignoring these issues can lead to inefficient operation, smoke problems, and even fire hazards. Here are some common fireplace issues we encounter in Southeast Wisconsin:
- Cracked or crumbling mortar joints within the firebox or surrounding masonry.
- Spalling or flaking bricks, where the surface of the brick is cracking.
- Smoke is entering the living space instead of going up the chimney.
- Loose or missing bricks in the firebox or on the hearth.
- Damaged firebricks and decaying mortar.
- Firebox was built with standard bricks instead of refractory bricks.
- Signs of water leaks around the fireplace or inside the firebox.
If you notice any of these signs, it’s time to schedule an inspection before lighting your fireplace.
Why Fireboxes Must Be Built With Firebricks
We occasionally find fireboxes that have been constructed with standard bricks and mortar instead of the required refractory bricks and refractory mortar. This typically occurs when someone without the training and certification of a chimney professional undertakes the work. Not only is this a violation of the building code, but it is also very dangerous. Using the wrong bricks in the firebox can lead to a fire and exposure to carbon monoxide poisoning. This underscores the importance of regular inspections and maintenance by a certified chimney sweep to ensure the safety of your home and family.
Fireplace Repairs We Offer
At Smoke Stacks, our team of certified chimney sweeps and skilled masonry contractors offers a comprehensive range of fireplace repair and restoration services. From tuckpointing to firebox restoration and rebuilding, we have the expertise and experience to address any issue, ensuring your fireplace is built to last.
Tuckpointing
We carefully remove deteriorated mortar from between the bricks, replacing it with new, durable refractory mortar that will withstand the intense heat of the firebox. Tuckpointing is vital for maintaining the structural integrity of your fireplace and preventing heat or smoke from escaping through gaps and into your home.
Firebox Restoration
For fireboxes with significant damage, restoration can bring your fireplace back to life. It may include replacing damaged firebricks, repairing minor cracks, and ensuring the firebox meets industry standards and local building codes.
Firebox Rebuilding
When a firebox is severely compromised by spalling, missing bricks, or structural instability, a complete rebuild is often the safest and most effective solution. We carefully reconstruct the firebox, brick by brick, with high-quality, heat-resistant materials, while adhering to all current building and safety standards.
Gas Fireplace Repairs
Whether you’re having trouble igniting your gas fireplace or just need a routine check-up, our team of trained professionals is MKE’s leading contractor for high-quality gas fireplace repairs. Our repairs include:
- Pilot light inspection and repair.
- Gas line checks for leaks and proper flow.
- Thermocouple and thermopile replacement.
- Burner cleaning and adjustment.
- Gas valve inspection and repair.
- Log set replacement and adjustment.
Best Fireplace Repairs in Milwaukee
The Smoke Stacks family has strong ties to the community and recognizes the significance of maintaining fireplaces, many of which are over a century old, across Southeast Wisconsin. Our certified technicians and masonry contractors are dedicated to delivering top-notch wood-burning and gas fireplace repairs, rebuilding, and restoration services with exceptional craftsmanship throughout Greater Milwaukee, including neighborhoods like Cedarburg, Fox Lake Village, North Bay, and Old North Milwaukee.
We treat each customer like family, ensuring that every fireplace repair is handled with the utmost care and professionalism. Contact us today to schedule your appointment! Family Pride. Exceptional Results.
