Why a Functional Firebox is Important
When someone buys a home, firebox repair is not something that is generally high on the expected list of home repairs. The fireplace seems, to many people, to be a permanent structure within the house that will never have to change. However, there are a few reasons that someone may need to consider replacing or repairing their firebox unit.
One of the first signs that it may be time for firebox repair is if debris is falling from the area in and around the fireplace. This is an indicator that the structure of the firebox is weakening and may not be as safe as it once was. A good way to tell if the debris is truly coming from the firebox or not is to gently scratch it and see whether or not material from the firebox flakes off with ease.
A responsible homeowner will have someone in on an annual basis to inspect the chimney. Many people find that they need their firebox repaired after one of these inspections. There are many common issues with fireboxes that may not be so obvious to the untrained eye. The person conducting the inspection will be able to indicate whether or not it is time to start thinking about some repairs before they turn into major problems.
Of course, there are also people who have repairs and changes made to their fireboxes for purely cosmetic reasons. For example, someone may want a different kind of brick or stone surrounding their fireplace. If this is the case, the entire firebox can be rebuilt to create the desired look.
Having the firebox inspected and making any necessary repairs is necessary for maintaining a safe home. Failure to do so could result in a dangerous fire that spreads throughout the home. An annual inspection may result in the need for repairs, or a homeowner may notice that there is an issue. If it appears that something is wrong with the structure, it is best to have it looked at as soon as possible.