Your firebox is one of the most important parts of your fireplace and chimney system. It is also one of the components that takes the most punishment. Since the firebox is the area in which you build the fire, it is exposed to intense heat and all of the byproducts of combustion that can wreak havoc on your system. Having a properly built and maintained firebox is crucial to the safe enjoyment of your system and can make all the difference when it comes to the look and function of your fireplace.
What Is A Firebox?
The firebox is the part of your fireplace where the fire actually resides. This is what many people refer to as the fireplace, but in actuality, the fireplace contains the firebox. The firebox is specifically the box in which the fire is built and burned. This area obviously takes the brunt of the punishment a fire puts out, which is why having a properly constructed and maintained firebox is so important.
Firebox Construction
While many people claim to build fireboxes, it is crucial that your firebox be constructed by a certified chimney professional. Many contractors do not know the intricacies of building a firebox and can leave you with a firebox that will quickly deteriorate.
Fireboxes must be constructed of specific materials and built to specific dimensions if they’re to operate safely and endure over time and with use. A certified masonry chimney professional will know exactly what dimensions are required to get optimal performance out of your fireplace. They will also know how to construct your firebox to maximize its durability. Most fireboxes will need to be repaired at some point, but with proper construction on the front end, you will get years of use out of your firebox before these repairs need to be performed.
Firebox Repair
Your firebox faces a lot of wear and tear — the most common cause is the direct heat. This repeated heating, followed by cooling, can potentially cause the bricks to develop cracks over time. Once this happens, your firebox will not be effectively protecting the rest of your home from the heat of your fire.
Water is also a danger to your firebox. If you have a leak in your chimney that is allowing water to end up in your firebox, your firebox could rust or deteriorate. If water is making its way into your firebox, you can bet that the rest of your chimney system is suffering as well.
Call Us Today!
If your firebox could use a little TLC, call London Chimney Services & Fireplace Shoppe today. Click here to request an appointment online!
Call on the experts at London Chimney Services for all kinds of chimney reconstruction needs. You won’t go wrong with any of our dependable masonry services.
