I have worked on wood burning fireplace oil heat chimneys and gas heat vent systems as a contractor but as easy as some of the work is i understand my limits and i would always suggest that a home owner hire a contractor who.
Fireplace metal firebox repair.
Many fireboxes are lined with metal fireplace inserts that provide dependable fireproofing.
Depending on what type of fireplace you have your firebox could be brick or metal.
Refractory brick panels line the firebox of a prefabricated metal fireplace.
Warped metal is not only compromised but may decrease those clearnaces further.
If the firebox becomes warped the entire unit may need to be replaced.
Prefabricated fireplaces sometimes have only a 1 2 1 inch clearance between the fireplace and surrounding structure.
Ideally they should be replaced before they fail completely.
In both cases the bricks and fireclay mortar are designed to withstand extreme temperatures.
However over time the brick mortar or panels can crack and crumble creating a serious fire hazard.
In a masonry fireplace firebrick is used to construct the firebox.
Many fireboxes are made with masonry even in fireplaces with wooden facades because stone and brick withstand high amounts of heat.
Repairing a firebox made of prefab materials is a realistic do it yourself project that can save up to 2 3 of professional repair costs.
That is where i found what i am unsure about.
So cleaning up inside the fireplace i have re sealed all the fire bricks on the floor and cleaned and painted the metal liner inside the firebox.
Replacing a firebox can be a challenge but it is much more affordable than replacing an entire fireplace.
For my own peace of mind i would not attempt any major repair to a fireplace unless i had been properly trained by working with someone who was a professional.
Therefore it s also the part of your fireplace that must withstand the most heat.
If your firebox houses a pre fabricated metal fireplace insert the panels may eventually need to be replaced after years of usage.
A repaired firebox saves energy reduces heating costs and maintains the value of property particularly when it is time to sell.
I have since replaced that with a chimney lock top ii.
If the firebox or old fireplace insert are in poor condition a new fireplace insert is a great option.