Fireplace repair: what to know

What the job involves, what changes the price, and what to ask a pro.

What fireplace repair is

Fireplace repair fixes cracked firebrick, damaged dampers, loose hearth stones, leaking flues and faulty gas parts, so the fireplace burns safely and the smoke vents out the chimney. People call when smoke comes into the room, the firebox is falling apart or the damper will not open or close.

Signs you need it

  • Smoke comes into the room when the fire is lit, or the room smells of smoke after use.
  • The damper is stuck open, stuck shut or no longer seals when closed.
  • Firebrick is cracked, crumbling or missing from the firebox floor or walls.
  • Mortar is falling out of the firebox, or hearth stones are cracked or loose.
  • Water leaks down the chimney or the firebox after rain, or there is staining on the inside of the chimney.
  • A gas fireplace will not light, clicks without lighting or has a flame that lifts off or goes out.

What the pro does

  • Inspect the firebox, the damper, the smoke chamber and the flue from the inside with a light and, when needed, a camera.
  • Replace or re-set cracked firebrick, and repoint the mortar joints with mortar made for high heat.
  • Repair or replace the damper, check that it opens and closes fully, and seal it so it does not leak air.
  • Repair the hearth stones, the flue liner or the chimney crown if the leak comes through the chimney.
  • For a gas fireplace, clean the pilot assembly, replace the thermocouple or igniter, and check the gas valve and the remote.
  • Test the draft and the flame or smoke path before handing the fireplace back.

What changes the price

Every job is different, so we do not publish prices. These are the things that move the quote up or down.

  • Which part failed. A damper or a single brick is a smaller job than a rebuilt firebox or a new flue liner.
  • Whether the chimney has a leak or a cracked crown that needs work from the roof.
  • Age and condition of the firebox and the flue, which can change the repair from patching to rebuilding.
  • Gas or wood fuel, since gas fireplaces need gas-line and valve work that wood fireplaces do not.
  • Access to the chimney, such as a steep roof or a tight attic.
  • Whether the hearth or the surround must be removed to reach the fault.
  • Parts availability for the fireplace or insert model.

What a written quote should spell out

  • The fault found, listed by location in the firebox, the damper, the flue or the chimney.
  • Each brick, mortar, damper, liner or gas part replaced, with its model or size.
  • Any roof or chimney crown work, listed separately.
  • The draft test or the gas function test results.
  • Any repairs that are recommended but not included in the quote.

Questions to ask before you hire

  • Will you check the flue for cracks or a liner failure, or only the firebox?
  • Is the damper repair or replacement, and will it seal when closed?
  • Will you test the draft after the repair and tell me the result?
  • Are the bricks and mortar rated for the heat of a wood fire?
  • Will you check the chimney crown and flashing for water leaks?
  • For a gas fireplace, will you test the gas valve and the safety shutoffs?
  • What warranty comes with the repair, and does it cover the parts and the labor?

Red flags

  • The pro says the whole fireplace needs replacing without checking the firebox, the damper and the flue.
  • The pro patches a cracked liner or a leaking flue with a sealant that is not made for the heat.
  • The pro does not test the draft or the gas function before leaving.
  • The pro uses ordinary mortar or a household sealant inside the firebox.

What you can do yourself

You can close and open the damper, look up the flue with a light to see obvious damage, and sweep loose soot from the firebox floor when the fireplace is cold. Do not patch cracked firebrick with household sealant, and do not try to repair gas valves or the pilot. Repairs to the damper, the flue, the chimney crown and any gas parts belong to a licensed technician.

Licenses and permits

Fireplace repair is commonly done by licensed contractors, and gas parts commonly need a licensed trade. Check with your state or local licensing agency for the requirements that apply to repairs in your area, especially for chimney or flue work.

Fireplace repair questions

Why does smoke come into the room?

A closed or damaged damper, a blocked chimney, a cracked flue or a poor draft can all push smoke into the room. A technician checks each one before deciding on the fix.

Can cracked firebrick be patched?

Small cracks can be repointed or replaced, but badly cracked or crumbling firebrick usually needs replacing. The brick has to be rated for the heat of a wood fire.

Is a leaking chimney a safety issue?

Yes. Water in the chimney can damage the flue liner and the masonry, and a damaged liner lets smoke and gases leave the chimney at the wrong place. Fix leaks before the next use.

Why does my gas fireplace click but not light?

A dirty pilot, a weak thermocouple, a failed igniter or a remote that is not sending the signal can all cause this. A technician tests each one to find the actual fault.

About this guide

This national guide is written and checked by infinibell. Rules and conditions differ by place, so local pros are credited on guides for the cities they serve, not on national ones.

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