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What fireplace refacing involves, and where we come in
Fireplace refacing changes the part of the fireplace you see every day: the surround, the area around the opening, the hearth and the doors. Some homeowners want to cover old brick with a new material. Others want the brick they already have to look clean and sound again. Either way, the face is the front of a working appliance, and it should go on a fireplace that's in good shape.
We handle the parts of a refacing project that involve the working fireplace. That means restoring an existing brick face, repairing the firebox, fixing the draft problems that stain the front, and installing new fireplace doors, replacement glass or an insert. If you're picturing an entirely new surround material, start with custom fireplace design. Have the fireplace checked first either way, because a new face hides cracks without fixing them. Many of the common chimney problems that show up at the front actually start higher up.
Brick fireplace refacing
Brick fronts age in predictable ways. Soot darkens the brick above the opening and the mortar near the firebox dries out and loosens. The faces of individual bricks can flake off, and old paint peels. Restoration cleans the brick, replaces loose or damaged units and repairs the joints so the face looks like one surface again. A restored brick front with new glass doors can change a room more than people expect.
Soot above the opening is a symptom
If the brick above your fireplace keeps turning black, the fireplace is probably spilling smoke into the room, and new material on top won't stop that. The cause is usually in the damper, smoke chamber or flue, and it should be fixed before any refacing. Our guide to efficient Fireplace use explains why good draft matters.
Brick fireplace refacing across Connecticut
We work on brick fireplaces in Hartford and across Connecticut. Every job starts with seeing the fireplace in person. Photos rarely show how loose the mortar is or what's under the paint.
A cost-effective fireplace refacing service
A fresh look doesn't always require new material. These are some of the most cost-effective approaches:
- Restore the existing brick instead of covering it, as long as the brick is sound.
- Repair only the damaged sections of the face instead of redoing the whole surround.
- Add new fireplace doors or replace cloudy glass, which is one of the biggest visual changes for the effort.
- Consider an insert if the fireplace is drafty. It changes both the look and how well the fireplace heats.
Request a free refacing estimate today
You don't need a coupon or promo code, because the estimate is free. Get in touch and we'll look at the brick, the firebox and the doors, then list the options in order of what matters most. Same-day visits are possible when the schedule allows.
What the visit covers
Cracks in the firebox let heat reach the framing behind it. A damaged smoke chamber is a common cause of smoke spilling into the room.
Find the cause
The firebox, damper, smoke chamber and any doors, glass or panels are checked.
Confirm the type
Masonry or factory-built — the repair has to suit the system.
Explain the fix
You hear the options and what each involves before work starts.
Repair and test
The work is done and the fireplace is checked before you use it.
If smoke comes into the room
Stop adding fuel, open a window and don't relight the fire until the chimney has been checked. If the smoke is heavy, an alarm sounds or you suspect a chimney fire, get everyone outside and call 911.
How to prepare
- Move rugs, photos and anything fragile away from the work area.
- Let the fireplace or stove cool completely — ideally no fire for 24 hours before the visit.
- Make sure the technician can reach the roof or attic access if it's needed.
- Keep pets in another room while the work area is open.
When to book fireplace refacing
- A damper that won't open or close
- A fireplace that is hard to light or won't stay lit
- Cracked or missing firebrick or refractory panels
- Rust or warping inside the firebox
- Doors or glass that are cracked or don't seal
What gets checked
- Draft from the opening
- Firebrick or refractory panels
- Hearth and surround
- Smoke chamber and smoke shelf
- Damper operation
- Doors, glass and gaskets
