For generations, fireplaces were the primary heating source for the home, providing warmth on frigid winter nights.
As central heating gained popularity, fireplaces in now historic homes were often decommissioned, rendering them useless, and sometimes, unsightly. But owners of historic homes can make these fireplaces like new again, providing a beautiful — and functional — the centerpiece to their home.
There are a number of considerations to keep in mind when thinking about renovating an old fireplace, including:
The integrity of the chimney: If a fireplace has been neglected for years — or even decades — it’s likely the chimney has been neglected, too. Rooftop Chimney Sweeps can inspect your chimney, inside and out to ensure it’s in good working condition. If it’s not, we can repair or rebuild the chimney to make it functional again.
The inner workings of the fireplace: Even with a sound chimney, a professional fireplace service will be able to ensure your flue, dampers, firebox and more are fit for a fire. Worn fireplaces can cause dangerous conditions, including the threat of toxic gases seeping into your home.
Cleaning the chimney: It’s likely that the chimney in your historic home, if not used in years, has gathered a wide variety of debris — from animals calling your chimney home, to leaves and branches that find their way into the flue. A chimney cleaning service like Rooftop Chimney will ensure your chimney is clean, clear and ready for fires.
The decor of the home: Your fireplace in your historic home can add charm, especially if the firebox is still the original design. Many fireboxes have been rebuilt over the years and are not authentic to the architecture of the home. We can show you what that firebox would have looked like relative to the age and architectural style of the home. A Federalist style home from the 1800s would not have had the same firebox as a 1920’s Bungalow. Accurately matching the style of the firebox to the historic home makes a great focal point to any room.
Rooftop Chimney Sweeps Inc. can help restore any fireplace in historic homes. From installing a new fireplace to a chimney liner installation, we have the knowledge and experience to get the job done right and help beautify and bring character to your home.
To learn more about fireplace restoration in historic homes, contact us today.