Fireplace Retrofit: How to Transform Your Wood Fireplace’s Performance and Safety
An older wood-burning fireplace with performance problems and an outdated look is a good candidate for a fireplace retrofit. Felgemacher performs expert retrofits for our customers throughout the greater Rochester, NY, and Buffalo, NY, regions. Here’s how we can help you to really enjoy your fireplace again.
Problems addressed by a fireplace retrofit
If you’re experiencing any of the problems shown below with your current fireplace, it might be time to look into the benefits and value of a retrofit:
- Low heat
- Too much firewood needed to achieve marginal results
- Draftiness
- Trouble getting fires started
- Fires that burn sluggishly
- Smoke blowing back into your room
- A fireplace that looks old and worn out
Elements of a retrofit project
Changing out the fireplace is the main task, but you should look at the chimney and several system components while you’re at it. Here’s a little about both areas of a retrofit project.
Fireplace changeout
If you’re using a traditional masonry fireplace, the retrofit would involve adding a fireplace insert to your current firebox. Wood-burning inserts are factory-built and ready to be installed.
With a properly installed insert, you’ll enjoy:
- A lot more heat with less firewood
- Significantly fewer drafts
- Reduced emissions
- Fires that are easier to start and keep burning
- A gorgeous fireplace that enhances the décor of your entire room
Chimney issues
When adding a new fireplace, it’s important to have the chimney and its components inspected to identify any issues that need to be addressed. Often, there are.
Chimney liner
An inspection will determine if your chimney liner is cracked or otherwise damaged. A compromised liner can allow smoke and deadly combustion gases to leak into your home. It can also impede smooth drafting. Severe damage can cause a house or chimney fire.
Damper
The damper controls the flow of air in a wood-burning fireplace. Older dampers may no longer create a tight seal when closed or open fully when getting a fire started.
Chimney height
If you’ve historically had drafting problems and smoke backups, one of the culprits could be a chimney that’s too tall or too short. This should be checked out during the fireplace retrofit. Additionally, an incorrect flue diameter can cause sluggish drafting, but the new insert will draft through its own pipe, so flue diameter usually won’t be an issue.
Repairing an old fireplace vs replacing it
As with any appliance or system in your home, you want to keep your existing fireplace running as long as you can. Periodic fireplace and chimney repairs can accomplish this; however, there will come a time when you’re spending too much money on repairs and should think about an upgrade.
A fireplace retrofit is a beneficial upgrade. You can also consider installing a new manufactured fireplace in any wall of your home.
If you love the look and location of your masonry fireplace but don’t like its performance or safety, a fireplace insert is probably your best option.
A better fireplace for your home
Learn more about a wood fireplace retrofit, fireplace repairs, and chimney services by calling the experts at Felgemacher. Reach a New York fireplace professional by phone or through our contact form.
