On chilly days and nights, there few activities that are cozier and more relaxing than lounging in front of a roaring fire. Unfortunately, while fireplaces and the fireboxes within them are designed to withstand extremely high temperatures and routine use, they can occasionally break down or become less safe due to normal wear and tear. Below, discover how you can tell when you need firebox or fireplace repairs.

Why Might You Need Your Fireplace Repaired?

1. Crumbles & Cracks

At the start of every season, check around and inside your fireplace for any crumbling brick or cracked mortar. These can indicate the firebox or masonry of the fireplace needs to be rebuilt. If left unaddressed, these damages can cause too much heat to enter the more vulnerable parts of the fireplace, significantly raising the chances of a house fire.

2. Smoke-Filled Room

A properly working fireplace should effectively carry smoke from the firebox up through the flue to be expelled from the chimney. If the room fills with smoke every time you start a fire, there's something wrong with the exhaust system. Possible causes include creosote buildup and clogs, an improperly sized flue, or an inadequately designed fireplace. Excessive smoke exposure can be harmful to the health of every member of the household, so be sure to make fireplace repairs a priority.

3. White Stains

If you see white staining in the firebox or on the fireplace's brickwork, it's a sign of efflorescence. This forms when the chimney cracks and too much moisture gets into the masonry, resulting in a white, powdery coating. Excess moisture means the structural integrity of your chimney, fireplace, and firebox are in danger.

At the first sign of any of these issues, contact Precision Pointing & Restoration. Since 2007, they’ve been offering a variety of fireplace repairs, including firebox, chimney, brickwork, and masonry services, to customers throughout the Greater Pittsburgh, PA, area. A safe fireplace is essential for the welfare and comfort of your home and family, so call (412) 292-7585 today to schedule a repair, or visit their website to learn more about their service options.