Masonry Fireplace Guide

Most homeowners would be loath to admit it, but they aren’t sure exactly what type of fireplace they have. Sure, they know what type of fuel it burns and how it looks on the outside, but the name for their exact type of fireplace can often elude them.

And this should come as no surprise, as the popularity of different types of fireplaces has exploded in recent years. However, if you have an older brick fireplace, the answer is most likely simple: you probably have a masonry fireplace.

If knowing you have a masonry fireplace brings up more questions than answers, have no fear, you’ve come to the right place. In our complete guide to masonry fireplaces below, we will look at everything you need to know about them. This includes how they work, how to properly maintain them, related DIY projects anyone can do, when you should consider replacing your masonry fireplace, and some additional safety tips. But first, we will define what exactly a masonry fireplace is and how it functions.

If a time traveler from eons ago was plopped into our century, one of the few things they might recognize in our living rooms (besides the couch and the dog) would be the fireplace. And when it comes to fireplaces, few designs have stood the test of in the way the masonry fireplace has.

But what is a masonry fireplace exactly? Well, in short, a masonry fireplace is a fireplace that is made of stone or brick and mortar and typically heated with wood. Further, a masonry fireplace is constructed onsite and is an integral part of any home’s structure. It is one of the oldest forms of fireplace there is. And it is easy to see why they endure, masonry fireplaces retain a classic charm all their own and are often the centerpiece of a room’s design, even when they don’t have a fire raging within them.

A stable fire requires three distinct aspects in order to continually burn efficiently: a steady flow of oxygen, a combustible (fuel), and an ignition source. In a masonry fireplace, this balance is maintained thanks to a fire’s heat and the fireplace’s chimney system.

In practice, the heat from the fire rises and is drafted out of the chimney, creating an airflow that draws more oxygen into the hearth to feed the fire. Thanks to this very basic science, masonry fireplaces are able to work no matter what type of fuel they are using.

And while fires will always require fuel, it is the chimney system that does much of the heavy lifting. If a chimney isn’t regularly cleaned and maintained its components may begin to function at sub-optimal levels. Not only will this make fires less efficient and robust, but it can also lead to a clogged flue, possible backdrafts, or a chimney fire. It is recommended these fireplaces are inspected once a year to ensure the chimney is clean and needs no repairs.

Some homeowners are terrified of trying to make any changes to their masonry fireplace for fear that they may inadvertently compromise its fire safety. While fire safety should always be paramount, and a professional should always handle work done to the chimney or firebox, there is also no reason why you can’t undertake some fun DIY projects around other parts of your fireplace.

Some ideas for fireplace projects you can attempt yourself include:

• Replacing tile: If your fireplace’s face features dated décor or broken tiles you may want to consider resurfacing it with fresh tile. This is a simple and fun project that can be completed in as little as a weekend. Best yet, new tile can give an old fireplace new life and help it regain its place as the focal design point of any room.
• Refinishing the Mantel: Fireplace mantels are often overlooked as a place to put holiday decorations or family photos. However, refinishing your mantelpiece can be a quick and easy way to help refresh the look of your fireplace. Refinishing a mantel is a painless process that can be undertaken much like you would when refinishing any piece of wooden furniture. Simply strip your mantel and repaint or stain it. One thing to be aware of if you have an older fireplace mantel is possible lead paint exposure. For this reason, it is best never to sand the paint off of a mantel and to rely on chemical strippers instead.
• Painting or Staining a Brick Fireplace: Similar to the above DIY ideas, painting or staining the façade of a brick fireplace is a quick and easy way to bring vibrancy to a faded masonry fireplace. For painting, be sure to clean the brick thoroughly and apply a primer coat before adding an acrylic latex or elastodynamic formulated paint. Staining is much the same process except you may want to cover the fireplace’s mortar with painters tape for protection and apply the stain by hand using a rag (always wearing gloves when doing so).

Turning a non-functioning fireplace into a design feature: There are many ways to turn a non-functioning fireplace into a design piece. For example, you could fill the firebox with tea candles to bathe the area in the soft glow of candlelight. Alternatively, a fireplace can be a great place for a mini-bookshelf or displaying a shelf of eye-catching nick-nacks.

Besides cosmetic damage to the façade of your masonry fireplace, there are other issues every owner of a masonry fireplace should be aware of. While not every little issue will turn into a structural or fire-safety risk, it is still best to deal with smaller potential problems early to avoid them developing into bigger nuisances later.

Below we have listed some of the most common problems a masonry fireplace may develop.

• Firebox problems: As the place where fires are lit, a properly functioning firebox is absolutely essential. Cracks in its foundation may allow dangerous fumes to escape into your living area. And while a decrepit firebox may need to be rebuilt, other more cosmetic issues can also drag down a masonry fireplace’s looks. Soot staining, for one, can be an early warning sign of poor drafting and may indicate problems in your fireplace’s chimney system.
• Chimney problems: Though rare if properly maintained, a common fear surrounding chimneys is the risk of a chimney fire. This occurs when creosote from burning wood builds up in the chimney in large enough concentrations to start a fire. The real danger with a chimney fire is that they have the potential to burn hot enough to make any chimney or liner ineffectual and thus spread to the home’s surrounding frame. Helping to avoid this is part of the reason why an annual cleaning of the chimney before use is so important.
• Flue problems: The flue is one of the most vital structures a masonry fireplace has, and if it isn’t functioning properly, it can cause big problems. The most common problem for a flue is cracks that can be caused by sudden stress, a previous chimney fire, or develop over time. A good chimney professional will be able to find such cracks and remedy the problem easily.
• Face or decorative problems: Separate from many of the more essential issues that can crop up, a deteriorating fireplace face can nonetheless be not only an eye-sore but a potential fire hazard as well. Replacing tile can be done either piece-by-piece or all at once depending on your preference.
• Hearth problems: The tiled area of floor directly in front of your fireplace’s opening is commonly referred to as the hearth. A hearth’s tile serves as an important buffer between the fire and your floors. So, if you notice cracks or separation in this area, it’s best to get your fireplace inspected and repaired by a professional as this can be a sign of instability or shifting in your fireplace’s larger structure.
• Other problems: This is by no means an exhaustive list of issues owners of masonry fireplaces may encounter, and still other potential problems remain. Some of these may seem totally cosmetic (such as exterior chimney staining) but if you’ve learned anything from the above, it should be that if you notice a seemingly superficial issue with your masonry fireplace it can often be a harbinger of larger complications.

Now we are aware of some of the most common issues that crop up for masonry fireplaces, let’s next look at some simple ways we can help fix or avoid these problems.

Seeing some of the most common problems a masonry fireplace can have illustrates the importance the role of the homeowner and preventative maintenance play in ensuring your fireplace continues to operate at an optimal level.

The most important thing a homeowner can do is keep a watchful eye on their fireplace, undertake all routine maintenance, have your fireplace certified before use each year, and keep it clean from soot or ash build-up between uses.

Doing so will go a long way in keeping your fireplace in good working order for years to come. And most importantly, it can save you a lot of money and headaches later if small problems develop into something larger down the line.

One of the most common questions we get is if homeowners should convert, replace, or repurpose their existing masonry fireplace. Unfortunately, there is no simple answer as this is largely a question of personal preference. Below, we will look at different options if you are looking to do something new with your masonry fireplace.

Convert: There are many reasons why you may want to convert your traditional wood-fueled masonry fireplace via something like a fireplace insert. This might be done for a variety of reasons such as a desire to change fuel sources or a need for greater efficiency. Converting a wood-burning fireplace into a gas unit can be as easy as installing a fireplace insert and extending a gas line to it.

Replace: If you feel that your masonry fireplace has degraded too much and is beyond repair you may want to invest in a total replacement. This can be an expensive but necessary process, especially if the masonry of your fireplace has been damaged from years of neglect or is no longer fire-safe due to an antiquated design. Depending on the size of your chimney, fireplace professionals will be able to replace your entire structure for around $1,000 to over $5,000.

Repurpose: What if you want to convert your fireplace into something else entirely? This is one option that some homeowners are choosing to save on maintenance and other associated costs. When deciding whether this option is right for you it is important to consider what you would like to use the space for. A fireplace can be easily sealed and then turned into something else such as a bookcase.

Lastly, let’s look at some additional fireplace safety tips and how they apply to masonry fireplaces specifically.

Always have the right tools for the job on handy: The time to realize you don’t have anything around to pick up and maneuver logs with is not after a flaming log has come rolling out of your fireplace and landed on your carpet. By that point you will have a minor emergency on your hands.

This is just one example of why fireplace tools such as a good pair of tongs and a poker are the bare minimum you should always have nearby. Other useful essentials include a bellows for stoking a dying fire and an extinguisher should the worst come to pass.

(And while we’re on the subject, always place anything like a poker that you’ve put in the fire handle side up; less the next person who comes along doesn’t take care and burns their hand when trying to use it.)

Don’t skip your annual inspection and cleaning: This point has been touched on briefly above, but it bears special mention here. BEFORE you enjoy your first fire of the year, always make sure you have had your fireplace professionally inspected. You should also make sure to always clean your fireplace and chimney annually, if you don’t trust yourself to do a thorough job (especially with the chimney) it is best to hire a chimney sweep.

Consider installing additional safety features: This could be anything from adding a mesh spark guard if you don’t have one already or installing a CO meter in the same room as your fireplace to monitor carbon monoxide levels.

Monitor all pets and children around the fire: While a fireplace can be a safe part of any family home, that doesn’t mean you should ever leave a fire unattended, especially if you have young children or pets. Not only is there a risk that they may try to get too close to the flame or touch it, but furthermore they may try to take something that is burning safely inside out of the fireplace.

If you have any doubts about getting to achieve your outdoor fireplace dreams, feel free to call us at 866-848-3473 or send us an email. Our NFI-certified experts are here to answer any questions or schedule an inspection for your existing fireplace or your covered patio to let you know if it is suitable for a fire pit. Browse our section or check out our other Learning Center articles to expand your fireplace knowledge.

• Gas Fireplace Buyer's Guide
• How to Convert Your Wood-Burning Fireplace with Gas Logs
• Chimney Maintenance Guide