Don't Get Burned On Fireplace Removal: Costs And Concerns

Reasons for fireplace removal

Each homeowner’s reason for wanting to remove a fireplace is unique. Here’s an overview of the most common reasons for fireplace removal.

Safety concerns

Structural integrity provides a serious reason to consider fireplace removal. A stack that is leaning or crumbling is hazardous for your family and property. Damage or cracks in the firebox may also transfer the heat from a fire, causing additional damage to your house’s structure. In addition to structural damage and the risk of fire, cracks in the firebox can lead to carbon monoxide intrusion.

Maintenance burnout

Fireplaces — gas fireplaces included — need regular maintenance, which can become an onerous and expensive task for homeowners. The average cost of a chimney sweep is $254, depending on the fireplace’s location, size, and condition. The National Fire Protection Association recommends an annual inspection to check chimneys, fireplaces, and vents, per NFPA Standard 211, but the frequency of maintenance depends on how much you use your fireplace.

Dimmitt emphasizes the importance of routine fireplace care by stating, “Sweeping is just the beginning.” He explains that annual inspections by certified technicians are crucial for maintaining a safe fireplace. “There’s no such thing as a safe fire,” he warns, highlighting the fact that regular check-ups are essential to identify any potential hazards.

The Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) educates both technicians and homeowners about fireplace safety, providing vital information on proper maintenance and the risks of neglect. Regular inspection not only ensures efficiency but also minimizes the risk of dangerous issues like chimney fires, carbon monoxide leaks, and structural damage

If you fail to maintain your fireplace, it can cause health problems for you and your family. Chimneys act as exhausts to let toxic gases exit a home. As these toxic fumes rise up through the chimney, they leave a trail of soot and tar, which turn into creosote, a highly flammable material that can catch fire.

High energy costs

In addition to the price of maintenance, your fireplace could be increasing your energy costs. Chimneys often let warm air escape, so your HVAC system must work harder to make up for that heat loss.

According to the US Department of Energy, you can reduce energy costs with some simple steps:

• Conduct an energy assessment to identify areas for energy savings.
• Use sunlight to naturally heat your home by opening curtains during the day and closing them at night.
• Cover drafty windows with clear plastic sheets or heavy-duty drapes to reduce heat loss.
• Set your thermostat to the lowest comfortable temperature when home, and lower it when you’re asleep or away.
• Seal air leaks around doors, windows, and utility cut-throughs to prevent drafts.
• Maintain your heating systems by scheduling routine service and replacing filters regularly.
• Reduce heat loss from fireplaces by keeping dampers closed when not in use and installing tempered glass doors.
• Set your water heater to 120°F to save energy and avoid scalding.
• Use LED holiday lights to reduce energy consumption during the holidays.

Flashing issues damaging roof

Most roof leaks around chimneys are caused by flashing issues at the junction of the chimney and roof. However, leaks can also result from problems with the masonry structure or the cement cap. “Water is the enemy of brick and mortar,” Dimmitt comments, highlighting how vulnerable chimneys are to water damage.

It’s important to note that sometimes leaks are caused by condensation, not roof damage. This can happen when a gas furnace or water heater vents through an old chimney, or when the liner of a gas fireplace chimney is cracked. In these cases, moisture bypasses the liner, comes into contact with cooler masonry, and condenses, leading to water dripping inside the home.

Wasted space

The fireplaces of today are largely ornamental, unnecessary for their original purpose of heating. Sometimes their placement in the home closes off rooms, preventing homeowners from opening their floor plan. Fireplace removal can free up a fair amount of space since chimney breasts and fireplaces take up square footage.

Pollution ordinances / LEED certification

Pollution ordinances regulating emissions based on their quantity and quality are uncommon in the US, though achieving LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification can be affected by heating efficiency and emissions. While sealing the chimney flue can help mitigate this issue by reducing emissions, it also introduces additional maintenance costs that homeowners need to factor in. This added layer of upkeep, while improving overall environmental impact, may increase long-term costs.

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Fireplace removal is a commitment

Once a necessary attribute in a house, fireplaces today are primarily aesthetic features that don’t add as much value as they once did. It’s no longer true, as author Gladys Taber once stated, that a house without a fireplace is a home without heart.

Ultimately, a well-considered decision on fireplace removal is yours to make. If your reasons to remove it are sound, the expense can be worth it.

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