When most people picture a comfortable and welcoming home, there’s usually a comforting fireplace at the center of it all. This brings warmth and coziness to a room, even if it’s not currently lit. Unfortunately, not all fireplaces are as cozy as they should be.
These are the top ways to update this portion of your home and why a great fireplace can make an awesome difference.
Assessing the Current State
Before you make any changes, stop and take a look at your fireplace. Do you notice any cracks? Moisture? Insect or animal life? Do you know the last time your fireplace was used? (Avoid lighting a fire in it if it’s been more than a year since you’ve had the fireplace inspected).
Forgoing this step and jumping right into a renovation can cause countless issues. To avoid roof water damage, shingle loss, and so much more, stop and inspect your property. Even worse, lighting it without being sure can cause injury or even death in some instances.
Planning Your Renovation
Set out a plan on what you want your fireplace to look like, and what you’ll have to do to achieve this look. Does it need to be gutted and started from scratch? Do you simply want to redecorate and add a mantel?
Look at the portion of your fireplace that’s on the exterior of your roof, and consider what condition it’s in as well. Set a realistic budget for yourself. If you’re not sure what that could look like it usually ranges between $900 to $3,000 depending on materials, and what tools you need to purchase or rent before you start.
Gathering Materials and Tools
The materials and tools you’ll use, if you complete this project on your own, can cost thousands, so be aware of what you need. Don’t over buy to overcompensate for being unsure.
You’ll need items like a trowel, 5-gallon buckets, an angle grinder, chalk, a drill, a brunch set chisel, a rail tile saw, a margin trowel, an oscillating multitool, and possibly more, depending on the project. Be aware that some of these items, like the rail tile saw, can be rented.
For materials, you’ll need items like hardboard, cement board screws, painter’s tape, rosin paper, duct tape, tile, metal edging, modified thin-set, cement board, and more. Be aware that the materials you buy may affect the quality of the finished project, so don’t cut corners.
Step-by-Step Renovation Process
This renovation project can take from a weekend to a couple of weeks, depending on your experience and how much you’re changing. It’s vital that you set a timeline for yourself, or this is a project you might get overwhelmed by, set down, and realize a year later you’ve never completed it.
Set a deadline for yourself, and you’ll find it far easier to complete it in a timely manner.
Safety First
Your safety is key, so take the time to gather items like good gloves, goggles, and face masks to protect yourself from the dust, and work in a well-ventilated space. If this project is way out of anything you’ve done before, it could be a good idea to hire someone to help you complete it.
Although hiring someone can be pricey, it’s less expensive than trying it yourself, messing up, and then having to hire someone else to fix what you did and do it correctly.
Clean the Fireplace
Before you make a single change, it’s vital that you deep clean your fireplace. This will uncover any cracks or issues you might have missed, and will give you the chance to closely inspect the structure.
Make sure to use the correct brick-and-stone cleaner for this task! Brick and stone can easily be damaged, which will ruin the effect of the entire renovation.
Structural Repairs
If you notice large cracks or issues with your fireplace, it’s vital that you use materials that are heat-resistant and will avoid sparking or causing problems within the structure. One of the most popular crack materials is a silicate-based refractory cement caulk.
Tile or Stone Veneer
Consider if stone or tile is better for you and how it’ll look in your living space. Don’t do anything too ostentatious if you’re planning on selling soon.
Mantel
Your mantel should tie into either the material of the fireplace, or the wood and wood stains of the rest of the room it’s in. Avoid making this a place for a television, since the heat isn’t great for a screen, and the height is often a poor choice for neck comfort.
Painting
Painting has been incredibly popular for fireplaces in recent years, but it’s vital that you check the type of paint you use. Using the wrong kind on a brick fireplace can weaken the brick and make it crumble over time.
Insert Installation
If you’re installing an insert, be aware this is a two-person job that can take a day ro complete, working at heights and in enclosed spaces. Although the finished result is gorgeous, if you’re inexperienced it could be worth going with a professional instead.
Final Touches
The final touches are, of course, deep cleaning to get any construction dust, debris, or smudging off of the fireplace. Inspect the fireplace to ensure it will function safely, and then you can light it. If smoke starts to come out of the fireplace, or you hear popping or cracking sounds it’s important to turn it off immediately, and seek professional help to correct whatever issues occurred.
Maintenance Tips
Inspect your fireplace twice a year to make sure it’s functioning well and that there are no blockages or issues. Keep it clean, and use only dry wood that’s safe to burn. Using the proper tools, and keeping a grate in front of it when it’s lit is also important for safety.
Your Fireplace Should Be Welcoming to All
Although you may not keep it burning year-round, your fireplace should offer everyone a warm welcome when they come into your home. Follow some of these tips, and check out Full Service Chimney to keep your home safe and comfortable.
Author Bio
Brian Jeffries is a freelance writer who loves sharing his knowledge and expertise on construction projects and materials. He lives in Winter Park, Florida where he enjoys spending time with his wife and working on projects in his spare time. Brian’s work as a freelance writer can be found on Building Product Advisor, a construction industry resource site.