Insights on Historic Chimney Restoration

Restoring an old, historic home is a project that can yield stunning results, but it is important to address chimney restoration with care. Many practices from days gone by could determine whether a historic fireplace is safe to use in its current state. Scheduling a chimney expert for help with chimney restoration is the best way to find out what may be required to safely use a fireplace in a historic home. The following are among the issues that may be involved.

No Chimney Flue

Chimney flue liners were not recognized as essential for safety until around 1927, when they were first required. Code enforcement did not begin until late in the 1940s, however. If you have an old historic home, it’s possible there is no flue liner. A professional chimney sweep should handle the installation of a liner because of the importance of having the correct size and type of chimney flue liner. For historic homes, new clay tiles are often installed. Among the other options is the most popular, which is the installation of a metal liner.

Old Wooden Bookshelves

Wooden bookshelves, wood trim, and cabinets next to the chimney were once common but are now recognized fire hazards. It is against the current code to have them, though there are exceptions. The wood elements do not need to be removed if there is an appropriate smoke chamber coating and a zero-clearance flue liner that is safe to use close to combustible materials.

Retrofitting

In many historic homes, alterations were made in which fireplaces were connected to early versions of central heating systems. Another change homeowners often made was to place a coal stove in the hearth. When tackling any historic chimney restoration, it is essential to determine whether the fireplace has ever been retrofitted. If the fireplace was used to burn coal, the soot from coal may have caused deterioration of the masonry. The fireplaces that became part of vintage central air systems could have pipes running through the chimney or holes in the bricks.

Considering these and other possibilities, stripping the fireplace and chimney down in order to evaluate their condition is essential.

Chimney Masonry Repair

Chimney masonry is vulnerable to moisture, and historic homes often have crumbling mortar that makes moisture damage more of a threat. Tuckpointing is a procedure that can be used to removed old mortar and replace it with new mortar. The process also strengthens the chimney, providing renewed structural integrity.

Choose the Insert or Fuel Type

You can enjoy a restored fireplace that provides far more heat than the open-hearth style. Wood and gas fireplace inserts provide substantial heat and serve as sources of supplemental heating that can lower utility costs. Victorian style inserts are available that maintain a fireplace’s original style while heating the home effectively.

Keep Up with Chimney Maintenance

Fire safety experts recommend a chimney inspection every year for all chimneys. This is certainly important for historic homes due to the potential vulnerability of the old masonry. Annual cleaning is also essential if you have a wood-burning appliance. The chimney sweeps at Dubuque Fireplace & Patio are ready to help you with historic home chimney restoration. Visit us at 925 Century Drive in Dubuque, IA, or call (563) 582-5156.  In Highland WI, visit our sister store Chimney Specialists Inc.’s showroom at 869 Main Street or call (608) 929-4887.