Yes, a stone fireplace can be removed. The process is labor-intensive and can require the assistance of professional masons and contractors. Removing a stone fireplace involves chipping away the stones, detaching any associated wiring, gas lines, and other materials, dismantling and removing the chimney, and disposing of the materials properly.
Because of the complexity and amount of work involved, it is recommended to seek the help of a professional to avoid accidental damage and injury.
How much does it cost to remove a stone fireplace?
The cost of removing a stone fireplace will depend on the size and construction of the fireplace, as well as the complexity of the workspace, additional materials needed, and the labor costs associated with the project.
Generally, fireplace removal can range from $500 to $3000. Factors that can influence the cost include tearing down the stone chimney, removing drywall or other walls that surround the fireplace, and/or asbestos or other dangerous materials that may have been used in its construction.
Additional parts and materials such as chimney caps, metal plates and mortar that may need to be replaced are also costs which can add to the overall expense. In some cases, depending on the extent of the work that needs to be done, a professional contractor may be necessary.
Again, their fees will vary depending on the contractor’s experience, the area in which you live, and the project itself.
Is it hard to remove fireplace?
Removing a fireplace is not necessarily a hard task, but it is time-consuming, messy, and labor-intensive. Depending on the type of fireplace and the existing structure, an expert may be needed. Generally, steps to remove a fireplace include:
1. Disconnecting the gas line (if a gas unit)
2. Removing the mantel, facing or surround
3. Taking out the brick or stone from around the firebox
4. Breaking up the firebox and removing the rubble
5. Patching holes, cracks and crumbling mortar
6. Assessing the hearth for any damage and performing repairs, if needed
7. Making sure the flue is closed
8. Taking out the chimney andchecking for any remaining debris
These steps are essential to ensure the fireplace is safely removed, and also to make sure the home remains structurally sound. Depending on the size and weight of the fireplace components, the job may require more than one person.
Safety equipment should be worn, and the area should be well-ventilated to protect against toxic dust and fumes released while taking the fireplace apart. A fireplace is an important part of a home, but when it’s time to remove it, it’s best to bring in an experienced professional to get the job done right.
Are fireplaces load bearing?
The answer to this question depends on the type of fireplace you are referring to. With traditional masonry fireplaces, the answer is typically yes – masonry fireplaces are often load bearing, meaning they are capable of holding up the structure of the house.
However, with factory-built fireplaces, the answer is typically no – these are generally not load bearing and do not provide any structural support for the house. Additionally, a professional engineering inspection may be needed to determine if a masonry fireplace is load bearing.
Furthermore, the owner’s manual of the fireplace should explain the necessary support requirements.
Do fireplaces add value to your home?
Yes, adding a fireplace to a home can add significant value, both financially and aesthetically. A fireplace adds warmth and charm to a space, making a home feel more inviting and cozy. From a financial standpoint, a fireplace can add as much as 5% to 7% of a home’s overall value.
The type of fireplace you choose to install helps determine the amount of value. For example, wood-burning fireplaces tend to provide higher returns on investment than gas fireplaces, as some buyers may view them as more aesthetically desirable.
You should also consider factors such as energy efficiency when choosing a fireplace, as this can have a significant impact on the value of your home. Furthermore, if you opt for a higher-end fireplace, you may be able to recoup as much as 50% to 80% of your costs upon selling the property.
All in all, adding a fireplace to a home can be a great way to increase its value.
Can you remove a fireplace from a house?
Yes, it is possible to remove a fireplace from a house. Depending on the type of fireplace, this process will involve different steps and techniques. If the fireplace is a wood stove or a more traditional open-faced masonry fireplace, the process will involve cutting the flue, demolishing the masonry, removing the chimney and rebuilding the wall where the fireplace was located.
If the fireplace is a gas fireplace, the gas line must be disconnected and capped, and the fireplace and its venting must be properly sealed. Depending on the complexity of the job, homeowners may want to hire a professional to remove the fireplace so as to ensure that all of the proper steps are taken and that there are no safety issues, such as a gas leak or a blocked flue.
Is it a good idea to remove a chimney?
Removing a chimney can be a great idea in certain circumstances, such as if the chimney is damaged, needs extensive repairs, or is no longer being used. By removing the chimney, you’ll eliminate any potential safety hazards, reduce energy costs associated with the chimney, and make more room within the home.
However, before embarking on a project to remove a chimney, it’s important to consider the pros and cons of removing it.
On the plus side, taking down the chimney will eliminate potential safety hazards such as structural issues, loose masonry, and the possibility of chimney fires. In addition, the removal of the chimney can bring increased aesthetic value to the property, brighten up the interior of the home, and make the home more inviting overall.
The opportunity created by removing a chimney also allows you to make adjustments to the overall layout of your home if needed.
On the negative side, removal of a chimney can be costly and may require the help of a contractor. It’s also important to note that removing a chimney can disrupt the airflow within the home, and may jeopardize its energy efficiency.
Additionally, if the chimney is being used for a fireplace or any other type of venting, taking it down can cause a significant decrease in air circulation within the home.
After considering potential pros and cons, you should determine whether or not removal of the chimney is the right move for your home. Additionally, it is important to work with a qualified contractor so that the job is done properly and safely.
Do I need planning permission to remove a chimney?
Whether or not you need planning permission to remove a chimney depends on a number of factors, including the condition of the chimney and its location.
If you own a listed building, you will almost certainly need planning permission before removing a chimney. In some circumstances, the local council may even require that the chimney remains in situ.
If you live in a conservation area, you are also likely to require planning permission, as chimneys tend to add character to an area. Similarly, if the chimney is an important part of the building’s character, and removal would change the appearance of the property, planning permission may be required.
The nature of the chimney may also affect whether or not planning permission is required, as the materials and structure of some chimneys may need to be carefully reclaimed.
Ultimately, it is best to contact your local council to find out whether or not planning permission is required before you decide to remove a chimney.
Can I remove my own fireplace?
It is possible to remove your own fireplace, however, it is generally advised that a professional be hired to do the job, as the process is often complex and dangerous. If you are still determined to do the work yourself, you will need to pay close attention to safety.
First, you must disconnect the gas line and cap off the gas, if applicable. Turn off the fuel supply if applicable. Next, remove the hearth, mantle, and any decorative features. Dismantle the inner firebox and chimney.
Remove the flue pipe, smoke chamber, and damper. Finally, use a saw to cut away the mortar and cut the firebox from the walls.
You may also need to cut away surrounding wallboards, in which case you must wear safety goggles and a dust mask to protect yourself from debris. Additionally, you must clear the area in which the fireplace was installed of all debris to prevent accidents or fires.
Removing a fireplace can be dangerous and is best left to the professionals, however, it is possible to remove the fireplace on your own if done safely and properly.
Is removing a fireplace a good idea?
While removing a fireplace could make sense in certain cases, it ultimately depends on your individual circumstances. Fireplaces can be removed for a variety of reasons, including creating more living space, safety concerns, and ventilation issues.
If you are looking to create more living space, removing a fireplace can make sense if it is not in use or is taking up too much room. Ventilation issues can also be addressed by removing a fireplace if smoke or gases are being released into the home.
Removing a fireplace may also be necessary for safety reasons, as improper use can cause smoke to back up into the house and create a serious fire hazard.
If you’re considering removing your fireplace, make sure to speak with a licensed contractor who can assess the situation and determine whether it’s the right move for you. They can also set you up with the right materials and techniques to ensure the job is done safely and properly.
How do you take up a hearth?
Taking up a hearth is a project that requires a significant amount of time and effort and should not be done by a novice. The first step is to remove the firebox surround, which will require tools like a hammer, crowbar, pliers, power saw, etc.
Next, you’ll need to remove the hearth itself. Depending on the type of hearth, you’ll need to either use a crowbar and pry bar to lift it or use a circular saw to cut through the mortar. Once the hearth has been removed, you’ll need to clean up any debris and dust and flush the hearth opening with water to ensure that all of the dust has been properly removed.
Finally, you’ll need to cover the opening with a temporary wallboard to protect the rest of the room until the new hearth is installed.
How do you get rid of an old brick hearth?
Removing an old brick hearth requires some hard work, but is manageable with some dedication and the right tools. To begin, remove any grout from between the bricks if necessary. Use a chisel and a mallet to do so, prying evenly between the bricks, making sure you’re careful not to damage the bricks or your chisel.
Next, you’ll need to use a cold chisel and a sledge hammer to chip the bricks apart. Begin with the outer layers, breaking each brick into manageable pieces and then placing them into a bucket. You should keep the pieces together, as they’ll be easier to handle when disposing of them.
For the center part of the hearth, use a circular saw with a masonry blade to slice through the mortar. Then, you can chisel and break apart the remaining pieces. Then, use a vacuum and a brush to clean up any dust and debris that remains.
Depending on the extent of the project, you may need to rent a jackhammer or other heavy-duty equipment to make the job easier. After the hearth is gone, finish up the clean-up by brushing and mopping away any remaining traces of it.
What is under a brick fireplace hearth?
Under a brick fireplace hearth, there may be a few different components. Depending on how the fireplace has been built and what type of fuel it burns, there could be a space for logs and air vents, a steel firebox, a combustion chamber, insulation material such as vermiculite, and a steel pan beneath the firebox to protect the floor beneath.
The steel firebox typically consists of a firebrick lining coated with a refractory material to help keep heat in and protect the outer brick fireplace shell. Depending on the fireplace’s design, the combustion chamber can be cast iron, stainless steel, or metal tile, surrounded by insulation material such as vermiculite or perlite to keep heat from escaping out the sides and back of the fireplace.
The steel pan below the firebox may contain a grate or just the floor beneath the firebox, and is designed to protect the floor from high temperatures and ash buildup.
