Are you looking for advice about how to restore an old fireplace? This article looks at whether fireplace restoration is a good idea and what steps you need to take.

How to Restore an Old Fireplace

Suppose you've just moved into a brand-new home and inherited a gorgeous old fireplace; you likely want to get it working again so that you can enjoy all the benefits it brings.

The best way to start restoring is to ensure your chimney breast is swept by a professional chimney sweep so that they may check for any factors that require repairing and thoroughly cleaning the insides.

Often with much older fireplaces or period fireplaces, they include various problem layers, for example, damaged tiles, disfigured backs, overpainting, cracked hearths or harmed or missing metal components that allow it to function efficiently.

You can seek a competent DIYer to tackle some of the issues at hand; for example, layers of too much paint can be completely removed with a chemical paint stripper and wipe the coats away with a cloth.

Many may wonder why they don't use heat guns instead. However, those working in the industry would often advise that you avoid using heat guns as they typically crack old metal or lead, which would ruin the structure of your fireplace.

The job takes a little more than just elbow grease, and you'll want to ensure you or your professional is equipped with protective gloves and attire.

What Are The Components Of A Fireplace

If you uncover damaged or missing metal components, it's best to call a local professional to assist you; restorers can also recast any fireplace features, for example, grates and hoods.

To complete the job, they utilise multiple materials such as black grate polish, flue liners, wire brushes, and steel wool.

They can also help clean, restore and reseal the stonework and make new hearths. New hearths can come in standard sizes, or you may like to have them custom-made to fit all your appliances dimensions, floors, walls and proportions.

It may be best to start again with a brand-new fireplace if professionals find that the old one is dilapidated. Across the online market, you may find a reclaimed model or a high-quality replica.

You must constantly ensure that your fireplace is well-maintained and safe for use to ensure you avoid hazards such as gas fires and the dangers of carbon monoxide emissions. It's also essential for it to be soothing and aesthetically pleasing.

A restored fireplace helps raise the overall household value, which is excellent if you ever wish to sell your home in the future. Many buyers appreciate the beauty and functionality of a fireplace in working order.

Firstly, you want to establish the fuel you wish to burn in your fireplace, whether solid or gas; this will often provide a better idea of who can carry out the inspection job.

Your local retailer will arrange a thorough site assessment for the appliance. During this inspection, they check the overall condition of your fireplace; they will determine whether it requires lining so that it may work more efficiently.

The inspection typically involves checking for leaks to see if you need a new flue, a smoke test that helps establish if there are damaged flue pipes or gaps within the masonry joins.

There are various requirements for solid and gas fuel, such as any wood burning stove must be used with a twin-wall flue, which allows it to cope better with high temperatures.

You mustn't purchase a stove or fireplace without uncovering the original cavity opening where the open fire goes. You must be aware of its size so that you may ensure your stove fits adequately, leaving enough room and clearances to comply with building regulations concerning the distance of combustible materials and your appliances.

For example, if they discover that, due to your chimneys space being unused, the top of the stack has sealed itself up, they will advise that you get it opened again.

In doing so, you can ensure that all the unnecessary air flows upwards through and out of the chimney roof, as it should when working efficiently.

Many fireplaces within a period property tend to create a focal feature for an incredibly characterful living room throughout time, drawing lots of attention. The Georgians often favoured more natural materials such as marble surrounds and classical-style stone with more plan apertures that contained a fire basket.

Your professionals may be able to provide some ideas and inspiration on how to restore the fireplace visually so that you can achieve the fireplace you want

On the other hand, Edwardian and Victorian households often opted for a one-cast iron fireplace with combined inserts and surround. Victorian fireplaces have surrounds made of a wide range of marble, stone, and timber materials.

Many people of that time liked other decorative elements, such as tiles inserts on the sides or cheeks of the fireplace. Historic fireplace restoration specialists across the UK have an expansive knowledge of fireplaces from different eras and can help you bring any historical fireplace appliance back to its former glory.

When professionals slot in a made-to-measure brick-faced chamber, it can restore the fireplace's appearance, providing it with a neater finish; however, many decide to render this design, lining it with Thermalux, which is a non-combustible board. 

Building regulations

Suppose you wish to have any form of fireplace restoration, appliance replacements or new fireplace instalments completed within your property.

In that case, you must utilise a competent person with a registration on a self-certification scheme.

It is also paramount that you contact your local authorities and building control department to seek an adequate building notice.

You'll have permission to have professionals undertake any work covered by building legislation or regulation with a building notice.

Whilst it can be a costly option, you must pay fees to your local council to secure consent, and this is purely unavoidable if you choose to use a HETAS registrant scheme member.

All regs must adhere to any structural alterations, such as replacing any lintel above the fireplaces aperture. You need to employ or hire qualified professionals to decommission an old electric or gas fire.

How Do I Know if I Need My Fireplace Restored?

In many ways, you'll be able to tell when your fireplace requires restoring. The most apparent sign of fireplace issues is whether you have experienced a fire because of your fireplace; this is the most significant sign that needs immediate restoration work. 

Often, you'll find that run-down fireplaces may have chimney combustion instead of inside the firebox; such a problem is regarded as an emergency. Therefore, you will require your fireplace restored.

Eruption in your chimney will need restoration work, not just for your chimney but also the hearth, chimney liner and masonry. It's best to ensure you get your chimney liner and overall fireplace is thoroughly checked over for chips in the paint or plaster, rusting, creosote build-ups, cracks, obstructions or various other problems.

You may need to look into some fireplace restoration services for those who spot any of these issues or begin to notice your chimney is leaning or slanted.

Specific restoration specialists can help bring period pieces from different properties and households back to their original state for those living in historic buildings or conservation areas.