The warm glow of a crackling fire brings an undeniable charm to any home…but what should you do when a faulty fireplace threatens to interrupt your plans for a cozy evening in front of the fireplace? Before you fire up a YouTube tutorial and grab your toolbox, take a deep breath. While we understand the urge to solve the problem on your own and possibly save a few bucks, DIY fireplace repairs come with a lot of risk.
Don’t roll the dice. Instead, reach out to the team here at Legendary Chimney Solutions. Our chimney professionals are certified by the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) and you can trust us to get to the bottom of the issue. For Eastern Central Florida fireplace repair, give us a call at 386-999-1329 or schedule an appointment online.
Why Can’t I Fix My Fireplace Myself?
Although DIY fireplace and chimney repairs can be tempting, there are significant downsides to consider before tackling the job yourself, especially for major chimney repairs. Here are some of those risks:
- It isn’t safe. When working with a fireplace, you’ll likely have to deal with fire, gas, or electricity. A simple mistake can have dire consequences. If gas lines or electrical components aren’t repaired correctly, it can lead to gas leaks, electrical fires, or carbon monoxide poisoning.
- You’ll void your warranty. Have you purchased a new fireplace or insert? Make sure you read the fine print on your warranty because it’s common for manufacturers to specify that only authorized technicians can perform repairs to maintain warranty coverage. DIY fireplace repairs will void that warranty.
- You’ll hurt your home’s resale value. The real estate market is finicky, but one mainstay is that fireplaces add value to homes. Improperly repaired fireplaces can have a negative impact if potential buyers question the quality of the workmanship or the safety of the fireplace.
- It can complicate things with your insurance coverage. Chimney fires happen more often than you think. Did you know that your homeowner’s insurance policy can deny your claim if they determine that your fireplace hasn’t been maintained by a qualified professional?
- You could miss other issues. Let’s say you believe that the water pooling in your firebox is due to a damaged chimney damper, but the problem is actually a cracked chimney crown. You replace the damper and you don’t see any signs of a leak for a little while. In fact, it takes months for the damper to start to rust and clue you into a bigger problem. In that time, your chimney has been exposed to water for much longer than it would’ve been if you hired a chimney professional.
Can I Save Money Doing Fireplace Repairs Myself?
When homeowners take on DIY home improvement projects, it’s usually under the guise of saving money. Realistically, though, a failed attempt at DIY chimney repairs can end up costing you a lot more in the long run. Band-aid fixes are typically a short-term solution, sure…but there is a looming possibility that your chimney has a bigger problem that may be outside of your expertise.
We’ve seen our fair share of chimney leaks over the years, and a lot of those jobs are called in after the homeowner has tried to fix the issue on their own. But stopgaps are just that – they may make the fireplace usable for the time being, but they won’t last because the root cause of the leak still needs to be addressed.
Think about – if the source of your problem is the chimney cap, it’s easier to address it with a new one, as opposed to waiting and having to repair damaged masonry (in addition to fixing the cap).
What Safety Certifications or Training Do Chimney Professionals Have?
At Legendary Chimney Solutions, we take professional certifications, memberships, and ongoing education seriously. The chimney business is ever-evolving and we’re fully committed to being at the forefront of the industry in knowledge and innovation.
Our team is certified, affiliated with, and actively involved with the following:
- National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
- National Chimney Sweep Guild (NCSG)
- Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA)
How Can I Prevent Fireplace Repairs in the Future?
The best way to deal with chimney and fireplace repairs is to avoid them altogether! Most fireplace breakdowns can be prevented with a good maintenance plan.
We have a few tips to help you get on the right path:
- Book annual inspections with a certified chimney sweep.
- Get your chimney professionally cleaned at least once a year.
- Use the correct fuel. If you have a wood-burning unit, only use seasoned firewood.
- Install carbon monoxide and smoke detectors near your fireplace.
- Don’t put off repairs when a problem pops up.
- Invest in a chimney cap.
We’re the Go-To Crew for Fireplace Repairs in Eastern Central Florida
Don’t let a small fireplace repair snowball into a much bigger issue. When your fireplace isn’t performing up to par, get Legendary Chimney Solutions on the line. We’re here to assist you with all of your chimney repair needs. Book an appointment online or call us at 386-999-1329.
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