Fireplace Cracks: Causes and Solutions
Your fire should crackle, not crack
Even though you may only use it a few months each year, you always need to keep an eye out for and repair any cracks in a fireplace. While brick and stone are known for their lasting durability, even the toughest materials can be susceptible to damage over time, and chimneys are no exception.
What Causes Cracks in a Fireplace?
Age, precipitation, and movement can all contribute to causing cracks or gaps inside your fireplace. With regular maintenance and timely repairs when needed, you can continue enjoying the benefits of your fireplace while staying safe and warm.
1. Aging
As your home and fireplace age, they may also start to erode, which can cause smaller cracks in the mortar joints. This is due to the effects of years of heating up and cooling down and the dirt under the structure continuing to settle over time.
2. Water
Rain, snow, and ice can make their way into even the smallest cracks of a chimney, leading to leaks. If this happens, the continued freeze-thaw cycles will eventually break down the masonry and cause larger fissures in the fireplace.
3. Movement
Movement of any kind, particularly from weather events like tornadoes and earthquakes, can cause the entire chimney to shift. If the footing at the structure’s base is too weak to handle small movements, cracks can form in and around the fireplace. If you have a new home, the foundation settling can also cause some cracks. These should be minor hairline cracks that don’t require repairs, but if you notice larger cracks appearing, it’s time to call in a pro.
4. Faulty Construction
Poor construction is the death of any project. If someone unlicensed built your fireplace and didn’t quite meet building codes or take extra care, it’s a recipe for disaster. They may not have leveled the bricks correctly or given the mortar enough time to dry, both of which can eventually lead to cracks.
Is It Important to Fix a Fireplace Crack Right Away?
Well-constructed chimneys have two (or more) fire-resistant layers, including double layers of brick, double-walled steel, or steel with stone wool insulation. But once a crack forms, you begin to run the risk of flames penetrating these layers and getting to the combustible materials around the firebox. If the fissure is larger, there’s also a possibility that burning embers could blow through the crack and into the wall.
Because these are serious fire hazards, you should repair any fireplace crack ASAP, no matter how small.
How to Repair Fireplace Cracks
For small hairline cracks, you can purchase refractory caulk specifically rated for chimney fireboxes. You’ll need to start by cleaning out the crack and surrounding area to remove any loose mortar, then fill the crack with caulk. Note that this method is only appropriate for minor repairs and never for large cracks.
A chimney professional or a certified mason should inspect any cracks, gaps, or holes larger than a hairline. The risk is too great to try and tackle these issues as a DIY project, so be sure to locate a licensed contractor in your area.
Pros can repair many fireplace cracks if you catch the issue early enough, but you may need to replace portions of your fireplace or, in some cases, the entire fireplace.
How Much Does It Cost to Repair Fireplace Cracks?
Fireplace repair costs vary widely depending on the severity of the crack and where it’s located. Homeowners can purchase a tube of refractory caulk for around $15 to repair any small cracks or holes. This caulk works well for repairing small chips or cracks in firebrick, re-pointing mortar joints between firebricks, and bonding bricks together.
In the case of large cracks, gaps, or holes, you should consult a professional chimney contractor or mason. A professional fix has a wide range of costs, depending on the severity of the crack, but most homeowners should expect to pay $175 to $3,000 to repair a crack.
How to Prevent Fireplace Cracks
Regular fireplace maintenance will help your household stay safe while you enjoy years of cozy warmth.
Clean the Interior
Be sure to clean out wood-burning fireplaces to remove buildup and stay efficient. You should regularly remove ash, soot, and leftover wood remnants. While any homeowner can perform basic tidying up, we recommend that you hire a chimney professional once per year to perform an inspection and deeper clean.
Install a Blower and Heat-Resistant Door
Having a fan or blower installed will help circulate air and heat more efficiently. And a heat-resistant door prevents sparks and embers from escaping the hearth area, as well as keeping children and pets at bay.
Utilize Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarms
Having both a smoke alarm and carbon monoxide detector in the same room as your fireplace will help alert you to any potential issues. Be sure to check the batteries regularly to make sure they are working properly.
Who Fixes Fireplace Cracks?
Call a local fireplace remodeler or a dedicated repair pro to fix cracks in your chimney. A generalized handyperson won’t have the skills or prior experience to correctly fix your fireplace fiasco. To make sure everything is on the up-and-up, check your pro’s licensing and ask them about their prior experience fixing fireplace cracks.