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Is it possible to remove a brick fireplace?
A: Yes, you can remove the brick facade and replace it with another material. And you will still be able to use the fireplace. The only restriction is that the material around the firebox must be noncombustible. Common choices are marble, some other type of stone or tile.
How much does it cost to remove a brick fireplace?
A partial chimney or fireplace demolition costs $500 to $2,000. A complete removal could run $4,000 to $6,000. Because chimneys are often deeply integrated into the structure of your home, it is important to invest in the cost of a structural engineer for about $500 prior to demolition.
Can you remove a fireplace by yourself?
Removing a fireplace or a chimney is certainly a job you can do yourself. The reason for removing a fireplace may vary, but many reasons may be that extra space is needed, the fireplace is damaged or you just do not use it often enough.
How do you remove a brick face from a fireplace?
Place the cold chisel in the mortar joints of one of the end bricks. There should be a joint where the brick meets the wall and there is a joint between the top brick and the second course below it. Work on both joints until the brick is loosened, then lift it off.
Is removing a fireplace a good idea?
But losing a fireplace can affect a home’s appeal and possibly even its resale value, real estate pros say. A fireplace can particularly be viewed as a valuable amenity in colder climates, and removing one could even reduce the number of buyers drawn to a property, some agents say.
How easy is it to remove a fireplace?
If it’s a wooden or tiled surround, it can be as simple as removing screws and lifting it away. You may need some help with tiled surrounds due to their weight. It’s also important to wear gloves and protective goggles if you choose to break them up with a sledgehammer.
How do you remove a brick fireplace hearth?
Remove Old Hearth Use demolition hammer with a chisel bit to chip away old hearth and the mortar underneath (as shown). Leave concrete hearth base and firebox floor in tact. Brush and vacuum debris and dust from hearth base. Tip: Wear eye and ear protection and a dist mask when using a demolition hammer.
Do you need planning permission to remove a chimney?
Generally speaking You normally only need to ask for planning permission for alterations that affect the outside appearance of your home. Therefore if you are planning to remove the chimney from above roof level, you would be required to seek planning consent in order to do this.
How do I completely remove a fireplace?
The fireplace removal process Remove or cover furniture. Check whether the chimney breast supports any of the house’s framing. Seal off doors to protect from dust. Dismantle brick-by-brick, using a cold chisel and hammer. Chisel out the mortar and remove the bricks to at least one foot below the roofline.
How do you remove a brick mantle?
How to Remove a Mantel From a Brick Wall Remove any decorative trim around the outside edges of the mantel. Insert the short end of an I-beam construction pry bar between the back edge of the mantel and a brick wall. Cut through the mounts with a reciprocating saw to release the mantel.
Can you remove a fireplace but not the chimney?
The demolition would involve opening up the wall and removing the fireplace from the framing that holds it in place. Once removed, you can either install another fireplace measuring the same size, or simply install supports for the chimney and cover the space up.
How do you demo brick?
Start at the top of the wall and insert the tip of an air chisel into the mortar joint between the top row of bricks and the second row of bricks. Chisel between the bricks just enough to break the bond and pop the top brick loose. Alternatively, use a hand chisel and hammer.
How do you chisel a brick fireplace?
Cut Out the Brick With a Chisel With a masonry chisel and hammer, lightly break out the brick between the holes, completing the cut line. Slightly angle the chisel toward the waste brick (the portion of the brick to be removed) so that you do not risk damaging the portion of the brick that will remain.
Does removing a chimney devalue a house?
What is this? They are also safer when removing a chimney from an external wall on a fully detached house, as full removal will significantly weaken the entire wall.
Why do new homes not have fireplaces?
Modern homes do not have enough draft in order to keep a wood fireplace lit. They will go out. This is because space heaters replaced fireplaces for energy efficiency, so new forms of insulation have replaced asbestos and fiberglass such as foam.
Why do people block off fireplace?
Indoor Air Quality Matters Poor air quality and the health risks (nausea, irritation, headaches, allergies, fatigue, and other illnesses) are just some of the dangers of having an operable chimney. Blocking it off permanently increases your home safety overall against other issues such as mold, fire, rodents, and more.
