Replacement of a Factory-Built Fireplace
About 75% of all fireplaces in the U.S. these days are prefabricated (prefab), also known as factory-built fireplaces . They are manufactured and assembled in a factory and then shipped out to be installed by professional fireplace installers. Due to the low cost of prefab fireplaces, compared to those built with brick or stone, they are high-profit items for builders. Whereas a well-maintained brick fireplace can be expected to last a century or more, factory-built fireplaces have a specific life span and a warranty that usually tops out at 30 years, maximum. Replacing factory-built fireplaces gives many expert fireplace installers plenty of steady work.
What Exactly is a Prefab Fireplace?
A prefab fireplace is a metal box that may or may not have vents at the top and bottom fireplace face. Other components include a screen, damper, firebrick panels, glass doors, a metal chimney, a chase top, rain cap, and flashing. Some factory-built fireplaces are designed only for burning wood. Some can burn only wood but can be converted to gas. Some are designed and built for gas only, and some can burn both.
Installing a prefabricated fireplace is work for a qualified professional. Homeowners’ insurance coverage of any problems involving a factory-built fireplace usually depend upon the unit being installed by a trained professional. For this reason and more, replacing a factory-built fireplace is not a do-it-yourself project.
Lifespan of Factory-Built Fireplaces
Proper use of a factory-built fireplace is essential, for safety reasons. These appliances do not have the same capacity for roaring fires like traditional masonry fireplaces do. In fact, prefab fireplaces are usually listed as “decorative appliances.” The units are designed for modest ambient fires. The life expectancy of these fireplaces is determined to a large extent on how they are used.
A rarely-used prefab fireplace will last much longer than one that is frequently used. If a chimney fire ever occurs, the stainless steel flu liner could be destroyed and need early replacement.
Rust is a common problem that causes damage. Rust damage is usually caused by a leak in bad flashing, a missing termination cap, or a chase cover that has rusted through and allowed moisture in that causes other components of the system to rust. When the rust is so severe that you can puncture the metal with your finger or with cleaning materials, replacement of the entire unit is the only sensible solution.
Replacing a Factory-Built Fireplace
Whether from age or premature rusting, the time eventually comes for replacement of a factory-built fireplace. Professionals are as familiar with this procedure as builders are with initially installing them, if not more so. If a fireplace front has a finish such as brick or tile, the most practical approach is to remove and install from behind, if that placement of the appliance allows for that. Experts always aim to remove a factory-built fireplace and replace it with a new one without disturbing interior finishes.
Contact Hudson Valley Chimney
If you need prefab fireplace replacement or any other chimney services, contact our trained and certified experts at Hudson Valley Chimney.
