The company cited a 900 dollar repair job to replace the refractory panels due to two pieces of damage. According to the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA), most prefab fireplace manufacturers require replacing the firebox refractory panels when a nickel, on end, can fit into a crack in the panel or when the surface of the firebox panel has abraded more than ¼” from its original surface. If tended earlier, the repair only costs as little as $175. Call Now 8am-8pm (800)-707-9337 Follow Us, Home » Replacing Pre-Fab Fireplace Panels. Manufactures’ opinions will vary when it comes time to replacinging damaged panels. Years of heat transferring to the surround wood consistently lowers that ignition point , increasing the likelihood of a house fire. Each manufacturer sells prefab panels for this eventuality. The price was great and gave me related advice. Do you need to replace your fireplace refractory panel? When these refractory panels become compromised by cracks, it poses a threat every time you use the fireplace. Our selection includes accessories compatible with all of the most popular fireplace brands, including Vanguard, Empire, and Monessen. Years of heat and usage cause wear and tear, stress and heat cracks, abrasion and pitting, all of which can compromise the effectiveness of this safety barrier. Universal Replacement Refractory Panel 23.5" high X 27.5 "wide x 1"(+-) thick If your current fireplace firebrick lining has cracks of 1/4" or more, you should replace the panels for safety reason. We’ve outlined the details you need to determine whether you should repair or replace a fireplace refractory. If a panel of a prefabricated metal fireplace develops extensive cracks or is beginning to crumble, replace it with a new panel. But heat stress cracks the panels from the outside in , meaning it is cracked all the way through. Very nice people. The best thing to do is to carefully remove all of the screws that you can, and then place your chisel behind the edge of the panel, and tap it loose. Postponing the care of the refractory puts your home at risk of a house fire. Since these panels are solely about an inch thick, and they're getting burnt by massive fires on a regular basis, they may eventually put on out and have to be replaced. Spider cracks from can occur from physical stress and aren’t typically an immediate safety issue. After the frigid 2013 to 2014 winter, everyone has staying warm on their minds. As you chimney technician has no doubt pointed out to you there is a problem with the existing refractory panel(s) in your fi replace. Individually they are $250.00 each. The number one thing that goes south with a prefab fireplace is the the “refractory panels” or liners of the firebox. Significant heat loss transferred to the metal fireplace construction. Prefabricated or factory built fireplaces are metal chimney systems that provide a cheaper alternative to a standard masonry chimney. You don’t need a flame to create a fire, you just need an ignition point hit. They are a cost effective, simple way of enhancing the appearance of your hearth. It is a wood burning fireplace. If this refractory panel provides the look you want, we can custom-cut yours to specifications, wrap it and ship it directly to you. These replacement fireplace refractory panels are engineered for extreme heat, have excellent thermal properties, and can be used in prefabricated and zero clearance gas or wood burning fireplaces. Side panels are $175 each when done with back panels. Removing screws can also help you to loosen the panel so that it is easier to free. When to Replace Refractory Panels. The metal box could become extremely hot and warp and could possibly damage the unit. Fixing Water Leakage. Well, we specialize in providing custom-cut panels to fit your needs perfectly. If the crack is larger than 1/16 inch (thickness of a nickel) the refractory should be changed. Joe Capo and his partner were on time, courteous, and explained everything they were doing. Majestic Fireplace Refractory Panels . Refractory caulk, also known as fireplace mortar, is suitable for minor repairs only. Take care to make sure that your chisel does not damage any of the other panels, or the bricks of the fireplace. When the cracks in the refractory panels become worrisome, is when those hairlines cracks begin to widen. The damage at the roofline flashing is often the root cause of rainwater seeping into the fireplace. You probably know that the fireplace panels expand and retract as they heat and cool. 2. They are made to be relatively easily removable and replaceable. Joe Capo and his partner were on time, courteous, and explained everything they were doing. If your fireplace has broken or crumbling bricks, large gaps in the mortar, or missing mortar, have a professional mason or fireplace contractor inspect it. Fireplace Panel Replacement Cost Replacing a fireplace panel runs between $180 to $250 including labor. If you are ordering replacement panels that are white (original color) please indicate that when placing your order. Winter is just around the corner, and weather experts have forecasted another brutal winter. Significant damage in a firebox can be a serious fire hazard and should not be repaired with refractory caulk. When these refractory panels become compromised by cracks, it poses a threat every time you use the fireplace. And, you get the peace of mind of knowing that you are protecting your home and family from a potential fire hazard. To see additional fire safety tips and important fireplace information, check out a few of our other blogs! Constructed with high quality concrete and stainless steel structural laths. Safeside Chimney can send a CSIA Certfied Chimney Sweep to inspect the fireplace and panels during your annual routine chimney cleaning. Call Safeside today for your Prefabricate Refractory Firebox Panel Replacement. Would use them again. Without this protection , heat can transfer to the metal enclosure and cause it to warp , weaken or worse- transfer heat to the surrounding combustibles which is obviously a fire hazard. Fireplace refractory panels are a common repair. Safeside Chimney is one of CT’s leading Chimney service providers. The good news is, it’s relatively simple to have it replaced. 3. If your current fireplace firebrick lining has cracks of 1/4" or more, you should replace the panels for safety reason. How much does my fireplace pilot light cost me. The metal firebox is lined with refractory panels that look like masonry. These panels are made to withstand the high heat of the fire and provide strength and durability to the fireplace itself. Years of heat and usage cause wear and tear, stress and heat cracks, abrasion and pitting, all of which can compromise the effectiveness of this safety barrier. In addition improper functioning panels will decrease the efficiency of your fire, leading to higher heating bills and the use of more firewood. We do the work of tracking down the manufacturers replacement panels and parts , or make the decision to order and custom cut after market products and install them , as approprate. To search for Majestic Refractory panels using the Majestic Refractory Panel Search Grid. Tiny hairline cracks that occur inside the panels are also not concerning, and you can safely continue to operate your fireplace. Excellent service. the second is this hairline fracture in this bottom panel Thank you, guys! Fireplace refractory panels and fireplace liners, also known as a fireplace wall, offer a simple and cost-effective way to enhance the appearance of your hearth. The other purpose is to cause the heat that is created by the fire to be sent back out into the room rather than up the chimney. If there is any chance you have a cracked fireplace refractory you should take care of it right away. Chimney Cricket: 24" x 39 5/8" Energy Saving Fireplace Replacement Panel-Fireplace Refractory Panels- Save Heat & Energy with Lightweight Firebox Panels. The Chimney Safety institute’s general suggested rule of thumb is to have them replaced when the surface has deteriorated a 1/4in or more , or when cracks in the panel have reached the thickness of a nickel. These panels are made to withstand heat and add strength and durability to the fireplace. Warped metal is not only compromised but may decrease those clearnaces further. They are not meant to last forever. These panels are made to withstand the high heat of the fire and provide strength and durability to the fireplace itself. Private consultations available 10-5 Monday - Friday. They laid drop cloths on the floor wherever they went and cleaned my stove up better than it was before. How much would it cost to rip apart brick fireplace and replace with a new firebox? If you need to replace fireplace liners or Manufactured fireplaces often have refractory (concrete like) panels in them to limit the transfer of heat in the firebox area. They are not meant to last forever. However, when you’re talking about a cracked fireplace refractory, there are some things you should know before you opt for repair. Carbon Monoxide and/or fire can find it’s way between the open cracks and voids in a firebox to cause such damage. These panels are manufactured with high thermal properties , generally are 1/2 in to 3/4 in thick. Panels are 1'' thick, and can be cut to Do you need to replace your firebox refractory panel? Refractory panels are usually stuck onto the back of the firebox with a mixture of screws and refractory cement, so getting one out of the fireplace is sometimes a difficult task. The Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) warns that a cracked fireplace refractory should be replaced if the crack is 1/16 of an inch wide, or you can fit the end of a nickel into it. I was greeted and told goodbye with a handshake. Having a cracked fireplace refractory is bad news. Keep in mind that these particular Vermiculite . You should also replace fireplace refractory if the surface is abraded to 1/4 of an inch. House fires can occur if there are cracks in the refractory panels that allow excessive heat to transfer through the cracks to the metal shell (box) and to the wood framing. Anytime there is a crack in your refractory panel, it’s time to replace it. WHEN TO REPLACE REFRACTORY One should consider replacing the refractory when large cracks occur. $250.00$250.00. Safeside Chimney can determine the condition of the fireplace. We have replaced thousands of “factory built” prefabricated firebox panels over the years! Also, if the refractory starts to crumble and fall apart in chunks, you should replace it. Update: used them again and Joe was the best again! These fireplaces are factory-made and have fireplace panels on the bottom and sides of the firebox. Fireplace refractory panels make up the interior walls of your fireplace. If you were to burn in a prefab fireplace with damaged refractory panels, three things could happen: 1. I would highly recommenced and will save their number for next year. Replacing refractory panels in a fireplace can become necessary as the fireplace ages. Please Note: CFM / Majestic / MHSC has recently changed the color of the brick for the BR and BC 36" & 42". Expect to pay $360 to $750 if replacing multiple panels.