Pre-fab fireplaces

Pre-Fab Fireplace Installation Thomasville, NC

Factory built, or prefabricated fireplaces, are relative newcomers to the market—widely available only for the last 30 years or so. While convenient to install, a pre-fab fireplace doesn’t mean a maintenance-free fireplace. To enjoy the longest lifespan as possible, you’ll still need to plan on regular maintenance. To schedule your yearly maintenance in Thomasville, Randleman, or High Point, NC, call Top Hat Chimney and Masonry today!

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM A PRE-FAB FIREPLACE

On average, a pre-fab fireplace can last about as long as other major home appliances, like a quality stove or refrigerator. Annual maintenance and cleaning is similar to a masonry fireplace, and homeowners should always be on the lookout for moisture, cracks, and soot buildup in excess of 1/8th of an inch.

COMMON ISSUES WITH PRE-FAB FIREPLACES

Many pre-fab chimneys, especially older units with an "imitation brick" stack above the roof, seem to be a preferred nesting site for birds in our area. It's not unusual for our chimney sweeps to literally remove buckets of nesting material from these chimneys!

This nesting is a major fire hazard, and also blocks critical air passageways between layers of metal chimney pipe, causing the chimney to overheat. Both situations are prone to creating house fires, so paying special attention to this phenomenon is important for both homeowners and cleaning professionals.

Even the most vigilant homeowners can't detect problems deep inside the chimney stack. Top Hat Chimney & Masonry relies on a live video feed system to comb the internal chimney lining and trusts environmentally friendly cleaning products to scrub away soot and reveal the structural integrity below.

Call us today to arrange a thorough annual inspection that proactively protects your home and your family.