Get matched with top gas fireplace pros in Malcolm, AL

You shouldn’t remove a fireplace yourself. Before beginning this job, you’d need to know whether or not you have a load-bearing fireplace. To do that, you’d need help from a structural engineer. Plus, fireplace removals require permits and often involve working with gas lines or electricity, which can be dangerous. For all of these reasons, it’s best to hire a pro for this project.

Like other kinds of masonry and brickwork, a properly installed chimney should have a lifespan that extends beyond multiple generations of homeowners. But there are parts of the chimney that will need to be replaced more frequently. 

• Clay tile or cast-in-place liners should be replaced every 50 years.

• Stainless steel liners will last an average of 15–20 years.

• Mortar will require replacement every 25–30 years.

• Chimney crowns have an average lifespan of 50–75 years.

Fireplace inserts are essentially wood, gas, or electric stoves designed to fit into an existing masonry fireplace. People opt to install inserts because traditional fireplaces can lose a lot of heat, require more maintenance, and may impact indoor air quality. A fireplace insert installer near you can help you decide which brand and size fit your home.

Not all gas fireplaces need a chimney. If you install a ventless gas fireplace, it will release low levels of combustion byproducts back into your living space (instead of pushing them outside through a chimney or vent). Ventless fireplaces burn fuel efficiently, so the emissions are minimal—but they could bother people with allergies or respiratory issues.