Get matched with top fireplace cleaning pros in Waldron, AR

Knowing who to hire to install your fireplace is important when it comes to having a safe place to burn a fire in your home. The best person to contact for installing fireplaces is a mason or general contractor who has a National Fireplace Institute (NFI) specialist certification. If you’re installing wood paneling, then it’s a good idea to also find a pro who is Wood Energy Technology Transfer (WETT)-certified. 

Both of these certifications show that your pro is well-equipped to install fireplaces and inspect your home for the utmost safety.

Some homeowners compare German schmear versus limewash because they look similar, though they’re different techniques. German schmear involves a thin application of mortar to stone or brick, which is then partially wiped off the surface. German schmear is more affordable ($1 to $4 per square foot), and it lasts one or two decades with minimal maintenance. As a downside, it only comes in white or gray.

You should use an angled brush to first paint the mortar lines, then go in with a high-density roller to evenly paint the bricks one at a time. You can also use a flat paintbrush to paint individual bricks, but a roller is faster and easier to use thanks to its longer handle and wider surface area for coating the bricks. To finish, go in with the paint brush for edges or hard-to-reach areas.

If you want to avoid damaging your home's brick, you should always use a stain specifically formulated for masonry projects. These stains are designed to penetrate the porous surface of the brick and bond with it, unlike paints, which sit on the surface and are prone to peeling and flaking. Look for stains labeled for use on brick or other masonry surfaces. Avoid using regular paint on brick, as it will not adhere well and will likely lead to future maintenance issues.