Get matched with top gas fireplace pros in Brownsville, CA

There are a handful of things you can look out for that indicate fireplace repair is necessary in your home:

• See or smell smoke in your home during use.

• You smell gas or unusual odors coming from your fireplace.

• The fireplace is visibly damaged or crumbling.

• The igniter won’t light.

• You notice shaling (pieces of chimney lining) building up in your fireplace.

• Any portion of the fireplace is rusted.

• You notice efflorescence (white stains) on the brick.

If any of these signs emerge or you suspect that you have an issue, call in a fireplace repair professional immediately.

The best wood for a fireplace includes hardwoods, such as ash, birch, cherry, maple, and oak. These woods ignite quickly and put out the most heat. They also produce less smoke than other types of wood. Softwoods, such as eucalyptus, poplar, and willow, are poor choices for burning in a fireplace because they create a lot of smoke and have a high moisture content that makes it challenging to light.

Yes, you can install a liner in an old chimney that is in good working condition. In fact, it's often necessary for safety and efficiency. Older chimneys may lack liners or have deteriorated ones, leading to heat damage, gas leaks, or reduced performance. Installing a stainless steel, clay tile, or cast-in-place liner improves safety, protects the chimney’s structure, and boosts energy efficiency. This upgrade can extend the life span of an old chimney while meeting modern safety standards.

A fireplace hearth is necessary in most areas per building codes, especially for gas and wood-burning fireplaces. Electric fireplaces may not require a hearth, so check local building codes or ask a pro for guidance if you’re leaning toward electric. A fireplace hearth can decrease the risk of flying embers creating a fire and burning your home down. That’s why fireproof material, like tile, is used for the hearth.