Best fireplace pros near Hallandale, FL

Handbuilt masonry fireplaces are likely what comes to mind when we think about curling up by the fire at the end of the day. But bricks in the firebox and chimney tend to be heavy, which is not ideal for homes with weak or damaged foundations.

Prefabricated fireboxes come with a full flue and chimney system, significantly reducing the price and installation time. However, if you need to replace the panels down the line, you are locked into the same model or something very similar.

You can close up a chimney instead of demolishing it. Homeowners often go this route because the cost of removing a chimney, especially a structurally important chimney, can be expensive.

Properly closing up a chimney involves closing and sealing the damper, installing a chimney cap damper, and sealing the fireplace opening with a door or bricks. The cost to seal and cap a chimney is around $500 to $650—significantly less than the average chimney removal cost.

It’s possible to clean your chimney by accessing it from the opening above your fireplace, but be aware that this method is messier because you will be pulling loose buildup of soot, ash, and creosote into your fireplace instead of up, out, and onto the roof. While the bottom-up method can cause more of a mess, it’s a good option if you’re not comfortable getting on the roof.

Gas fireplace inserts are considered the most efficient because they convert more of the fuel source—gas—into heat. They offer excellent heat output per the amount of fuel they use. While electric fireplace inserts are praised for their efficiency, keep in mind that they don’t offer as strong a heat output but may still be a great choice if you want an efficient option.