Factory Built Fireplaces

Prefabricated fireplaces or factory built fireplaces, unlike a traditional masonry fireplace, are constructed in the factory as complete units. They are generally constructed of a metal firebox with inserted panels that make up your fireplace. A flue pipe will then connect to the top of the prefab fireplace and extend out of the top of the chimney chase. 

What Is The Required Maintenance? 

You want to ensure that you are maintaining a fireplace and chimney inspection annually, and cleaning as needed. 

Inspections of your prefabricated fireplace will make sure your fireplace panels are free from defects or cracking, the damper system is operating appropriately, the flue system is free from separation and buckling, potential leak concerns at the top of the chimney chase are identified, and so much more! 

Repair/Replacement

When a prefabricated fireplace experiences a high heat event, warping, or damage to components, our technicians will recommend repair. Unfortunately, with age, certain fireplace models and their parts are no longer manufactured. Systems are tested to meet UL qualifications as one complete unit, limiting our ability to utilize aftermarket parts if not produced by the original manufacturer and listed for the unit. In the event parts are unavailable for the prefabricated fireplace, we will recommend replacement of the unit as a whole. 

Cracked Panels

Panels within your prefabricated fireplace may crack over time from age or from sudden impact from wood being thrown into the firebox. If the manufacturer still has panels available for the specific model, individual panels can be replaced. 

In the circumstance where panels are no longer manufactured, we are generally able to install cut-to-fit universal panels. Universal Panels are NOT warrantied. Warping, that may not be visibly accessible, can cause panels to crack prematurely. In a situation where universal panels are installed and crack within the first several uses, we will provide an estimate for unit replacement at that time.