Don’t Get Burned on Fireplace Removal: Costs and Concerns

The fireplace removal process

Full fireplace removal is a lengthy, dirty process. Depending on the size of the fireplace, the condition of the materials, and the extent of the repairs, fireplace removal can take two to five days. For more complicated fireplace removals, the project may even extend to a week or more.

Here’s an overview of the steps to remove a fireplace — a task best left to the pros:

• Get ready
  Start by clearing the room. Remove or cover any furniture to avoid damage, and seal off the doors to keep the dust contained. Put on your protective gear — goggles, gloves, and a mask — and grab the tools you’ll need: a sledgehammer, pry bar, cold chisel, hammer, and screwdrivers.
• Check the structure
  Take a look at the whole fireplace setup. Is the chimney breast supporting any of the house’s framing? If you’re unsure, it’s worth calling in a structural engineer. You don’t want to accidentally mess with load-bearing components.
• Take it apart
  Start with the hearth, and gently chisel away brick by brick using your cold chisel and hammer. If you’re not keeping the brick or stone, feel free to go wild with a sledgehammer on the mantel. Work your way through the firebox next and finish with the mantel. Be sure to remove mortar and any bricks down to at least a foot below the roofline.
• Close up the opening
  After the chimney is gone, remove the flashing and cover the hole with plywood and shingles. You’ll also need to seal up the fireplace opening above the damper. A flue plug or chimney balloon will do the job. This keeps air from leaking in or out.
• Clear the debris
  Rent a dumpster — this is going to get messy! As you work, toss all the large debris into it. For the finer dust and ash, use a vacuum to clean up as you go. Keeping the area tidy makes the whole project safer and easier.
• Frame and patch
  If needed, consult with a pro to make sure any surrounding walls or joists are properly supported. Once you’ve got that sorted, frame the hole left by the fireplace, and drywall over it. You’re almost done!
• Finish up
  Finally, patch up any holes in the walls, and replace or install new flooring where the firebox used to be. You’ll want to make sure the exterior is sealed properly, so you don’t get any drafts or leaks.

Depending on the location of the fireplace, Dimmitt says it’s possible to remain in the home during demolition, especially since contractors seal off the room they’re removing the fireplace from.

Consider a partial fireplace removal

Some homeowners opt for partial removal of their fireplace to lower the project cost. A partial fireplace removal can also be safer since fully removing a chimney from an external wall can weaken the structure of the house.

For example, you can simply remove the stack and replace the roofing over the hole to eliminate a moisture issue. Alternatively, you can leave the stack and remove only the fireplace and chimney breast — the part that protrudes into the room.

Just note that a partial removal may require help from a structural engineer to ensure the building’s structure remains sound.

Convert your wood fireplace to gas

One increasingly popular option, according to Dimmitt, is converting a wood-burning fireplace into a gas one. Wood burning isn’t the most efficient way to heat a home because it relies on radiant heat, which means it releases warmth into the air and draws it out of the house.

Gas fireplaces, on the other hand, are more efficient, keeping air inside the home and requiring much less maintenance — no chopping wood or cleaning ashes. Additionally, Dimmitt notes that “gas is cheap,” making it a more affordable option in the long run.

According to Angi, installing a gas fireplace insert will cost about $3,700 on average, but can range from $2,300 to $8,000.

Eco-friendly fireplace options

Eco-friendly fireplaces are gaining momentum in 2024, with many homeowners opting for sustainable options like electric and bioethanol fireplaces. These alternatives provide a clean-burning, low-maintenance solution, reducing environmental impact while maintaining style. Along with energy-efficient models, many manufacturers are incorporating sustainable materials, ensuring that fireplaces are both functional and eco-conscious.

As demand for greener solutions grows, expect to see even more innovative designs that blend sustainability with sleek, modern aesthetics, allowing for both environmental benefits and contemporary charm in any home​

Fireplace removal pros and cons

Pros of removing a fireplace:

• Lower energy bills: Modern heating solutions are often more efficient than wood-burning fireplaces, leading to potential savings on your energy bills.
• Less maintenance and costs: Fireplaces require regular cleaning, maintenance, and repairs. Without one, you eliminate these ongoing expenses and effort.
• More interior space: Without a fireplace taking up room, you can open up your living area and have more flexibility with your floor plan, which is great for modernizing or creating more usable space.
• Improved floor plan: Removing a fireplace allows you to redesign the room layout to better suit your needs, such as accommodating larger furniture or creating a more open feel.
• Safety: Fireplaces can pose safety risks, especially older models with outdated or damaged chimneys. Removing a fireplace can reduce potential hazards like chimney fires, carbon monoxide leaks, and smoke inhalation.

Cons of removing a fireplace:

• Potential decrease in property value: In areas where fireplaces are a desirable feature, particularly in older homes or neighborhoods with many chimneys, removing the fireplace could slightly lower your home’s value.
• Loss of a cozy feature: Fireplaces are not just functional; they add ambiance and charm, creating a cozy, inviting atmosphere. Removing this feature may reduce your home’s appeal to potential buyers who value a fireplace as part of the aesthetic.
• Loss of character: If your home has a historic or traditional feel, removing the fireplace might detract from its character, especially if it’s a focal point of the living room or is architecturally significant.

Deciding whether to remove a fireplace should take into account the potential long-term benefits versus the possible loss of value or charm. It’s a balancing act between modern efficiency and timeless appeal.

Reasons for fireplace removal

Each homeowner’s reason for wanting to remove a fireplace is unique. Here’s an overview of the most common reasons for fireplace removal.

Safety concerns

Structural integrity provides a serious reason to consider fireplace removal. A stack that is leaning or crumbling is hazardous for your family and property. Damage or cracks in the firebox may also transfer the heat from a fire, causing additional damage to your house’s structure. In addition to structural damage and the risk of fire, cracks in the firebox can lead to carbon monoxide intrusion.

Maintenance burnout

Fireplaces — gas fireplaces included — need regular maintenance, which can become an onerous and expensive task for homeowners. The average cost of a chimney sweep is $254, depending on the fireplace’s location, size, and condition. The National Fire Protection Association recommends an annual inspection to check chimneys, fireplaces, and vents, per NFPA Standard 211, but the frequency of maintenance depends on how much you use your fireplace.

Dimmitt emphasizes the importance of routine fireplace care by stating, “Sweeping is just the beginning.” He explains that annual inspections by certified technicians are crucial for maintaining a safe fireplace. “There’s no such thing as a safe fire,” he warns, highlighting the fact that regular check-ups are essential to identify any potential hazards.

The Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) educates both technicians and homeowners about fireplace safety, providing vital information on proper maintenance and the risks of neglect. Regular inspection not only ensures efficiency but also minimizes the risk of dangerous issues like chimney fires, carbon monoxide leaks, and structural damage

If you fail to maintain your fireplace, it can cause health problems for you and your family. Chimneys act as exhausts to let toxic gases exit a home. As these toxic fumes rise up through the chimney, they leave a trail of soot and tar, which turn into creosote, a highly flammable material that can catch fire.

High energy costs

In addition to the price of maintenance, your fireplace could be increasing your energy costs. Chimneys often let warm air escape, so your HVAC system must work harder to make up for that heat loss.

According to the US Department of Energy, you can reduce energy costs with some simple steps:

• Conduct an energy assessment to identify areas for energy savings.
• Use sunlight to naturally heat your home by opening curtains during the day and closing them at night.
• Cover drafty windows with clear plastic sheets or heavy-duty drapes to reduce heat loss.
• Set your thermostat to the lowest comfortable temperature when home, and lower it when you’re asleep or away.
• Seal air leaks around doors, windows, and utility cut-throughs to prevent drafts.
• Maintain your heating systems by scheduling routine service and replacing filters regularly.
• Reduce heat loss from fireplaces by keeping dampers closed when not in use and installing tempered glass doors.
• Set your water heater to 120°F to save energy and avoid scalding.
• Use LED holiday lights to reduce energy consumption during the holidays.

Flashing issues damaging roof

Most roof leaks around chimneys are caused by flashing issues at the junction of the chimney and roof. However, leaks can also result from problems with the masonry structure or the cement cap. “Water is the enemy of brick and mortar,” Dimmitt comments, highlighting how vulnerable chimneys are to water damage.

It’s important to note that sometimes leaks are caused by condensation, not roof damage. This can happen when a gas furnace or water heater vents through an old chimney, or when the liner of a gas fireplace chimney is cracked. In these cases, moisture bypasses the liner, comes into contact with cooler masonry, and condenses, leading to water dripping inside the home.

Wasted space

The fireplaces of today are largely ornamental, unnecessary for their original purpose of heating. Sometimes their placement in the home closes off rooms, preventing homeowners from opening their floor plan. Fireplace removal can free up a fair amount of space since chimney breasts and fireplaces take up square footage.

Pollution ordinances / LEED certification

Pollution ordinances regulating emissions based on their quantity and quality are uncommon in the US, though achieving LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification can be affected by heating efficiency and emissions. While sealing the chimney flue can help mitigate this issue by reducing emissions, it also introduces additional maintenance costs that homeowners need to factor in. This added layer of upkeep, while improving overall environmental impact, may increase long-term costs.

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Fireplace removal is a commitment

Once a necessary attribute in a house, fireplaces today are primarily aesthetic features that don’t add as much value as they once did. It’s no longer true, as author Gladys Taber once stated, that a house without a fireplace is a home without heart.

Ultimately, a well-considered decision on fireplace removal is yours to make. If your reasons to remove it are sound, the expense can be worth it.

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