If your sweep suggested you replace the refractory panels during your annual Chimney Cleaning and Safety Inspection, there was probably a crack in the refractory panels. Even though a crack may not seem to be a problem, it will undoubtedly reduce your fireplace’s effectiveness. Pieces may break apart if the crack is severe enough, reducing the amount of heat that is pushed back into your house.
Typically, your chimney’s sides are covered with four sheets of refractory panel bricks. They can withstand the hottest temperatures because they were constructed with heat-resistant materials.
What exactly are refractory panels and how do they work?
Your firebox needs extra protection against the hot temperatures of a fire. Refractory panels help to keep your home safe from an accidental fire. If you have a masonry fireplace, then refractory panels are constructed from heat resistant bricks and mortar. If you have a factory-built fireplace, the panels are made from stainless steel or other metal. Typically, each firebox has four refractory panels that line the side and back walls. Another function of refractory panels is to reflect the heat from the fire back into your home to provide warmth.
Refractory panels are found on the sides and bottom of the firebox of a prefabricated fireplace, also referred to as a factory-made fireplace. These panels strengthen and sustain the fireplace by being made to withstand heat. The firebox refractory panels should be replaced, according to the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA), when a nickel on end can fit into the crack or when the surface is more than 14″ abraded. Original manufacturers panels are the best option for replacement. When readily available, Lindemann offers the best alternatives, such as the popular Skamol Vermiculite panels.
New Refractory panels:
To replace your prefabricated refractory firebox panels, call Safeside today and ask for a FREE estimate.
Reviews Safe side staff members were knowledgeable and tidy. Steve and Mike were excellent, and the service was good for the price. Considering how much soot they removed, it was no small feat that they fixed my chimney properly and left the area spotless. We’ve been using Safe, and we think the lack of a rain cap on the chimney is what caused our basement to flood after a rainstorm. The best business and crew sent a guy after we called Safeside. On-time or early every day. Installed a stainless steel liner and repaired the chimney. The high-quality workmanship exceeded my expectations. The Forman elaborated, saying that: “The Safeside Chimney workers who came to my house were faultless.” Professional, courteous, friendly & knowledgeable. They had to repair my wood stove and install inserts in my chimney. They were punctual and did an excellent job sweeping the chimney. The price was great and gave me related advice. Would use them again. Joe Capo and his associate arrived on time, were cordial, and thoroughly described what they were doing. I was greeted and told goodbye with a handshake. They placed drop cloths on the… We have been using Safeside for the past seven years and won’t ever work with anyone else. They were hired to perform a chimney inspection; their technicians did an excellent job, provided a thorough report, and made sure I understood what they were reporting. They are very professional and charge a fair price. Professional, fast services for all your chimney and fireplace needs. My sixty-year-old chimney was transformed into a teenager by these guys. I used these excellent people to clean and sweep my chimney, and I will use their services again. Excellent Work, Excellent Staff, and at the time I scheduled them to cap my chimney The team was fantastic, thorough, professional, and reasonably priced. I will definitely use them again when I have to do… Both men were very professional. I had complete air duct cleaning and dryer vent cleaning. They didn’t mind my dog bothering them. The procedure was described, and helpful recommendations for routine upkeep were provided. Completed a thorough inspection in addition to cleaning, which made me incredibly happy. Shared advice on avoiding up-sell of unnecessary services from competitors. Very professional and knowledgable. I need to schedule another appointment for more work before I can evaluate the quality. They returned my call within hours of my initial inquiry. They arrived, took out a wood stove, sealed off the chimney, and cleaned up the area. They were friendly, and quick. I discovered that the house’s chimney was dripping with water. They water-proofed all the bricks, repointed the chimney, and fixed the flashing. Both the price and the quality of the work were excellent. The only drawback was that I didn’t know when they would actually complete the work, but they did. Both the price and the quality of the work were excellent. Very professional and courteous. The employee was punctual, the job was finished on schedule, and the employee They did a fantastic job and let me know what would be needed in the future. I would not hesitate in calling them back. Both when they initially called back and when they arrived as promised, they were very prompt. They quoted me and completed the project on the spot. I did a great job, cleaned up quickly, and was extremely conscientious. They were also knowledgeable, polite, and professional. I will hire them each year to clean my chimney. Good team worked on our chimney.