Clean Sweeps of Michigan's Blog

Want to Breath New Life into Your Home? Invest in a Fireplace!

Does your home’s interior leave you feeling uninspired? Are you looking for a way to add resale value without breaking the bank on a remodel? If so, it may be time to upgrade or replace your fireplace!

Fireplaces are one of the most valued features in real estate. In addition to helping your home stand out from similar listings, they can add significant value. One survey found that 40% of potential buyers would pay more for a home with a fireplace. Fireplace upgrades or additions also give homeowners a high return on investment. This means the value they add to your home is close to the cost of the project.

Whether you have an existing fireplace that is out of date, an older hearth that you don’t use, or want to add a completely new chimney system to your home, the experts at Clean Sweeps of Michigan can help.

Upgrading an Existing Fireplace

There are a number of reasons why homeowners do not fully utilize – or love – their fireplaces. Two of the most common are that the fireplace is out of date or does not fit their style, or that the fireplace or chimney are damaged and cannot be used.

Fireplace Facelift

If your fireplace is stained, out of date, doesn’t meet your heating needs, or stands out from your style, it may be time to invest in a fireplace facelift. Making over your existing fireplace is a cost-effective way to get back to using and enjoying your fireplace.

Because all fireplaces are unique, our team will create a custom plan just for your home. Therefore, this allows you to personalize everything from the materials, colors, size, style, and accessories. The project can be as big as completely refacing the masonry or as small as replacing a mantle or adding new glass doors.

Upgrading a fireplace is an excellent time to consider switching fuel sources. Fireplace inserts can be installed into existing hearths; these EPA certified heating appliances are available in gas, wood, and pellets, making it easy for every homeowner to find the perfect fireplace for their home.

New Fireplace Construction

There is nothing quite like spending an evening in front of a fire. If your home doesn’t have a fireplace, it is still possible to add one! Our team of masons and chimney sweeps can help construct a chimney system that not only looks beautiful but is safe, functional, and will last for years to come.

Summer is a great time to upgrade your existing fireplace or add a new chimney system to your home. Working on your fireplace now ensures that it will be ready to go when cooler temperatures arrive. For more information on updating an existing fireplace or to ask about new chimney construction, contact the experts at Clean Sweeps of Michigan today!

Firebrick Patterns For Interior Fireplaces

Building a new chimney system or giving an existing fireplace a major facelift? If so, customizing your fireplace allows you to create a focal point unique to your home and style. Many homeowners focus on details such as the masonry or stone of the chimney or the style of the mantle. However, there is another way you can customize your fireplace. The interior lining of the firebox.

Firebrick linings and safety.

The firebrick lining of the firebox is one of the most important safety features of any chimney system. Firebricks are made of refractory ceramic materials that can withstand high temperatures. In addition, they reflect heat back into the room, and prevent heat exposure to surrounding building materials. Firebrick linings are used in hearths for both manufactured and masonry chimney systems; because of this, both types of fireplaces can be customized using firebricks.

Most manufactured fireplaces require ASTM C-27 approved firebrick lining of 1 ¼” thick or 2 ½” thick. This requirement both insulates and protects the fireplace and surrounding building materials. While 2 ½” thick firebrick must be used on the fireplace floor, either 1 ¼” or 2 ½” firebricks can be used on the firebox back wall and sides.

Firebrick patterns.

While safety is the most important part of firebrick installation, there are a number of ways to customize the look of your firebox. In addition to choosing different colors or sizes for your firebricks, different patterns can also be used to turn your ordinary fireplace into a design focal point. The following are five firebrick patterns that can bring your new fireplace to life.

1. Standard herringbone.
   Standard herringbone is created when firebricks are laid in alternating directions, creating a “V” pattern. The strong visual effect of this pattern will turn your fireplace into a design focal point in your home.
2. Split herringbone.
   Split herringbone uses the same pattern as standard herringbone, but uses the narrower 1 ¼” firebricks on the walls and back of the fireplace while keeping 2 ½” firebricks on the floor. This creates a unique, custom, handcrafted appearance to the firebox.
3. Basket weave.
   Basket weave is an Old English pattern that has made a resurgence in popularity in recent years. The alternating horizontal and vertical pairs of firebricks create a vintage look that fits in perfectly in homes with rustic designs. Add additional visual interest by alternating contrasting or complementary colors.
4. Stacked bond.
   Stacked bond, also known as stand bond, is by stacking firebricks in continuous horizontal and vertical lines. While seemingly simplistic, the continuous lines of this pattern create a simple, understated look that is causing stacked bond to become increasingly popular.
5. Running bond.
   The most traditional firebrick pattern, running bond is created by alternately stacked horizontal firebricks. This simple pattern continues to be popular due to its low cost and ease of installation; minimal cutting creates minimal waste when using the running bond pattern. Spice up this traditional firebox pattern by choosing a unique firebrick color or firebrick size.

Contact us!

If you are refurbishing your existing fireplace or preparing to install a new heating appliance, consider creating a firebrick pattern as a way to add design appeal to your fireplace. For more information on adding a firebrick pattern to your fireplace construction or installation, contact Clean Sweeps of Michigan today.