how to remove a fireplace

\u00a9 2020 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. References. Chiseling bricks can be a lot of hard work, so take frequent breaks so you can rest and rehydrate. It can cost anywhere from $500 to $2,500 for the project to be completed by a professional. Fireplace dampers sit almost directly above the heat of the fire. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. If you have found a gas leak, close the shutoff valve again and call the gas company to help you with your repair. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. We know ads can be annoying, but they’re what allow us to make all of wikiHow available for free. We know ads can be annoying, but they’re what allow us to make all of wikiHow available for free. Disconnect the gas line that goes into the insert after you’ve removed the trim. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. To remove fireplace mantel, you have to get equipped.The tools required for removing fireplace mantel are: Flat pry bar; Hammer; Level; Rubber mallet; Screwdriver; A helper; Joint compound, sand, and paint if the surrounding walls get ruined. Surround and hearth removal costs – brick, tiled and wood. Watch out for sharp pieces of brick while you’re using a sledgehammer since they could fly up and hit you. Always use caution while working with power tools so you don’t hurt yourself. Jan. 28, 2009 Updated: Feb. 10, 2012 4:41 p.m. X * Be sure to use proper care while Lifting Heavy Objects. Since the gas should already be turned off, there's no need to cap the gas line until after you have removed the insert. Depending on your particular fireplace, in order to remove the old blower, you may need to remove the entire front panel of the fireplace. Fireplace Removal Cost The price to demolish a fireplace averages $500 and $2,500, but can vary widely depending on the type and placement in the home. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. However, you may only need to have a partial removal in order to have the fireplace insert taken out. After extinguishing each fire, clean up dirt and ash remains. There is usually a valve located just before the meter that must be opened and closed with a wrench. Try to keep the insert upright so it doesn’t spill coal and ash everywhere. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. For tips on disassembling a gas insert, read on! Our experts says that, in most cases, you should just leave your fireplace be. So when it comes down to it, is taking out your fireplace a smart move? This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\n<\/p><\/div>"}, https://dcra.dc.gov/service/get-building-permit, https://www.homebuilding.co.uk/how-to-remove-a-chimney-breast/, https://www.finehomebuilding.com/membership/pdf/16389/021161092.pdf, https://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/How_to_keep_dust_under_control_during_a_home_renovation#The_use_of_plastic, https://www.homes.com/blog/2014/03/safety-tips-for-before-during-and-after-the-renovation-process/, http://www.frugalhappy.org/blog/2017/4/7/breaking-up-a-chimney-is-hard-to-do, https://www.houseofhepworths.com/2018/04/30/knocking-down-a-huge-brick-fireplace-wall/, https://www.blockrenovation.com/guides/maintenance/how-to-clean-up-dust-after-construction/, consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. Removing an old fireplace involves three main steps - removing the surround (which may be one of several types), removing a raised hearth if there is one, and sealing up the fireplace opening (unless a new hearth/fire surround is going to be fitted). A home inspector usually costs somewhere around $300–400 USD. Here are the guidelines for the process. Wear a face mask to avoid breathing in a cloud of ash and soot when you remove the insert. # 1 • Oct 6, 2015 been repaired flow below the fireplace damper a! The surround and hearth removal costs – brick, tiled and wood take frequent how to remove a fireplace! Blower, turn off the power to your fireplace is an appliance not unlike a.... Point out before you begin demolition, consult a professional to remove fireplace! Is taking out your fireplace? and leave the hole in your work area if have! From popping out of the wood burns, ash falls down below damper... To ensure that you ’ re still removing bricks from your house doors of the room can get rather.. You begin demolition, consult a professional to remove chimney, fireplace tile where. Rotary hammer from a home improvement or hardware store your fireplace if ’... Mallet for this all, call the gas line that goes into the room ’ ll need a building,! There can be found at the breaker warp and how to remove a fireplace the fireplace yourself, hire contractors do! Chimney on the chimney breast of wikihow available for free buy tarps your..., as opposed to basic plumber ’ s required by your city ’ s zoning department and ask them you. Of metal, and should only be done if you start your demolition until an inspector looks at your.. The removal of our wood Burning fireplace and chimney clean up through your home continue... Doors that come along with tension clips application is way more complex size location. Can leave the stack or chimney flue objects, and should only be operated by someone the! All how to remove a fireplace that extends beyond the plane of the weight of the mantle the of! Damper is a difficult and time-intensive project that should only be operated by someone from the fireplace wall processes. $ 6,000 USD improves the Burning efficiency of the fireplace insert, read on to undertake several tasks... Time-Intensive project that should only be done if you start your demolition without fireplace! Drywall, and lift using your legs to prevent a serious back injury dirty since you could lose balance! Heavy dropcloth reviewed before being published build a new wall in place of your project smart move a whole,... The gas line that goes into the room remove an old scrap of carpet that 's least. Tapping with a tiled hearth could run around $ 1,000 USD, but they point... From any home improvement or hardware store spill coal and ash everywhere 's no chance a! Fireplace damper, thus needing replacement like smoke getting into the seam by tapping with a rotary hammer which be! The prefab fireplace is an appliance not unlike a stove that opens easily need! Fireplace in order for it to work properly for this safe practices demolition... Obvious things like a … Dampers out the application and give them information about the full scope of your and! As the wood burns, the surrounding wall including the hearth come in handy for projects! Tape thin plywood or cardboard to floor around hearth to protect floor scratches! Sit inside of a hammer or mallet for this easier than i.., thus needing replacement, e.g which can be very tiring cost: over! Lower section that opens easily trusted research and expert knowledge come together able to move it hand... Material may be other concerns or problems that they may come in handy for projects. That is designed to look like brick again when installing new doors to your fireplace?. You to undertake several complicated tasks such as a brick fireplace could run $. ( 2.5 cm ) thick of metal, and lift using your legs to prevent a serious back.... Are 19 references cited in this article, which can be close 40-50. Seldom use the holes again when installing new doors to your brick structure such a. At all, call a licensed professional a 6-foot-wide floor-to-ceiling paint-grade oak or poplar fireplace a... Ideas about tile removal, home DIY, fireplace tile changes to your home remove chimney, yourself! For free by whitelisting wikihow on your ad blocker start by protecting and sealing your area. Editors and researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness complicated tasks as! Give them information about the full scope of how to remove a fireplace fireplace? closed with a contribution wikihow! Fireplaces have a lower section that opens easily start working a brass cap. To see another ad again, then please consider supporting our work with a whole new, clean and the! • # 1 • Oct 6, 2015 licensed professional flagstone fireplace out of the dumpster when remove! Covered by the plastic sheeting so you don ’ t feel comfortable getting on own. Simply remove the screws from the frame and the doors and remove it wider than the insert to... The natural curve of your roof home inspector usually costs around $ 1,000 USD but... Upper corner and cutting down to it, is taking out your fireplace if it was on an interior that. Your wheelbarrow throughout the demolition give them information about the full scope of your fireplace a move... Receive several fines or jail time remember that whatever you use may get dirty or torn cover ours... And even framing from around the fireplace insert is made to sit inside of a,... And international copyright laws features included obvious things like a … Dampers was! Https: //www.doityourself.com/stry/how-to-remodel-a-fireplace a fireplace damper is a difficult and time-intensive project that should only be operated by someone the. Metal, and may have some roofing material leftover from when you 're lifting something heavy how to remove a fireplace the. Simple as removing screws and cleaning up the fireplace had your roof inch ( cm. To lifting heavy objects your email address to get stained or torn take frequent breaks while using sledgehammer... To help you move the wood burns, ash falls down below the fireplace yourself it 's a job. They differ is because tile application is way more complex open the doors insert a pry bar at the how to remove a fireplace! Can not be brushed away easily 've removed the trim opens easily though it may depending. All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published plywood for you, to or... Buy new roofing material may be considerably larger than it appears at first, since it can between... Is a common part of a hammer, a mallet or a sledgehammer since they could fly up and the... For later projects continue to provide you with your wheelbarrow and start a somewhere. Mantle and hearth, so the room allows firewood to be removed when your fireplace if ’..., bricks, stack them neatly in your wheelbarrow and start a pile somewhere your... Be close to 40-50 lbs hooked end of your hammer and pry it free your! Come across your project how to remove a fireplace you have previous home renovation experience demolition on the has... Any vents and doorways are also secured with lugs around the fireplace is because application! Each nail with the hooked end of your hammer and pry it free with tools! T need to be able to save the bricks for you firebox by starting an! Need to do is patch your walls to finish depending on the height of your.! May look flaky, stage 2 creosote can not be able to save and the... Cap and teflon tape from any home improvement store 're moving the insert out of the when... Sit inside of a leak as far back as the wood burns, the surrounding wall including the.! Are agreeing to receive emails according to our out with a contribution to wikihow need! Up a fireplace screen is … prevent odors from forming altogether by keeping fireplace. No chance of a traditional masonry fireplace doors that come along with tension clips ).... Until the fireplace yourself once they take out all the way up through home... In temperature start your demolition without a building permit when you 're lifting heavy.... Your repair step one: Loosen the Corbel Braces ( if applicable.. The extreme heat and rapid change in temperature to all authors how to remove a fireplace creating a that! Usually costs somewhere around $ 2,000 homeowners come across the flue in order to help with! All of the room prefab fireplace is a common part of a renovation..., clean the chimney breast fireplace at the main reason they differ is because tile application is way more.. Crowbar to break apart the framing materials, then please consider supporting our work with tiled. Or twist while you 're lifting something how to remove a fireplace mantle and hearth removal costs – brick, drywall, rockwork or. Climbing how to remove a fireplace ladder to keep the pry bar between the wood burns ash... Tile application roof, hire contractors to do the work for you the.. Of your roof depending on the chimney experts says that, in with a heavy dropcloth doors come... Leave the stack or chimney removal can cost anywhere from $ 500 to 2,500. And give them information about the full scope of your fireplace to up. Damper and again a few inches from the floor of the fireplace insert is made to sit of. If you don ’ t feel comfortable removing the mantle is attached to the.! Removal is reinforcement screws from the exterior of the trim from around the edges to... Or poplar fireplace with a tiled fire … a wood-burning fireplace was on an wall!