Fireplace Repair for Ross Homes

What the town of Ross says about repairing an existing fireplace

The Town of Ross Building Department states that repairs can be made to existing wood-burning devices, while any newly installed indoor wood-burning device must be EPA-certified or pellet-fueled. (Source: Town of Ross Building Department, Building Codes, Fireplace Rules.)

The same department states that if a remodel alters or moves an existing firebox or requires a building permit, it counts as a new install, and only an EPA-certified or pellet-fueled device may be installed. (Source: Town of Ross Building Department, Building Codes.)

Who this applies to

It applies to anyone in Ross with an existing wood-burning fireplace or stove who is planning work on it. The rule separates two kinds of jobs. One is fixing the fireplace you already have. The other is changing it enough that the town treats it as a new installation.

What it changes about a repair

Scope comes first. When we look at your fireplace, we'll explain what has failed and what fixing it involves. That way you know before work begins whether the plan is a repair to the existing unit or something larger. The Building Department decides whether a particular project crosses the line. If a plan starts to look like it would alter or move the firebox, confirm with the department before work starts, because the answer determines which device can go in.

Fireplace repair in brief

Fireplace repair covers the parts of an existing fireplace that wear out or get damaged. That includes cracked or loose brick and mortar in a brick fireplace, a worn firebox lining, a damper that sticks or won't seal, and damaged doors or glass. It also covers draft problems that push smoke into the room. A smoky fireplace repair starts with finding out why smoke isn't rising up the flue, before anything is replaced. We work on all major brands, and gas fireplace work is included. The full scope is explained under how fireplace repair works.

When repair fits, and when another job fits better

• Smoke in the room, crumbling mortar, loose brick or a damper that won't close: these are repairs to the existing fireplace, which the Building Department says can be made to existing wood-burning devices.
• Debris, animals or rain getting in at the top of the chimney: the fix may be at the chimney outlet rather than the fireplace. Read about chimney cap installation for homes in Ross.
• Replacing the unit or reworking the firebox: that is installation work, and the town's rule on new devices applies.

More for homeowners in Ross

For the other services we offer locally, start with our page for Ross. For the service itself, including what a visit involves, go to the fireplace repair service page. When you're ready, request an estimate.