Installing a fireplace is an aesthetically pleasing addition to any home and a wonderful way to keep warm during chilly winter nights, but installing one requires significant investment.
Will investing in a brick fireplace pay off in terms of resale value? A brick fireplace remains timeless even when painted bright colors.
Cost
Brick fireplaces can be an inexpensive addition when building a new home; however, adding or replacing one in an existing structure may prove more costly. The cost of a fireplace depends on its size, design, labor costs and professional installation; to ensure optimal aesthetic and budget goals are met.
Brick fireplaces come in an assortment of textures and colors, enabling homeowners to select one that complements the style and atmosphere of any room. Plus, brick fireplaces can be made using either new or reclaimed materials to meet budget constraints while maintaining aesthetic standards.
Brick fireplaces have more uniform patterns and sizes, making installation simpler than stone ones and potentially reducing labor costs. On the other hand, expert masons are required for stone construction; any mistakes in the construction process could incur expensive repair bills.
Although stone fireplaces may look stunning, they typically cost more than brick options due to their unique material and installation requirements. A skilled mason must also be involved as stones cannot be laid like bricks.
Brick fireplace costs can quickly skyrocket if the chimney needs repair or replacement, including parging (coating the smoke chamber with mortar) which costs between $1,000 and $2,000. Leaving untreated may lead to brick spalling which in turn causes chimney deterioration leading to smoke escaping from within and out into the house – increasing costs dramatically and creating safety risks.
Brick fireplaces can be updated by covering them in drywall or plaster to give a more modern appearance, or painting can also be done to change color – though it should be noted this process could take time and isn’t advised for DIYers.
Energy Efficiency
Brick fireplaces are known for being efficient heating sources, enabling more frequent usage without overusing your central heating system. Furthermore, these fireplaces tend to retain heat longer than others which helps lower energy bills and decrease environmental impact in your home.
Fireplaces provide a welcoming glow and radiant heat that brings family and friends closer together during colder months, creating an inviting space where family memories are made and memories are made together. Furthermore, it serves as an ideal focal point for decorations, hanging stockings during Christmas time, or personal touches that make your living space more inviting and comfortable – indeed it has been discovered that buyers are willing to pay more for homes featuring fireplaces!
One of the greatest features of a brick fireplace is how easy it is to keep clean. Just a quick swipe with soapy water and natural bristled brush will do to rid yourself of soot and grime that accumulates over time, and avoid wire bristled brushes which could cause irreparable damage to brickwork and masonry construction.
No matter whether you want to modernize an outdated brick fireplace structure with new hearth and mantel pieces or simply update its appearance with some decorative stone work, there are numerous solutions available to meet both your style and budget needs. There are benefits when you whitewash fireplace as this could be cost-effective ways of modernizing it while durable stone products that mimic brick could provide another durable option for upgrading it.
Refacing a brick fireplace with cultured stone products is another option to update it and give your hearth an updated appearance, adding drama to any room’s decor. While more costly than painting or whitewashing alone, refacing can give your hearth much-needed facelift while adding dramatic flair.
Appearance
Brick fireplaces add a warm, traditional charm to a room and pair well with stone or other materials more contemporary in appearance. However, younger homeowners may associate brick with the homes of their parents and would rather go for something with more contemporary elements.
Installing or upgrading a fireplace can significantly increase the value and appeal of your house to potential buyers. There are various gas, wood and electric models to choose from as well as various colors, finishes and styles available to homeowners when making this home improvement.
One of the most sought-after techniques for rejuvenating an existing fireplace is covering its existing brick with cultured stone veneer, providing an affordable way to significantly alter its look while offering multiple color choices and options for installation. However, be mindful that installation requires much labor.
Paint can transform the appearance of any brick fireplace by softening its appearance, offering numerous hues like white, cream, gray or even greige (a cross between gray and beige). This option helps maintain light contrast between bricks and walls and works especially well when combined with white mantels or crown molding.
Before painting brick, it is essential to protect the surrounding areas with tape and drop cloth, before applying masonry primer to prepare the surface for painting. Once this step is completed, allow each coat of masonry primer to dry completely before adding another one; this helps prevent unsightly runs. Once this step has been completed, painting can begin; when using rollers for uneven surfaces or porous brick, specifically designed ones may work better; otherwise use natural and stiff brushes instead for best results.
Brick is extremely resilient, yet can become stained and discolored from smoke and soot, so it is vital to regularly sweep, use soapy water for washing purposes, and also wipe down with damp cloth as needed to keep its structure and surrounding clean. To do so efficiently.
Maintenance
Brick fireplaces need regular upkeep in order to remain looking their best and functioning at their optimal levels. Even simple upgrades like painting or resurfacing may help increase its aesthetics and function; installing trim and mantels may be other improvements needed depending on its current state. In extreme cases, however, renovation may be needed in order to restore it fully.
Fireplace brick structures, both inside and out, can become very dirty due to soot and ash accumulation. Therefore, it is advisable to periodically sweep across their entire surface in order to clear away loose dirt and debris from brick surfaces. For deeper cleaning solutions such as soap/water or degreasers you can also use degreasers; when using detergent use a scrub brush with it to help loosen and dislodge stuck-on grime build-up.
If you plan to use chemicals when cleaning your fireplace, it is essential that you lay out plastic tarps to protect surrounding surfaces and ventilate the area effectively. In addition, protective gloves and clothing that you are willing to get dirty should also be worn. As an alternative solution for natural cleaning solutions you could mix a simple mixture of 1 cup of dish soap mixed with one cup of coarse table salt into a paste that you apply onto brick surfaces for 30 minutes before wiping clean with paper towels.
After you’ve finished scrubbing, use warm water to wash away all remaining dirt and stains with soft sponge rubbing action. Alternatively, you could try Coca-Cola as an extra cleaning agent that will leave your brick looking more luminous; but make sure that afterward all traces of smoke have been eliminated to maintain a streak-free appearance.
If you need to replace or repair a brick in your home, make sure you speak with a contractor about available material options and costs. They should provide samples or photos so you can compare your options and find what is right for your space. Once replacement work has been completed, be sure to back butter or fill any head joints with mortar for a sturdy and attractive finished product.
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