10/23/2026
A fireplace can look beautiful on the outside and still be a serious fire hazard on the inside.
We recently completed a fireplace restoration and rebuild project on Long Island that revealed some alarming conditions. The fireplace was less than six years old, yet the original installation had major safety issues hidden behind its finished surfaces.
During the inspection, our team discovered:
- Firebrick installed directly against wood framing
- Improper clearances from combustible materials
- A hearth sitting directly on wood flooring
- Unsafe firebox construction and heat transfer conditions
These weren't cosmetic problems. They were serious fire hazards that required a complete demolition and rebuild.
Our team removed the unsafe materials, corrected the framing and clearances, rebuilt the masonry firebox, installed a new non-combustible hearth, and completed the project with beautiful stone veneer finishes.
The result? A fireplace that not only looks great but is built safely and correctly from the inside out.
This project is an important reminder that newer construction doesn't always mean safer construction. Many of the most dangerous fireplace issues are completely hidden from view.
We provide professional fireplace inspections, restoration, rebuilding, and chimney solutions throughout Long Island and NYC.
Concerned about the safety of your fireplace? Contact us to schedule an inspection before hidden problems become serious hazards - https://unitedchimney.net/residential/contact-us/