A freestanding fireplace is a convenient way to heat your home or office without the hassle of running a complicated heating system. Unfortunately, the installation process can be intimidating for those who have never done it before, but don’t worry! In this blog post, you’ll find everything you need to know about how to remove a freestanding fireplace from your house.
In order to do so safely and effectively, first, locate the gas pipe shutoff valve that leads into the bottom of the unit. Next, disconnect any electrical cords leading in or out of the fireplace and make sure all ashes are cold and completely extinguished before proceeding with removal.
Once these steps have been taken care of, it’s time to start taking apart the structure piece by piece until only four pieces of firebox, mantle, and two metal pre-fabricated pieces remain. Next, remove the bricks from around the fireplace one by one.
Step by Step Guide on How to Remove a Freestanding Fireplace
Step One: Remove the Surround
The first step in removing an existing freestanding fireplace is to remove the surround. It’s best to start with this job because it will allow you to get into some of the harder, more awkward spaces around the base of the firebox and chimney.
If there is any damaged masonry, it may need to be removed and replaced. If so, now would be the time to do it. First, go down about 1 foot all around the firebox with a hammer and chisel where you plan on installing new brick. Then, use a drill fitted with a masonry bit (no larger than ½ inch) to make holes through your new mortar joints. This will allow any excess mortar to escape while you’re applying it.
Use a pointing tool to get rid of any air pockets or other areas that may cause weakness in your new masonry. Then, wait until morning to apply a second layer of mortar. You may need to wait as much as 24 hours to allow the first layer to dry completely before applying a second one.
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Step Two: Remove the Hearth
The second step in removing a freestanding fireplace is to remove the hearth. Start by removing any furniture or decorations from the area. Next, use a multi-purpose dry solvent cleaner and cloths to clean any flammable residues around the firebox’s flooring.
Then, take a hammer and chisel to remove all the mortar securing the hearth to the floor. If necessary, use a reciprocating saw with a masonry blade to remove any thick sections of brick or stone that are still attached to the floor. A jackhammer would be best for removing thick wood planks that may have been used as over-lays over your subflooring.
Just be careful: the dust generated by using a jackhammer can cause respiratory problems and lead to serious damage if you accidentally crack or chip away from other areas of your floor. If you don’t have access to a jackhammer, use a flat bar to pry up any large pieces of wood that might still hold the hearth in place.
Step Three: Remove the Fireplace from its Base
To remove a freestanding fireplace insert from its base, start by tilting the fireplace forward. It might be best to get someone’s help for this part. Use a large pry bar and place it between your hearth and the wall, then apply pressure to pry the fireplace away from the mortar holding it in place.
Once enough of the hearth has been removed that you can grab it, carefully take it outside and lean it against something to keep it propped up while you continue working on removing the base. Then, remove any remaining mortar between your freestanding fireplace’s base and the subflooring below.
Use a hammer and chisel to get rid of any stubborn mortar, and use a flat bar to pry up the rest. If you’re removing a fireplace that is attached directly to your subflooring, there won’t be any need for masonry removal. Just make sure you keep your work area clean and tidy. If necessary, vacuum or sweep away any leftover dust and rubble.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Remove a Fireplace by Yourself?
It will be possible if you are not a professional and want to remove the fireplace yourself. You can use a gas-powered line saw or an electric chainsaw.
It is also advisable that you hire professionals if the fireplace is too high for you to reach and you don’t have the time or skills to do it yourself.
How Easy Is It to Remove a Fireplace?
To Remove a Fireplace Is Very Easy. There Are a Few Things That You Need to Do First Before Removing the Fireplace:
- If the walls have drywall or plaster, take off the drywall or plaster.
- If there is a masonry chimney or metal chimney above the fireplace, disconnect the chimney flue pipe from your chimney and then remove the chimney cap on top of your fireplace.
- Cut out any brickwork in front of and around your fireplace with a reciprocating saw if necessary.
- Remove any woodwork around your hearth as well as any remaining mortar between bricks with a pry bar or crowbar if necessary so that you can reach all sides of your hearth from inside the room where it’s located and then break up any remaining mortar with a hammer to make removal easier later on when it’s time to put everything back together again.
- Place bricks on either side of your hearth with mortar between them to stay in place while you’re breaking up existing mortar to help prevent damage to adjacent surfaces during removal later on and so that they will be ready for re-use; when reinstalling everything afterward!
Is It Worth It to Remove a Fireplace?
It is always worth it to remove a fireplace because the chimney has not been installed properly, and there are many different reasons for this.
Many Things Can Go Wrong With the Installation of a Fireplace, Such as:
- The chimney doesn’t meet building codes.
- There isn’t enough clearance from other buildings.
- The chimney doesn’t have an adequate damper system.
- There isn’t enough insulation in the walls surrounding the entire chimney.
Is It Safe to Remove a Fireplace?
To remove a fireplace, the most important thing to remember is to consider all the different areas of your home.
If you have electrical wires running through your walls, then you must disconnect them and make sure they are safe before removing the fireplace.
Also, if there are any gas lines nearby, make sure that these too are disconnected from the fireplace. If you do not do this, there is a chance that gas will leak out of the fireplace and cause serious damage to your home or even kill you!
Conclusion
Have you ever considered how to remove a freestanding fireplace? If not, it may be time to do some research. There are many different ways of removing them without causing damage to your home or the surrounding area. Some people will hire professionals while others take on this project themselves with minimal tools required for success!
Take a look at these quick and simple instructions that outline what you should know about removing a freestanding fireplace before starting. Freestanding fireplaces are a nice addition, but removing a freestanding fireplace can be expensive or damaging – consider building a new one instead! However, it should be fairly easy once all of the screws are removed, and there’s no need for any heavy lifting equipment.
Check it out also – How to Remove Metal Fireplace Surround .
