A homeowner in San Marino, CA recently reached out to us after uncovering unexpected issues during a historic home restoration. When they removed their old fireplace mantel, the brick behind it felt loose and unstable. Inside the firebox, every piece of firebrick had been stripped out over the years, leaving only the original structural brick that was never designed to withstand direct heat. They weren’t sure what could be repaired, what needed rebuilding, or whether they were looking at a major project.
If you’re restoring a historic home and exposing original masonry for the first time, you may be facing similar questions. Below, we break down the exact concerns this homeowner had and the questions we hear most often, along with the clear, reassuring answers homeowners need during fireplace restoration.
A: Yes. When bricks loosen after a mantel or façade is removed, it’s usually because the original mortar has weakened with age, or because previous remodels created voids behind the decorative materials. This is extremely common in older San Marino homes.
During an inspection, we check each brick for stability, determine where repointing is needed, and identify whether any bricks should be reset or rebuilt entirely. Sometimes the fix is simple; other times the structure needs more support. Either way, the goal is the same: restore integrity while keeping the historical character intact.
A: If the interior firebrick has been removed, yes, rebuilding is necessary. Fireboxes are designed with specialized firebrick and refractory mortar that can handle extreme temperatures. When those materials are removed and you’re left with only the original brick, using the fireplace becomes unsafe.
A proper rebuild protects the surrounding structure, prevents heat-related damage, and brings your fireplace back into working condition. It also helps ensure the fireplace meets today’s safety standards while still blending beautifully with your home’s age and style.
A: Absolutely, this is one of our most common types of projects. Historic masonry requires special care because everything from brick density to mortar composition is different than what you’d find in modern construction. We regularly work on early-1900s homes, Craftsman bungalows, Spanish Revivals, Victorians, and other architectural styles throughout San Marino and the South Bay.
Older fireplaces tend to have unique quirks. Sometimes there are layers of past repairs, hidden voids, or mismatched materials. Our job is to sort through those complexities and restore the fireplace in a way that respects the home’s history while making it safe for everyday use.
A: Yes, our in-person inspection is $97, and that amount is credited back toward your project when you move forward. This isn’t a quick walk-through. An on-site fireplace inspection includes:
Because historic fireplaces are structural, the inspection is detailed and essential for accurate pricing and long-term safety, which is why the fee exists.
A: Yes, many homeowners choose to start with a free virtual consultation. You send us photos, any measurements you have, and a brief description of what you uncovered. During your scheduled call, our estimator reviews everything with you and gives you a ballpark price range. This is perfect if you want to understand what the project might cost before committing to an in-person visit.
A: It’s simple: You can text your photos directly to the number we provide, or reply to your confirmation email with attachments. We review everything before your scheduled call so you get clear, informed guidance instead of generic advice.
Yes. Most historic fireplaces can be stabilized, rebuilt, or restored without losing the original look.
Older mortar weakens over time, and decorative finishes can hide voids. Once removed, the instability becomes noticeable.
Yes, firebrick is essential for heat resistance and safety.
It’s fully credited toward your project.
Yes, the virtual consultation gives you an early ballpark number for free.
If you’re dealing with loose bricks, a missing firebox, or any unexpected fireplace issues during your remodel, we’re here to help. Our experienced team restores historic fireplaces with precision, care, and craftsmanship that lasts.
Contact us today or request your free virtual consultation to get started. We’ll review your photos, answer your questions, and provide a clear plan to bring your fireplace back to safe, beautiful, fully restored condition.
