Our Company Blog

Replacing Your Prefab Fireplace

Your fireplace is likely part of a prefabricated or factory-built system if your home was built in the last half of the 20th century. The majority of these systems are made from metal, according to the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA), and they come as a complete unit, including the firebox, chimney, flashing, and other parts. You may also have heard prefab fireplaces referred to as Heatilators, a very well-known brand. A prefab fireplace is not built to last forever, and should be replaced once it shows signs of aging. Atlas Chimney’s technicians have years of experience removing old and damaged prefab fireplace systems and replacing them with a long lasting traditional masonry chimney and fireplace system or a new prefab system. Here are a couple of signs that can alert you that it is time to replace your Heatilator or another prefab fireplace.

Cracked Firebox Refractory Panels

The metal walls of the prefab chimney firebox and system can suffer from rusting and other corrosive damage. Once the smallest cracks appear in one of the refractory panels of the firebox, your safety is at risk. The extreme heat produced by a fire can transfer to the wooden structure surrounding the prefab system, igniting a fire. While Atlas Chimney can replace your cracked refractory panels in the firebox, you should consider replacing the entire system. If it is over 10 to 15 years old, system replacement is the safest route. Atlas Chimney can talk to you about the choices you have if you decide to replace your prefab system.

Occurrence of Chimney Fire or Other Destructive Event

Unfortunately, chimney fires in prefabricated systems can easily happen when operated incorrectly. If used excessively, a prefab fireplace can cause a chimney fire, especially if there is any debris in the chimney. The chimney cap and chase cover can also crack from corrosion, allowing wild animals access into the chimney to build nests. Other disasters that can cause serious damage include earthquakes, lightning strikes, and strong wind storms.

Is it time to replace your Heatilator or another prefabricated fireplace system? Contact us at Atlas Chimney to schedule an appointment for a professional chimney inspection. You can trust our CSIA-certified chimney technicians to make an honest recommendation about your prefabricated chimney system.

Now Sweeping Chimneys in the Land of Television

Atlas Chimney has some exciting news that we would like to share with you! Our owner, Chris Hess, has spent some time working on the set of actor Pierce Brosnan’s new AMC series, “The Son.” He’s doing this to make sure the four chimneys in his television home are working safely and efficiently. We are truly honored to add this incredible experience. Also, we want you to know that you can receive the same excellent service that is provided to “The Son.” We would like to tell you a bit more about this show and the chimney maintenance services provided.

A Multi-Generational Family Saga in the Heart of Texas

“The Son” is based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning and best-selling novel by Philipp Meyer. It tells the story of Eli McCullough, who is portrayed by Pierce Brosnan, and his family over a period of 150 years. Set in Texas, the series tells the story of how McCullough goes from a hard-working family man to a calculating and paranoid killer. McCullough builds his ranch into a business. This includes oil fields which bring him incredible wealth. Unfortunately he makes some enemies along the way, including his rich Spanish neighbor, Pedro Garcia. They use flashbacks of McCullough’s youth. This includes the Comanche war chief Toshaway who inspired his ambition. By doing this, the series shows exactly how McCullough creates his powerful family dynasty.

An Acclaimed AMC-Original Series

Comprising of 10, 1 hour-long episodes, “The Son” has received great reviews from both viewers and critics. Fans of the book will be happy to learn that the author, Philipp Meyer, also worked on writing the teleplays for the series. Also starring Henry Garrett, Zach McClarnon, and Paola Nuñez, “The Son” has been renewed for a second season! The series debuted on April 8, 2017. However, you can still watch every episode on AMC’s website.

The Best Chimney Maintenance Service in the Austin Area

Selected as the official chimney sweeper of “The Son” from our reputation in Austin, Atlas Chimney provides superior customer service to every one of our customers. All of our chimney sweeps have been trained and certified by professional organizations. This includes the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA). You can trust us to remove every bit of creosote when we sweep your chimney to prevent it from becoming a dangerous fire hazard. During our professional chimney inspections, we make sure that there are no flue blockages or any type of damage that could put your family and your home in danger.

If you live in the Austin area, contact us at Atlas Chimney for all of your chimney and fireplace maintenance, repair, and installation needs. We promise to provide you with the same excellent service we give to Pierce Brosnan!