Read this before getting a masonry fireplace

It's very exciting to see your dream of having a masonry fireplace installation come to life. However, you can't just go out and buy one without thinking about some important things first. The best way to ensure that your masonry fireplace installation is successful is by doing research beforehand. Here are some things you should consider before making a decision:

You have to have the right foundation for a masonry fireplace installation.
​

• Don't use a concrete pad, it's not strong enough. Concrete pads are great for holding up things like fire pits and patio furniture, but they can't handle the weight of an installed masonry fireplace. They will crack over time due to expansion and contraction in different seasons as well as from moisture absorption during rainy weather or snow melting on top of them in winter months.
• Make sure you have a level foundation. A level foundation is essential so that your new hearth can sit flat on top of it without rocking back and forth when you walk across it (or worse yet: falling into!). A level surface also ensures that your hearth won't list off-kilter when people sit in front of it while watching TV or reading books at night--a definite no-no if there are children around!

Don't skimp on insulation for your fireplace.

One of the most important things you can do for your masonry fireplace is to make sure that it's properly insulated. This will help keep the heat inside and reduce energy costs, as well as prevent damage from condensation. The best way to do this is with a high-quality fiberglass batt insulation installed by an experienced professional.

Your fireplace needs proper ventilation.

A chimney is a necessary part of your fireplace. It's important to make sure that the chimney is properly vented, sealed and not blocked by anything. If there are any problems with your chimney, it could cause an explosion or fire.

It's important to know what you're getting into with a masonry fireplace installation before you choose one.  Note that our tips apply to indoor fireplaces.  Outdoor fireplaces are tricky because the City of Cambridge has specific open air fire regulations that require a permit before each and every burn.

Example

Our Masonry Cambridge team recently built a custom masonry fireplace for a homeowner in Hespeler Village, one that combined classical design with modern safety and performance. Cambridge, Ontario has a population of about 138,000 and a strong tradition of heritage architecture across its three main areas — Galt, Preston, and Hespeler. To begin, we secured the necessary building permit from the City of Cambridge (new fireplaces require approved plans and inspections under the Ontario Building Code). We constructed the fireplace on a properly engineered concrete hearth, built the firebox with dense fire-rated masonry, shaped a smooth smoke chamber, and installed a chimney rising through the roof that meets Ontario Building Code requirements for masonry chimneys.  We carefully integrated a metal liner for safety, matched the exterior masonry to the existing façade, and added a clean, elegant mantel. Every joint was precisely tooled and every surface sealed to manage moisture — very important in a region that cycles between thaw and frost. The result is a beautiful, code-compliant, long-lasting fireplace that strengthens the home’s character, increases its value, and offers cozy, efficient warmth for years to come.

By handling this project with precision, we prevented common fireplace pitfalls: improper smoke flow, cracking in the masonry from thermal stress, water infiltration into the chimney, and insufficient clearances that could create fire risk.


Make sure your masonry fireplace contractor has experience in this type of work. Also, ask for references and check them out thoroughly. Look for similar projects done in the past and reviews from past clients.  Our masonry contractors in Cambridge Ontario are licensed and insured, experienced and professional, so feel free to contact us with any further questions.

---