Protect your home, your family, and your investment before small issues turn into costly damage.
In Florida, fireplaces may not see daily use like in colder climates — but they’re still a powerful centerpiece in many Tampa Bay homes. Whether it’s a cozy wood-burning hearth in St. Pete, a gas insert in Clearwater, or an electric feature in Wesley Chapel, your fireplace is more than decorative — it’s functional, and it must be safe.
At Swept Away Inc., we’ve been inspecting and repairing fireplaces across Pinellas, Hillsborough, and Pasco counties since 1993. Over the years, we’ve seen countless homeowners ignore subtle signs of fireplace trouble — only to face thousands in avoidable repairs or worse: house fires, smoke damage, or collapsed chimneys.
So how do you know when it’s time to stop using your fireplace and call a pro?
Here are six fireplace repair warning signs you should never ignore — plus what to do about them.
1. 🚩 Cracked Firebox Panels or Firebrick
The firebox is the inner chamber of your fireplace — the part that takes the most heat. In prefab systems, it’s usually lined with refractory panels, while masonry fireplaces use firebrick.
When these components crack, split, or spall (chip), it’s more than cosmetic — it’s dangerous.
Why it matters:
Cracks allow heat to transfer into surrounding wood or drywall
Gaps can pull smoke and gases into your living space
Damaged panels accelerate wear on the entire system
“My firebox has one small crack — is that a big deal?”
Yes. Even hairline cracks weaken the heat barrier. In Florida, we see this often due to rapid cooling (starting a fire on a rainy night after months of heat and humidity).
What to do:
Book a fireplace inspection immediately. Swept Away can assess the severity and recommend panel replacement or firebox rebuilds — before damage spreads.
2. 🚩 Smoke Enters the Room When You Use Your Fireplace
Your fireplace should draft smoke up the chimney — not into your living room.
If you light a fire and see or smell smoke inside your home, something’s wrong.
Possible causes:
Blocked or damaged flue (creosote, animal nests, debris)
Incorrect damper position or damage
Negative air pressure in the home (common in sealed or renovated buildings)
Cracked liner or disconnected flue pipe
Why this is urgent:
Breathing smoke and carbon monoxide is hazardous — especially for kids or elderly residents
Smoke stains walls, ceilings, and upholstery
Draft issues may indicate bigger structural failures in the chimney
What to do:
Don’t light another fire. Call for a level 2 chimney inspection, which includes a full flue scan with specialized cameras. Swept Away will locate the blockage, damage, or airflow issue and fix it right.
3. 🚩 Water Stains, Rust, or Moisture in the Firebox
Water has no business in your fireplace — period.
If you see:
Brown stains on your firebox walls
Rust on your damper or fireplace door tracks
A damp smell or standing water after storms
Crumbling mortar or discolored panels
…it’s likely that your chimney is leaking.
Common causes:
Missing or damaged chimney cap
Cracked chimney crown or chase pan
Deteriorated masonry or flashing
No waterproofing barrier (especially on older brickwork)
Why this matters:
Water intrusion causes mold, rust, and structural damage
Repeated leaks can rot the wood framing around your chimney
Moisture damages firebox components and reduces efficiency
What to do:
Request a chimney leak inspection ASAP. We’ll trace the water’s path, reseal the chimney exterior, install a proper cap, and stop the issue before the next storm does more damage.
4. 🚩 Your Fireplace Smells Like Creosote or Soot (Even When It’s Off)
If you walk into your living room and smell a strong campfire, musty ash, or chemical odor — even when you haven’t used the fireplace — it’s time for service.
That smell?
It’s likely creosote buildup, a dangerous byproduct of wood-burning fires that builds up on the walls of your flue.
Why this is serious:
Creosote is highly flammable — the leading cause of chimney fires
It emits strong, carcinogenic fumes that linger in your home
A dirty flue can become completely blocked, trapping dangerous gases inside
What to do:
Schedule a chimney sweep and inspection immediately. Swept Away uses rotary brushes, vacuums, and creosote-specific tools to fully clean your flue and improve air quality inside your home.
5. 🚩 Damaged or Missing Chimney Cap / Chase Cover
If you look up at your chimney and don’t see a cap — or if the top looks rusted, bent, or like it’s missing entirely — you’ve got a problem.
The chimney cap (or chase cover on prefab systems) keeps out:
Rain
Animals
Leaves and debris
Sparks or embers that could land on your roof
What happens without it?
Water gets in and starts damaging the chimney from the top down
Squirrels, birds, and even raccoons build nests inside your flue
Embers escape and become a fire risk during windy conditions
What to do:
We can install a stainless steel chimney cap or custom chase pan rated for Florida’s climate — hurricane-strapped and rust resistant, built to last.
6. 🚩 Your Fireplace Is Over 20 Years Old and Hasn’t Been Inspected
This is the silent killer.
You might think:
“I don’t use my fireplace much — why inspect it?”
But here’s the truth: even an unused fireplace degrades over time, especially in Florida’s heat, humidity, and hurricane conditions.
Chase covers rust
Seals crack
Mortar deteriorates
Flue tiles shift
Water finds a way in
And because we use our fireplaces less frequently here, issues go undetected until they’re dangerous.
What to do:
If your home is 20+ years old and you’ve never had a professional chimney inspection — or if it’s been more than 5 years since the last one — now is the time.
We’ll give you a full health report with photos, code compliance check, and safety recommendations.
🧱 Why Choose Swept Away for Fireplace Repairs in Tampa Bay?
We’re not some pop-up seasonal sweep company.
At Swept Away Inc., we’re:
Veteran owned and operated since 1993
Certified chimney pros
Trusted by homeowners across Pinellas, Hillsborough, and Pasco counties
Fully equipped to handle masonry, prefab, and gas systems
Known for clean, respectful service with before-and-after photos
We don’t sell you things you don’t need. We give honest answers, detailed reports, and fireplace repairs done right.
📞 Don’t Wait — Fix Your Fireplace Before Fire Season
If you’ve noticed any of the signs above, now is the time to act. Small fireplace issues quickly turn into major damage when ignored — and insurance doesn’t always cover preventable neglect.
🧰 Book a fireplace inspection or repair today
We serve:
- St. Petersburg
- Clearwater
- Tampa
- Largo
- Palm Harbor
- Brandon
- Wesley Chapel
- Riverview
- And surrounding cities
Let us help you enjoy your fireplace with confidence and safety.