Frequently Asked Questions

All your burning questions on stone, concrete, and fireplace services – answered.

As you embark on your next home project, remember that VanderWall provides exceptional fireplace and landscaping products, in addition to high-quality maintenance and services. You can always be confident knowing that you’re investing in a company with a team of knowledgeable, experienced, and dedicated professionals. We’re here to give you peace of mind.

Fireplace FAQs

What are fireplace inserts, and are they worth the money?

Fireplace inserts are specialized heating units designed to fit into a traditional masonry fireplace, converting it into a more efficient and effective heating source. These inserts are essentially a self-contained firebox that can burn various types of fuel, such as wood, gas, pellets, or even electricity, to generate heat and create a cozy ambiance. Fireplace inserts can help you cut down the cost of heating your home. Over time, this can actually help you save money. The trick is to make sure to turn down your thermostat when you are heating your home with a fireplace insert. Inserts are not replacements for home heating.

Note: How much money you can save depends on the placement of the thermostat, as it will automatically adjust based on the thermostat setting and the placement of the insert.

Learn more about fireplace insert installation.

Are fireplace inserts safe?

Yes! If your fireplace insert is professionally installed, you can ensure proper heat efficiency and safety. You can count on VanderWall Bros. to keep your home and family safe.

Can a fireplace be removed from your home?

Yes – there are many ways to remove a fireplace from a home. Some are costly and involve demolition and construction, and others are less invasive.

Generally, most people with an existing traditional fireplace upgrade to a gas insert. This can save money on heating costs as drafts are reduced through the masonry chimney.

What size fireplace do I need for my home?

Depending on the fuel source in the fireplace insert (gas, wood, electric, etc.), the size of the fireplace insert should be based on the existing firebox dimensions of front width, back width, depth, and height. These dimensions are critical to identify so the proper insert can be found.

Talk to our team, and we’ll guide you through our fireplace selection and fireplace installation services.

What is the best fireplace to buy?

Advising on the “best fireplace” can be tricky since everyone has their own idea of what “best” means. The best fireplace for you depends on preferences like budget, how you’ll use the fireplace, where you’ll install the fireplace, and more. Before determining what kind of fireplace you need, decide what you want it for. Some customers think function (how much heat, use, etc.) is more important than form (what it looks like, flame presentation, etc.).

Our experienced team is here to help you every step of the way and find the right products for your home.

Discover the fireplace brands that we trust and sell.

Do fireplaces add resale value to your home?

The fireplace cost may be 1%-3% of the price of the home, which is a minimal cost with a significant impact, making investing in a fireplace a fantastic choice and decision for a product that will last decades.

While installing a fireplace can cost a decent amount of money, it’s worth the investment. It’s estimated that a fireplace can increase a property’s value by 6-12%.

Stone FAQs

Can a stone fireplace catch on fire?

In short, no. But, fire can weaken mortar, which could shift your fireplace and, in a worst-case scenario, cause your fireplace to collapse.

Most homes in Michigan, if they were masonry fireplaces with clay flue liners, must be cleaned, causing the damage from the freeze-thaw cycle to weaken the system. It’s the gaps in the flue liner that cause potential fire problems.

How long do stone fireplaces last?

Stone fireplaces are a fantastic investment. Essentially, a stone fireplace will last as long as the property it is installed in.

Learn more about stone fireplaces.

How do you maintain a stone fireplace?

Overall, stone fireplaces are durable and low maintenance.

For minor dust accumulation, plain dish soap can be used.

To tackle more stubborn smoke stains and creosote buildup that result from extended usage, a mixture of Trisodium phosphate (TSP) powder and a gallon of hot water can be highly effective.

Having an annual cleaning of your flue is vital to keep buildup to a minimum which is the cause of most fireplace fires.

Always exercise caution and verify with your stone supplier before using any chemicals on your stone to ensure compatibility and avoid potential damage.

Do you have any more questions about our fireplace services? Contact our team! We’d love to chat.