“Decided to check why our fireplace was all covered up.” That simple curiosity sent one couple to a wall with a claw hammer and a drywall panel that did not want to hold still. What they found behind it was not a quirky vintage feature but evidence that something had gone badly wrong inside the wall at some point in the past.
The discovery is shared by @elaine_marra, who documents the moment the board comes away and the damage comes into view.
@elaine_marra
A fireplace under wraps
The brick and stone fireplace had been closed in with a large sheet of drywall across its upper section. A man pries the sheet off with a hammer and peers behind it before it is fully removed. The first look shows charred wooden framing and brickwork. “There’s a hole in the wall,” he says, and the woman beside him reacts with an immediate “oh my God.” She adds that the damage seems to go all the way up.
Evidence of a fire in the wall
As more support framing is unscrewed and pulled away, the extent of the damage is clear. Thick black charring covers burnt timbers above the brick chimney breast, and the brick itself is darkened with soot. A text overlay delivers the verdict: there was a fire inside the wall at some point. With dry humor, the woman calls it just a small fire. Close ups show badly burnt studs and soot covered masonry above the fireplace opening.
Stripped and ready to rebuild
The final shot shows the fireplace cleared of drywall and loose trim all the way down to the brick and frame. A caption says it is stripped and ready to re-frame, with the line that it is time to rebuild. There is no more talking, only the quiet of a space that has just been opened up for the first time in a long while.
Why a fireplace might be covered up
Owners and previous owners close in fireplaces for many reasons: drafts, a lack of use, a modernization project or damage they did not want to deal with. A covered fireplace is worth investigating because the structure around a chimney is meant to be separated from heat by specific clearances. Charred framing is a sign that those clearances may have failed, or that a chimney or flue problem once let heat or embers reach the wood.
What to do if you find fire damage
- Stop and photograph everything before moving anything. Records help with inspections and insurance questions.
- Do not use the fireplace. Treat it as unsafe until a qualified professional says otherwise.
- Call a certified chimney inspector to examine the flue, liner and masonry.
- Ask a structural professional or licensed contractor to evaluate the framing. Charred studs can lose strength and may need replacing.
- Check smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and wear a dust mask and eye protection while working around soot.
- Plan the rebuild with current code in mind, including clearances to combustibles.
Common questions
Can burnt framing be left in place? That is a decision for a professional. Wood that has been charred may be weakened, and its condition can be hard to judge by eye.
Can the original brick be saved? Often it can be cleaned, and sometimes it needs repair. A mason can tell you whether it is sound and whether the mortar joints need work.
How do I remove soot? Soot smears if rubbed with water. Specialty cleaners and dry sponges help, and a professional can advise on heavier staining.
Should I tell my insurer? Ask your insurance provider and your home inspector what applies in your situation, especially if you are buying or selling.
The takeaway
A closed in fireplace can hide anything from a lovely original hearth to a serious repair. This couple chose to look, and by opening it up they put themselves in a position to rebuild properly. If you ever notice a fireplace or chimney that has been boarded over for no obvious reason, it is a good prompt to bring in the right professionals before anything else.
Credit for the original post goes to @elaine_marra on TikTok.
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