That’s a case of a can of worms waiting to be opened. The most I would do yourself is demo. Even that can be sketchy if it’s on an outside wall or built into the structure. The age of that fireplace makes it a death trap waiting to happen. Tuck pointing, creosote buildup, exhaust issues, chimney fires and more. The least you should do is get a pro to inspect it. Then see what’s needed to be done. If your lucky it’s been kept up to date and may just need a good cleaning.

 

Thanks. I should clarify. I already demoed the old brick surround and this is what was behind it.

 

It’s not the facia you should be concerned about. It’s things like cracks in the flue, creosote build up, bad mortar, and if RacinMason 👆is correct, improper installation of any upgrades over the years. Really, a professional inspection inside and out, including the roof chimney areas. Rain caps and flu caps on old chimneys are easily ignored because they’re way up there. This way at least you have an idea of everything is needed to be done.

 

Yea you need a qualified mason to inspect that fireplace. The black residue on the front of those throat brick suggest that it's been leaking, not a good sign. That could even be a modern firebrick laid firebox inside the original brick firebox, it looks somewhat modern.