How To Fix The Exterior Of A Fireplace?

Mark McCullough, a Mason from the Old House Project, discusses how to fix a chipped brick in a fireplace surround. He recommends preparing the surrounding work area by hanging plastic drop cloths and tape them to any door, window, and hallway openings with lime mortar. When brick pointing is complete, the joint is smooth, sealing water out. If it’s no longer smooth and dragging a finger across the mortar joint releases sand and small stones, the mortar joint likely needs repair.

Repointing a brick fireplace is easier than you might think, as the old, messy method of mixing mortar in a bucket and troweling it on is obsolete. Nowadays, high-temp mortar can be purchased and used for exterior chimney resurfacing. DIYers can also add tile work, repainting, building a new mantel, and putting up faux bricks to spruce up a fireplace.

To clean and prep the area, use a wire brush to remove dust, debris, and loose mortar. Cut Brick, a stucco made to look like brick, is recommended for creating any color bricks. The fire brick can be re-adhered with fireplace mortar, but parts falling off may make it less useful.

A house with an outdoor fireplace has a metal cross beam that has started to sag. The only work needed is re-bricking the exterior walls of the fireplace cavity, the ceiling/roof, and the fireplace cavity with fire clay. Fire clay is designed for high heat and can be used to create a patch that will hold.

What does brick spalling look like?

Spalling brick is a common issue characterized by chipping, cracking, crumbling, flaking, peeling, and powdering of structural bricks. It is primarily caused by water infiltration and subsequent freezing and thawing. Excessive brick breakdown poses a health risk to those in or near the structure, and extreme spalling can lead to structural collapse. This article provides information on identifying spalling, its causes, prevention methods, and best practices for fixing it.

What is a common problem with fireplaces?

Excessive creosote build-up in the flue is a common issue in wood-burning fireplace systems, requiring an annual chimney sweep to prevent safety hazards. Debris or blockages, such as bird’s nests, can also build up in the flue, leading to fire hazards and carbon monoxide back-up. The freeze-thaw effect in certain regions necessitates periodic repairs of masonry to prevent water from entering cracks, freezing, expanding, and eventually causing collapse. Regular chimney sweeps are essential to prevent these issues and ensure a safe and functional fireplace system.

How do you fix a crumbling fireplace?

If only a few bricks are crumbling in a specific location, it may be possible to identify and repair the issue. Inspect all areas around the damage, including the mortar, chimney cap, and chimney crown. If the cap or crown is the source of water drainage, seal them with caulk. Chisel out the crumbling brick, starting with the mortar, and replace the brick and mortar with new materials.

To prevent chimney spalling, schedule annual chimney inspections from a certified professional, regularly inspect the chimney yourself, add waterproof sealant when needed, and conduct tuck-point repair to the worn-down mortar. Chimney Solutions can handle these items for you. Contact them by calling 770-255-1300 or filling out a short form on their website.

Can you replace fire bricks yourself?

A new fire brick should be inserted into the damaged space, secured with a wooden block, and then tapped gently with a rubber mallet to ensure a secure fit along the floor or wall of the wood stove.

What is the outer part of a fireplace called?

The foundation of a fireplace is made of heavy-duty brick or cinder block, providing structural support for the chimney’s walls. The footing is typically made of concrete and serves as the surface under the ash pit in older homes or the firebox in homes without an ash pit. The ash pit is located in the basement or under the firebox, and some fireplaces may not have an ash pit. The ash dump is an opening in the firebox that allows the ash to fall into the ash pit.

The inner hearth, also called the inner hearth, is the area where you build and light the fire. It is lined with firebrick, a special brick made from fire clay that can withstand high temperatures. Some fireplaces have doors made of glass or metal to prevent air transfer between the flue and room. The outer hearth, also known as the hearth extension, is made of brick or tile to reduce the risk of fires.

The fireplace face, or surround, is the part of the fireplace surrounding the firebox and is made of brick, stone, concrete, or other noncombustible materials. The mantle is a decorative shelf above the fireplace, originally designed to catch smoke and keep it from entering the room. The lintel supports the bricks, stones, or other materials on the front of the fireplace above the opening.

The chimney damper controls the chimney airflow, keeping hot air from escaping up the chimney and cold air from traveling down the chimney and into your house. The smoke chamber compresses byproducts of combustion as they move up the flue without causing a backdraft. The chimney flue is the passageway inside the chimney through which heat and combustion byproducts travel up the chimney.

The chimney crown is a concrete or mortar top that seals the top edge of the masonry chimney, protecting it from water damage. A chimney cap, often made of heavy-duty stainless steel, keeps water, animals, and debris from getting into the chimney.

To ensure proper functioning of your fireplace and chimney, contact T. J.’s Chimney Service in Greenfield, Ind., to schedule an annual chimney inspection and cleaning.

What is the platform in front of a fireplace called?

The hearth is the horizontal floor area in front of the firebox opening, typically as wide as the firebox and legs combined. Fire has been an integral part of humanity since prehistoric times, with evidence of fireplaces dating back 300, 000 years ago. The modern fireplace emerged around a thousand years ago as the fire pit began integrating into living dwellings. Several fireplace terms are used to describe the different components of a fireplace, including the firebox, which is typically inside the wall and comes in direct contact with the fire.

Fire has been an integral part of humanity since prehistoric times, and its terminology has been borrowed from many sources and developed over time, often leading to confusion when shopping for a fireplace. Understanding these terms can help you choose the perfect fireplace for your home.

How do you repair exterior brick?

In order to repair damaged bricks, it is necessary to remove them, break them apart with a mason’s chisel, remove the old mortar, mix a new batch, apply it, insert the brick, repeat the process, tool the joints, and then allow the mortar to cure.

What can I use to repair my fireplace?

Fire sealant is a durable material used for repairs and filling gaps inside fireplaces. It is rated for high temperatures and comes in a standard caulking tube for easy application. To use fire sealant, clean the area free of dust, soot, or contaminants. Place the tube into a caulk gun and cut the nozzle end to the desired width. Apply the caulk evenly to the surface and smooth it out. If using to secure a loose firebrick, apply generously to the back and press firmly into place. Clean up tools and any spills or excess sealant immediately with soapy water and a cloth. If excess sealant is found, remove it mechanically using a putty knife or razor blade.

What is the trim around a fireplace called?

The metal trim surrounding a fireplace, commonly referred to as a hearth or surround, is dependent upon its specific location within the overall design scheme. A search of the online marketplace 1st Dibs reveals a collection of antique and vintage fireplaces, including a distinctive Victorian fireplace fender or surround crafted from solid brass and metal. The fender or surround is an elegant and distinctive architectural element.

How to fix an outdoor brick fireplace?

In order to repair a brick, it is necessary to apply fire cement to the affected area. In the event that the brick is broken, it is advisable to push the pieces back together. Any excess cement should be removed and incorporated into the crack. The temperature should then be increased gradually over a period of approximately three to four hours. Following this, the brick should be permitted to cool and any further cracks should be identified and addressed. In the event that additional cracks are identified, the aforementioned steps should be repeated.

How to repair fire brick in a fireplace?

To repair a brick, clean it, dry it, apply fire cement to the damaged area, push the pieces back together, clean off excess cement, and push the cement into the crack. Gradually heat the brick over a three to four hour period, allowing it to cook. If there are further cracks, repeat the steps. Refractory brick panels in a fireplace can also be replaced if they develop a crack. The process involves cleaning, drying, applying cement, heating, and cooking the brick.