How to Fix a Fireplace
- Prep the surrounding work area by hanging plastic drop cloths. Tape them to any door, window, and hallway openings with painters’ tape.
- Put the canvas drop cloth down immediately underneath the work area.
- Use the grinder to cut the damaged brick out of the fireplace. ...
- Chisel out the head joints with a hammer and chisel.
- Once the mortar has all been loosened, chisel away at the brick using the larger masonry chisel until it’s completely out of the fireplace. ...
- Dampen a masonry brush and clean out the hole where the old brick was to ensure the new brick will bond.
- Mix up some Type N mortar in a bucket with some water using the trowel until the mortar is an oatmeal consistency.
- Scoop out some mortar with the trowel and lay it flat on the hole where the old brick used to be. Smooth it out with the trowel.
- Fill the head joints or back butter the bricks with mortar. This is the best opportunity to ensure a nice, full joint of mortar.
- Wiggle the replacement brick into place.
- For the top head joint, add mortar the same way you would if you were repointing. ...
- Once all the mortar is in place, clean up the joints by dragging a jointer along all the new mortar lines. ...
How to resurface your fireplace?
Design Options Materials
- Concrete or Stucco. Concrete or stucco mix can be applied by hand directly to the surface of an existing masonry fireplace, then either troweled smooth or a finished with a ...
- Wood. Wood fireplace facing lends a warm, natural appearance to a structure known to physically keep a room toasty.
- Masonry. ...
- Tile. ...
- Stone. ...
How to safely use your fireplace?
Tips for Using Your Fireplace Safely
- Make Sure Your Fireplace Is Safe to Use. Fireplace safety is a matter of proper maintenance and cautious use. ...
- Build a Safe Fire. Open the flue before lighting a fire to ensure the fireplace will vent properly. ...
- Fireplace Safety Tips. Never leave a fire unattended! ...
How do you fix a fireplace?
Troubleshooting Basic Problems of Gas Fireplaces
- Pilot Light. Compare gas fireplaces on Amazon or source parts like pilot lights. ...
- Thermocouple. The thermocouple is a small metal rod that intersects the gas valve and the burning pilot flame. ...
- Thermopile. Similar to the thermocouple, a thermopile is a sensor that generates voltage. ...
- Conclusion. ...
How can I repair my fireplace?
- A fireplace insert is way less expensive than a fireplace repair
- A fireplace insert burns more efficiently than the traditional fireplace
- A fireplace insert will allow the heat to stay inside your home rather than going up the chimney
- Since your fireplace will add heat, then your heating bills will be reduced
Can you repair a fireplace firebox?
1:223:39Firebox Repairs - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd round the mortar joints back to about a half of an inch to an inch. The new moist. And weMoreAnd round the mortar joints back to about a half of an inch to an inch. The new moist. And we moisten all the mortar joints. So you get a good bond. And then basically use high-temperature cement.
Can you repair the inside of a fireplace?
Refractory caulk, also known as fireplace mortar, is suitable for minor repairs only. If your fireplace has broken or crumbling bricks, large gaps in the mortar, or missing mortar, have a professional mason or fireplace contractor inspect it.
Can a cracked fireplace be repaired?
Pros can repair many fireplace cracks if you catch the issue early enough, but you may need to replace portions of your fireplace or, in some cases, the entire fireplace.
How do you repair a fireplace wall?
0:203:21how to fix firebox crack, cracked fireplace, fireplace repair - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipStore just a heads up all right so we've got this vacuumed out but it says that we need to wipe itMoreStore just a heads up all right so we've got this vacuumed out but it says that we need to wipe it with a wet sponge. So we're just gonna kind of get all the dust off of it.
Is there a special mortar for fireplaces?
QUIKRETE® Fireplace Mortar (No. 8620-21) is a silicate based refractory cement caulk for tuck-pointing damaged fireplace mortar joints and repairing cracked or chipped firebricks in fireplaces and wood-burning stoves.
How do you replace a fireplace firebox?
0:4610:05Firebox Refractory Replacement - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThen we're going to go ahead and cut the new panel to size we're going to install the new panel. AndMoreThen we're going to go ahead and cut the new panel to size we're going to install the new panel. And back and then we're going to reinstall the sides.
How much does it cost to fix a crack in fireplace?
Fireplace Crack Repair Price Homeowners pay between $150 and $800 to professionally fix a crack in their unit. The price depends on the crack location and size. Cracks can appear in various parts, including the masonry, firebox, and mortar 2 joints. Some are cheaper and simpler to fix than others.
What can I use to seal a crack in my fireplace?
A: Quikrete Fireplace Repair Mortar is a silicate based refractory cement caulk for tuck-pointing damaged fireplace mortar joints and repairing cracked or chipped firebricks in fireplaces and wood-burning stoves.
What causes a fireplace to crack?
Causes of cracks Panels may become cracked or damaged due to excessive heat from an improper fire in the firebox area. The fire may have been built too large or not positioned correctly in the fireplace; therefore the panels get exposed to excessive heat.
How do you repair an old brick fireplace?
4:186:16How to Repair a Damaged Fireplace Brick | Ask This Old House - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd slip it in I'm gonna wiggle it in. And I'm in so we did the bed joint with mortar. We did theMoreAnd slip it in I'm gonna wiggle it in. And I'm in so we did the bed joint with mortar. We did the head joint we did the head joint over here. Now what we're gonna do is this top bed joint. Now.
What is fire cement?
Fire Cement is a ready-to-use putty which is heat resistant up to 1250oc. There are a number of manufacturers and brands and it's available in different sizes in both black and cream. The cement can be used to seal joints in wood stoves, especially around the area where the flue rises out of the top of the stove.
How to Fix a Fireplace
Prep the surrounding work area by hanging plastic drop cloths. Tape them to any door, window, and hallway openings with painters’ tape.
Resources & Tips
Working with masonry can be dusty, and the silica dust produced by working with it is hazardous to your health. To minimize the dust, Mark recommends hanging up plastic tarps around the entire work area to confine it to one space, and he also recommends using dust-collecting tools.
Why do chimney sweeps inspect fireplaces?
A chimney sweep inspect your fireplace and chimney so that breaches in the safety of the unit are identified and repaired. That is the main purpose of the inspection. However, a professional is not always needed to know that the firebox is beyond simple repair. If you notice that the bricks in the firebox are crumbling and you see ...
What are the benefits of a fireplace insert?
Not only will you achieve a new look with the fireplace insert, but you will also gain practical benefits such as: A fireplace insert will allow the heat to stay inside your home rather than going up the chimney.
Is a fireplace insert more expensive than a fireplace?
A fireplace insert is way less expensive than a fireplace repair. A fireplace insert burns more efficiently than the traditional fireplace. A fireplace insert will allow the heat to stay inside your home rather than going up the chimney. Since your fireplace will add heat, then your heating bills will be reduced.
Can you switch from tile to brick?
You can switch from tiles to bricks, or vice versa. Tiles come in many different colors and patterns, and they are easy to install. Achieving complete fireplace revitalization can be accomplished through changing the outer hearth.
Can you replace a fireplace with a floor to ceiling look?
If you think that your fireplace looks horribly outdated, don’t worry, you don’t have to be stuck with it . It is so easy to replace the entire floor to ceiling look of the fireplace. A simple change in the design can make your fireplace a centerpiece in your home. You will soon take great delight in your fireplace.
Can you use a fireplace without a sound box?
You may be informed one day that you will have to repair your firebox. A professional chimney sweep will tell you how unsafe it is to use a fireplace without a sound firebox. You will have to take immediate action. Although this might seem like bad news, it has a good side: repairing your firebox is a great opportunity to update your fireplace’s ...
Two Types of Fireboxes
There are basically two types of fireplace fireboxes. They include factory-built fireboxes and masonry fireboxes.
Factory-Built Fireboxes
As the name implies, these are built in factories and only need to be fitted or installed into a fireplace. These have their designated lifespan within which they’re expected to serve.
Masonry Fireboxes
Masonry fireboxes tend to be more durable than their factory-built counterparts. However, that isn’t a guarantee that they won’t develop issues with use. These develop a wide range of problems that require fixing.
Can I Perform Fireplace Firebox Repair and Installations Myself?
When it comes to getting things done, it’s important to consider the professional option than the seemingly easy DIY alternatives. DIY alternatives may seem easy and cost-effective, however, you could get stuck trying to have certain things done.
There Are Personal Responsibilities
Maintaining a fireplace firebox isn’t a task reserved for chimney technicians alone. You have responsibilities that must be performed. Such responsibilities include cleaning the firebox frequently and only using approved fuels.
How to get rid of ashes from a fireplace?
Wear your leather gloves and put the ashes into a metal garbage can. These can be put into plastic bags as long as you are sure the ashes are completely cool. Remove the grate so that you can access the entire fireplace.
Can you replace a damper with a new one?
When choosing a replacement damper it's important that you choose one that is exactly the same size. It's actually really easy if you take your old damper with you to purchase a new one as you can compare and choose the right size of damper.
Gas Fireplace
A gas fireplace uses natural gas to heat your home. This no-fuss type of fireplace doesn’t require a chimney, but rather, uses just a pipe to remove any byproducts from your home. Many models allow you to control the flame using a remote or a thermostat, and this type of fireplace doesn’t produce smoke or buildup in your home or chimney.
Repair Cost
The gas fireplace repair cost that you’ll pay depends on what type of repair you need. The average fireplace repair price is between $40 and $60, but some repairs could cost as much as $2,000. Some of the most common repairs for a gas fireplace are failed pilot lights, fogged-up glass and issues with the remote control or thermostat system.
Wood Fireplace
A classic wood-burning fireplace lends unbeatable appeal to your living space. There’s just nothing like curling up by a fire on a cold afternoon. This type of fireplace requires a chimney to vent smoke and its byproducts out of your home, since these can cause health and safety hazards if left inside your home.
Electric Fireplace
If you’d like the beauty and aesthetics of a fireplace in your home with almost no maintenance cost, an electric
Pellet Fireplace
The pellet fireplace is rising in popularity today. That’s likely due to its super-efficient burn capability, and ease of use. Small pellets are made from byproducts of sawmills, making them an environmentally friendly option for those concerned with clean energy sources.
Is Your Electric Fireplace Light Not Working?
If you just found out that your electric fireplace just stopped working, that isn’t a nice feeling at all. However, most electric fireplace faults can be fixed. So, what do you do when this happens?
What Type of Electric Fireplace Do You Have?
The type of electric fireplace you have determines how a problem is tackled or fixed.
Troubleshooting Your Electric Fireplace
Before it’s determined that an electric fireplace needs repairs, some troubleshooting will have to be done to get to the root cause (s) of seeming malfunction. Many areas need to be looked at.
