1962 fireplace - Sealing cracks to floor

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donut_love

New Member
Dec 9, 2017
2
Portland, OR
Hi crew - Just moved into a "new" house, a 1962 ranch, with two brick fireplaces. I've never had a fireplace before, so trying to learn as much as I can before burning.

1. The previous owners had some type of white sealant strip from the brick to the floor, preventing the draft up from the crawlspace. Is this typically a silicone caulk, sanded grout, or something completely different? I've asked a lot of people, and received a lot of different answers - Decided to come to the experts. Also found a small crack between the front and back fireplaces.

2. The living room fireplace has NEVER been used before...They staged a fake fire in the listing photos! The sellers (Original family) said they never felt the need to have a fire, but something smells fishy to me. Will investigate.

Thanks
 

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