Need some help and I hope I can attach the photo. Sorry as I know its sideways but my computer wont let me rotate it. This is the back wall of the firebox towards the floor area. Before I install my insert I have to repair the mortar joints on the back wall and repair 2 cracked bricks. The cracks in the bricks is in line with the joints above and below the cracks. Some of the missing mortar is quite deep. Over an inch and maybe to the back of the brick. The total area that needs the work is about 18 x 18 inches. Also if I do the work what do I need to repair it with and would I be able to get a sweep to sign off on it as I need to submit a chimney cert for my permit. Trying to save some money and plan to install the liner myself. insulated of course. Thanks
Firebox mortar repair
- Thread starter rick clifford
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![[Hearth.com] Firebox mortar repair](/talk/data/attachments/155/155410-20c8c7b5337ae28b38e3808db2498f72.jpg?hash=_nbqhWSRm7)
CaptSpiff
Minister of Fire
Google "Rutland Fireplace Mortar", about $5 a tube in gray color. Usually ACE or HD carries it.
If you can't find that then "Furnace Cement" will work but I've only seen it in black.
PS: That's not even close to being bad!
If you can't find that then "Furnace Cement" will work but I've only seen it in black.
PS: That's not even close to being bad!
you really dont have to repair it for an insert at all but if you do cut out the joints and then re point them with refractory cement
Where would I find refractory cement and is it a pre mix or what. Wont need much. I did buy the rutland mortar repair tube but it says to only use it to 1/8th inch. These joints are will be deeper once cleaned out. Is it OK to pack it in until the joint is full?
We get refractory cement at the brick yard but a good hardware store may have it we use heat stop brand it comes in small containers when we are doing small repairs. But really there is no need to fix that before putting an insert in there. I would not try to fill that with the tube stuff i doubt it will set properly
Thanks so much. I am feeling better about that and I did not think it was bad either. Actually I have used it for 10 years as a free burning fireplace and it hasn't gotten any worse to my eye. OTHER question which I forgot to mention, The crown has a couple cracks and is not crumpling. Is there something I can do/use to top dress it. I am trying to get the insert in as soon as possible and may fully address it in the summer but for now a quick fix would help me. Thanks again
Post a pic of the crown if it is not in bad shape crown coat may work. But the surface needs to be in good shape for that to work if the surface is breaking down and it is sandy it will not adhere well.
I haven't actually been up there to look at it which I need to do but there is over a foot of snow on the north side of the house. I aint getting any younger and my I will do anything at any time mentality in a thing of the past. Warming up this week so I hope to get up there. I was told about this condition by my sweep a couple years ago when last cleaned. (I don't burn a lot but I will once the insert is in. Been collecting wood since Sandy hit)
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