Gap In Firebox

[mespork]

Hello,

I have a problem that I am trying to fix. The problem is that when burning a fire in the fireplace the house would fill up with smoke. I investigated to find that there was a gap going all around the firebox where it connects to the stone work that makes up the hearth.

What I believed has happened is that the stone work is on the second floor of the house. and unfortunately the floor supporting it sagged a bit after installation. I am relatively sure that it is not the chimney shifting as it is still flush with the roof and completely level. I am pretty sure that this is too much to fill with cement.

Does anyone have any advice of how to fill this?

Thanks

 

[begreen]

Is this a zero clearance fireplace or an entirely masonry assembly? If it has settled, what is to stop this from continuing to settle? Can you post a picture of the whole fireplace and some close ups of the gaps?

 

[velvetfoot]

This happens when you have a good draft?

 

[webbie]

As velvet is suggesting, this crack may need repair but might not be the reason for your problem.

Tell us more

Fireplace front opening size
Height of chimney
size of flue tile in chimney

 

[mespork]

The fireplace was settling because the floor supporting it settled. It is an all masonry fireplace The flooring has been re-enforced up to prevent further settling. The firebox is still completely square and the fire-bricks are all in very good shape. The problem is that the crack seems to be ruining my draft. I will post pictures when I get home of the problem.

 

[mespork]

FIBERGLASS OR ROCK WOOL + [FURNACE] CEMENT? maybe.

Can the rock wool withstand the heat??

Thanks

David

 

[mespork]

Here are photos of the gap (I filled it with fiberglass to stop any draft that might come through) and the fireplace.

 

[Hogwildz]

You need to jack it up back to original height, then support well. At least this is what I would do. Why leave a gap there and need more fill. Get it back to where it belongs, sure it up, then seal any gaps left with proper materials.

 

[mespork]

That is going to be quite a project... I am going to have to figure out how to further re enforce the floor

 

[Hogwildz]

That is going to be quite a project... I am going to have to figure out how to further re enforce the floor

If there is a basement or such underneath you can get to, wont be too bad.
In the old days it was jack and get some big posts underneath. Block would prolly work well also.

 

[jeepin in maine]

is there any way to add a load bearing wall under that fireplace after you jack it back up?

 

[mespork]

The problem is that the basement is another living area. The house is a raised ranch.