Hearth wall facing is separating from wall

[bo-banna]

Hello:

I am looking at purchasing a house that has two fireplaces, on the same chimney. Of course they probably have separate pipes and the masonry work has no stress cracks. However, I noticed that the hearth masonry facing below the mantle is separating from the wall/drywall section. There is about 1/2" of separation at most. Fireplace and house was built in 1984.

What sort of fixes exist for this? I have seen this very often in many houses, but have yet to understand the cost and effort required to fix the problem.

Thank you for your help!

Hannah

 

[daryl]

Do you have a metal firebox with a metal chimney coming out the roof.If that is the case when a mason lays up brick they stay away from the wall about a 1/2" so they can keep it plumb and straight without the wall touching the brick.you can fill that area with masonary mortar if you want.