Need Help repairing Hearth joint/mortar

[RDL914]

Hi all,

I'm new to the site, new to fireplaces, new to homeownership. Just bought in August, and already had the chimney sweeper out to inspect the fireplace and chimney. The previous owners never used it, and according to the chimney guy who's been doing this 40+ years, everything is in great shape - the only thing he said it needs is a repair of the hearth mortar joint as seen in the attached pics.

I've been doing some research, came across Rutland's fireplace mortar, but was hoping this forum would point me in the right direction. I don't have much experience with masonry, but figured I could handle this project. Any recommendations?

Also, it doesn't look like the previous owners sealed the hearth stone - what type of stone is this? Slate? Any recommendations on how to wash and seal it?

Thanks

 

[bholler]

Well honestly it looks like the fireplace was not built correctly. The hearth and the hearth extension should have been poured as one unit but instead yours was done seperatly which means the hearth extension has settled and opened up that crack. Any mortar will do to fill it but it is going to be an ongoing thing. It will continue to crack over and over. the only way to really fix it it tear up the hearth extension drill anchors into the hearth slab and re pour the hearth extension. As far as the stone it looks like slate to me no need to seal it really.

 

[jb6l6gc]

Even if you had to re do it yearly its a cheap and easy fix as opposed to rebuilding . I would be looking at an insert and liner though

 

[bholler]

Even if you had to re do it yearly its a cheap and easy fix as opposed to rebuilding .

Yes i agree but still not right. And there is a slight possiblilti of a hot coal falling in that crack. And those cracks usually drop down to framing.

I would be looking at an insert and liner though

Agreed again but it should be fixed in that case as well

 

[jb6l6gc]

I would mortar it and put a piece of steel plate over itvcovered in stove paint. I believe its called a starter strip one came with my fireplace but i didn't need it

 

[jb6l6gc]

What happened to your avatar bholler?

 

[bholler]

I would mortar it and put a piece of steel plate over itvcovered in stove paint. I believe its called a starter strip one came with my fireplace but i didn't need it

Yes that is for a zc fireplace not a masonry one. What i would suggest is chip out all the mortar pack the crack with ceramic wool than cover with metal if you were putting an insert in there and not willing to fix it correctly.

What happened to your avatar bholler?

Never had one

 

[jb6l6gc]

Sounds reasonable just trying to have the frie dly debate giving him all options and pros amd cons

could've sworn i saw you with one i stand corrected

 

[jb6l6gc]

What if a new insert came out over top of that. Would you just fill with ceramic wool or still rip out?

 

[bholler]

could've sworn i saw you with one i stand corrected

Nope just haven't loaded one yet i dont see the need

Sounds reasonable just trying to have the frie dly debate giving him all options and pros amd cons

I understand and i will do the same but i feel i have an obligation to tell people how it should really be done to fix the problem as well.

 

[bholler]

What if a new insert came out over top of that. Would you just fill with ceramic wool or still rip out?

To really be correct it should be fixed. But i would probably pack it and cover it with metal.

 

[jb6l6gc]

Tell me about it ijust got done ripping out tiles at my frinds new to him house today that someone had put in with adhesive that never even cured and then wondered why all the grout cracked brilliant

 

[RDL914]

Thanks for the replies. So when I walk into Home Depot and ask where the mortar is, any particular mortar I'm looking for? Perhaps the reason it cracked in the first place was it couldn't handle the heat?

As far as the rebuilding, the liner, and an insert...that may come for next winter, and I'll be sure to post for recommendations. For now, just trying to get through this winter and pay my mortgage and taxes.

 

[BrotherBart]

Mine is the same. And the whole thing is sitting on cantilevered rebar filled concrete visible from the basement and it is unharmed. The thing just settled. I filled it with mortar.