Fireplace inside wall
#1
02-15-03, 05:02 PM
Fireplace inside wall
I have what I think is called a zero clearance fireplace. The inside three walls are made of some type of mortar with grooves to make them look like brick. We use our firelace a lot and the back wall crumbles and gets a hole in it every 2-3 years. I am tired of replacing it. What can I put there that will be harder and more heat resistant - more permanent? The wall is 1" thick and about 27x20 inches with both ends (wall edges) cut on an angle. I don't care about the brick look.
#2
02-15-03, 06:49 PM
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JeffNA,
First, any repairs made to this should be done by obtaining a permit for the repairs to ensure the safety of you and yours. I gather you are not using firebrick or proper fireclay lining so the repair is constant. From what you are saying, you need a good Refractory brick liner that is 2" thick.
*** You should call the local building official to confirm this requirement***
This also would be beneficial to ensure that you do not jeopardize your homeowners insurance coverage in the event of a tragedy.
In older fireplaces, fireboxes are constructed with standard or common brick. Common brick deteriorates easier than fireclay brick. Firebrick should be used in all new fireplaces, and if the brick cracks or the mortar deteriorates, it should be repaired with refractory or reinforced Portland cement.
Not being able to see what you have makes this difficult but you have 2 options;
1. Call a professional to look at what you have to first determine options that are available to you. Listen to what they have to say, and yes, the cost may not be music to your ears.
2. Obtain the required permit, if required, and perform the repairs yourself. Ensure that you do all the repairs to code to ensure your safety.
Hope this helps!
First, any repairs made to this should be done by obtaining a permit for the repairs to ensure the safety of you and yours. I gather you are not using firebrick or proper fireclay lining so the repair is constant. From what you are saying, you need a good Refractory brick liner that is 2" thick.
*** You should call the local building official to confirm this requirement***
This also would be beneficial to ensure that you do not jeopardize your homeowners insurance coverage in the event of a tragedy.
In older fireplaces, fireboxes are constructed with standard or common brick. Common brick deteriorates easier than fireclay brick. Firebrick should be used in all new fireplaces, and if the brick cracks or the mortar deteriorates, it should be repaired with refractory or reinforced Portland cement.
Not being able to see what you have makes this difficult but you have 2 options;
1. Call a professional to look at what you have to first determine options that are available to you. Listen to what they have to say, and yes, the cost may not be music to your ears.
2. Obtain the required permit, if required, and perform the repairs yourself. Ensure that you do all the repairs to code to ensure your safety.
Hope this helps!
#4
02-16-03, 05:44 PM
I would not use anything but the refractory panels available from the manufacture. In the event of a "fire", you would be on an Island by yourself because you altered the integrity of the fireplace by not using the factory supplied refractory.
Also, each manufacture has a specific grate that they reccomend as well. You might want to replace it each time also. DO NOT throw the firewood "hard" against the back panel. This can lead to cracks.
Hair line cracks are to be expected. When they get 1/8" or larger, replace.
I doubt that a permit would be required to replace these refractory panels.
Macey
Also, each manufacture has a specific grate that they reccomend as well. You might want to replace it each time also. DO NOT throw the firewood "hard" against the back panel. This can lead to cracks.
Hair line cracks are to be expected. When they get 1/8" or larger, replace.
I doubt that a permit would be required to replace these refractory panels.
Macey
#5
02-16-03, 06:38 PM
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JeffNA,
I would suggest that you check with your local building official for the need for a permit in the repair or replacement of the refractory panels that may be required.
Macey may not realize that in some municipalities, permits are required not only for new installation, but alterered, repaired or replacement of existing units. Just suggesting to be safe than sorry.
It is true that replacement of the panels should be done by the original manufacturer but in most cases, that may not be possible due to the name being hidden from view.
Hope this helps!
I would suggest that you check with your local building official for the need for a permit in the repair or replacement of the refractory panels that may be required.
Macey may not realize that in some municipalities, permits are required not only for new installation, but alterered, repaired or replacement of existing units. Just suggesting to be safe than sorry.
It is true that replacement of the panels should be done by the original manufacturer but in most cases, that may not be possible due to the name being hidden from view.
Hope this helps!
