Fireplace/Hearth is disintegrating

donalfm

We live in a 3 year-old 3-bed semi. Didn't use the fire much in the first two years, so have probably lit about 200 fires since we moved in.

Our problem is that in the last few months a crack in the back of the fireplace has gotten larger and larger and is now extending almost from side to side. It also extends down to what should be the base of the hearth. The base or floor of the hearth is also disintegrating and is now about 2 inches lower than it used be. It has disintegrated beneath the back wall as well and I can now stick a poker in about 3 inches beyond the base of the back wall.

Asked the builder to have a look. He said not to worry and that he'd get it sorted. The contractor the builders got in to do the fireplace/chimneys in the estate arrived today and had a look. His only response was "They're designed to burn out", (The house is 3 years old!) but he'll get back in contact with us couple of days.

My question: They'll probably suggest a quick fix with concrete - does anyone know if the full unit needs to be replaced?

bbam

Hi..
I'd wonder if the area behind the fireback had been filled with the appropriate material... or with anything at all ??

Jimbo

Could be expansion cracks due to inadequate/no fill material behind it. It could also just be down to a poorly made hearth

I replaced my SIL's hearth a couple of years ago, looked similar to those pictures.
The house was nearly 50 years old and the backfill had seeped out over time and taken out with the ashes.
From the photo, it looks like the backfill seeped out thorugh the gap at the bottom!

muffler

If its the fireback itself you will need to replace it. However from the other details you supplied especially in relation to the hearth disintegrating then I would suggest you get someone to independently assess this situation.

It may be nothing at the end of the day but I would have concerns.

smashey

So did mine last week although that might have something to do with me, a bolster and a lump hammer.

Get it checked as muffler said.

donalfm

The builders came to see it. Apparently hearths are "built to burn out" but they fully replaced the hearth and floor. They didn't even have to remove the fireplace and were quick and tidy. The insulating layer behind had been at least part of the problem. Should have had more faith

intbn

I know this is an old thread but does anyone know how much replacing a hearth costs roughly? I see the OP got theirs sorted by the builder but it was probably covered by the builder, was it donalfm?
Ours is disintegrating too and the landlords doing nothing about it, sent them pictures showing the cracks and he's basically said he'll come round when he's home for christmas to see what we can do with it, the chap i had clean the chimney recently said we'd be doing very well to even get christmas out of it even if it's patched up with fire seal cement.

thanks in advance for any sugguestions on prices anyone has