Damaged Fireplace

LFC Murphy

Just wondering if others are seeing the same issues.

Replaced entire fireback in open fire in March 2010 and now have to do it again (rented property)

Is this normal? I rang the builder who carried out the work and was told that modern firebacks are not able to cope with coal fires. (Considering the winter we just had)

Is he correct or should it have lasted?

Thanks

Victor

Moved from Accommodation & Property

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I would take that with a grain of salt.

LFC Murphy

Thanks

sydthebeat

thats rubbish.

if a product is not fit for purpose it shouldnt be sold.
Where did you buy the fireback? and did this builder put it in?

the only precaution that should be taken with a new fire back is that the first fire should be a modest one, turf or wood. Build up slowly to a coal fire.

Did the builder insulate the fireback from the blockwork? ie with parging or insulation?

LFC Murphy

Hi, ya this builder (Chimney builder) supplied and fitted the fireback.

I was also told about the bedding in phase, so I lit a few fires in it after a few days. The back void was filled with sand...

He told me that the only way to go was to install a stove and that he would quote me. :rolleyes:

Anyone know the cost of replacement?

sydthebeat

LFC Murphy wrote: »

Hi, ya this builder (Chimney builder) supplied and fitted the fireback.

I was also told about the bedding in phase, so I lit a few fires in it after a few days. The back void was filled with sand...

He told me that the only way to go was to install a stove and that he would quote me. :rolleyes:

Anyone know the cost of replacement?

The 'filling with sand' is a common practise. When firebacks are being changed a lot of the 'parging' which is around the flue sometimes pours out. A good builder will do their best to reduce this to a minimum.

On the cost of replacement, i changed my fireback last nov i think. The fire back cost depends on the opening size, they are standard. Somewhere between 40-60 i expect. Check your local builder suppliers. If you want to tackle it your self all you need is a fire back, possibly some rockwool insulation to fill and gaps behind the fireback, and possible some block off cuts (keep as much of the sand as possible, to pour back in around. You will need a sand and cement mortar mix to 'bed' the fireback in place, and also to create the lip between the fireback and the fireplace lintel. then some fire putty to seal the fire surround to the fire back.

LFC Murphy

So is the builder telling the truth or pulling a fast one. As its a rental Im not keen on doing a diy job. If he is telling truth I will get him back to replace it.

hopalong_ie

It's a rental so it would be the landlords responsibility to replace it, I had a new fire back fitted about two years ago, and it hasn't been that bad despite burning enough antricite to burn through two grates in two years, where it has cracked I have pactched it with a some fire comment and its been rock solid since. Maybe you could upload a picture.

sinjim

Firebacks are generally 16" thats an internal measurment, if its going into an existing fireplace a 2 piece or 50/50 fireback should be used.
The filling with sand used to be a commom practise many years ago, it should not be used as the sand allows no expansion with the heat,when removing the old fireback check each side to make sure its not touching the blockwork. the new fire back should be filled with a vermiculite/cement/water mix in 6/1/1 the vermiculite sets for stability but is still flexible.
After filling the back of the fireback with the vermiculite mix to the level of the top of the fireback, it should then be capped off with a slope upwards from the fireback to the back of the wall with a 6/1 sand cement mix, the joint where the fireback meets the fireplace should be filled with firecement.
I imagine you use a lot of smokeless coal which now has a high level of a chemical called petrolium coke which casuses the coal to burn hotter and damage both firebacks and grates which is why companys that manufactor them no longer offer gaurentee them.
The cost of a 2 piece or 50/50 fireback should be between 60-75 depending where you go and a bag of vermiculite should cost around 25-30.
Cheers
Tom