How to repair a crack in a fireplace.

Slasher

There is a crack in the back of my fireplace. The crack is in the fireproof brick, if you know what I mean.

Can this be repaired or does it have to be replaced?

Some time ago, I got a product in Woodies, a kind of mortar in a tub, but found it difficult to use as you had to bring up the temperature over a number of hours to harden the product.

So, does anyone know if it is possible to buy a small quantity of refractory mortar? I looked on line, but couldn't find anything.

Thanks.

PK27

I assume it was fire cement you bought, that's what you need. I've used it, it's hard to work, but I found putting it on heavy with a filling knife will get it into the crack, then scrape off excess, and wet either the knife or your fingers to smooth it out. ( it says not to use hands but I used mine and had no problems, just rinse well after, all cement products say not to use hands but unless you've dermatitis you'll be grand).
Light the fire but keep it low for two days, just enough fuel to keep it going, then after two days light as normal. After a while soot will cover the new cement and you won't even notice it.
Also might be a good idea to put a smoke alarm either in the bedroom that the chimney goes through or the attic, just for piece of mind that the chimney is sealed!

_Brian

The fireback is what your talking about and it's not really hard replaced with a new one. Few hours of a DIY job.

Slasher

_Brian wrote: »

The fireback is what your talking about and it's not really hard replaced with a new one. Few hours of a DIY job.

DIY job? Hmm, I dunno. I had a good look at it and it seems pretty complicated to me. You're obviously better at DIY than I.

Thanks for the advice, though.