Fireback advice please

LonglynX

I am fitting a fireback to a "Virgin" fireplace in a new house.
There is nothing at all in the fireplace opening. Just a block built hole in the wall. The chimney has flues which come down onto a funnell shaped precast concrete piece at the top of the fire opening.

I have a precast concrete fireback to fit, and here are a few questions.

The "Floor" can this be made of normal concrete or is it a special mix/ fire cement? I have to raise the floor of the fireplace about 8 inches. I will be pouring a concrete sub hearth in front of the fireplace, can the fire floor be done at the same time with the same mix??

The fireback. I assume that this is fitted with fire cement. Does the space at the back of it have to be filled in with sand as someone once told me?

Finally the side walls. Just raw blockwork at the moment. Are these rendered if so what with? Or are there fireproof slabs or something similar - I'm afraid i don't have a clue about this one.

Any advice would be appreciated. I've tried searchng DIY sites to little avail, so any clues would be great.

Thanks.

>>LonglynX<<

Victor

I have to admit I have never studied fireplaces that well but ...

Anywhere the fire will touch / radiate directly to (including overhead), should be fireproof. Usually a steel grate is used to hold the actually fire off the floor of the fireplace (for ventilation), so there isn't as much of a need there. Make sure it is well sealed with the fire-proof cement.

The back should be packed with a weak dry (as in no added water) sand / cement mix as packing.

What are you going to do for a surround? The people there should be able to help.

If you feel this unsure, you might get someone to do it for you.

LonglynX

Thanks Victor,
Yes the fire will be contained in a grate. The surround is a black cast iron piece with a wooden mantel and surround, which I will fit when all else is complete.
It's not that I'm not able, just I haven't tackled a fire place before and info is in short supply.

With regards the sides of the opening, I mean the areas within the opening immediately to the left and right of the fireback, at right angles to it. I have seen these badly cracked in other houses and wonder what is the correct finish for this area.

Cheers

>longlynx<

Victor

Look at my sketch.

The green bit won't be exposed to the extremes of heat the red bits will. The red inner faces should all be of fire resistant material.

Not sure where you live (will affect supply) but gas fires look really good.

Make sure the flue takes all the smoke away from the fire - draughts and air currents can cause problems. Make sure the room has a permanent vent. Otherwise you could be dealing with a carbon monoxide risk.

LonglynX

Location North Kerry. Solid fuel open fire.
>>LonglynX<<

Victor

Ooops, attached

LonglynX

Cheers Victor. I will see if i can get Slabs for the sides, otherwise i'll render with fire cement.

>>Longlynx<<

Magaly Dado

......if it's a 0-10mm gap, get some fibreglass rope from any fireplace merchant/fitters and squeeze it in. It's white, but blackens/hides in time. Just done it meself!