Warning

 

Close
Confirm Action

Are you sure you wish to do this?

Cancel Confirm
AR15.COM
11/28/2008 6:17:14 PM EDT
When I bought my house was told by the inspector not to use the fireplace due to a number of loose fire bricks...

Does anyone know if it's safe just to use fireplace mortar to re secure them?
11/30/2008 1:54:52 PM EDT
[#1]
t all depends upon there and how loose they are.

In the fire box? Yes you can, remove the old bricks; clean them up buy new if needed.
Clean the wall up removing loose stuff.  Use refractory cement and pre-coat the wall.  Working into cracks as needed. Let dry.
Then replace your bricks mortar the back and sides with refractory cement. Let dry.
Build a small fire to cure the mortar and any new bricks.

Before warned!  Chances are you are going to have a lot more loose bricks then you think. I've done a couple that I had to redo the whole box, most it’s just the back wall.
I have found that it almost as quick to do the entire back wall then replace 3-4 bricks.

You can cut the bricks with a hammer and chisel, diamond blade, of a tile saw, which I use.

Now it they are in the chimney that is a whole different ball game and it may require a liner, such as the type used on fireplace inserts., 6-8" stainless steel flex. Works great.

Let me know if you need more info.