Chimney & Fireplaces/firebox rebuild

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Expert: - 3/20/2008


Question
Hi Randy, I rebuilt my present firebox in 1975 using firebrick  but it needs re-doing.  I have crumbling fireplace firebrick in the hot spot.  I have seen cast iron (cannibal) pieces in old fireplaces hanging from hooks in the fireplace back.  It is my understanding these cannibal pieces were are used to protect the brick from heat generated in the hot spot. What are those hot spot protectors called and how do I find one? also, where do I find the hooks and do I jusst mortar them into the back bricks?  Would you recommend adding fire clay to the mortar and if so, in what ratio?  Thanks, Leon

Answer
Leon,

The replacement of the rear wall of your firebox, should include high temperature refractor cement. Ideally, I prefer the joints to be no more than 1/4" inch thick. After this is repaired, the part you are describing is known as a "fireback." Firebacks are traditionally made of cast iron, (the better quality one's) and can be purchased online in a number of locations. "Google" "Pennsylvania Fireback" my personal preference for high quality and you will find many sources. Best of luck and thanks for asking.

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Randy Brooks

Expertise

Inspection of Masonry, Pre-cast Tilt-up, and Factory Built Fireplaces as well as Free Standing & Insert, Gas, and Wood Appliances. We also provide Hearth Fire Loss Investigations, Litigation Support, Consulting Services, Flue Sweeping, Installation and Repair. Additionally, I’ve been a chimney sweep for 23 years, service and install hearth appliances as well as being recognized by the Superior Court of California as an expert witness.

Experience

Brooks Chimney Sweeping Since 1989 Ojai, CA Owner / President www.brooks-hearth.com

Organizations
NCSG, MEMBER,(National Chimney Sweep Guild), Member since 1990, Board of Directors representing Region 6, (CA, NV, AZ, UT, OR, WA, ID, WY, MT, AK and HI,) 2004-2011, ethics committee chair, 2004-2005, executive committee member, Vice President, 2006-2008, President, 2008-2011. CSIA, BOD (Chimney Safety Institute of America,) Board of Directors, ethics committee chair, 2004-2005, executive committee member, Secretary, 2005-2006, Vice President, 2006-2008, President, 2008-2011. HPBA, MEMBER, (Hearth, Patio, & BBQ Association,) since 2002. NFPA Member, (National Fire Protection Association) Since 2009. Technical Committee member for the 211 Standard.

Education/Credentials
California State Licensed Contractor, C61-D34, #750710. http://www2.cslb.ca.gov C.S.I.A., (Chimney Safety Institute of America,) Certified Chimney Sweep, #2580. Held since 1990 re-certified in ‘93, ‘96, ‘99, ‘02, ‘05, '08,'11. http://www.csia.org F.I.R.E. (Fireplace Investigation, Research & Education Service,) Certified Inspector, #FP-006. Held since 2000, re-certified in ’03, ‘06. http://www.f-i-r-e-service.com Fireplace Investigation, Research & Education Service,) Advance Expert Consulting & Witness, certificate, ’05 N.F.I. (National Fireplace Institute,) Certified Gas & Wood-Burning Specialist, #133851. Held since 2002, re-certified in '05,‘08. http://nficertified.org

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