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Question
I have a fireplace with a brick exterior. I have removed the brick and I am now wondering what options I have to rebuild the facade. Behind the brick was a combination of brick, mortar, and large cement bricks. I would like to do stone here but do I need to build this out. If so what material needs to be used?
Thanks
Hi Casey,
Everything has to be non-combustible. NO SHEETROCK BACKER! Concrete board is ok if you need it for some reason (you shouldn't.)
Lay block as needed to built it out to the base depth (deducting the thickness of your stone + 1/2" from finish line). Provide something to tie the stone into, embedding wall ties as needed for lateral strength.
Lay stone.
Sounds simple, doesn't it?
Give it a shot, go slow, and remember, if you mess it up, you can always tear it out and start again.
Lay the stone up with a type S mortar.
(NOTE: This is assuming you're using real stone at least 2" thick, not thin-cut real stone or manufactured ("cultured") stone. For those, see the manufacturer's instructions.)
Thanks for using AllExperts.Com and good luck with your project.
Sincerely,
A. Bart Ogden, President
Home Safe Hearth & Chimney, Inc.
Wichita, KS
Voice: 316-265-9828
Fax: 316-265-9890
www.homesafeks.com
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Answers by Expert:
Bart Ogden
Expertise
I can answer questions related to chimney and fireplace cleaning, construction and repair as well as questions related to the performance of chimneys and fireplaces. I can also answer questions related to clothes dryer vent cleaning and repair. Additionally, I can field questions related to masonry repair.
Experience
Experience in the area:
28 years experience in the chimney service/installation/repair field
President, Home Safe Hearth & Chimney, Inc. Wichita, Kansas
Professional Organizations:
Member, National Chimney Sweep Guild (NCSG)
Member, Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association (HPBA)
Member, Kansas Guild of Professional Chimney Sweeps (KGPCS)
Member, Midwest Chimney Safety Council (MCSC)
Member, Kansas Association of Real Estate Inspectors (KAREI)
Past At-Large Director of the National Chimney Sweep Guild
Past At-Large Director of the Chimney Safety Institute of America
Past Secretary, National Chimney Sweep Guild
Past Secretary, Chimney Safety Institute of America
Member, National Chimney Sweep Guild Technical Advisory Council
Member, Chimney Safety Institute of America Certification Committee
Past Chairman, CSIA Chimney Safety Education Brochures Committee
Past Chairman, NCSG Nomination Committee
Publications:
SWEEPING Magazine, The Journal of Chimney & Venting Technoloty, A Publication of the National Chimney Sweep Guild
SNEWS, The Chimney Sweep News
THE KANSAS SWEEP, The Voice of the KS Guild of Professional Chimney Sweeps
Education/Credentials:
BA, Wichita State University
C.S.I.A. Certified Chimney Sweep
C.S.I.A. Certified Dryer Exhaust Technician
N.F.I. Woodburning Specialist
N.F.I. Gas Specialist
Chimney Diagnosis & Documentation Seminar
Ahren's Masonry Restoration School Graduate
Advanced Gas Certification
Master Gas Certification
Licensed Mechanical Contractor
Pellet Appliance Specialist
Venting Design Specialist
Dale Carnegie Course Graduate
Awards and Honors:
Superior Dealer Award, Ventinox Chimney Lining Systems
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