Expert: James Ball - 11/16/2009

Question
I have Buck insert. I had a local certified sweep to come clean and inspect and when he tried to roll the insert out to inspect, the brick facing pulled away from the wall. He said the insert was not the "bolt-in" type. The sweep thought that the fit was too tight and he did not continue to pull... The sweep said he's never seen the facing pull loose like that, he's been in business 20 yrs. Do you think that this pulled facing suggests that the integrity of the fire box is compromised or just that the facing should be replaced?

Answer
Hello Kelly, the insert might have weakened the face if it was in to tight (might fit ok when cold but when it gets HOT it might spread the bricks and weaken it), but the insert should be removed and the fire place fixed right then if the insert fits and is piped correctly reinstall it.
James