Expert: James Ball - 10/4/2010

Question
I have a fireplace inset, wood burning.  The prefab firebrick walls are beginning to crumble.  I can not get replacements anymore.  Can I clean the back firestone wall with a wire brush to remove loose fragments and patch it with a fireplace mortar?

Answer
Hello Joseph, if I understand you correctly, the fire brick in your insert has deteriorated and you want to replace them? if so take a few good ones to your local wood stove store and see what they can find for you fireplace cement might not work and cause more of a problem, or you could contact the manufacturer of the insert and buy them from them
James