Expert: James Ball - 10/9/2010

Question
I have an old metal (cast iron) fireplace that has not been used for years due to the fact that there is a piece missing from the back "wall" of the hearth. It looks like the missing piece was a cast iron panel 20cm x 30cm that was bolted on.
My question is: what are my options to repair (fill) this hole? I have seen another example where some form of cement might have been used, but am not sure of the implications of this. I don't have a lot to spend, so I would appreciate any options you can suggest such as some kind of fire-proof cement, or other solution...? Thanks, Ronan  

Answer
Hello Ronan, not sure what you have but I would not use it unless it is working 100%, I would have a local Certified Chimney Sweep www.csia.org, (there you can look up by zip code to find one near you) take a first hand look at what you have they should be able to help.
Hope this helps
James