Chimney & Fireplaces/Covering ash dump

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Expert: Paul Karthaeuser - 12/30/2011


Question
Hi Paul,

I have a 1930s house with an ash dump. I no longer wish to use it, but there is a hole at the bottom of my fireplace that goes to the ash dump.  I plan on purchasing an ash dump cover eventually, but in the meantime, I used regular bricks (the kind you get at Home Depot or similar stores) to cover it up.  Does this pose any sort of fire issue?  We burn fires rarely, if that makes  difference.

Thanks for your advice.

David

Answer
David,

No, for the interim until you purchase an ash dump door assembly that sounds fine.  In fact, you could just seal it permanently with firebrick and high temperature refractory mortar if you'd prefer.  It's actually a better scenario than having the cast iron ash dump door assembly there where small embers can still fall through the frame and door gaps.  High temp. refractory mortar is usually available at Home Depot, also called fireplace mortar.  Home Depot often carries a brand called Rutland fireplace mortar and it comes in a standard 10 ounce size caulk gun tube.  Firebrick can usually be obtained at any local mason/brick yard.  And in the event you ever change your mind and want to open it back up, chiseling oput one brick is no big deal.  I hope this has been helpful.

Paul

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Paul Karthaeuser

Expertise

I am a Chimney/State Licensed Building Inspector and New Jersey State Superior Court Recognized Expert Witness in the chimney, hearth and venting categories. I hold certifications in sweeping chimneys, installing wood and pellet stoves, chimney inspections and have performed countless repairs and rebuilds of chimneys. I perform many inspections for real estate transactions, school systems and churches as well as residential chimney inspections and repairs. Experience is good, education with experience is better. Ask me anything fireplace, woodstove, chimney, pellet stove or venting related. Any questions related to a chimney, hearth appliance or venting system for residential use.

Experience

I have six years experience in the field with inspections, repairs and installations of all types of hearth appliances fired by wood, wood pellets, coal, oil and gas. Fireplaces, pellet stoves, woodstoves, inserts and factory built systems.

Organizations
International Association of Fireplace and Chimney Inspectors-Charter Member New Jersey Chimney Sweep Guild-President (current) New Jersey Chimney Sweep Guild Board of Directors- present and past National Fire Protection Assc. Hearth, Patio and Barbecue Assc.

Education/Credentials
State Licensed Building Inspector- NJ License #010429 I.A.F.C.I. Certified Professional Inspector CPI-#009 F.I.R.E. Certified Fireplace and Chimney Inspector #FP-168 National Fireplace Institute-Certified Woodburning Specialist #157063 -Certified Pellet-burning Specialist #157063 C.S.I.A. Certified Chimney Sweep #6587 NJ Superior Court Recognized Expert Witness- Chimney, Venting and Hearth Appliances

Past/Present Clients
Various churches, school systems and private clients represented in court matters.

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