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Chimney & Fireplaces/putting new brick in back wall

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Expert: Paul Karthaeuser - 12/3/2011


Question
How do you do the brick and morter laying in back wall of fireplace? Sides are okay. Thank you

Answer
I am not sure I understand your question.  Do you mean how do you actually, physically lay the brick and mortar?  Or do you mean what type of materials should you be using?  If your question is the latter then you should be using firebrick and a specific type of mortar called Hydraulic-setting refractory mortar or else a pre-mixed(wet) refractory mortar sold by the bucket or pail. These two items can be obtained at any quality brick/mason yard.  The joints between bricks inside a firebox are to be no more than 1/4" thick.   This in itself is no easy task especially if you intend to angle or curve the rear wall of the firebox forward.  It is therefore best left to a professional mason.

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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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