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Expert: Tom Pierce, CFI - 8/22/2007


Question
I've removed a slab level brick hearth and want to build a raised hearth even with the firebox floor, made of travertine.  I want to be very contientious of fire safety so I'm thinking I should use only non-comubustible materials (i.e. steel stud framing) but I'm stuck when it comes to attaching a slab of stone onto the framework.  Maybe a sheet of plywood on top of the framework and then the slab of stone is the way to go.  Is it?  Second, what do I do with the joints?  I've heard tell of heat resistant mortar.  Is that the thing to do?  Thanks.

Answer
Hi Greg, thanks for your question. There is a product that you can find at your home improvement store called "wonder board" also called " tile baker board" this product is used by masons and tile setters. Your fireplace store should have tubes of high temp mortar or you can mix up a refractory cement type mortar from the home improvement store. Best of luck with your project. Tom

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Tom Pierce, CFI

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Any questions relating to fire safety,inspections and fire losses

Experience

I have 30 years experience in the field of firefighting and fire investigation. I have owned and operated my own chimney sweep and installation company for 18 years.I have conducted over 10,000 chimney inspections. Professional Organizations: Member, National Chimney Sweep Guild (NCSG) Member, Golden State Chimney Sweep Guild (GSCSG) Member, National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Member, International Association of Arson Investigators (IAAI) Member, National Association of Arson Investigators (NAFI) Member, California Conference of Arson Investigators (CCAI)(Board Member) Member, California Firefighters Association (CSFA) (past Deputy Director) Credentials: Certified Chimney Sweep (CSIA) Certified Soild Fuels Inspector (ISC) Certified Fireplace Inspector (F.I.R.E.) Certified Gas Technition (CalGas) Chimney Restoration School (SouthWestern Technical Institute) California Licened Contractor C61 Certified Fire Investigator (CSFM) Certified Fire Investigator (CCAI)

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