AboutBart Ogden Expertise I can answer questions related to chimney and fireplace cleaning, construction and repair as well as questions related to the performance of chimneys and fireplaces. I can also answer questions related to clothes dryer vent cleaning and repair. Additionally, I can field questions related to masonry repair.
Experience
Experience in the area: 28 years experience in the chimney service/installation/repair field
President, Home Safe Hearth & Chimney, Inc. Wichita, Kansas
Professional Organizations: Member, National Chimney Sweep Guild (NCSG)
Member, Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association (HPBA)
Member, Kansas Guild of Professional Chimney Sweeps (KGPCS)
Member, Midwest Chimney Safety Council (MCSC)
Member, Kansas Association of Real Estate Inspectors (KAREI)
Past At-Large Director of the National Chimney Sweep Guild
Past At-Large Director of the Chimney Safety Institute of America
Past Secretary, National Chimney Sweep Guild
Past Secretary, Chimney Safety Institute of America
Member, National Chimney Sweep Guild Technical Advisory Council
Member, Chimney Safety Institute of America Certification Committee
Past Chairman, CSIA Chimney Safety Education Brochures Committee
Past Chairman, NCSG Nomination Committee
Publications: SWEEPING Magazine, The Journal of Chimney & Venting Technoloty, A Publication of the National Chimney Sweep Guild
SNEWS, The Chimney Sweep News
THE KANSAS SWEEP, The Voice of the KS Guild of Professional Chimney Sweeps
Education/Credentials: BA, Wichita State University
C.S.I.A. Certified Chimney Sweep
C.S.I.A. Certified Dryer Exhaust Technician
N.F.I. Woodburning Specialist
N.F.I. Gas Specialist
Chimney Diagnosis & Documentation Seminar
Ahren's Masonry Restoration School Graduate
Advanced Gas Certification
Master Gas Certification
Licensed Mechanical Contractor
Pellet Appliance Specialist
Venting Design Specialist
Dale Carnegie Course Graduate
Awards and Honors: Superior Dealer Award, Ventinox Chimney Lining Systems
Question This spring I plan on building an outdoor fireplace with a surrounding patio. I've already decided to use brick pavers for the patio but can I use regular exterior bricks for the construction of the fireplace. I'm not very schooled in masonry construction and will probably even use a wide putty knife as opposed to a trowel to spread my mortar as a pointed trowel is such a wierd tool to use and requires a lot of time to learn how to use. But I feel confident in being able to build a BBQ pit/outdoor fireplace that will have a chimney that is no taller than 6 or 7 feet. I don't think I have to worry too much about constructing the chimney flue part of the fireplace to make sure it will draw smoke as the chimney will not be tall enough to really matter. Although if you have any input on this part that would be appreciated as well. As I mentioned the chimney part will be not taller than 6 feet and may be closer to 5 feet once I get a definite plan drawn out but so that you can more accurately answer any of my questions I think I want to make the firebox part of the fireplace about 4x4 feet. My main question though is, there is some regular exterior brick in the woods near my house that the builder left behind and I need to know whether I need to use some sort of fire brick or if these bricks will be OK? Also do I need to use any special mortar when constructing a fireplace? Or should I use regular mortar mixed a little more wet or dry or does that make a difference to make sure I get a good bond that won't crack under the heat from the fire?
If you know of any websites I can visit to get ideas and to look at outdoor fireplaces that would be very helpful.
Thank you for your time to read and reply to my question.
Brian
Answer Hi Brian,
Yes, you can use "regular" brick put together with type N mortar for the exterior of your project. Don't waste your time with a putty knife - that will not get you the results you want. Learn how to use a pointed trowel by practicing on something before you start your project.
The firebox interior should be constructed of firebrick and fireclay and the flue interior should be lined with vitreous clay flue tile set with a calcium- aluminate based product to protect against heat and corrosives associated with combustion and combustion byproducts.
You can check www.bia.org for basic guidelines and technical notes on fireplace building. For a 4'x4' opening, you'll need a flue that is approximately 17" x 17" id for proper venting.
Good luck with your project and thanks for using AllExperts.com.
Sincerely,
A. Bart Ogden, President
Home Safe Hearth & Chimney
Wichita, KS
