Chimney & Fireplaces/fireplace brick

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Expert: - 12/24/2004


Question
inside the opening of the fireplace, the brick on the bottom and back wall is crumbling and pitting away... this is just recent and im worried it may go all the way thru the bottom allowing hot coals to drop thru and start a fire beneith. The back looks as if some simple morter repair can be done but the bottom looks as if it needs complete bricks replaced...How can i repair this?

Answer
Hi Rich,

If you have a masonry fireplace, the bricks will have to be removed and replaced with firebrick, not regular bricks.  Removing those bricks will likely loosen up the surrounding bricks, which will necessitate rebuilding the firebox.  I would recommend contacting a CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep for this repair.  A national locator can be found at www.csia.org.

If you have a factory-built fireplace, you'll have brick panels in place that will need replaced.  Depending on the age, model, make and condition of the unit you may or may not be able to locate panels for it.  I would also recommend contacting a CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep for this repair.  A national locator can be found at www.csia.org.

Good luck with your repair and thanks for using AllExperts.com!

Sincerely,
A. Bart Ogden, President
Home Safe Hearth & Chimney
Wichita, KS
Voice: 316-265-9828
Fax: 316-265-9890
www.homesafeks.com

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Bart 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

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