Chimney & Fireplaces/fireplace facing

Advertisement

Expert: - 12/7/2007


Question
QUESTION: Bart,
I am currently replacing the ceramic tile on my fireplace and am going to installing a wood stove insert.  My house was built in 1952. Between the old tile and the firebox bricks there is about 1.5 inches of mastic/mortar that is crumbling apart and will need to be replaced.  My question is can I use multiple layers of cement board like Durock or Hardibacker to fill in the space where the 1.5 inches of mastic/mortar was and lay my new tile to this material? Could I use a type of 1.5" brick or cement block? I dont think I have the expertise to lay 1.5 inches of mortar and apply a flat verticle surface for a decent tile job.  Thanks for the help

ANSWER: Hi Jay,

Yes, you can use multiple layers of Durock or Hardiboard to build up a profile like you're describing.  You can also lay in the 1/5" brick or cement block you've mentioned.

Thanks for using AllExperts.Com and good luck with your project.

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


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks for the response.  I just have a couple more questions if you don't mind.  Do they make firebrick in a 1" or 2" thickness and is it easy to cut firebrick to size? Would I use a thinset mortar to attach the brick or Durock to the firebox bricks?  If I attached the Durock using masonry screws, would they damage the firebox bricks?  
Thanks again

Answer
Hi Jay,

Firebrick splits come in 1 1/2" thickness.  They must be cut with a diamond blade.

No matter what you attach to the existing brickwork, it will damage them in some way, at least aesthetically.

To attach firebricks to the structure, you'll use a refractory mortar like Alsey Airset.  To attach Durock, you would use a masonry anchor like a tapcon anchor.

Thanks for using AllExperts.Com and good luck with your project.

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

Chimney & Fireplaces

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

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

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.