How Do You Repair A Fireplace Fire Box

How to Replace the Firebox in a Fireplace

The firebox is an essential function of any fireplace, and replacing is hard -- but it's possible. For the most part, fireboxes are cubic chambers that house the woods (or other solid fuel source) and the flames of the burn.

Replacing a firebox may extend the life of your fireplace.

Many fireboxes are fabricated with masonry, fifty-fifty in fireplaces with wooden facades, because stone and brick withstand high amounts of oestrus. Many fireboxes are lined with metal fireplace inserts that provide dependable fireproofing. Replacing a firebox can exist a challenge, but it is much more affordable than replacing an entire fireplace.

Tip

Consult with a professional chimney sweep to determine whether your chimney should exist re-lined following a firebox replacement.

Warning

Replacing a firebox can be dangerous, as the masonry inside the firebox may be load-bearing. If you are not familiar with construction and/or bricklaying, you should hire a professional to perform this task for y'all. Remember, if your firebox isn't congenital correctly y'all will accept a burn take chances in your home.

Measure the firebox for meridian, width and depth. Record these measurements with pen on paper.
Examine your existing firebox to find out what information technology'southward made of. The existing material volition have a bearing on how you lot replace the firebox. Look for cracks in the firebox, which are indicators that it faces replacement. If the firebox is made with rock and mortar, gently scrape the walls with a trowel. If the mortar crumbles easily, it's fourth dimension to supplant the firebox.
Caryatid the existing firebox with 2-by-4s. Place one on each side of the firebox, jamming one end into the ceiling of the box and allowing the other end to press into the floor.
Rake out the existing mortar in the firebox with a paw rake and discard it. Loosen mortar that does not crumble away easily with a hammer and crowbar. Nail stubborn mortar with the hammer to break it up, and so pry it abroad with the crowbar.
Working on i section of the firebox at a fourth dimension, remove the old bricks or stones and put new stonework in its place. Use heat-resistant mortar, known as fireclay, to seal gaps between bricks.

The Baste Cap

The firebox is an essential part of any fireplace, and replacing is hard -- but information technology's possible.
Many fireboxes are fabricated with masonry, even in fireplaces with wooden facades, because stone and brick withstand loftier amounts of heat.
Rake out the existing mortar in the firebox with a manus rake and discard it.
Loosen mortar that does not crumble away easily with a hammer and crowbar.