how do i fill the gap in my fireplace

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Full Answer

How do you fill a large gap in a fireplace?

Perhaps after injecting larger amounts of fire rated caulk as deep into void as possible, then use the solid, tube style caulking backer to fill the majority of the larger, deeper gaps, followed by using some paint-able silicon/acrylic mix caulk.

What do you use to fill gaps in stone fireplace?

CAULKING / GROUT – Caulking and grout is usually a silicone or cement based product used to fill a gap between the stones or an adjacent surface or fixture. As a general rule, caulking is used in situations where movement is expected and grout is used in more secure installations.

What to use to fill holes in fireplace?

Fireplace Repair Mortar is a silicate based refractory cement caulk for tuck-pointing damaged fireplace mortar joints. It withstands exceptionally high heat without product failure. Quikrete 10 oz. Fireplace Repair Mortar is easily applied using a caulk gun, so it does not require messy mixing.

How do you caulk a brick fireplace?

1:443:07How To Fix Cracked Mortar or Concrete in a Fireplace with Mor-flexxYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd recess the backer rod three-eighths of an inch to half an inch below the surface cut the nozzleMoreAnd recess the backer rod three-eighths of an inch to half an inch below the surface cut the nozzle to the bead size you need and load the caulking gun gun more flex into the joint.

Can you use caulk around fireplace?

Fireplace caulking is a little different than caulking around a bathtub, for example. The goal of caulking a fireplace crack is not only to cover the crack but also to force the mortar compound into the crack. Fire boxes have thick walls to protect the surrounding structures from heat.

Do you need expansion gap around fireplace?

Most materials expand when they are heated and contract when they are cooled. For this reason, when installing a new fire hearth you need to allow for expansion gaps. Installing with the correct expansion gaps will prevent your hearth from cracking due to the expansion and contraction of the stone.

Can you use quikrete in a fireplace?

QUIKRETE® Fireplace Mortar (No. 8620-21) is a silicate based refractory cement caulk for tuck-pointing damaged fireplace mortar joints and repairing cracked or chipped firebricks in fireplaces and wood-burning stoves.

Can you use regular mortar in a fireplace?

The mortar in most brick joints consists of sand, lime, and portland cement. But in a fireplace, that mix just crumbles away when subjected to roaring wood fires. For this application, masons rely on a refractory mortar made of magnesium silicate, which can withstand heat up to 2,000 degrees F.

How do you fill cracks in a brick fireplace?

Using a trowel, apply fire cement to the damaged area. If the brick has broken in more than one spot, put a layer of cement along the edge of each break and firmly push the pieces back together. Clean off any excess cement. If you are repairing a crack, push the cement into the crack and remove the excess.

What can I use to seal around my fireplace?

Close Off Fireplaces with a Chimney Cap Damper A chimney cap damper seals a fireplace from the top. This style of damper is very secure; some even come with a rubber seal.

What is the best caulk for brick?

Best Overall Exterior Caulk for Brick—GE Supreme Silicone Caulk. ... Best Silicone Caulk for Brick—GE Advanced Silicone 2 Caulk. ... Best Polyurethane Caulk for Brick—Loctite PL Poly Concrete and Masonry Sealant. ... Best Mildew-Resistant Caulk For Brick—DAP Dynaflex Ultra Advanced Exterior Sealant.More items...

Will caulking stick to brick?

0:391:54How Caulk Causes Damage To Brick And Why Repointing is ... - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipQuickly from the masonry it surrounds. If caulk is over the mortar then water is trapped in theMoreQuickly from the masonry it surrounds. If caulk is over the mortar then water is trapped in the mortar. And over a short period of time the mortar will deteriorate.

Can you use spray foam around fireplace?

1:436:17Spray Foam Around a Fireplace Flue - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipOr some type of non combustible material insulation generally is going to be wrapped around thisMoreOr some type of non combustible material insulation generally is going to be wrapped around this heat producing location. And then we apply the spray foam up.

How do you fix a crack in a fireplace insert?

For small hairline cracks, you can purchase refractory caulk specifically rated for chimney fireboxes. You'll need to start by cleaning out the crack and surrounding area to remove any loose mortar, then fill the crack with caulk. Note that this method is only appropriate for minor repairs and never for large cracks.

How do you seal a fireplace mantel?

Prime the wood with either a clear or white primer. Apply the specific stain or color of paint you desire. Minwax Sanding Sealer is a good sealer to apply after a stain or color, though it will be quite slick looking. Seal whichever sealer you use with a coat of Minwax Polyurethane to ensure the mantel is protected.

How do you seal a fire surround?

How to apply fireproof sealantGather materials. You will need a sealant gun, a sharp blade, cleaning material, a putty knife, a cloth and some warm water.Prepare the surface. Surfaces must be free of grease, dust and other contaminants and completely dry. ... Apply. ... Finishing up. ... Let it dry.

How to fill gaps in caulking?

Insert the caulk into the caulking gun, and cut the tip of the caulk tube as directed by the manufacturer. Slowly force the caulk into the gaps, filling them as deeply as possible. On vertical joints, working from the bottom up can help you visually confirm the degree of joint penetration by the caulk.

What is the firebox in a fireplace?

While a fireplace is a source of beauty and warmth in the cold weather, the heat generated from a fire will take its toll on the fireplace over time. The fireplace interior where the fire occurs is called the firebox. It is made up of firebricks and mortar, which are designed to withstand high heat.

How long does it take for refractory caulk to dry?

Refractory caulk usually cures fully after exposure to fire for one hour.

What is refractory caulk?

Refractory caulk, also known as fireplace mortar, is suitable for minor repairs only. If your fireplace has broken or crumbling bricks, large gaps in the mortar, or missing mortar, have a professional mason or fireplace contractor inspect it.

Can you repair a firebox with refractory caulk?

Significant damage in a firebox can be a serious fire hazard and should not be repaired with refractory caulk. Before & After: 10 Fireplace Makeovers You Need to See.

What to use for a gap in a wall?

If the assumption are right and the gap is 3/4 inch wide, I would use a caulking backer in the gap before using a good grade painter's or acrylic caulk as a topper. The caulking backer is a round foam solid tube that can be cut to length, inserted into the gap to seal it and hold the caulk. After the caulk has cured, it can be painted to match the trim. If for some reason you are concerned about high heat in this area, there is a fire rated caulk made especially for gaps in fire or common walls. Readily available at any box or hardware store from a number of manufactures.

What to use to back a wood stove?

Look for high temp stove and gasket cement. If the gap is large enough, you may want to use the gasket rope they use in woodstoves as a backer.

How to caulk slate?

Before you apply the finish caulk, run a nice straight line of painter's tape up the front of the slate even with the edge of the wood trim. When you fill over the foam backer with the caulk, use a small putty knife to draw the caulk smooth and flat. Immediately remove the tape while caulk is fresh. This should result in a nice crisp straight line. Let the caulk cure for 24 hours. If there is some shrinking or cracks, no problem, simply repeat the process with new tape and another coat of caulk.

Is there a gap between chimney and living space?

Regardless, if air is filtering through into the living space, there must be a gap outdoors ( external chimney) as well as indoors.

Can you use fire rated silicone around a flue?

I've used fire rated silicone around my flue in the past and it has worked a treat to seal between the flue and the roof.

Can you put double wall pipe in a chimney?

Even though you probably have double-wall pipe through the wall (which is what allows for the wood surrounding it) you still want something between the wood and the pipe that can act as an insulator against much higher temps in case of a chimney fire.