how do i fill the gap in my fireplace

1. Remove the mortar in the areas around the gaps using an electric grinder or a carbide-tipped grout saw.
2. Clean the joints to remove any loose bits of mortar by sweeping the joints with a stiff wire brush and vacuuming them with a wet-dry vac.
3. Apply water to the bricks that are around the gaps until they are soaked, and allow them to dry overnight.
4. Mix a batch of mortar, following the instructions on the packaging.
5. Add water to the bricks again to get the surface damp. Don't soak them as you did the previous day.
6. Patch the gaps in the horizontal joints by filling them with mortar. ...
7. Patch the gaps in the vertical joints, using the same technique you used to patch the horizontal joints.
Run a joint tool over the mortar to smooth the surface of the joints. Clean off any mortar that got onto the face of the bricks with the trowel.
Clean bits of dry mortar from the joints by sweeping a brush diagonally across the joints.
Spray the mortar and the bricks around it with water for the next three days while the mortar sets. ...

Full Answer

How do you fix gaps in fireplace mortar?

Small gaps in mortar can be repaired with a special high-temperature caulk called refractory caulk. It contains silica for heat resistance and is specifically designed for fireplaces. This fix is a fairly quick, easy, and inexpensive process. Refractory caulk, also known as fireplace mortar, is suitable for minor repairs only.

What to use to fill gap between stove top and gasket?

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 do you fill the gaps between slate flooring and walls?

Alternately, you could also use a setting type drywall mud, such as durabond 30 or 45 to fill the deeper gaps etc. Then again use a second coat to create a smooth straight extension of the wood trim to the slate. Either method will result in a neat, easy to paint fill that should stop your air infiltration problem and make the finish look nice.

What to use to fill this gap between kitchen cabinets?

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.

How do you fill gaps around a fireplace insert?

Adhesive Strips. Available at many hardware and home improvement stores, small rolls of fiberglass-based stripping can be cut to size and applied in noticeable gaps between an insert and the masonry on the outside face of a fireplace, underneath the insert.

How do you seal the inside of a fireplace?

If you want to seal your fireplace off for good, the easiest way to do so in a hurry is to cut out a foam insulation plug, place it at the bottom of your chimney, and caulk or weatherstrip it in place.

Can you caulk fireplace?

Caulking a Crack in a Fireplace Wall 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.

How do you fill a large gap between a house and a chimney?

One way to fix this problem is to add flashing to your chimney. This is a metal sheet which forms a watertight seal between your chimney and roof. Flashing seals the gap between the chimney and roof.

Is there a special mortar for fireplaces?

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?

Domestic Fireplace Mortar is a premixed and ready to use regular mortar. It was developed for installation of firebrick in masonry fireplace installations. It also has many other uses such as in chimneys, boilers, incinerators, furnaces, kilns, etc.

What to use to fill in fireplace cracks?

Fireplace Crack Repair Costs Homeowners can purchase a tube of refractory caulk for around $15 to repair any small cracks or holes. This caulk works well for repairing small chips or cracks in firebrick, re-pointing mortar joints between firebricks, and bonding bricks together.

How can I make my fireplace insert look good?

0:471:24How to make my old Dirty fireplace look good? Dimplex Electric InsertYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo you're gonna get the decorative brick. And then the full thing which is gonna hide. EverythingMoreSo you're gonna get the decorative brick. And then the full thing which is gonna hide. Everything about your existing fireplace.

Can you use spray foam around fireplace?

To keep a fireplace working properly, never use spray foam on the inside of the fireplace or the chimney, or on the damper. On the exterior surfaces of the fireplace and chimney, spray foam is fine because these surfaces won't get hot enough to melt it or to cause any damage.

How big of a gap can I fill with caulk?

A single bead of caulk can fill gaps up to 1/4 inch. If the gap is slightly larger than this, fill it with a bead of caulk deeper into the gap, but not flush with the surface. Wait until the caulk is completely cured before coming back to put a surface bead on.

How do you fill gaps between wood and brick?

One of the most common uses of exterior caulk is to seal the openings between different types of materials, such as wood and brick. Applying caulk to a brick surface must be done carefully so as not to spread excess caulk over the surface of the brick.

How do you fill a large gap in wood?

2:278:02How to Fill Big GAPS in Wood with Wood Filler Guaranteed! Fix Large ...YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAll the way in leaving no empty gaps in his air space push it in towards the screw. So it goesMoreAll the way in leaving no empty gaps in his air space push it in towards the screw. So it goes around it. And fill it up.

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 refractory caulk last?

Refractory caulk usually cures fully after exposure to fire for one hour. Home-Cost.com. Show Full Article.

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.

Can you use refractory caulk on a fireplace?

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. Significant damage in a firebox can be a serious fire hazard and should not be repaired with refractory ...

How do I smooth mortar on brick?

Run a joint tool over the mortar to smooth the surface of the joints. Clean off any mortar that got onto the face of the bricks with the trowel. Allow the mortar to set long enough so that it begins to get firm.

How long should I spray mortar around bricks?

Spray the mortar and the bricks around it with water for the next three days while the mortar sets. This prevents the mortar from drying out too quickly and cracking.