Thread: Outdoor fireplace cracking within a week it was built

Along with the patio cover that we had built which was built incorrectly, the contractor also did a fireplace. Within a week of construction we noticed that it was cracking. The contractor told us that he was going to use the materials available to ensure that the fireplace lasted awhile. He also said that he would obtain permitting for both the patio cover and the fireplace but never did. We found out that he should have built the fireplace on a 3ft deep slab, according to the colony building department. He built the fireplace with cinder block and used no fire-resistant material what-so-ever. I would like to know if this fire place is still useable or is it going to crumble with intensive heat.

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Originally Posted by Patrick Moehringer

Along with the patio cover that we had built which was built incorrectly, the contractor also did a fireplace. Within a week of construction we noticed that it was cracking. The contractor told us that he was going to use the materials available to ensure that the fireplace lasted awhile. He also said that he would obtain permitting for both the patio cover and the fireplace but never did. We found out that he should have built the fireplace on a 3ft deep slab, according to the colony building department. He built the fireplace with cinder block and used no fire-resistant material what-so-ever. I would like to know if this fire place is still useable or is it going to crumble with intensive heat.

A three foot thick slab? I think you have a little misinformation on that part.

The entire fireplace is "fire resistant", CMU block and stone will not burn.. I think you are trying to say that no fire brick or refractory brick and mortar was used.

I can't see the inside of the firebox very well, but it does not look like it is all CMU block. I would hire a local fireplace specialist to inspect it and provide a professional opinion on it.

I didn't look at the fireplace pictures, but I looked at the patio cover pictures. If its the same guy that built the patio cover, I would be very concerned.
Maybe if you build a nice big fire in it you can solve your patio cover and fireplace issues at the same time, assuming your homeowners insurance is paid up.

what did it state in your contract?

I agree with Scott, get a pro out there to take a look.

I think the building department may have thought you were building a home fireplace with a 40 foot chimney.

Those blocks at the base are installed on their sides. Is that an air intake or ash chamber?
If not, they are installed wrong.
The cracking looks like typical shrinkage

Proper footings/foundation support is required. Clearances and proper construction is required ("even" and especially accessory structures, outdoor fireplaces, masonry, site built. Bare minimum require prescriptive foundation or engineered plans or approval/stamp. Unknown soil conditions, or specific locale.

The entirety (both posts, i.e. addition/patio cover construction) couldn't possibly meet even minimum safety, building, planning, zoning requirements.

Just one example of the myriad hazards...the so-called outdoor masonry fireplace(chimney) does not extend at least 2' above the elevations of all adjacent structures within 10' (as evidenced in the photos you provided on your "patio cover" discussion thread. Do not, under ANY circumstances even consider priming or "using" this "fireplace" as the site conditions you shared via photographs in this and the other referenced discussion thread remain.

Your home's exterior wall fireplace, now enclosed chimney appears to be now similarly compromised regarding multitude necessary clearances, and the entirety of the main structure and occupancy appears compromised. Should there be "an event" highly doubtful HO Ins. would imdenify, may even cancel if made aware of these conditions described & photographed on your two topic discussions.

As an example, a very brief summary handout discussiong requirements in Plano, TX attached.