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Thread: Gaps firebox

  1. #1
    RobertSmith's Avatar
    RobertSmith Guest

    Default Gaps firebox

    Last edited by RobertSmith; 12-20-2007 at 04:18 PM.
    OREP Insurance

  2. #2
    Tim Moreira's Avatar
    Tim Moreira Guest

    Default Re: Gaps firebox

    That's a great question that I would like to find out the answer to too.

    Last edited by Tim Moreira; 04-06-2007 at 10:34 PM.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
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    Near Philly, Pa.
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    1,682

    Smile Re: Gaps firebox

    If you need refractory mortars that meet ASTM C-199, you can buy this at most any hardware store in a caulking tube. If you need a 2000F rated insulating mortar, only a chimney sweep would have that (e.g. Chamber Tech 2000).

    However, that second pic seemes to show a cracked damper frame itself. These mortars are for masonry cracks. Gaps btw metal and mortar need a high temp. expansion joint such as ceramic fiber insulation (again from sweeps). If you caulk btw metal and masonry, it will crack or cause cracking elsewhere when the metal heats up.

    If a metal component such as a damper frame is cracked to where it affects the integrity of the firebox and smoke chamber, then cut it out and replace it with a similar unit or better still, a top damper. Then, using CT2K mortar, smooth up everthing nice and aerodynamic at the throat.
    HTH

    Keep the fire in the fireplace.

  4. #4
    Dale W. Feb's Avatar
    Dale W. Feb Guest

    Question Re: Gaps firebox

    I believe the real question is,... What caused the cracks? If this steel form damper assembly is in direct contact with the masonry material, (which it appears to be) then expansion during use of this fireplace may result in exactly what we see here. There should be an expansion joint between these two materials.

    If we apply sealant, the crack will come back when the fireplace is operated and the material expands and shift again. It is common to apply a repair, but we should first understand the cause.

    Dale W. Feb,
    Executive Director / F.I.R.E. Service
    Lead Investigator / F.I.R.E. Associates
    (805) 552-9958 (805) 552-9954
    E-mail / FireService@earthlink.net
    Fireplace Investigation, Research and Education Service Education
    www.FireAssociates.org Investigation


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