Fireplaces, Heating Stoves, Flues and Chimneys - Restore bricked in fireplace?
Doityourself.com community forum was created to provide answers to all questions related to home improvement and home repair. Doityourself community can help you find information about how-to topics on small fixes to large remodeling projects. With comprehensive how-to content and expertly moderated community forums DoItYourself.com makes it easy to tackle even the most complex home improvement projects.View Full Version : Restore bricked in fireplace?
MissyMess
10-11-03, 06:14 PM
Advice wanted regarding restoring a bricked in fireplace in our old farmhouse. This was done a long time ago, and the wall plastered over, so I haven't done anything to see how or what was done. Just trying to get an idea of how to proceed. Thanks!
Doug Aleshire
10-14-03, 07:15 AM
MissyMess,
FIrst thing first, you have to remove all the wallcovering to then see what you have.
Not sure why the brick was coverd up but if it was due to smoke and soot, this may be removed from stone/brick fireplaces by the TSP method. Be sure to wear rubber gloves to protect hands from strong alkalis. Dissolve 8 teaspoons (1/2 cup) Trisodium Phosphate (TSP) in 1 gallon of hot water. With stiff scrub brush, scrub stone surface. Rinse with plenty of warm water. Repeat if soot or greasy stain not removed. More TSP may be added if necessary, up to 1 cup per gallon. This is a very strong solution; avoid getting on skin, carpet, or fabrics.
Another link to look at;
http://www.fireplacerenovators.com/cleanmarble.htm
Hope this helps!
FIrst thing first, you have to remove all the wallcovering to then see what you have.
Not sure why the brick was coverd up but if it was due to smoke and soot, this may be removed from stone/brick fireplaces by the TSP method. Be sure to wear rubber gloves to protect hands from strong alkalis. Dissolve 8 teaspoons (1/2 cup) Trisodium Phosphate (TSP) in 1 gallon of hot water. With stiff scrub brush, scrub stone surface. Rinse with plenty of warm water. Repeat if soot or greasy stain not removed. More TSP may be added if necessary, up to 1 cup per gallon. This is a very strong solution; avoid getting on skin, carpet, or fabrics.
Another link to look at;
http://www.fireplacerenovators.com/cleanmarble.htm
Hope this helps!
MissyMess
10-19-03, 05:27 PM
The issue is more that when you tap on it, it has definetly been bricked in or cemented in. How do you get the bricks out without damaging the fireplace structure? Hammer and cold chisel? Where do you start? Right in the middle? Once you get a few out can you use a sawsall on the grout? In other words, how to start the project.
Doug Aleshire
10-19-03, 05:57 PM
MissyMess,
Let us play this safe than sorry. I woud recommend a licensed fireplace installer to come out and evaluate what you have before you start trying to do any demolition.
If this idea sound too expensive for you, then don't do the project as you will not know what you are getting into and what issues have to be addressed or repaired.
Good Luck!.
Let us play this safe than sorry. I woud recommend a licensed fireplace installer to come out and evaluate what you have before you start trying to do any demolition.
If this idea sound too expensive for you, then don't do the project as you will not know what you are getting into and what issues have to be addressed or repaired.
Good Luck!.
jeffy
10-31-03, 05:57 PM
you must bust a hole big enough to get your head inside the wall. If this was a fireplace at one point it was demolished and the cavity in the wall was filled. Chances are if your chimney is in good shape or there is space for a liner, you can start the process of getting a pro to do so. This is not a do it your selfer. Becareful though this can often be a VERRY MESSY job. It would be best for you to get a pro in.
rroadman
11-08-03, 08:05 AM
MissyMess,
I have seen some old homes that did not use fire brick for the fireplace, you may consider an alternative fireplace (free standing or wood stove), it may be less expensive and safer to do a new install.
I have seen some old homes that did not use fire brick for the fireplace, you may consider an alternative fireplace (free standing or wood stove), it may be less expensive and safer to do a new install.
MissyMess
11-08-03, 10:06 AM
Originally posted by rroadman
MissyMess,
I have seen some old homes that did not use fire brick for the fireplace, you may consider an alternative fireplace (free standing or wood stove), it may be less expensive and safer to do a new install.
About 20 years ago there had been a chimney fire, so the chimney itself was rebuilt at that time, and a thimble put in to hook a woodstove to. We had done that in the past, but were thinking of unbricking it and getting a fireplace insert so that the chimney would go straight up instead of with an elbow.
MissyMess,
I have seen some old homes that did not use fire brick for the fireplace, you may consider an alternative fireplace (free standing or wood stove), it may be less expensive and safer to do a new install.
About 20 years ago there had been a chimney fire, so the chimney itself was rebuilt at that time, and a thimble put in to hook a woodstove to. We had done that in the past, but were thinking of unbricking it and getting a fireplace insert so that the chimney would go straight up instead of with an elbow.