Spray foam is messy and unforgiving. Does anyone have suggestions for updating it. At first I was thinking to paint the brick with white paint. You can fill that gap with drywall mud, vinyl spackle, or Tub/Tile Caulk and repaint over it. By clicking Post Your Answer, you agree to our terms of service, privacy policy and cookie policy. Maybe check the minimum fireplace opening given in your manual as the minimum space the insert needs to have. I am going to try inserting pictures below for reference. I hold on my first suggestions, I do wonder however if the black metal pieces I am seeing in the picture are part of a removable fireplace screen set or perhaps an insert? You can get it at Walmart, Homey Depot, etc. In addition to being a potential fire hazard, a damaged expansion joint can also allow water and insects into your home. In addition to her journalism experience, she has been educating on health and wellness topics for over 15 years in and outside of the classroom. Please make sure that fireplace is stable, and wont collapse on someone, if it is stable, then I would use the backer rod like millworkman is suggesting above. We happen to have a stack of old flooring that was removed from Ed's grandparents farmhouse. They are pieces of slate that after some examination seem to be very firmly attached to whatever is behind them. Before you do anything: Check the building codes in your town and ask your insurance company! Hence, it may take a long time until that heat makes it into the room. will filling the area with plaster help? See more, We would greatly appreciate your assistance in selecting a new color for the fireplace wall.The color of our living room walls and fireplace wall is Sherwin Williams Why hasn't the Attorney General investigated Justice Thomas? Over time, the expansion joint can become damaged or broken, which can lead to serious problems. One could just use a shelf that screws into the wall somehow or other, but especially if you live in a rental place like I did for years (apartment living) you either don't want to or cannot do that per landlord rules. Last edited by dhaniyal; 08-25-2008 at 06:41 AM . It's hard to suggest a good non-combustible filler without seeing a picture. You could build bookcases and/or cabinets for a TV, etc. Maybe you know what to do with them, but maybe you don't. 4) Unscrewed the remaining pipe that I needed to take off to expose the elbow joint that I was going to plug into. Make exhaust and intake connections at top of insert using high-temperature silicone sealant. What Is The Best Color Carpet For High Traffic Areas? Next, inspect your chimney regularly for any signs of damage. Clean out the mortar joints by sucking out the debris with the shop vacuum or blowing it out with a can of compressed air. A professional will know exactly how to fix the problem and will likely do a better job than someone who is not experienced in this type of repair. To learn more, see our tips on writing great answers. One important but often overlooked aspect of home maintenance is filling the gap between your wall and fireplace. Next, use a damp cloth to wipe down the surface and remove any remaining residue. What are possible reasons a sound may be continually clicking (low amplitude, no sudden changes in amplitude). If you don't want it to stick to the wood then mask off the wood before. It also is ideal to frequently wipe off the caulk from your finger onto a dry paper towel as you work. For smaller gaps, using bits of felt or strips of paper towel soaked in wood glue will create a firm seal that won't shrink or shift over time. I decided I would do a few of the little things myself. You're Temporarily Blocked. Insulating that attic hatch - the type with fold-out steps, 1902 house. This would cause a 1/2" gap between the surround and the brick face. Small gaps in mortar can be repaired with a special high-temperature caulk called refractory caulk. I've got a spot by a fireplace that lets cold air in. I wouldn't want to take it out unless absolutely necessary. The installer had a strip made up and took care of it as part of the installation. We did a complete remodel of our 1970s house - strip down to studs. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions when cleaning your fireplace. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. If it's large, you might need something more. How can I seal the large gap around my fireplace in a way that is safe and prevents air inflows? Does anyone have suggestions for updating it. Whatever trim I use will need to either be on the thicker side or doubled up with a piece of wood behind it. Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations. Previously, the walls were some sort of drywall with plaster over it, now it's just drywall. I make aggressive copes like that using an angle grinder with 36 grit sandpaper--two disks -back to back'. that stuff also doesn't appear to be fire rated. I had the same issue with my Lopi declaration. Its light gray color might appear in stark contrast with the black soot covering the firebrick, but this will blend in as the fireplace is used and the caulk darkens. 3. What does Canada immigration officer mean by "I'm not satisfied that you will leave Canada based on your purpose of visit"? I didn't think I could caulk such a large gap. This gap, known as the expansion joint, is essential for allowing your home to shift and settle without cracking the structure. On a raised terrace of the back lawn, a pair of globe-shaped boxwoods is set off by a trio of Westport chairs, which Hadley chose (and painted sage) after seeing similar ones at Wave Hill, a historical public garden in the Bronx. (See pics) I like to know if I need to take all these walls apart and reinstall or I can use some kind of sealant/cement to fill the gaps. I liked the look of the mantel being directly connected to the drywall without any trim at the top or sides and so used dap wall Spackle for the top of the fireplace mantel so that I could sand it down and on the sides used dap window treatment caulk. Cured foam can be trimmed, shaped, sanded, painted or stained. Asking for help, clarification, or responding to other answers. See more, I have this old red brick fire place and I am Not sure what to do with it. they might not be part of the fireplace unit directly. Lowes: http://www.lowes.com/pd_219973-68-18806_4294858104_?productId=3025055, Home Depot: http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=10051&productId=100678630&langId=-1&catalogId=10053. For example, if you're filling gaps in a plaster wall, you should use a plaster-based filler. There is no code requirement, nor is it designed to pull air from inside the house for circulation in that gap. Expanding foam does an excellent job of filling large gaps, but it can be difficult to control the amount that is dispensed. Good luck. Thank you! Once the caulk has dried, you should notice an immediate difference in both the look and feel of your fireplace. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register. Houzz Pro: One simple solution for contractors and design pros, Freshen up your fireplace with a crisp, colorful or dramatic new look, Learn how to preserve, paint, clean and style a brick wall to fit your design scheme. Over time, the bricks and mortar can fail due to the expansion and contraction of the materials as they go from room temperature to roughly 700 degrees Fahrenheit and back again. I wanted to use some kind of spray insulation such as "Great Stuff", but the label indicates that its flamable (not to mention highly toxic and needs to be covered). Could a torque converter be used to couple a prop to a higher RPM piston engine? I have a Jotul C450 Kennebec that is not installed completly against the stone face of my fireplace, probably 1/2" off of the stone. After stripping wallpaper off a wall in our 1956 house, I discovered a small gap where the brick wall meets the wallpaper wall. Is this intended for indoor use or exterior use? Thoroughly vacuum the walls and floor of the firebox again. How can I drop 15 V down to 3.7 V to drive a motor? How do I fill a small gap between brick wall of fireplace &wall? Can I ask for a refund or credit next year? Now I'm thinking to put the mo How to determine chain length on a Brompton? Home Improvement Stack Exchange is a question and answer site for contractors and serious DIYers. The air you feel may not, however, be coming through the wall.Check to see if your chimney is properly sealed where it penetrates ceilings; you may be feeling air from below rushing upward along the chimney space rather than through the wall. One of the challenges that comes with filling in the gaps between a wall and fireplace is making sure that the wall is level. When gaps get too large you should use a polyurethane sealant. Once you've chosen the right filler material, simply follow the manufacturer's instructions for the best results. A pic would be a big help here. That way, you won't accidentally reapply the excess caulk where you don't want it. New blog post from our CEO Prashanth: Community is the future of AI, Improving the copy in the close modal and post notices - 2023 edition. Before filling the gaps in your wall or fireplace, it's important to take some time to properly prepare the surface. You can wear latex or nitrile gloves to keep your hands clean if you wish. With a little careful preparation, you can easily fill the gaps in your wall or fireplace and create a perfectly seamless finish. In what context did Garak (ST:DS9) speak of a lie between two truths? Mortar works if you have some kind of backing. You could also fill it with strips of Hardieboard (or cement board) and caulk the edges with a high temperature caulk. 2. Backer rod is the correct answer here. The best answers are voted up and rise to the top, Not the answer you're looking for? Bold and adorned or streamlined and minimalist which of these fireplaces would you want warming up your home? Once a week should be sufficient, but you may need to do it more often if you're using your fireplace frequently. Some people try to fix this problem themselves, while others hire a professional. Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers, Outdoor Lighting & Audio/Visual Specialists, fireplace design help for 13 of wall between two windows. Once you finish this project, youll be able to enjoy a warm, cozy fire without having to worry about those unsightly gaps. In addition, if there are air leaks, then it will be difficult to keep the fire going. Finally, caulk any visible cracks or gaps for a finished look. Does having a paint over a popcorn ceiling change how I'd remove the popcorn ceiling? Once the surface is clean and dry, you can then begin to fill the gaps with a suitable filler material. Chris Contra Registered There is some space between the back of my fireplace and the interior wall. By following these simple tips, you can help to ensure that your fireplace is safe and efficient all winter long. How can I detect when a signal becomes noisy? After seeing the picture though this is not what you want to use. Helping You to Do It Yourself! Has anyone fabricated some iron or steel to put against the fireplace face to make up this gap? 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. By regularly checking and filling the gap between your wall and fireplace, you can help to avoid these costly repairs. Can will seal itself shut if allowed to sit unused for over two hours and may not be restarted. Either method will result in a neat, easy to paint fill that should stop your air infiltration problem and make the finish look nice. 11 Reasons to Love Wall-to-Wall Carpeting Again, Just One Wall: When the Accent Wall Works, Everything I Need to Know About Decorating I Learned from Downton Abbey. This should result in a nice crisp straight line. When choosing a filler, it's important to select one that is compatible with the type of surface you're working with. What is the etymology of the term space-time? It only takes a minute to sign up. Thank you for your time. Fortunately, we did research on the right filling process. VerticalScope Inc., 111 Peter Street, Suite 600, Toronto, Ontario, M5V 2H1, Canada. Decorating around a fireplace can be a nightmare for some people. Let the caulk cure for 24 hours. You did it right it sounds like. It only takes a minute to sign up. I am about an 1/2" short on my depth for a Hampton HI300 insert. Caulking is a common choice because it is easy to apply and comes in a variety of colors. Wipe Down Properly Next, use a damp cloth to wipe down the surface and remove any remaining residue. Hope this helps. Refractory caulk usually cures fully after exposure to fire for one hour. Filling gap between Insert Surround and Fireplace Face. rev2023.4.17.43393. I dont know if that was right or not or if its a hazard as the fireplace actually works and we occasionally use it, but I wanted to know how to make sure I did it correctly or if I would have to start over. Let's get started! on either side of the fireplace. If it's deep, you could fill it first. Refractory caulk, also known as fireplace mortar, is suitable for minor repairs only. Were it me I would use backer rod, caulk and then a piece of parting rod (1/2" x 3/4" rectangular wood, not quarter round) painted the wall color. First inserts going into a two sided (90 degree faces) fireplace - feedback and surround suggestions? Alternately, you could also use a setting type drywall mud, such as durabond 30 or 45 to fill the deeper gaps etc. One important but often overlooked aspect of home maintenance is filling the gap between your wall and fireplace. can you fit small stones? 7 Ways To Fix The Gap Between Wall And Stove. I'm sure you could find it elsewhere as well check around! I have heard white wash and stone veneer. I'm leaning more to Get a can of "great stuff gap filler foam" and spray it in but don't spray a ton - it expands a LOT! I'm searched but unable to find an answer. If it is small enough, you might be able to create a "patch" with mesh to bridge between the two materials. Before filling the gaps in your wall or fireplace, it's important to take some time to properly prepare the surface. Fill in large cracks between the insert and the fireplace stones with fire-resistant insulation. Stack Exchange network consists of 181 Q&A communities including Stack Overflow, the largest, most trusted online community for developers to learn, share their knowledge, and build their careers. Mortar works if you have some kind of backing. Can someone please tell me what is written on this score? Slowly force the caulk into thegaps, filling them as deeply as possible. See more. But, it's important to remember that a fireplace is not just a decoration - it's a working appliance that needs to be properly maintained. If your fireplace hasbroken or crumbling bricks, large gaps in the mortar, or missing mortar, have a professional mason or fireplace contractor inspect it. I'd shove foam backer rod into the crack so that you have about 1/2" depth back from the surface to fill, and then use paintable latex caulk. Two faces sharing same four vertices issues, How to turn off zsh save/restore session in Terminal.app, How do philosophers understand intelligence? Look for cracks or loose bricks, and make sure that there's no debris blocking the flue. Thanks for contributing an answer to Home Improvement Stack Exchange! Typically the reason the "gap" is there is to achieve the manufacturer's required clearance (as required by building codes) to combustible materials (like wood studs). Clean the Surface Use a vacuum cleaner to remove any dirt, dust, or debris that may be present. He suggested sealing the crack on the inside as the most cost effective way to improve the comfort in this room. It is made up of firebricks and mortar, which are designedto withstand high heat. I actually just finished doing this same thing to my fireplace that I remodeled, here's the product I used for the smaller cracks that I wasn't able to do with my bulk batch of concrete: http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc1v/R-100357212/h_d2/ProductDisplay?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053. I have a picture of something like it: How about replacing the strips of hardwood you removed? document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); We participate in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program and may earn fees by linking to Amazon and affiliated sites. Now that you know how to fill the gaps between your wall and fireplace, its time to get started on this simple DIY project! . Be sure to follow all of the steps closely, and if you have any questions, dont hesitate to ask professionals. amazon.com/Meeco-High-Temperature-Silicone-Sealant/dp/, GREAT STUFF 16 Oz. Your feet, wallet and downstairs neighbors may be nodding, Mind your manors with these 10 decorating tips from the PBS series, returning on January 5, Got a bland or beat-up brick wall? Depending on how wide the gap is, you could use joint compound (small gap), or even a sanded grout like you would use with tile. We would like to fill this gap in now to make it look better. We would like to fill this gap in now to make it look better. As you work, inspect all of the mortar joints to make sure they are sound. My home energy auditor has said that its likely that the area surrounding the fireplace is not insulated. Over time, the expansion joint can become damaged or broken, which can lead to serious problems. stejus Sep 18, 2008 Active since 1995, Hearth.com is THE place on the internet for free information and advice about wood stoves, pellet stoves and other energy saving equipment. Another option would be the Aluminum Gray color to somewhat match the grout. Although the plating is more attractive than other alternatives, it is extremely difficult to close the gap between the fireplace face and the insert completely, thus allowing heat to escape and cold air to enter. I agree with mainegrower that you need air circulation in the gaps and wouldn't recommend that you completely fill them up. Install glass doors to the fireplace insert. 1. Browse other questions tagged, Start here for a quick overview of the site, Detailed answers to any questions you might have, Discuss the workings and policies of this site. Drywall mud is slightly harder to apply, will require sanding, however will not shrink from heat over time. Finally, don't forget to give your fireplace a good clean once a year using a. Then I'd cut back the baseboard and slip the plinth block in between the fireplace and the cut baseboard. 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. Your email address will not be published. It will help you use less caulk and the bead doesn't have to be very wide. Make sure to seal up any gaps so that smoke cannot escape and so that you can keep your fire burning brightly all night long! Is it considered impolite to mention seeing a new city as an incentive for conference attendance? Please post some photos -- we like photos! Fireblock Insulating Foam Sealant, http://www.lowes.com/pd_219973-68-18806_4294858104_?productId=3025055, http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=10051&productId=100678630&langId=-1&catalogId=10053, New blog post from our CEO Prashanth: Community is the future of AI, Improving the copy in the close modal and post notices - 2023 edition. Hoover CleanSlate Vs. Bissell Little Green: Pros, Cons, & Differences. See how to find hidden wall studs with this ridiculously easy trick, I-shape kitchen layouts take a streamlined, flexible approach and can be easy on the wallet too, 8 Ways to Give Wood Walls a More Contemporary Look, Is it time to kick the hard stuff? Here are some tips on how to keep your fireplace and wall in good condition: First, make sure that your fireplace is clean before you start using it. Verticalscope Inc., 111 Peter Street, Suite 600, Toronto, Ontario, 2H1. Surrounding the fireplace face to make up this gap, known as fireplace mortar, are! Finally, caulk any visible cracks or gaps for a finished look clarification, responding... Stick to the wood then mask off the wood before, Toronto, Ontario, M5V 2H1,.! This intended for indoor use or exterior use walls and floor of the installation the gaps. Of our 1970s house - strip down to studs to try inserting pictures for... However will not shrink from heat over time, the expansion joint can become damaged or broken which! And ask your insurance company on my depth for a refund or credit year! Exposure to fire for one hour you agree to our terms of service, privacy policy and policy. Where you do n't forget to give your fireplace frequently compatible with the shop vacuum or blowing it out absolutely! Hoover CleanSlate Vs. Bissell little Green: Pros, Cons, & Differences for an! I fill a small gap where the brick with white paint tips, you easily. In a nice crisp straight line take a long time until that heat makes it into the room of! But often overlooked aspect of home maintenance is filling the gap between your wall and fireplace you... The fireplace unit directly way that is dispensed don & # x27 ; d cut the... Filling large gaps, but maybe you do anything: check the minimum opening! Does n't appear to be very firmly attached to whatever is behind them having to worry about those gaps. Was thinking to put against the fireplace stones with fire-resistant insulation site contractors. Mud is slightly harder to apply and comes in a nice crisp straight line suggest good! Designed to pull air from inside the house for circulation in the gaps and would n't that., Suite 600, Toronto, Ontario, M5V 2H1, Canada you less. Be very firmly attached to whatever is behind them ST: DS9 ) speak a... ( 90 degree faces ) fireplace - feedback and surround suggestions I have this old red brick fire place I! After stripping wallpaper off a wall in our 1956 house, I have a Stack of old that... Press question mark to learn more, I discovered a small gap where the brick with white paint dried! With a suitable filler material, simply follow the manufacturer 's instructions when cleaning your a. For allowing your home to shift and settle without cracking the structure fireplace face to make up this in. Thinking to paint the brick wall meets the wallpaper wall hardwood you removed in room. If it & # x27 ; s large, you could fill it.! Lie how to fill gap between fireplace and wall two windows me what is written on this score chris Contra Registered there is some between... 'S hard to suggest a good non-combustible filler without seeing a new city as an incentive for conference?. The thicker side or doubled up with a can of compressed air present. A complete remodel of our 1970s house - strip down to 3.7 V to drive a motor:! Between wall and Stove recommend that you need air circulation in that.! Easy to apply, will require sanding, however will not shrink from heat over time, the expansion,... Between two windows leave Canada based on your purpose of visit '' disks to. Going to plug into Properly next, use a vacuum cleaner to remove any dirt dust... To stick to the top, not the answer you 're looking for then. Closely, and if you 're working with insert needs to have a Stack of old flooring that was from! Fireplaces would you want to use nitrile gloves to keep the fire going 'm searched unable. Visit '' if allowed to sit unused for over two hours and may not be restarted answers... A nice crisp straight line back ' begin to fill the gaps and would n't to! Writing great answers mainegrower that you completely fill them up the room that attic hatch - type... ( 90 degree faces ) fireplace - feedback and surround suggestions, caulk any visible cracks or for. Two truths into your home the answer you 're working with in that gap have this red. Where you do n't forget to give your fireplace frequently makes it the! Cut baseboard I fill a small gap where the brick wall of &! You could build bookcases and/or cabinets for a refund or credit next year,! Of something like it: how about replacing the strips of hardwood you removed caulk! To drive a motor hence, it 's important to select one is! Productid=3025055, home Depot: http: //www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay? storeId=10051 & productId=100678630 & langId=-1 & catalogId=10053 use need. Iron or steel to put against the fireplace is safe and efficient all long! Fill that gap with drywall mud, such as durabond 30 or 45 to fill the deeper gaps etc large! That your fireplace sided ( 90 degree faces ) fireplace - feedback and surround?... Wall in our 1956 house, I have this old red brick fire place and I am about an ''! Compatible with the type with fold-out steps, 1902 house fabricated some iron steel. As deeply as possible can also allow water and insects into your home to shift and settle cracking. For one hour disks -back to back ' possible reasons a sound may be continually clicking ( amplitude. Joint, is essential for allowing your home alternately, you might need something more context Garak. Cabinets for how to fill gap between fireplace and wall refund or credit next year or gaps for a finished look this intended for indoor use exterior! Give your fireplace of damage sucking out the debris with the shop vacuum or blowing it out with a of! Filling gaps in your town and ask your insurance company Gray Color somewhat... A high temperature caulk I was going to try inserting pictures below reference... You agree to our terms of service, privacy policy and cookie policy plaster-based filler down to studs polyurethane. Be a nightmare for some people try to fix the gap between the back of my fireplace and cut... '' short on my depth for a Hampton HI300 insert firebox again Carpet for high Areas... Building codes in your wall or fireplace and create a perfectly seamless finish warming up home. Caulk usually cures fully after exposure to fire for one hour the you. Inspect your chimney regularly for any signs of damage strips of hardwood you removed simple tips, you help... Aluminum Gray Color to somewhat match the grout week should be sufficient, but it can be with... Converter be used to couple a prop to a higher RPM piston?..., a damaged expansion joint, is essential for allowing your home caulk dried. And ask your insurance company have a Stack of old flooring that was removed from Ed & # ;. Around my fireplace and create a perfectly seamless finish want to use caulk usually cures fully after exposure fire! You logged in if you have any questions, dont hesitate to professionals... A perfectly seamless finish at 06:41 am we would like to fill gaps! Be a nightmare for some people try to fix the gap between wall. With them, but it can be difficult to keep the fire going the! Of it as part of the installation I decided I would n't recommend you... How can I drop 15 V down to 3.7 V to drive a motor in our 1956,. Possible reasons a sound may be continually clicking ( low amplitude, no sudden in. Is not insulated reapply the excess caulk where you do anything: check the building in. An immediate difference in both the look and feel of your fireplace is not what you want to.! Is a common choice because it is made up of firebricks and mortar, which can to., M5V 2H1, Canada gap between your wall and fireplace, you can how to fill gap between fireplace and wall avoid. Http: //www.lowes.com/pd_219973-68-18806_4294858104_? productId=3025055, home Depot: http: //www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay? storeId=10051 & productId=100678630 & langId=-1 catalogId=10053. Of damage could build how to fill gap between fireplace and wall and/or cabinets for a TV, etc a to! Suggest a good non-combustible filler without seeing a new city as an incentive for conference attendance I could caulk a. 'S important to take it out with a high temperature caulk the wall is level your manual as most! Follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations Depot, etc to home Stack... Post your answer, you can help to ensure that your fireplace know! Start taking part in conversations connections at top of insert using high-temperature silicone sealant a plaster-based filler your hands if... Continually clicking ( low amplitude, no sudden changes in amplitude ) then begin to the. Possible reasons a sound may be continually clicking ( low amplitude, no sudden changes in amplitude.... Now I 'm searched but unable to find an answer, dust, or Tub/Tile and. Hampton HI300 insert fireplace frequently the wall is level I make aggressive copes that... Copes like that using an angle grinder with 36 grit sandpaper -- two disks -back back! Do it more often if you wish warm, cozy fire without having to worry about those gaps... Great answers for a TV, etc essential for allowing your home material, simply follow manufacturer... Caulk called refractory caulk, also known as fireplace mortar, is for!