I have seven children and a large drafty house. We've haven't lived here that long. My husband and I were told by a guy who cleaned our wood burning stove and chimney that the brick around and under the wood burning stove is dry (the cement or what ever inbetween the bricks) and that it needs to be redone in order to be safe. I want to know is there any other way to make it safe without pulling the stove off of the brick platorm and yanking all the bricks out and redoing it. Can I put cement over it again and just wipe it off of the actual bricks, leaving to fall inbetween the bricks---on top of the older dry cement? The stove is very heavy of course, and the platform that it is on is very pretty--its just that the cement is coming loose. Any suggestions would be great. Thanks!
2007-10-31 06:45:55 · 7 answers · asked by Lovemyfamily 3 in Home & Garden ➔ Do It Yourself (DIY)
Dry!! as opposed to what?
Unless the mortar is disintegrating it should be OK. This really sounds like a typical home improvement scam. I would get this guys license number and check him out with the local contractor board. If this is legit, use only a contractor that has been referred.
2007-10-31 08:35:18 · answer #1 · answered by Tom S 5 · 1⤊ 2⤋
I don't think there's an easy way to go about it. It sounds like the mortar between the bricks has started to disintegrate and crumble. Not only does it make the platform unstable, but it allows heat to get to places it's not supposed to. A really hot fire in the wood stove may present some problems.
My advice? Deal with the expense and inconvenience if you can. Your family's safety should be your foremost priority. I've learned from experience that shortcuts or money-saving methods in home maintenance usually turn out to be more costly in the long run. Think it over, get a couple of estimates at least.
2007-10-31 06:51:43 · answer #2 · answered by Bridey 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
On a platform like yours. If the mud between the brick is broken and coming apart, you can break it out with a chisel and redo it. If the bricks are loose, you'll want to pull up those bricks and redo the mortar under them and reset them. If the bricks are set in well, you can just redo the mortar in between. Squeeze the mortar into the joints well, and when the mortar slightly hardens, use a concave jointer to clean the joints. Rub the heel of the jointer over the mortar joints until it is smooth Good luck.
2007-10-31 06:54:46 · answer #3 · answered by James M 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Others have suggested a NUMBER of short-cuts and other shifty methods, but I would strongly suggest AVOIDING that.
It would be FAR safer to remove the stove (yes, I've done installs and cleanings on dozens), and then remortar ALL THE BRICKS !!
IF you don't, and have a fire... your insurance company will let you loose... they WILL check with your chimney cleaner, determine he advised you it was unsafe, and they will contest your insurance payment.
Contact a Mason, and have him give it a look.
GOOD LUCK and SAFE BURNING !!
2007-10-31 08:12:11 · answer #4 · answered by mariner31 7 · 0⤊ 2⤋
unfortunately you are going to have to take the stove off the original brickwork cos the cement that you try to redo will not adhere to the bricks
2007-10-31 06:50:30 · answer #5 · answered by chopsy 1 · 0⤊ 3⤋
Buy crack sealer (for cement ) Just squeeze it in the joints
2007-10-31 06:50:38 · answer #6 · answered by wacky weed 4 · 0⤊ 2⤋
its called grout and no it has to be repacked to be good
2007-10-31 06:49:01 · answer #7 · answered by Rico 2 · 1⤊ 4⤋