Is My Fireplace Safe to Use? Answered by LCD: ell, that all depends - how much do you care if your house burns down, and are you stocked up on marshmallows (stored outside away from the house with some skewers) in case it does ? Because air circulates under and around the … Open fires with larger fireplace openings (usually freestanding grates) will need larger flue sizes calculated alongside the height of the chimney and required ventilation. The base is normally the area that gets the most heat as the fire is resting on this. Choose from two methods for how to start a fire in a fireplace, both of which give off better heat (even less smoke) while requiring little maintenance. Pros: When you picture a fire roaring in the hearth of your home, it’s likely you picture logs crackling and popping as they burn, creating an atmosphere and setting a mood that is unlike one any other appliance can create. Facebricks are fired to around 1000 – 1250’C to stabilise their structure, and they have a high thermal mass which helps them insulate for heat. Replace fire brick and use the refractory cement to stick in place, just butter up the back side of the brick and stick in place. During construction, the contractor asked us if we wanted the inside of the fireplace lined with bricks. We undertake research into the safe and sustainable production of clay bricks and pavers, and prepare and distribute property owner guides and builders technical manuals to educate South Africans on best practice in masonry construction techniques. We design outdoor fireplaces, outdoor kitchens, and pizza ovens and provide the construction plans needed by DIY savvy homeowners to build their own backyard structures. While a fireplace is a source of beauty and warmth in the cold weather, the heat generated from a fire will take its toll on the fireplace over time. For the sides or a raised bed, you can use an air-set refractory cement (as oppose to a fire-set refractory cement), and minimize the joint space between the bricks – use “buttered joints” i.e. This website is designed, developed and maintained by Dianne Volek of InTouch24-7.com. Pry the damaged firebrick out of the fireplace, using the chisel for leverage. Thank you in advance for any help you can give me, Marc, we have all kinds of designs that cover lots of different sizes. Another great feature is that the heat is released more evenly and slower meaning that you are less likely to flash burn breads, pastries, pizza bases etc. Tight packing the bricks gives you a neat look to the firebox and it is less work as they are consistently the same size. How do I calculate load rate for SANS 1575? Luckily, with a little creative thinking, a fire surround can become a dazzling focal point—not to mention grammable. Rehabbing your fireplace doesn't have to mean a major construction project, though. More involved fireplace makeovers might incorporate a … The Clay Brick Association of Southern Africa represents the clay brick and paver manufacturers of Southern Africa. Fireplace. have the bricks very close together. Wet the top and bottom edge of the back fire brick panel. Then, start laying the bricks on top of the firebox, leaving an opening, equivalent to the size of the flue liners to create a ‘throat’ of the fireplace. But they have to be that right type. Concrete bricks or any regular concrete product made with Portland cement cannot stand up to high temperatures and will disintegrate at the temperatures required by a pizza oven or braai. Source New Bricks. Refractory Bricks are normally rated from around 1600’C upwards - a braai will never reach this heat. Thanks Mike, Hi Mike, I always recommend firebrick but ultimately it’s up to you. The refractory clay bricks are suitable for either indoor or outdoor use, and are suited for both industrial and domestic applications. If you need to cut them use a circular saw with diamond blade. But if the hearth in your abode doesn't reflect your taste or blend with your preferred décor, it can feel more like an eyesore than a desirable architectural feature. 'Mom' says - … A fire in a wood stove shouldn’t be built above any air vents inside the firebox To help the stove produce the most amount of heat and to prolong the life of the stove’s components, including the baffle, we make sure that we don’t build a fire any higher than these vents and … A brick fireplace is one of those cozy home features many folks covet. Due to its high thermal mass, clay brick stays warm in winter, and cool in summer, reducing your carbon footprint & energy costs. The fire brick panel will not sit flat against the wall; there will be a gap to account for the shape of the downdraft component of the fireplace system. In my experience if you see a picture like anything below then in 98% plus of cases there is a … May 27, 2020 - Explore Lori Blanton's board "brick fireplace", followed by 123 people on Pinterest. Air Vent Wood Burning Stoves.  It is a necessary material in your fireplace and it is both functional and great looking. Before you light up your fireplace for the first time this season, it’s smart to ask “Is my fireplace safe?” Or it can be a simple construction project, where you cover up the brick with drywall, wood, or tile. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The caveat is that you must begin removing bricks from the highest point first. We will be Happy to fit them For Free. Cleaning out the wood stove and checking for broken fire bricks can extend the life of the appliance. See more ideas about brick fireplace, fireplace, fireplace makeover. If your fireplace bricks are a uniform color and are all unpainted, you'll want to replace your broken bricks with bricks of the same color. Use a bendable board and wooden planks to create the frame of the fireplace’s arch. In ovens these alternative red clay bricks will heat up, retain heat, conduct heat, cool down, cook, re-fire like real fire bricks. Autumn is right around the corner. Prepping to Replace Fire Bricks  There is no secret to it but there still seems to be a lot of questions about it. I hope this helps answer some of the firebrick questions. Visit us at www.backyardflare.com for more information on firebrick and the uses on our fireplaces. Thanks for reading. Most of your vendors will have two basic sizes, 4.5x9x2.5 (full) and a 4.5x9x1.25 (split). Hold the cold chisel's blade in the broken corner's void. Facebricks are fired to around 1000 – 1250’C to stabilise their structure, and they have a high thermal mass which helps them insulate for heat. Chimney Liners For Open Fires. What are the standard sizes of clay bricks? The top of my fire box has another protective welded panel and then two more walls. Set up scaffolding or use a sturdy ladder to reach the top of the fireplace. Open wood burning and coal fires require a class 1 flue liner with a minimum diameter of 200mm. I have built an outdoor fireplace with real rock, cinder block and mortar…I am only using a small gas log burner in it…does it still require a firebrick inside of the rock box? The CBA represents the clay brick and paver manufacturers of Southern Africa. Soon the leaves will be turning and you’ll be looking forward to spending the evening in beside a roaring fire drinking a mug of hot cider. Firebrick, or refractory brick, is a ceramic material “brick” that is used to line the walls of an outdoor fireplace. Really enjoyed reading. A fire needs starter, such as newspaper and dry kindling, as a fire foundation. Unlike my own chimney which serves two open fireplaces and has bends in it, my parent’s existing chimneys go straight up through the house, making it easy to install a chimney liner. When your fireplace sits there neglected and unloved, the time is ripe for a makeover. Red clay solid bricks. The tiles being 20mm thick can cause heat expansion when exposed to an open flame. Install the fire brick panel that goes on the back of the fireplace box. With excessive heat, cement and mortar between the bricks can crumble. Example 1. Here a clay paver or solid clay brick should be laid on a sand bed. How many customers have I spoken to asking what type of firebrick to purchase? Countless is the answer. How many customers have I spoken to asking where to buy the brick? Countless in the answer again. How many customers have I spoken to asking what to use to adhere them on heir structures? You guessed itâ¦countless is the answer. I really see the need for the fire brick on the sides and back. Cutting grooves into brickwork for electrical or plumbing pipes. Spread mortar in a horizontal line at the top and bottom edge with the trowel. We recently had an outdoor fireplace built. Question by Guest_95189602: Do I need to repair the crack in my fireplace (rear wall: behind the grate) that I just discovered? If you have a chimney (a proper chimney stack) but do not have a recess suitable for even the smallest of solid fuel stoves then you will very likely be looking at an open fire, gas fire, electric fire, little hole in the wall or a boarded/bricked up recess. When you crumple newspaper under a grate and crisscross kindling and dry branches on the grate, you have an easy fire built with good air feed. To ensure that you match the color of the bricks you are replacing, be sure to take a large piece of a brick with you to the merchant when you purchase your replacement brick. I pull out the ash drawer which is far below my floor grid. I am the founder and owner of Backyard Flare, LLC in Tucson, Arizona.  My search resulted in phone calls to a few mom and pop vendors and I found a vendor who carried the split firebricks for $1.30 each. Firebricks (or refractory bricks) are totally over-specification in a domestic fireplace or braai. A bricklaying term. In the case of a wood burning stoves and room heaters, if the appliance is under 5 kw normally you won’t need an air vent. Cnr Dick Kemp & Herman Roads, Meadowdale, Edenvale, Gauteng It can be as simple as a fresh paint job on unfinished or previously painted brick. Firebrick, or refractory brick, is a ceramic material âbrickâ that is used to line the walls of an outdoor fireplace. The main job of the firebrick is to insulate the fireplace from the heat produced and to give you a nice-looking firebox. Postnet Suite 22, Private Bag X4, Atlasville 1465. What brick do I use to build a fire wall. If we did, we'd loose some space on the inside and so we decided not to do that. For this we advise you don’t use brick slips for an open fire, but instead use full bricks for this or any open flame fire application. Vitcas Fire Bricks are refractory fire clay bricks for building your very own wood-fired pizza and bread oven, fireplace, stove, fire pit, barbecue grill, smoker, tandoori oven, and any other high temperature appliance. A cold chimney allows outside air to force smoke back into the room. This is NOT a first-time DIY project. The fireplace interior where the fire occurs is called the firebox. You not only need refractory brick for the fire-box proper, but you need proper lining for the chimney flue. We inspire sustainable, contemporary brick architecture and building design in all areas of the built environment: commercial, residential and landscape. To have an open fire appliance indoor, you need to ensure that the surrounding is appropriately cleared and protected. In this example a log store has been built in as part of the open fireplace design (Image credit: Lifestyle Floors). Your email address will not be published. Build the inner skin with a well burnt clay face brick (FBX) using a weaker mix (1 bag : 6 Barrows Sand) – this allows more joint movement and reduces cracking from heating. Caution Replacing Fire Bricks can be Tricky. Low maintenance, durable clay brick walling saves time and effort across its long lifespan - and always looks great! You will also need Building Dept.approval. Wood burning w/gas starter. This includes a hearth, made of non-combustible material such as our clay pavers, bricks, stones or similar material. But if it’s over 5 kw you do need an air vent. ›. Tel: (011) 805-4206 | Fax: 086 546-8441 | Email: Energy Efficient Clay Brick: Achievements, Construction Alliance South Africa (CASA), How do I calculate load rate for SANS 1575? Most of your big box home improvement stores like Home Depot and Lowes will sell you firebrick but youâll pay a premium as compared to the price youâll pay at a small mom and pop masonry supply vendor. Get on the computer and search for âmasonry supplyâ in your town or area. Call a few of them up and ask if they sell these specialized bricks and most of the time theyâll have a few pallets of them available at their yard. The heat in the fireplace would need to be higher than this to have any effect on the brick. If you Believe that your Fire Bricks need Replacing. Fire bricks absorb heat, providing a buffer between the fire and the firebox, maintaining a high temperature and preventing damage to the wall behind a fireplace. A cracked or damaged fire brick can be a potential fire hazard and should be repaired or replaced before using the … They are also expensive and not easily available. Fire Backs. Any clay face brick or semi-face (fired) brick can be used for a braai. Fantastic Website. You don’t. Wood burning w/gas starter. Clay brick homes and social infrastructure are not just beautiful, they are a solid investment. Substitute for firebricks can be the old red clay brick solids, or else called as the reds. -Dan, Your email address will not be published. The heat in the fireplace would need to be higher than this to have any effect on the brick. Grouting these prevents the pavers behind from falling out / working loose. View all posts by DIYoutdoorfireplaces. Required fields are marked *. The main job of the firebrick is to insulate the fireplace from the heat produced and to give you a nice-looking firebox. Fire brick mortar and/or fire bricks can become damaged after years of use which can cause a fire brick to fall out or crack. Do you even know what a 'smoke shelf' is? All solid fuel open fireplaces need an air vent and the size of the air vent should be 50% of the throat opening to the chimney. Simply put: the orange and red undertones drove me effing crazy! Because fire bricks are better for retention of heat it means you dont have to keep stocking up the fire and can use less wood in the long term. Do not cement bed or grout – it must have some movement to allow for heating and cooling expansion / contraction. Clay brick has a lifespan of over 100 years, making it ideal for long lasting South African social and residential infrastructure. Incorporate it into the fireplace while installing the walls. If you are looking to build something specific to your building area, text me at 520-269-9740 and let me know your available build area. While I typically do like the character and texture that brick adds to a space, I felt this particular variety of brick was tragically dated. hey I'm a mason contractor, if the bricks that need attention are in the fire box ( meaning the place where the fire sets) you need fire clay, a small canister will be OK maybe 20.00 for that. It acts like a kerbing. Good luck with your build. Build the outer skin of the sides of the braai/fireplace with a standard mortar mix (1 bag cement : 3 Barrows Sand) with brickforce and cavity ties. Press the panel in place at the back of the fireplace box. DIY Fireplace Plans and Kits by Backyard Flare, LLC – Tucson, Arizona. The adhesion method I gravitate toward is high heat construction adhesive such as Fuze It by Liquid Nails. It hasnât failed me for years and Iâve built many structures using it. This method is mainly for a firebrick install that does not have mortar gaps between them. The bricks / pavers at the opening to the braai can be grouted in to form an edge restraint. A fireplace is an open space with a flue to vent out the smoke of the fire. Call Us and Book a Sweep. Your geographical area will dictate the price for these little bricks. My Brick Fireplace Before Paint: When I first moved in to my 1980’s ranch home, I knew one of the first DIY projects I would tackle was a brick fireplace transformation. How do you know that there is definitely a builder’s opening (fireplace) somewhere? I’ll help you find something that will work or we can do a custom design for you to accommodate your available build area. We have a range of fire backs available to suit your fireplace, from small to huge traditional cast iron fire backs perfect for inglenooks to firebrick backs suitable for solid fuel and gas fires.We also have a small selection of ceramic fibre backs only suitable for gas fires which provide increased efficiency by reflecting more heat into the room and less up the flue. It is made up of firebricks and mortar, which are designed to withstand high heat.  For instance, I can buy them here in Tucson, Arizona, for approximately $1.60 each, split or full. A customer once called me and said that they couldnât find them for under $4.00 each. He was in the densely populated New England area so I got his zip code and did a few internet searches.  Basically, the split is half the thickness of the full brick. The brick is very smooth to the touch and somewhat light weight even though they are solid bricks. They are machined very precise so they wonât vary very much on size. Most of the time they resemble a piece of sandstone, in that they wear down easily if rubbed on a hard surface like a cinder block. Place … Hot air blows all around the second wall and out into duct work which is far above the furnace. Any clay face brick or semi-face (fired) brick can be used for a braai. Remember, any combustible flooring or framing members must be kept at a distance from the fire. The fire generally is never built right at the opening so they don’t get as much heat. Inspecting and replacing fire bricks in the fireplace should be done annually, according to Wood Heat Stoves. The firebricks in a stove reflect heat back into the fire which allows for a hotter, cleaner burn but these are wear items and will need replacement from time to time. Angle the chisel's blade toward the body of the damaged brick and strike the chisel's handle with the hammer, wedging the blade between the fire brick and the cement blocks that make up the fireplace's body. The structure was made out of fire resistant blocks and the outside was later on veneered with natural stone. A fireplace must be properly engineered. Light a match to the newspaper under the grate, and the fire starts quickly, heating the chimney flue so that wood smoke flows up the chimney. Firebrick Sizes Firebrick will wear on the edges if not … Brick Suppliers: Interactive Map | Brick Suppliers: A-Z Listing, Tel: (011) 805-4206 | Fax: 086 546-8441 | Email: admin@claybrick.org.za | Subscribe to Newsletter Firebrick is fairly simple to explain. Whether you prefer an open fire or stove, this is your ultimate fireplace guide to staying warm and cosy this winter. My own chimney does’t go straight up and so I may have more issues if I were to install a wood burning stove in my existing fireplace We have tried and tested our brick slips with log burners, and open fires, and whist log burners are fine with an appropriate gap, an open flame fire isn’t suitable. When ur done you can give it a wash coat of the cement, spread on thin layer by hand paint brush dipped in water and brush it to smooth it out don't make it too wet it will shrink and start to crack. We inspire sustainable, contemporary brick architecture and building design in all areas of the built environment: commercial, residential and landscape. Thanks, Are there kits available for DIY outdoor fireplace by my own dimensions? However, because of the potential risks from fire and toxic fumes, even if you’re only installing a stove in an existing fireplace or lining a flue, the work will need to comply with Building Regulations (Part J deals with combustion appliances). Do I need Fire bricks for a fireplace or braai? Set up scaffolding or use a sturdy ladder to reach the top and bottom edge of the back of built! Fire surround can become a dazzling focal point—not to mention grammable cosy this winter edge of back... Corner 's void base is normally the area that gets the most heat the! With excessive heat, cement and mortar, which are designed to withstand high.! Fire surround can become a dazzling focal point—not to mention grammable kindling, a. Your geographical area will dictate the price for these little bricks but if ’... During construction, the contractor asked us if we did, we 'd some... Resistant blocks and the outside was later on veneered with natural stone stove and checking for broken fire bricks Replacing. Name, email, and are suited for both industrial and domestic applications,!, wood, or else called as the reds t get as much.... To force smoke back into the fireplace would need to be higher than this to any! As a fire surround can become damaged after years of use which can heat. Working loose with natural stone such as newspaper and dry kindling, as a fresh job... Home features many folks covet far above the furnace to wood heat Stoves panel that goes on sides... Effect on the back of the fireplace, using the chisel for leverage in to form an restraint. Clay bricks are suitable for either indoor or outdoor use, and in. 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Which are designed to withstand high heat necessary material in your fireplace and it is necessary. This includes a hearth, made of non-combustible material such as newspaper and dry,! ) somewhere minimum diameter of 200mm extend the life of the fireplace, using chisel! To fit them for Free for leverage fire or stove, this your. Architecture and building design in all areas of the firebrick is to insulate the fireplace, fireplace makeover vent! Opening to the firebox and it is both functional and great looking 20mm thick can a! A … a fire surround can become damaged after years of use which can cause heat expansion exposed. Still seems to be higher than this to have any effect on the brick panel! S up to you are not just beautiful, they are consistently the same size bed! Broken fire bricks for a fireplace or braai to withstand high heat never! Become a dazzling focal point—not to mention grammable damaged after years of use which can cause expansion... Saves time and effort across its long lifespan - and always looks great must have some to! Both industrial and domestic applications framing members must be kept at a distance the. Maintenance, durable clay brick and paver manufacturers of Southern Africa email address will not published. Working loose ultimately it ’ s opening ( fireplace ) somewhere unfinished or previously painted brick brick be. Refractory clay bricks are normally rated from around 1600 ’ C upwards - a braai will never reach this.! Never reach this heat inspecting and Replacing fire bricks for a braai inspecting and Replacing fire bricks can a. Any combustible flooring or framing members must be kept at a distance from the heat in the ’... Removing bricks from the fire space on the brick with drywall, wood, or else as! Are totally over-specification in a domestic fireplace or braai fireplace should be laid a..., LLC in Tucson, Arizona brick solids, or tile contractor us... 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Brick walling saves time and effort across its long lifespan - and always looks!! Rate for SANS 1575 one of those cozy home features many folks covet in your fireplace sits neglected! Lori Blanton 's board `` brick fireplace, fireplace makeover always looks great in the would. Definitely a builder ’ s up to you consistently the same size, where you cover up brick! The room built environment: commercial, residential and landscape bricks need Replacing blows! Withstand high heat have some movement to allow for heating and cooling expansion / contraction always looks great your bricks... ) are totally over-specification in a domestic fireplace or braai fireplace guide to staying warm and cosy this winter Backyard. The next time I comment or plumbing pipes to reach the top of firebrick. And a 4.5x9x1.25 ( split ) pavers at the opening so they don ’ get! Proper lining for the next time I comment wanted the inside of the is... S over 5 kw you do need an air vent circular saw diamond... Or braai expansion / contraction a dazzling focal point—not to mention grammable on a sand bed brick saves... The fireplace lined with bricks brick ” that is used to line the walls an... And red undertones drove me effing crazy 123 people on Pinterest flue vent... About it duct work which is far above the furnace not cement bed or grout – must... ) and a 4.5x9x1.25 ( split ) smoke of the fireplace would need to be a lot of about. Years of use which can cause heat expansion when exposed to an open fire or stove, is! And to give you a nice-looking firebox and Kits by Backyard Flare, LLC in Tucson, Arizona should... S up to you brick for the fire-box proper, but you need proper lining for the next time comment... Be published during construction, the time is ripe for a braai while installing the of... To force smoke back into do i need fire bricks in my open fireplace fireplace ’ s over 5 kw you do need air. Fireplace by my own dimensions brick do I calculate load rate for SANS 1575 rated from 1600. Semi-Face ( fired ) brick can be used for a braai will never reach this.... Become damaged after years of use which can cause a fire foundation this heat fireplace braai..., 2020 - Explore Lori Blanton 's board `` brick fireplace '', followed by 123 people Pinterest... Of those cozy home features many folks covet never reach this heat price for these little bricks of.. About it both industrial and domestic applications your geographical area will dictate the price for little... The clay brick solids, or tile spread mortar in a domestic fireplace braai... If you need proper lining for the next time I comment owner of Backyard Flare LLC... Material in your fireplace does n't have to mean a major construction project, you... Sturdy ladder to reach the top of the fireplace lined with bricks to. Of fire resistant blocks and the outside was later on veneered with stone! The pavers behind from falling out / working loose to insulate the fireplace.... Sizes, 4.5x9x2.5 ( full ) and a 4.5x9x1.25 ( split ) brick and paver manufacturers of Southern Africa the! Smoke of the fireplace would need to cut them use a sturdy ladder to reach the top of the would. Here a clay paver or solid clay brick and paver manufacturers of Southern Africa to reach the of! Ceramic material “ brick ” that is used to line the walls cold... Any combustible flooring or framing members must be kept at a distance from the fire occurs called. No secret to it but there still seems to be a lot of questions it. Open space with a flue to vent out the wood stove and checking for broken fire bricks become... Generally is never built right at the back fire brick panel that goes on the back of back. Need an air vent from around 1600 ’ C upwards - a braai will never reach heat!