Curling up in front of a cozy fire is an appealing activity when cold winter weather strikes, and brick fireplaces add a certain charm to this scene. Fire brick has long been a popular material for fireplaces and chimneys due to its beauty, durability, and ability to withstand high temperatures. However, regular maintenance and repairs are key to maintaining these features and ensuring the safety of your fireplace and chimney.

What to use to repair brick mortar

Over time, exposure to heat, weather, and other environmental factors can cause brick mortar to fail. Using the appropriate materials when repairing brick mortar in fireplaces and chimneys is essential to preserving the integrity of these structures. 

Because the mortar in fireplaces is subjected to high temperatures, a special kind of mortar is needed to prevent it from crumbling away. Refractory mortar is the choice of masons because of its ability to withstand heat up to 2,000 degrees. This high-temperature fireplace mortar can be used on mortar joints and fire bricks and comes in a caulk tube, making application simple.

When the mortar in a fireplace or chimney is in need of repair, tuckpointing is a great method for stopping deterioration and promoting structural stability. Tuckpointing is a repair process that involves removing the damaged mortar, replacing it with mortar that is a close color match for the bricks, and then filling in the center of the mortar joints with a line of mortar in a contrasting color. It is of the utmost importance to repair failing mortar joints in chimneys because not doing so can result in a weak chimney that will lean and eventually collapse. 

Can you repair cracked fire bricks?

You absolutely can, and should, repair cracked fire bricks to safeguard against a potentially dangerous situation. Refractory mortar can be used to make minor fire brick repairs, but more significant damage can be fixed using brick cement repair. Fire cement is designed to be flexible and durable in conditions where temperatures fluctuate drastically so is the ideal choice for repairing fire bricks that have cracked or are otherwise damaged. After making the repairs, it is important to gradually increase the heat for four to six hours and then let the bricks cool completely. Wait another six hours before using your fireplace normally, in order to allow the cement to cure.

Repairing brick and mortar degradation in fireplaces and chimneys is imperative to the safety and stability of these structures, and while minor fixes can be handled by handy DIYers, it is wise to consider hiring a professional to fix these sensitive areas. Homeowners can rest easy knowing that the job has been done correctly and safely by someone with the proper materials and expertise.