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Can You Repair Cracked Fire Bricks?

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brick fireplace with a roaring fire

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.

Should I Paint My Exposed Brick Walls?

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One of the most timeless looks in any home is an exposed brick wall. It shows the craftsmanship that went into the home, and adds great texture to any room. What’s more is that true exposed brick walls are a conversation starter. Not many people’s homes have legitimate exposed brick in them these days – construction methods have changed, and so have the qualities of brick. As such, an old brick wall in the home looks good.

However, a big trend in interior design as of late is painting these beautiful walls. Sure, there are some benefits to this, but should an exposed brick wall be painted? While it’s entirely up to the owner, of course, there are some things that you should consider before painting your exposed brick. Take a look at what we have to say about it.

The Case for Leaving Exposed Brick Exposed

While painted brick walls are trendy and in style, they aren’t the smartest decision to make when it comes to the well-being of your home, or the brick that’s in it. Here are some great reasons as to why your interior exposed brick should remain unpainted.

Paint is Moist, Moisture Means Damage

While there are paints that are made specifically for painting masonry, most payments don’t take into consideration the issues that brick will have with moisture. When exposed to constant moisture, brick is prone to cracking and crumbling. Paint is, in fact, moist. When you paint a brick wall, you run the risk of causing serious damage to it.

Painted Brick Can’t Be Undone

When you paint a surface, it isn’t always permanent. In most cases, you can remove the paint with some sandpaper and some elbow grease. When you paint brick, you can’t go back. Paint on brick is a permanent solution, as the removal of the paint will damage the brick. If you want to change the look of your painted brick, you’ll have to choose a different paint color, because removing the paint will do irreparable damage to the masonry nine times out of ten.

It’s A Lot of Work

Painting brick in the first place requires a lot of work. Prepping and priming brick for painting takes more effort than pretty much any other surface, and it can’t be rushed. Sealing the brick is the first step in this process, and if overlooked, the brick will suffer. Then, before being able to paint, a specific masonry primer will need to be applied as well. Then, the upkeep with the painted brick will be an effort, as well. It’s entirely likely that even when proper steps are taken, the brick will suffer water damage.

Key Takeaways

Should exposed brick walls be painted? We don’t think so. However, if you’re considering going the route of painting your brick, don’t hesitate to give us a call. We’ll go over the process in detail with you, and we’ll be able to come take a look before you paint. That way you’ll know if your brick is up to it or not.

Fireplace Restoration

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Everybody loves a warm, crackling fire in an old fireplace on a cold night.  But an aging and worn-out fireplace is not only an eyesore, but it can also be a dangerous fire hazard and potentially deadly.  

Common Problems

Cracked Chimney Liner―Today’s chimneys usually have liners made of steel but older ones can have clay or ceramic chimney liners that can become cracked and damaged over time.

Creosote Build-up―Creosote is the nasty residue that’s left behind in your flue when you burn fossil fuels.  When it builds up, it is extremely dangerous because it can ignite from the heat and cause a chimney fire.  Over time, the build-up causes your flue to essentially be smaller and smaller until airflow because compromised and restricted.  This means that while some air goes up through your chimney, what can’t flow easily up and out will come back down into your home and bring with it deadly carbon monoxide.  

Damaged Brickwork―Bricks are extremely durable and may last hundreds of years but mortar does not.  Crumbling mortar can be repaired without removing the entire fireplace or chimney but if it is left unnoticed and in disrepair, it could potentially lead to a collapse.  

Obstruction―If you’re experiencing smoke backing up into your home, it could be because of something as simple as a bird’s nest or something else that made its way into your chimney, but this simple problem could be deadly because it could cause carbon monoxide poisoning or fire.  

Damper Stuck Closed―Sometimes people may not realize that the damper has been closed and is causing smoke to come in but dampers can also get stuck in the closed position due to rust or damage which means smoke won’t go up and out the chimney.

Fireplace Restoration

In most cases, fireplaces can be restored without having to do a complete and expensive tear-down and replacement of the fireplace and chimney.  

A cracked flue can usually be fixed easily by inserting a steel chimney liner in the old flue.  If the restoration includes brickwork, your fireplace or chimney may be restored with a process called tuckpointing.  

Tuckpointing is a process that involves removing the old, deteriorating mortar and replacing it with a mortar that is similar in color to the brick.  Then mortar that is closer in color to the existing mortar is applied, giving the brickwork a straight, even line.  Tuckpointing is strong, water-resistant, and can extend the life of the fireplace or chimney.  It is a corrective and preventative procedure that can save a lot of money over replacement and have you enjoying a cozy fire again in no time. 

Marlon Tuckpointing provides tuckpointing and masonry services to the St. Louis area including complete and spot tuckpointing services as well as chimney repairs, caulking, waterproofing, brickwork, and repairs to chimney caps and flashing. We pride ourselves on the high quality of our work and the satisfaction of all our clients.  For questions or a free estimate call Marlon Tuckpointing LLC at (314) 496-9067 or visit our website and see some of the beautiful restorations we’ve done using tuckpointing.