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Replacing Bricks in Your Fireplace

Measure the old bricks before you buy their replacements, as sizes vary.
Make sure you use fireclay bricks; you also will need fireclay mortar, which is mixed from fireclay cement rather than ordinary cement.

See instructions below.

What You Need:

New bricks
Fireclay mortar
Sand
Hammer
Bricklayer's chisel
Vacuum cleaner
Brush
Water
Trowel
Joint strike

1. Chop out loose or broken bricks by chipping away mortar with a heavy hammer and bricklayer's chisel.

2. Remove remaining loose mortar, then clear debris from the cavity with a brush and vacuum cleaner.

3. Dampen the cavity before applying mortar. Dry bricks draw water from the mortar and weaken the bond.

4. Mix mortar. Prepare a 1:3 mix of fireclay cement and sand; add water to make a paste. Butter bricks surrounding the space to be filled.

5. Butter the bricks before you slip them into place. Coat each brick with a thick layer of mortar as if you were buttering a piece of bread, then slip it into place. If the fit is tight, tap with the handle of your trowel.

6. Scrape and shape. Scrape away excess mortar, let repair set for 10 minutes, then shape the joints with a joint strike.

© Copyright 2007, Meredith Corporation. All Rights Reserved

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