I measured the height of the tile between the top of my fireplace and the bottom of the mantel. Excessive moisture on bricks may damage the stone and result in a crumbling fireplace. Click to see full answer Moreover, how far should a mantle be from the fireplace? Are you looking for ideas to DIY a Fireplace Mantle and Surround. Start by scrubbing excess ash and dust from the walls of the fireplace to expose the brick. Immediately remove the tape while caulk is fresh. If you have damp patches on the chimney breast , it will have to be re rendered with a waterproof render . Our house is 26 yrs old and we have a fireplace with a lot of red brick around it. Particularly in the colder months, I had been noticing (around the 'joins' between the wood parts of the fire place surround) a 'furry' type of white substance (presumably a mould - does any one know what type this is most likely to be please?). It’s kind of a “play it by eye” sort of thing. two options really . It can create quite a mess if this happens. Painting beige tiles white, for example, instantly lifts the area and looks like a whole new fireplace. When this was removed quite a lot of debris (soot, etc) came down as well. [read more], Copyright © 2021 The Lettered Cottage - Privacy Policy Brick fireplaces may require sealing to keep moisture absorption to a minimum. Repair the joints using heat-resistent mortar. Use painter’s tape to seal off the edges, so you get nice clean lines, then apply three coats of Zinsser Bulls Eye 1-2-3 Primer-Sealer (£32.99, Screwfix). Use a long wooden spoon to stir this mixture together until the dish soap is completely mixed with the water. It worked beautifully. Image: @woodleyandco / Instagram Embrace the materials. At first blush it seems entirely counterintuitive to seal an inflammable material installed indoors. Looking lovely. Then clear any loose mortar from the firebox floor and walls. Use a mild dish soap to avoid inadvertently damaging the slate on your hearth. Clean the brick surface first to avoid sealing in dirt and grime. In the example above, the fireplace surround employs a herringbone pattern, which certainly make the fireplace interesting. How to Seal a Brick Fireplace With Grout. When surveying the interior of the fireplace, I noticed the installation bracket for the glass doors on the front of the fireplace stuck out inside the fireplace. Then clear any loose mortar from the firebox floor and walls. Fireplace Update Idea: Retile with peel-and-stick tiles. I adore our reclaimed “beam” Yours is coming along so nicely. The main thing is to ensure that ventilation is available to the flue, unless you intend to seal it at the top, to stop a damp build up caused by the weather. Redo the Sealing: Re-seal your entire fireplace at least once a year to maintain the tile’s original luster and get it polished after every six months if you like a gleaming fireplace surround area. 05272398. Clean. In some homes, small strips of metal plating are used both to seal an insert and to add more of a decorative touch to a room. Related to this, for future reference, would I probably need to have metal flue liner fitted up the inside of the chimney (and also through the loft and the roof tiles above; or, if this is an acceptable alternative, through the adjacent external wall in the loft rather than the roof tiles)? ... After completing the installation, you’ll still need to consider whether to seal the stone, how difficult it will be to clean later, or if it stains easily. is 300mm wide x 230mm deep (approx). What should I do to get rid of the damp in my house? The paint will not stick to dirt, so always clean your project first. So, a mantel 6 inches deep would be attached 18 inches above the firebox opening. With this silicate cement, use a generous supply to fill in the gaps. 95. 1. 165 Using the loaded caulk gun, lay down a bead of caulk to seal any and all gaps that you find. Great job guys!! the main thing is to make sure air can still flow through the complete flue by having it checked out by a sweep to make sure there are no old nests in there, as for the gas side you could need to contact a registered gas installer who could advise you more, Hayward’s Heath • Member since 24 Jun 2014 • Seal … Midwest Hearth Wood Stove Replacement Gasket Kit for Woodburning Stoves - Graphite Impregnated Fiberglass Gaskets and Adhesive (5/8" x 1/8" x 84" Flat Tape) 4.6 out of 5 stars 1,558. What to cover a damp exposed brick chimney with? My question is what is the best way to 'seal' the fireplace (to stop possible draughts into the room & loss of heat, from the room, up the chimney) whilst allowing sufficient ventilation to the chimney (to prevent mould / possible related musky smells, etc) please? To think of creating anything as getting a glimpse of the Divine? Older homes that have a fireplace may have a brick facade that was added at a later date. I decided on a 9 inch square of a stencil. It now finishes in the loft, at upstairs ceiling level. Load the caulk gun. Sand Edges and Seal Gaps Zinnser B-I-N is a shellac-based primer that will stop knots from bleeding. feedback, Ideally a bird guard cap on top of the pot, this would stop birds from nesting, as they notice when a chimney is not in use!! He used an old t-shirt to wipe it on, and let each coat dry for a couple of hours before he applied the next coat. Most codes specify mantel distance from the firebox itself. Then the next is loading the caulk gun. You can use pieces of scrap plywood if you have some. Thanks Fill in large cracks between the insert and the fireplace stones with fire-resistant insulation. Stone fireplaces should be cleaned when buildup starts to occur. And thanks to the wood mantel, the fireplace stands out even more. Grout the Art Tile. The fireplace interior where the fire occurs is called the firebox. This won’t work for stone obviously, but for a … Very complicated damp basement - please help. It is masonry fireplace and another coat to help keep your fireplace everyone likes to cozy up how to permanently seal the chase cap of a few years ago and while our air inside your project you seal around it but can vary if you seal and crumble creating a wood burning fireplace not requiring a nonflammable rug in your own home technologies. Please note that will be no ceiling penetrations such as pot/ceiling lights. Privacy notice Next, make sure you stir the topcoat sealer well. My blog is my playground and passion pushes my swing! Fireplace Update Idea: Paint the brass surround Most brass surrounds have pieces that are removable. All chimney flues must be ventilated top and bottom. I have an unused chimney / fireplace that has an electric 'coal effect' fire and wooden fireplace surround. When I removed the top horizontal plasterboard, I found there was also another horizontal plasterboard level above this. Unfortunately, some surrounds also have a strip of brass that separates the tile surround from the fireplace insert and this is not removable, however, once … idea there a small air flow, so rain cap at top with vent or chimney balloon at bottom. After some drying time, clean up the joint lines for a smooth finish. Why Seal A Cultured Stone Fireplace Surround? A few coats of polycrylic will keep it protected. Conclusion. You don’t want any stray hairs, dust or lint getting sealed in! jobs, Before you apply the finish caulk, run a nice straight line of painter's tape up the front of the slate even with the edge of the wood trim. Are you feel ing just as intent as we are, if not more, on making your very own DIY fireplace, mantel, and surround in your home? Before you seal the surround, clean the surface well. Between remodeling the bookcases and mantle and installing tile over the surround and hearth, rental of a wet saw and what we needed to mount the TV, the fireplace makeover came in just under $1000. Fireplace Mantel Tools and Materials. Although the plating is more attractive than other alternatives, it is extremely difficult to close the gap between the fireplace face and the insert completely, thus allowing heat to escape and cold air to enter. Mix a few drops of mild dish soap into a bucket filled halfway with warm water. Here are 16 stylish ways to decorate a non-functioning fireplace. He used an old t-shirt to wipe it on, and let each coat dry for a couple of hours before he applied the next coat. Always double-check with the manufacturer, whether in the directions, on the can or by phone, to ensure that the product is safe to use on mantels. $15.95 $ 15. Cookies A well-decorated fireplace can make your room look like something that belongs in a magazine. 14 … Add an inch to the distance for every inch that the mantel protrudes. I have removed the fire and wooden fireplace surround to have a look and found that the fireplace behind had been completely 'faced' with plasterboard (sides, rear and top) fixed to battens. Fitting the Electric Fireplace. Llanfair Caereinion • Member since 7 Jan 2019 • To grout the art tiles, load the mix into a grout bag and squeeze it into the joints. If both are acceptable options, are there advantages / disadvantages of either option please? A fireplace is often the central piece in a living room. Dirt and smoke from your fireplace can stain the surrounding stones quickly, and once the dirt is in, it can be difficult to get out. It is made up of firebricks and mortar, which are designed to withstand high heat. So glad we get to be a part of it’s story. When we were building ours I too got giddy with the thought of hanging stockings and the “wonder-full” moment the kiddos would have to see their own stockings hanging there. Answered. I didn’t seal it because the slate is very porous. If your fireplace surround is glossy at all, you should seal it. There are spots where I had accidentally gotten paint on it and despite scrubbing it clean several times, the paint remained. 99% positive Once I had it in there I measured my fireplace to decide on a size to cut it. This type of fireplace can be difficult to clean because of the porousness and irregular shape of the rocks. However, when I do get around to sealing it I plan to just roll it on the same way I did the primer and the linen white. Use painter’s caulk to seal gaps or nail holes. These boxes are the foundation for the columns that hold up your new mantel. jobs, Repair the joints using heat-resistent mortar. VIEW IN GALLERY 100% positive Presumably the top of my chimney (at ceiling level in the loft) should also be left uncovered (as mentioned this has probably been covered with loft insulation)? We noticed each coat dried quite a bit lighter than when it was first applied, but we were happy with how dark it was after three coats. Of course, it is the fireplace surround that really makes a decorating statement. Leah. Get it as soon as Thu, Feb 11. In order for the electric fireplace to sit into the existing fireplace surround, we needed to build a box for it to sit in. I should mention this isn’t a functional fireplace, obviously. What is the correct way to 'seal' a fireplace and chimney to stop damp please? Whether you choose to create a stone, brick, or another style of surround, epoxy is perfect to use to seal and protect your fireplace. After attaching those two boards, we set the mantel into the frame of our fireplace surround, fitted like a puzzle piece. As modern homes go for quiet and sophisticated looks surrounds are also coming in different designs to give a trendy feel to the fireplace. Kevin rubbed three coats of Miss Mustard Seed’s clear furniture wax on our new mantel beam, and wow has it really come to life! The rigid foam I used to seal the fireplace was an inch and a half thick, and I was able to buy it in 4′ x 2′ pieces for $4.15 each. The natural stone you choose for a fireplace surround makes a strong design statement and reflects your unique personality. We created this quick how-to guide to get ahead of the financial drain and arm yourself so that in years to follow, you know what to do once fireplace season has come to a close. Use a nail set and hammer to sink nails below the surface of the crown molding. This helps your unit work more effectively. Whether your style is shaker, craftsman or farmhouse, clearly you will find this easy step by step guide will help you create a beautiful fireplace for your living room or family room. Registered in England No. As a general rule, a mantel is placed about 12 inches above the fireplace opening. Someday we will completely redo it, but for now we are just sprucing it up with a good cleaning. Moisten a clean, lint-free wiping cloth with a mild household cleaning solution. These old fireplaces can be difficult to update and may no longer fit the style of the home. To accommodate the space we had, our faux fireplace mantel surround finished at 4’7″ wide, across the mantel top, and 5′ tall. As these looked a bit damp / mouldy, I removed them (I assumed that, in this condition, they would need to be removed anyway!) Our rolls of insulation are 1.5 - 2 inches wide, 10-11 feet long, 1-2 inches thick (not compressed). The particular electric insert that we purchased screwed in on the sides only, so we decided to only do 3 sides to our box - … Without a doubt, we LOVE fireplaces. I get excited thinking about hanging a certain somebody’s Christmas stocking, and the return of seasonal “mantel mania” posts! Get a piece of plywood that’s 1 ⁄ 4 – 1 ⁄ 2 inch (0.64–1.27 cm) thick and extends about 3–4 feet (91–122 cm) out from your fireplace. In order for the electric fireplace to sit into the existing fireplace surround, we needed to build a box for it to sit in. Hi. After cleaning, use a water sealer appropriate for brick surfaces to seal your fireplace properly. After some drying time, clean up the joint lines for a smooth finish. Needs to be sealed as well. This will be in two sections. When coal is burned in oxygen it produces a salt called ammonium sulphate. Drafty Fireplace. Fireplace mantle late 1800s and larger than fireplace.... See more. Of course, it is the fireplace surround that really makes a decorating statement. Surround your entire fireplace with the plywood for the entirety of your work so you don’t need to worry about your flooring. Start by scrubbing excess ash and dust from the walls of the fireplace to expose the brick. 99% positive In case it is relevant, the fireplace opening is 950mm wide x 1420mm high x 480mm deep (approx) and the actual chimney (stack/flue?) The first step to determining the correct type of sealer for the stone fireplace surround is determining what type of stone is in use. I really need some good advice. Looking forward to seeing your final reveal – it will look so great with the built-ins on either side, too! Seal whichever sealer you use with a coat of Minwax Polyurethane to ensure the mantel is protected. If your fireplace surround is for a gas insert we entirely agree that sealing it would be a waste of materials and labor. How can I seal a fireplace that is no longer in use? The insulation is not flammable, the paper is. Terms and conditions Decorated fireplace. :-D Kevin rubbed three coats of Miss Mustard Seed's clear furniture wax on our new mantel beam, and wow has it really come to life! It is recommended to use Fireplace Repair Caulk to caulk the gaps. those are little treasures. How to paint a wood fireplace surround. jobs, Behind the plaster boards are bricks. Article 9 - Grouting the Fireplace Surround - Grouting Wall Tile on a Marble, Travertine, Granite Tile or Slab Fireplace Article 10 - Enhancing and Sealing your Fireplace Surround - Applying Enhancer/Sealer to your Travertine or Natural Stone Fireplace Surround. It now finishes in the loft, at upstairs ceiling level. I assume that at least some chimney ventilation is necessary to prevent the problems that have been experienced (although please confirm this) but I've seen mention of people 'sealing' the bottom of their chimneys with inflatable 'balloons' (or other similar devices) to prevent heat loss / draughts. Hi Steph, you asked me this question oh so long ago and somehow it slipped past me! Conduct an inspection several times a year and after any major event that might result in damage to the chimney or fireplace box. So you have a fireplace that doesn't actually work—but that doesn't mean it's totally useless. :O . Bristol • Member since 27 Apr 2018 • - Terms & Conditions - Contact, « Fireplace Makeover Update: Rustic Mantel Beam. Wayne, Litcham • Member since 19 Feb 2015 • Herringbone tile fireplace surround. Granites are among the strongest stones, with absolute black granite being the strongest of … A well-decorated fireplace can make your room look like something that belongs in a magazine. Then I pressed cut. Please note: These steps are for painting your fire surround and not the inside of your fireplace. I did not caulk it since the unit had to be slid out annually for chimney cleaning. This salt absorbs moisture from the atmosphere, making your unused chimney hygroscopic and prone to dampness. Unfortunately I can't seal the outside without great expense. The previous owners had the top part of the chimney stack removed. Construct two rectangular boxes with open backs that can serve as the support system for the fireplace surround. The mantel on your fireplace is the decorative shelf just above the surround. Primer gives your topcoat the perfect base to stick. We have a line of Fiberglass Insulation that are ideal for adding a seal around your fireplace door. I love that, don’t you? One option you have when remodeling a fireplace is to cut and remove the brick fireplace surround … It’s a great way to get the look of a fireplace in a room where there isn’t one. Decorating around a fireplace can be a nightmare for some people. you could just remove the loft insulation but this could lead still to something nesting in it if they can get in to the attic space or you could block the top off it off an get an air vent fitted into the side of the stack , at the bottom you would need to have a vent fitted if you are going to block off the hole again as long as some air can get past the electric fire then you wont have a problem . My home energy auditor has said that its likely that the area surrounding the fireplace is not insulated. In case it has a bearing on any advice provided, currently I wish to refit the electric 'coal effect' fire and the wooden fireplace surround, although sometime in the future I may wish to have a gas fire fitted. Sitemap The previous owners had the top part of the chimney stack removed. It will seal any air leaks founded in the fireplace surround. Thanks in advance for any advice provided. When you fill over the foam backer with the caulk, use a small putty knife to draw the caulk smooth and flat. I enjoy writing and taking pictures, and adding pages to this place whenever inspiration strikes. I have an unused chimney / fireplace that has an electric 'coal effect' fire and wooden fireplace surround. Hi Steph, you asked me this question oh so long ago and somehow it slipped past me! And I am happy to report that it has withstood the head of actually having a fire in the fireplace. If you have a pine fireplace surround, you will have to use a stain-blocking primer to stop the knots from bleeding. Answer + 5. 9. I was amazed at how much the consistency changed from stirring it! I have a terraced Victorian house with a basement below ground & street level. Look for places where the mortar is cracked, broken or has fallen out of place. I use a degreaser to clean my surface before painting. House mid century modern ranch. . To think of creating anything as getting a glimpse of the Divine? This is just for whitewashing, which is meant to give a somewhat uneven look. Remove any rubble. No feedback, Vent in downstairs chimney breast and vent in upstairs chimney breast. Fireplace Mantel Ideas. Rigid Foam Insulation. Learn how to repair crumbling mortar in a fireplace in just a few basic steps. With ours I pulled the unit out enough to get insulation in between the surround and the brick. This caulk sets hard and it comes black in color. Oh, man…I cannot wait to do something about our fireplace surround! 3. He has told me that it would be expensive to gain access to the gap between each stud and blow in insulation.