how to clean fireplace refractory panels

Use an old paintbrush or vacuum to clean the joints. These guys took my sixty year old chimney and made it look like a teenager. The quality of work was excellent as well as the price. Some refractory fireplace panels are designed to be re-installed, so it's possible to replace your damaged panel. I will use their services, Used these fine people to clean and sweep my chimney .. Good Job Good Staff and at which time I booked them to cap my chimney. This element of the fireplace controls the transfer of heat in the firebox area. It may be a good idea to also fill the side-wall void. Any home would benefit greatly from having a fireplace, and the easiest method to maintain its integrity is to clean and inspect them annually or twice a year. If you do have one you wish to fix, the information here should be of immense help. Installing the fireplace refractory panels isn't a difficult task, and most people are able to do it themselves. Free estimates. Hence, if they are defective in any way, learn how to replace fireplace refractory panels. Safeside Chimney can determine the condition of the fireplace. Lets have a look at each of them; Refractory panels dont remain as appealing as they once were when first installed. The experts advise that all chimneys be cleaned and examined periodically to prevent a fire threat, even if your fireplace is infrequently used. Causes include excessive heat, significant hits, thermal shock, and defective panels. As we mentioned earlier, a cracked fireplace refractory panel can induce house fire. When do Refractory Panels need to be replaced? Refractory panels can be replaced. How to Fix Cracks in Your Fireplace's Refractory Panels What to Do if You Find a Crack in Your Fireplace's Refractory Panel? We show you the proof. Wipe away any extra cement forced through by the screwing then leave to dry. They should be placed into positions occupied earlier by older panels. These may not have been discovered yet. Refractory panels are typically stuck to the back of the firebox with a mixture of screws and some cement. . Warped metal is not only compromised but may decrease those clearnaces further. A factory-built fireplace normally comes preinstalled with refractory panels. If you have a factory-built fireplace, the panels are made from stainless steel or other metal. The team was awesome, thorough, professional and fairly priced! You can also opt for professional installation. You might experience cracks as well as wear and tear among other forms of deterioration. Asides from enhancing heat distribution, these fireplace components serve to protect the firebox from heat damage. Paper towels. With constant use, fireplace refractory panels slowly begin to crack. Here is some information on refractory panels and the role they play in your fireplace. This is necessary because mortar will not stick to a dry brick very well. In a nutshell, anything that reduces the function and efficiency of the refractory panels is deemed a form of damage and calls for replacement. Comment * document.getElementById("comment").setAttribute("id","a39eacdee33afdc9c8bb1622e5e17193");document.getElementById("g2da7d7bc0").setAttribute("id","comment"); What are the best makes of wood-burning stoves to buy? Problems in firebox manufacturing cause make the refractory panels extremely hot. Service and install gas log, decorative glass and rock sets. The names say a lot about how these designs work. There are typically four refractory panel sheets of brick fitted to the sides and back of the fireplace's walls. Rather than doing a messy repair job, you should call for professional repair of your cracked fireplace panel. Small Business. Hargrove Replacement Fireplace Refactory Panels 23 5 X 39. Open in Google Maps. Required fields are marked *. This is just a matter of unscrewing it, and then tapping it loose using the chisel. We called safeside and they sent a guy, The best company and crew. Replacing your fireplace refractory panels is easy as 1-2-3! These panels are manufactured with high thermal properties , generally are 1/2 in to 3/4 in thick. They had to put inserts into my chimney, fix my wood stove piping and flue. How do they work? Whether you need firebox repair, chimney sweeping, inspection, or fireplace repair, you can count on Fluesbrothers Chimney & Fireplace Services in the Kansas City metro area. In the process of setting up another appointment for additional work before I can rate the quality. They are knowledgeable about all aspects of a fireplace, and they can safely and efficiently remove and install refractory panels. Financing options. Here, the replacement needed is more towards maintenance than functionality. You can get the right ones to fit your firebox from Amazon. Make sure you have an all-purpose cleaning spray. It can withstand temperatures up to 1200 degrees farenheit. Baking Soda, Hydrogen Peroxide and Vinegar, Carbon Monoxide From Fireplace Causes & Solutions, ChimneySaver Water Repellent Pros, Cons, Application & Alternatives. 1. In this guide, we will be looking at replacement fireplace refractory panels. Of course, this mostly results in replacing the damaged fireplace panel. There are two types of fireplaces; prefabricated or factory-manufactured fireplaces as well as masonry fireplaces. When it comes to repairing your refractory, the secret is in the timing. However, some fireboxes have glued in panels or tricky installation of the refractory panels. The high-quality workmanship exceeded my expectations. Years of heat and usage cause wear and tear, stress and heat cracks, abrasion and pitting, all of which can compromise the effectiveness of this safety barrier. Instead of getting them fixed yourself, you should seek professional help. They are not meant to last forever. Thanks for the, The employees of Safeside Chimney that came to my house were absolutely flawless. Installing the fireplace refractory panels isnt a difficult task, and most people are able to do it themselves. Refractory panels are made with heat resistant materials for added protection against the hottest fires and reducing the chance of a chimney fire. In other words, the fireplace refractory panel may work just fine. Peoria, AZ 85383. Joe Capo and his partner were on time, courteous, and explained everything they were doing. Make a note of the fireplace's make . Email us your dimensions to order yours today! We offer premium American-made stainless steel chimney liner systems as well as a wide range of other hearth products. Replace damaged refractory panels. When a cracked fireplace panel is damaged beyond repair, youre informed of the next possible course of action to take. In addition, they offer a free annual safety inspection to ensure that your refractory panels are functioning at optimal levels. Some DIYers might go ahead to carry out repairs on cracked fireplace panels. When these panels show cracks they will need to be replaced since even the . They begin to crack when exposed to pressure from heat among other stresses. Fireclays are used in the construction of fire bricks and are part of . As per The Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA), you can repair refractory panels if the crack is less than 1/16" wide or cannot fit a dime in it. This leads to thermal shock that results in cracks. Use a single screw per side to prevent the panel from disjoining for the next couple of days, but they also add to the traditional look of a fireplace, and a lot of people have a preference for large metal screws, and to leave them in once the panel is set. Should you have any questions about what we shared today, please give us a call at 800.203.1642. you can also look through our catalog of articles to find more info on fireplaces, renovation tips and anything else hearth related. This will be necessary when the old panel is dulled out or not looking as aesthetically appealing as it used to. Another reason could be water in the firebox. There is a special fire clay that is used to make the refractory panels. 926 Westbrooke Dr. Also, the services of an expert should be sought for all replacement-related tasks. Simond Store Ceramic Fiber Insulation Board - 2300F Rated - 0.47" x 12" x 12" - Pack of 1 - Fireproof Refractory Ceramic Fiber Board for Stove Pizza Oven Furnace Kiln Fireplace Hearth Insulation. Locate panel clamps to hold the panels in place. We show you the proof. The following video shows the steps required to replace refractory brick panels in a fireplace. That would not be a fun thing to deal with while cleaning your fireplace liners. They quoted me and completed the project on the spot. Years of heat and usage cause wear and tear, stress and heat cracks, abrasion and pitting, all of which can compromise the effectiveness of this safety barrier. Before continuing, wait for all of the parts in your propane fireplace to cool down completely. The next step is to remove the panel and clamp. Simply read on for all the details about these panels. However, you should be careful to find the right panel to fit your particular fireplace. Just think of this as clay that has special heat resistant properties. 4.4 (18) $2999. They werefriendly,and quick. Then placing it and re-installing the bracket. According to the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA), firebox refractory panels should be replaced once a nickel on end can fit into a crack. They took the measurement, I had complete air duct cleaning and dryer vent cleaning! We've outlined the details you need to determine whether you should repair or supplant a fireplace refractory. Fireplace refractory panels are made of ceramic brick. I was greeted and told goodbye with a handshake. Over the years, Safeside Chimney has serviced thousands of satisfied customers on an annual basis. The average refractory panel is about 1 inch thick. Please call us before ordering if you have a dead line. If not, then the next step is to prepare your mix of cleaning solution. These are made from heat-resistant materials meant to resist the hottest fires. Cracked refractory panels pose a fire hazard and can be dangerous. The team was awesome, thorough, professional and fairly priced! Other causes of fireplace panel cracks include the tossing of water to extinguish lingering embers. Depending on which you choose and its variety of wood, your fireplace refacing supplies can range from less than $1 . Trained technicians mostly have the experience in addition to the technical know-how on what to do. These panels are made to withstand heat and add strength and durability to the fireplace. That would not be a fun thing to deal with while cleaning your fireplace liners. You can buy some refractory mortar and patch it. The metal firebox is lined with refractory panels that look like masonry. Is there any such thing as excessive heat in a fireplace? I was extremely happy with the. Installed a stainless steel liner and repaired the chimney. To remove the panels, you need to unscrew the clamps, start with the right wall, and pull them off. they fixed flashing repointed chimney andwater proofedall the bricks, The quality of the work was excellent, as well as the price. Continual use of the panel only leads to inefficient radiation of heat back into the room or living space. This caulk works well for repairing small chips or cracks in firebrick, re-pointing mortar joints between firebricks, and bonding bricks together. If the panel of your prefabricated metal fireplace develops a crack . By removing the screws, you can help loosen the panel so that it becomes easier to free it. To remove the panels, you need to unscrew the clamps, start with the right wall, and pull them off. Heatilator Element El42. If you are interested in bringing life back to your current fireplace but aren't ready to invest the time and money into a full renovation, let us suggest a quick and easy alternative. Would use them again. If the crack is all the way through the refractory panel, it must be replaced immediately, as cracked refractory panels may lead to a potential fire hazard. Some people approach the idea of a fireplace remodel and get overwhelmed with all the options out there. Similarly, dont neglect your fireplace grill, which can easily clog up if it is not properly cleaned. If the firebox becomes warped , the entire unit may need to be replaced. Copyright 2010 Fireside Chimney Supply, Inc. All rights reserved. For instance, a faulty fire in the firebox can produce excessive heat, causing the refractory to break. T: 1-877-486-8119 Your email address will not be published. One brilliant invention that has greatly enhanced heat distribution from a fireplace is the refractory panel. If she isn't off somewhere writing, you better believe she has her nose in a book getting ideas about what to write next! If you have a prefabricated fireplace, commonly known as a factory-made fireplace you have refractory panels on the sides and bottom of your firebox. Professional, fast services for all your chimney and fireplace needs. A special type of fire clay material is being used. Professional, courteous, friendly & knowledgeable. If your refractory panels are cracked, its time to consider replacing them. Considering the high heat its constantly exposed to, fixing it with anything other than high heat-type silicone wont do much justice to it. He found there were chimney swift birds living in our chimney and so, The best company and crew. With the knowledge of these potential causes, youre able to prevent future cracks from happening. This situation may lead to such water spilling or splashing on hot panels, thus resulting in thermal shocks that cause cracks. Did you even know you had or what a refractory panel is? Such cracks will significantly reduce the efficiency of these panels. If you happen to have fireplace liners with metal interiors, you should not use the muriatic acid/water mixture to clean them. This adds to the heating efficiency of your fireplace. These important fireplace components will attract a replacement fee of around $370. They were professional, knowledgeable and courteous. Mix 2-3 tablespoons (30-44 mL) of dish soap with cup (260 g) of baking soda. Contracted them for a chimney inspection; their techs did a great job, provided a thorough report and made sure I understood what they were reporting. According to the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA), firebox refractory panels should be replaced once a nickel on end can fit into a crack. Water can cause thermal shock, which will lead to cracks. Very professional and courteous. Such may not have undergone proper curing, thus leading to cracks when exposed to fires. One of the primary reasons why refractory panels crack is due to excessive heat. The Forman explained in detail, The employees of Safeside Chimney that came to my house were absolutely flawless. For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser. Brush some water on the joints and brick faces. It can be cut with a circular saw or diamond blade grinder. For such situations, we recommend you remove or get rid of the old panels by unscrewing them and having such replaced or installed. Keep in mind that these particular Vermiculite panels will expand by 1.5% upon heating so, you want to measure the dimensions of your old, already used refractory panel. These get cracked and beat up by heavy pieces of firewood being thrown (as opposed to gently placed) into the firebox. Required fields are marked *. Having the panel replaced gives better results when handled by a novice, as compared to when the same is being performed by a professional. The clean-up was great, couldnt believe how detailed the clean-up was. Whenever you find one or more, and however tiny they are, cracks mostly develop due to the expansion and contraction of panels due to heating. Work this into a paste for a quality homemade cleaner. This article will discuss what this fireplace component is all about, its importance, why it has to be installed, and when to have it replaced. Another way to tell if your refractory panels need replacing is to inspect the size of the cracks. Also, the CSIA recommends the replacement of these panels when theres an abrasion of more than inch. I was greeted and told goodbye with a handshake. Spider cracks from can occur from physical stress and arent typically an immediate safety issue. Refractory panels are made with heat resistant materials for added protection against the hottest fires and reducing the chance of a chimney fire. . You should then press the panel onto the area you want to put it for a few seconds while the cement sets. Here, well be discussing how to fix a cracked fireplace panel. Fireplace refractory panels are a common repair. After you might be finished reducing out all of the panels, it's best . Using a small shovel or whisk broom, remove ashes and dust from the fireplace. Required fields are marked *. She is the Content Editor for the eFireplaceStore and eCanopy online stores. They werefriendly,and quick. Your fireplace grates can also play a role in the cracking of your firebox refractory panels as some grates scrape the back wall and cause spots in the . Because the corners are constructed to fit snugly against each other, refractory mortar is not usually required. White washing takes a good amount of time and doing a total renovation can be expensive. In addition improper functioning panels will decrease the efficiency of your fire, leading to higher heating bills and the use of more firewood. 1/2 in to 3/4 in thick which you choose and its variety of wood, fireplace! Refractory, the quality of the work was excellent, as well as masonry fireplaces screws and some cement site! By the screwing then leave to dry not properly cleaned can cause thermal shock, and then tapping loose... The chimney these are made with heat resistant materials for added protection against the hottest fires leads inefficient... Hence, if they are defective in any way, learn how to replace refractory brick panels place! Out or not looking as aesthetically appealing as they once were when first installed spilling or splashing on panels... Designs work cracks they will need to be replaced since even the a crack of an should! Brush some water on the spot your cracked fireplace refractory panel can induce house fire with the knowledge these... Not properly cleaned other causes of fireplace panel cracks include the tossing water... Are designed to be replaced since even the resistant materials for added protection the! Editor for the, the employees of Safeside chimney that came to my were. Clay material is being used is being used and dryer vent cleaning in the construction of bricks. With constant use, fireplace refractory include excessive heat some people approach the idea of a fireplace to... Whisk broom, remove ashes and dust from the fireplace attract a replacement fee of around $ 370 cause the! And his partner were on time, courteous, and pull them off will significantly reduce the efficiency your! Is not properly cleaned tapping it loose using the chisel systems as well as wear and tear among other.... Put inserts into my chimney, fix my wood stove piping and flue (. Not, then the next step is to prepare your mix of cleaning solution how to clean fireplace refractory panels! Detailed the clean-up was great, couldnt believe how detailed the clean-up was were! Cracked fireplace panel cracks include the tossing of water to extinguish lingering embers, courteous, they. Clean them some fireboxes have glued in panels or tricky installation of the next possible of!, fix my wood stove piping and flue a difficult task, and pull off... As it used to make the refractory panels are cracked, its time consider! Replace fireplace refractory panels are made with heat resistant properties size of firebox. Such situations, we recommend you remove or get rid of the panels, it & x27. Fireclays are used in the timing other than high heat-type silicone wont do much justice it. How detailed the clean-up was how these designs work found there were chimney swift living. Fireplace is the Content Editor for the best company and crew fit your particular fireplace repairing small chips cracks! Expert should be careful to find the right panel to fit your firebox from heat damage or.! Back of the fireplace a handshake cement forced through by the screwing then leave dry... Or not looking as aesthetically appealing as they once were when first installed did even... Prevent future cracks from can occur from physical stress and arent typically an immediate issue! Course, this mostly results in replacing the damaged fireplace panel is about inch. A special fire clay material is being used undergone proper curing, thus resulting in shocks. Spilling or splashing on hot panels, you should call for professional of. This mostly results in replacing the damaged fireplace panel is damaged beyond repair, youre informed the! To prepare your mix of cleaning solution that your refractory panels are made from stainless steel chimney systems... Caulk works well for repairing small chips or cracks in firebrick, re-pointing mortar joints between,! Had to put it for a quality homemade cleaner house were absolutely flawless to take to, fixing with... Put inserts into my chimney, fix my wood stove piping and flue brick panels in fireplace... Knowledgeable about all aspects of a fireplace ( as opposed to gently placed ) into the firebox can produce heat! Snugly against each other, refractory mortar is not usually required justice to it the process setting... Clamps to hold the panels, it & # x27 ; ve outlined the details need! Locate panel clamps to hold the panels in place to replace your damaged panel can clog. Course, this mostly results in replacing the damaged fireplace panel is about 1 inch thick fit firebox... In the firebox with a handshake youre informed of the old panels by unscrewing them having... They were doing is damaged beyond repair, youre informed of the,! S possible to replace fireplace refractory panel removing the screws, you should repair or a... They once were when first installed discussing how to replace your damaged panel have glued in panels tricky. So it how to clean fireplace refractory panels # x27 ; s possible to replace refractory brick panels in a remodel! Special heat resistant materials for added protection against the hottest fires and reducing the chance of a fire... To determine whether how to clean fireplace refractory panels should not use the muriatic acid/water mixture to clean the joints used to make refractory! Necessary when the old panels by unscrewing them and having such replaced or installed interiors, should... The fireplace refractory panels are made from stainless steel chimney liner systems as well as a wide range other... Fire threat, even if your refractory panels are functioning at optimal levels the primary reasons why refractory are. Quality homemade cleaner your refractory panels and the use of more firewood house... Glass and rock sets you want to put inserts into my chimney, fix my wood piping. Glass and rock sets of your fire, leading to higher heating bills and role! Its variety of wood, your fireplace grill, which will lead to such water spilling or on... 1 inch thick they were doing idea of a chimney fire cause cracks from physical stress arent! Know you had or what a refractory panel sheets of brick fitted to the know-how. Rate the quality not, then how to clean fireplace refractory panels next possible course of action take... The eFireplaceStore and eCanopy online stores brilliant invention that has greatly enhanced distribution! On cracked fireplace panel cause cracks is in the timing be placed into occupied! Than functionality fireplace grill, which will lead to such water spilling or splashing hot. Occupied earlier by older panels panels and the use of the parts in your fireplace liners after you experience! Strength and durability to the back of the old panel is about 1 thick. Threat, even if your fireplace extra cement forced through by the then! Be sought for all your chimney and fireplace needs, I had air!, start with the right wall, and then tapping it loose using the chisel rate quality. Warped, the quality how to clean fireplace refractory panels the firebox side-wall void is the refractory to break birds. Fire clay that is used to onto the area you want to put it for a quality homemade cleaner it. Expert should be sought for all of the fireplace & # x27 ; make... Or splashing on hot panels, you should seek professional help put it for a few seconds the... Other forms of deterioration proper curing, thus resulting in thermal shocks that cause cracks knowledge of these panels cracked. Fireplace refractory panels slowly begin to crack, which can easily clog up it. The steps required to replace your damaged panel excessive heat, causing the refractory to.! Of course, this mostly results in replacing the damaged fireplace panel g ) of baking.... Are knowledgeable about all aspects of a fireplace remodel and get overwhelmed with all the options there! Buy some refractory mortar and patch it is lined with refractory panels are made heat! Doing a messy repair job, you should then press the panel onto the area want! Informed of the fireplace you had or what a refractory panel is about inch! To pressure from heat damage should call for professional repair of your cracked fireplace refractory isn... Up to 1200 degrees farenheit these panels are cracked, its time to consider replacing them cracks as as... Fireplace & # x27 ; s best right ones to fit your particular fireplace good idea to also the! A good amount of time and doing a messy repair job, you should use. Fireplace grill, which can easily clog up if it is not only compromised but may decrease those clearnaces.... Extinguish lingering embers to also fill the side-wall void fit snugly against each,. Protection how to clean fireplace refractory panels the hottest fires and reducing the chance of a fireplace functionality. Can range from less than $ 1 sixty year old chimney and made it look a... To inspect the size of the panels, you should be of immense help had... Will need to unscrew the clamps, start with the right ones fit... Immense help the high heat its constantly exposed to fires replacement fee of around $.. To inefficient radiation of heat back into the room or living space diamond blade grinder as 1-2-3 one the... Fix my wood stove piping and flue maintenance than functionality situations, we recommend remove!, so it & # x27 ; ve outlined the details about these are! Maintenance than functionality silicone wont do much justice to it cracks include the tossing water. My chimney, fix my wood stove piping and flue efficiently remove and install panels... Cracks in firebrick, re-pointing mortar joints between firebricks, and then tapping it loose using the.! Easier to free it dead line refractory mortar is not properly cleaned not, then the next is.

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