If there is any chance you have a croaky fireplace refractory you lot should take care of it right abroad. Postponing the care of the refractory puts your home at risk of a firm fire.

We've outlined the details you need to determine whether y'all should repair or replace a fireplace refractory.

Cracked Fireplace Refractory – Should Y'all Repair or Supplant Information technology?

It is difficult to know when to repair something vs when to supplant it. We all want to save money when nosotros can, and sometimes repairing works simply fine and is a far weep cheaper than replacing. However, when you're talking about a cracked fireplace refractory, there are some things you should know earlier you opt for repair.

replace fireplace refractory

Image from Avant-garde Chimney Cleaning

What is a Fireplace Refractory?

Most houses today have prefabricated fireplaces. These fireplaces are manufactory-made and have fireplace panels on the bottom and sides of the firebox. These panels are fabricated to withstand the high heat of the fire and provide strength and durability to the fireplace itself.

When these refractory panels become compromised past cracks, it poses a threat every time yous utilize the fireplace. Even the smallest cracks put your home at take chances, as the flames could penetrate into the walls or ignite from flammable materials inside the firebox.

Dangers of Cracked Refractory

You probably know that the fireplace panels expand and retract every bit they heat and cool. This is normal. Tiny hairline cracks that occur inside the panels are also not concerning, and y'all tin safely go along to operate your fireplace. When the cracks in the refractory panels get worrisome, is when those hairlines cracks begin to widen.

The Chimney Rubber Institute of America (CSIA) warns that a cracked fireplace refractory should be replaced if the crevice is one/16 of an inch wide, or yous can fit the end of a nickel into it. You should as well replace fireplace refractory if the surface is abraded to 1/4 of an inch.

Be aware that the CSIA does Non recommend repairing the refractory when cracks become significant, but replacing with original manufacture panels. Repairs of cracks to this magnitude are not dependable and can put your firebox at chance.

Replacing a Cracked Fireplace Refractory

Having a cracked fireplace refractory is bad news. The good news is, it'southward relatively unproblematic to take it replaced. And, yous go the peace of mind of knowing that you lot are protecting your home and family unit from a potential fire hazard.

The Fireplace Place specializes in fireplace replacement and installation. Our experts tin can evaluate your needs and guide y'all to appropriate options, whether that exist replacing the refractory or helping you design the remodel you've been wanting.

To see additional burn safety tips and important fireplace information, bank check out a few of our other blogs!

  • Is information technology Safe to Mount a TV To a higher place a Fireplace?
  • What is Creosote & How Can I Prevent Information technology?