How to Repair the Back Wall of a Fireplace
- 1
Inspect the bricks and mortar in the firebox.fuoco image by guby20 from Fotolia.com
Inspect the condition of the mortar in the firebox, probing it with a carbide-tipped scoring tool. Saw out mortared joints with a 4-inch grinder and diamond blade. Remove any loose or cracked bricks broken beyond repair; hairline cracks can be patched. - 2
Vacuum dust and debris.vacuum cleaner image by vb_photo from Fotolia.com
Brush out any dust or debris and vacuum it up, before regrouting or replacing the bricks. - 3). Dampen the bricks with a spray bottle of clean water so the mortar will adhere.
- 4
Apply mortar using a trowel.tile layer image by Greg Pickens from Fotolia.com
Mix a small batch of mortar using a clean bucket and lukewarm water. Work on one joint at a time until all repairs are completed. Apply the mortar by loading it on a brick trowel and placing it against the brick lined up with the joint. Push the mortar into the joint with a tuck-pointing trowel. Continue until the joint is half-full. Press the trowel firmly against the mortar as you pull the pointing trowel along the joint to eliminate gaps or air bubbles. Repeat until the joint is full and firmly packed. - 5). Remove excess mortar from the bricks using the edge of a trowel and a damp sponge. Don't let the sponge touch the joints. Smooth the joints with the jointer while the mortar is soft and let it harden properly. Repeat the grouting and cleaning process until all repairs are made. Let this cure and dry for 90 minutes (longer in high humidity).
- 6). Brush down everything with a stiff-bristled brush and sweep and vacuum debris. Wait 24 hours before using the fireplace.
