Fireplace Hearth and Internals

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Author Message   tcedwards Citizen Username: Tcedwards Post Number: 41 Registered: 6-2001 Posted on Wednesday, January 28, 2004 - 10:23 pm:        Hi, My fireplace tiling is in need of repair. My wife and I purchased some new tile for installation. Our handy-guy indicates that the tile we purchased is good for the hearth but not the fire area (internal area). He indicates the fire will be to hot within. That makes a lot of since. Our title is general stuff purchased from a tile store. Anyway, the brick being recommended is yellow and our tile (of course) is NOT. Does anyone have experience with replacing title both the internal and hearth area? I am not objecting to the "brick" just that the colors will not match. I suppose no one would notice once it gets blacken from the heat. Also the fire screen would be blocking the view... Any comments on rebuilting the tiling for the fireplace?   jgberkeley Supporter Username: Jgberkeley Post Number: 3433 Registered: 5-2001 Posted on Sunday, February 1, 2004 - 10:15 am:        You are working two very different issues here. First the tile, this is for looks only and has no place in the fire box. Install as you wish. The fire box. No tile in this chamber! The only thing that can be in this chamber is 'fire brick'. This is a heat rated brick, not any normal brick, and should be installed by a pro. Summit Fire Place is a good place to find such a pro. Proper installation is VERY important as the morter joints must be tight and not allow gas or flame to leak around the brick. The job will not be easy, it will be dirty, but it can be done. Fire brick has a few shades depending on the batch, however it is not a color item. With use it will change colors, soot up and will blend. You can purchase and set very pretty cast metal plates in your fire box. They have various designs molded into them, reflect heat into the room and will hide large sections of the fire brick. Never be afraid to try something new. Remember, amateurs built the ark; professionals built the Titanic.