Water damage is also a possibility. You can make repairs to minor cracks and chinks in the masonry using supplies from your local hardware or home improvement store.
Things You Will Need
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Lay sheets of old newspaper across your hearth to minimize mess.
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Empty the fireplace of all ash, burnt wood, and other debris. Then remove the log grate and set it aside.
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Clean the inside of the firebox with damp rags, scrubbing the interior walls and flooring where the log grate normally sets. Then allow it to dry completely.
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Inspect the firebox with a flashlight to note all cracks, loose masonry and chinks in the mortar.
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Use the putty knife to spread fireclay across damaged areas, and work the material deep into the cracks using the flat blade of the putty knife to apply pressure.
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Smooth out the fireclay for an even coat and uniform appearance.
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Allow the fresh mortar to dry for 48 hours before using the fireplace.
The Drip Cap
- The fire box is the space inside your fireplace where wood combusts to release smoke up the chimney and spread warmth into your home.
- Water damage is also a possibility.
- Use the putty knife to spread fireclay across damaged areas, and work the material deep into the cracks using the flat blade of the putty knife to apply pressure.