How to Fix a Cracked Potbelly Stove
A crack in your potbelly stove is bad news. Not only will the crack affect the performance of your stove, it will also look unpleasant and could worsen if not repaired. Fortunately, you can fill your crack with fire cement, which can be bought at most hardware stores or online. Many fire cement products come in black to match your stove and can withstand temperatures of over 2000 F. These products are also relatively cheap and straightforward to apply.
Step 1
Buy black fire cement from your local hardware store or online.
Step 2
Allow your potbelly stove to cool if it's been in use. Then, remove any fuel from its body.
Step 3
Wash the area around the crack you're going to fill. Make sure the crack is free of dirt and debris. If there are any loose fragments of iron around the cracked area, remove these with a metal file. Allow the stove to dry thoroughly before you proceed to the next step.
Step 4
Pack the crack with fire cement using a trowel or a knife. Make sure the crack is completely filled with cement and that the exterior finish is smooth. Most fire cement products do not require mixing.
Step 5
Allow the fire cement to dry per the manufacturer's instructions.
References
Writer Bio
Michael Roennevig has been a journalist since 2003. He has written on politics, the arts, travel and society for publications such as "The Big Issue" and "Which?" Roennevig holds a Bachelor of Arts in journalism from the Surrey Institute and a postgraduate diploma from the National Council for the Training of Journalists at City College, Brighton.
Photo Credits
- Hemera Technologies/PhotoObjects.net/Getty Images
More Articles
