rendered open fireplace surrounds

[russ34]

all the render is cracking and falling of the firebricks on the back of my mates fireplace.does anyone have an idea of the sort of mix/application/ thickness etc that might prevent the same happening again?. russ

[Barry_White]

If he lights fires in it you need to use fireproof cement possibly available from a place like Barbeques Galore or similar type suppliers of slow combustion stoves or heaters.

Even with this constant fires will still finally break it down and it will make it brittle and suject to falling off.

[journeyman Mick]

Russ,
alternatively you could use fireclay. This is a high alumina clay used to render the inside of kilns and fireboxes. You could further fireproof it (make it more refractory) by painting it with kiln wash. This will have the added bonus of throwing more heat back in the room. I'm afraid I can't remember what's in kiln wash (lots of alumina?) as art college was a long time ago.

The draw back with fireclay render is that it won't be waterproof until it has been subject to high temperatures. Not all parts of the fireplace may get hot enough to fire it, but unless your mates chimney leaks like a sieve it shouldn't be a problem. Try a pottery supplier.

Mick

[russ34]

thanks guys, in particular, mick. u are always spending so much time being so bloody helpful to everyone!!!...russ