How do you remove a fireback?

You may simply be able to lever the fireback out, lifting the top half out first and then the bottom half. However, in some cases you may need to break it up in situ and remove it piece by piece. Once the fireback has been removed, you should be left with a simple rectangular hole.

Why do firebacks crack?

The crack has developed over time due to the heat of the fire and was probably previously a coal fire judging by the condition of the fireback and the original build date of your home.

How do you open up a bricked up fireplace?

If the fireplace has been filled in with bricks, start from the vent and slowly knock out a few at a time with a club hammer and bolster chisel. You may find it easier to remove the plaster from the area first and then chip out the bricks, one by one, once you can see where the mortar joints are.

Can you make your own fireback?

Construct a fireback support by placing four to six standard fireplace bricks in pairs along the back wall floor of your fireplace. Stand them on their sides, parallel to the back wall. Place the steel sheet between the pairs of bricks so it stands vertical to the floor of the fireplace, held in place by the bricks.

How efficient is a fireback?

Radiator effect: how efficient is a fireback? The efficiency of a wood-burning fireplace to heat air is typically 10%, but with a fireback this may increase to 15%. This is less efficient than a stove or fireplace insert in heating air, but efficiency is a complicated concept with open hearth fireplaces.

Do you need permission to open up a fireplace?

As long as the building isn’t listed you will not need planning permission to reopen the fireplace. However, if you are installing anything that has the potential to cause fire or toxic fumes it will need to comply with Building Regulations for combustion appliances.

Does a bricked up fireplace need a vent?

Ventilation needs to be provided to the chimney space to avoid moisture collecting on the soot and smoke deposits within the chimney and forming damp areas, this can easily be achieved by building in an air-brick as the fireplace opening is bricked up.

How much does it cost to repoint a firebox?

The national cost average to repair a fireplace is between $200 and $1,000. Most homeowners pay around $600 to repoint a damaged section of a brick fireplace….Cost to Repair a Fireplace by Solution.

Solution	Average Costs (Labor Included)
Repoint	$200 – $900
Restore	$300 – $2,000