Fireproofing maintenance is important to prevent a house fire.
Cementitious fireproofing is a refractory cement product used to contain and reflect heat from fire. The most commonly used application is for firebrick installation within a fireplace. Over time the cement develops cracks. These cracks must be repaired with the correct cement to prevent heat and gases from escaping. The temperature of a fireplace reaches up to 1,500 degrees Fahrenheit, so it is critical to regularly check and repair cementitious fireproofing to protect your home. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Clean the fireplace of all ash and debris using a fireplace shovel and brush. Sweep the cementitious fireproofing from the top to the bottom to remove soot. Use a hand brush to sweep the fireproofing cracks to remove loose cement.
2. Wash the cement fireproofing cracks and surrounding bricks clean, using a scrubbing brush and water. Allow the fireproofing to dry.
3. Measure any cracks between fireproofing bricks, using a tape measure, to determine whether to replace or reset the bricks rather than just repair the fireproofing. Replace or reset any bricks with joint cracks more than 1/4 inch wide, to reduce the joint width and provide effective fireproofing.
4. Use fire cement with a rating to withstand temperatures of up to 2,200 degrees Fahrenheit. Apply the fire cement to the cement cracks using a putty knife. Push the fire cement into the cracks and slightly overlap the joint to each side.
5. Allow the fire cement to dry and cure according to the manufacturer's instructions before using the fireplace.
Tags: fire cement, degrees Fahrenheit, fireproofing cracks, reset bricks, using fireplace
