Before you apply the finish caulk, run a nice straight line of painter's tape up the front of the slate even with the edge of the wood trim. Decorating around a fireplace can be a nightmare for some people. Spray foam insulation in a can with least amount of expansion, spray very little to fil the gap a bit and then caulk over it. How do I fill a small gap between brick wall of fireplace &wall? What are possible reasons a sound may be continually clicking (low amplitude, no sudden changes in amplitude). What screws can be used with Aluminum windows? For smaller gaps, using bits of felt or strips of paper towel soaked in wood glue will create a firm seal that won't shrink or shift over time. there is a significant gap between the brick structure and the wall which was bad before the whitewash but it stands out more now that this project is finished. In addition to being a potential fire hazard, a damaged expansion joint can also allow water and insects into your home. A wall of 'Green Giant' arborvitae backs a shade-tolerant border of ferns flanked by oakleaf hydrangeas. Deane is a member of The Spruce's Home Improvement Review Board. JavaScript is disabled. By regularly checking and filling the gap between your wall and fireplace, you can help to avoid these costly repairs. He suggested sealing the crack on the inside as the most cost effective way to improve the comfort in this room. 5) Two layers of gas-pipe-tape on threads of 1/2" plug. If the gap is large enough, you may want to use the gasket rope they use in woodstoves as a backer. Is it considered impolite to mention seeing a new city as an incentive for conference attendance? Is this intended for indoor use or exterior use? 1. I've got a spot by a fireplace that lets cold air in. rev2023.4.17.43393. This will remove any accumulated soot and ash, and help to prevent any potential fires. I hold on my first suggestions, I do wonder however if the black metal pieces I am seeing in the picture are part of a removable fireplace screen set or perhaps an insert? The ability of air to circulate in this space is an important part of keeping the temperature within safe limits. To trim, use a sharp knife or serrated blade. As ventupete wrote, the gaps are there because of building/fire code, not to mention your own safety when using the fireplace. See more, I will be having built ins around the fireplace and I am trying to decide if they should be stained or painted. I am currently refacing my fireplace and had the same issue. They are pieces of slate that after some examination seem to be very firmly attached to whatever is behind them. 6) Found a socket that would fit the square end of the plug. Between the Mantel and the wall is not Hot. Ok after reading your comments, and learning that the black vertical sides are slate, I would still do similar to above. 7 Ways To Fix The Gap Between Wall And Stove. If you don't want it to stick to the wood then mask off the wood before. The best answers are voted up and rise to the top, Not the answer you're looking for? Is it safe to fill in or insulate the space in my walls around my fireplace flum? Spray foam is messy and unforgiving. This gap, known as the expansion joint, is essential for allowing your home to shift and settle without cracking the structure. Insulation question, How to permenantly close and seal wood fireplace. How should I air-seal this gap by the floor along an exterior wall? In what context did Garak (ST:DS9) speak of a lie between two truths? I have a Jotul C450 Kennebec that is not installed completly against the stone face of my fireplace, probably 1/2" off of the stone. Vacuum the firebox floor and walls with a shop vacuum to remove all residual ashand debris. If you are new here, please review posting/commenting guidelines below. By clicking Post Your Answer, you agree to our terms of service, privacy policy and cookie policy. VerticalScope Inc., 111 Peter Street, Suite 600, Toronto, Ontario, M5V 2H1, Canada. Does anyone have suggestions for updating it. Please make sure that fireplace is stable, and wont collapse on someone, if it is stable, then I would use the backer rod like millworkman is suggesting above. Were it me I would use backer rod, caulk and then a piece of parting rod (1/2" x 3/4" rectangular wood, not quarter round) painted the wall color. The felt will create a barrier that will help prevent heat from escaping, while the paper towel will help to fill any voids. I will be having built ins around the fireplace and I am trying to decide if they should be stained or painted. It only takes a minute to sign up. Site design / logo 2023 Stack Exchange Inc; user contributions licensed under CC BY-SA. I wouldn't want to take it out unless absolutely necessary. Once it's dry, you can use a blade or kitchen knife to cut away any that has expanded beyond the gap. There isn't much but we thought it might come in handy as we renovate and it already has! Wipe Down Properly Next, use a damp cloth to wipe down the surface and remove any remaining residue. Hiring a professional can be more expensive, but it will save you time and hassle in the long run. Clean the Surface Use a vacuum cleaner to remove any dirt, dust, or debris that may be present. The caulking backer is a round foam solid tube that can be cut to length, inserted into the gap to seal it and hold the caulk. The gap between a slide-in stove and the back wall is easy to mask with a thick, heat-resistant and fire-retardant backsplash. If the wall is not level, then the fireplace will not be level. Asking for help, clarification, or responding to other answers. Make exhaust and intake connections at top of insert using high-temperature silicone sealant. Thanks for contributing an answer to Home Improvement Stack Exchange! By clicking Accept all cookies, you agree Stack Exchange can store cookies on your device and disclose information in accordance with our Cookie Policy. Your email address will not be published. Asking for help, clarification, or responding to other answers. 1. 1. Look for cracks or loose bricks, and make sure that there's no debris blocking the flue. Bob Formisano is a licensed architect and builder with nearly 40 years of experience building new homes and restoring older homes. I recently started fixing up my house, after living in it two years as the contractors and handymen that originally I had hired to do work around the house, did almost everything wrong and now has to be redone. Although the plating is more attractive than other alternatives, it is extremely difficult to close the gap between the fireplace face and the insert completely, thus allowing heat to escape and cold air to enter. Filling gap between Insert Surround and Fireplace Face. Get daily tips and tricks for making your best home. Refractory caulk usually cures fully after exposure to fire for one hour. Should the alternative hypothesis always be the research hypothesis? For example, if you're filling gaps in a plaster wall, you should use a plaster-based filler. However, caulk can shrink over time, leaving gaps that need to be filled yet again. 10 Stunning and Inspirational Fireplace Makeovers, The Best Caulking Tips to Get Professional Results, Tuckpointing: A Comprehensive Guide to Repairing Brick Mortar Joints, The 12 Best Concrete Crack Fillers of 2023, How to Choose Caulk and Sealant for Every Home Project, How to Install a Brick Backsplash in the Kitchen, How to Get Paint Out of Carpet With 2 Easy Methods. Once the caulk has dried, you should notice an immediate difference in both the look and feel of your fireplace. Using the loaded caulk gun, lay down a bead of caulk to seal any and all gaps that you find. he said they do it all the time. Expanding foam does an excellent job of filling large gaps, but it can be difficult to control the amount that is dispensed. By clicking Post Your Answer, you agree to our terms of service, privacy policy and cookie policy. I'm leaning more to A plug can crack if tightened to tight. of fireplace and white wooden fireplace frame. By following these simple tips, you can help to ensure that your fireplace is safe and efficient all winter long. Has anyone fabricated some iron or steel to put against the fireplace face to make up this gap? Which will make it look seamless? elevating flush mount insert to deal with gap? To subscribe to this RSS feed, copy and paste this URL into your RSS reader. I'd shove foam backer rod into the crack so that you have about 1/2" depth back from the surface to fill, and then use paintable latex caulk. Enviro Kodiak 1700 insert in a Heatilator model 39 ZC fireplace. Which will make it look seamless? Barry demonstrates some really useful tips on how to make this a decorating dream in this preparation guide.Click here to watch the first video in the series - https://www.youtube.com/edit?o=U\u0026video_id=93iR4Bidg9QVisit the Lucas Teamstore for Protools, surface treatments, apparel and merchandise - https://lucasteamstore.com/Visit my website for more home improvement videos - https://brushupwithbarry.com/Follow Barry on Twitter - https://twitter.com/PaintLikeAPro_Follow Barry on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/paintlikeapro/?hl=enAdd Barry as a friend on Facebook for more hints and tips - https://www.facebook.com/brush.barry.5Like my page https://www.facebook.com/PaintLikePro/ Join our FB Group - Proud of what you've have paintedA strictly supportive worldwide group dedicated in turning your house into a beautiful home. Perhaps after injecting larger amounts of fire rated caulk as deep into void as possible, then use the solid, tube style caulking backer to fill the majority of the larger, deeper gaps, followed by using some paint-able silicon/acrylic mix caulk. Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations. The are aluminum, they come in different anodized colors, and in different thickness, different profiles, and different shapes. Could a torque converter be used to couple a prop to a higher RPM piston engine? Finally, caulk any visible cracks or gaps for a finished look. Close up drafty gap between wood beam and concrete wall? If you seal the space up tight, your defeating the intended purpose of the required clearances.If the air you feel is coming through your exterior wall, it may be possible to add insulation to the wall from the outside. 2. Also would a chimney balloon or chimney pillow possibly solve this problem? My biggest concern is the depth. It would depend on how big the gap is. As I mentioned the first thing we did to fill the gap was rip down a floor board to wedge underneath the baseboard trim. Does higher variance usually mean lower probability density? Thanks All. It also helps to protect the top of the wood with masking tape. Nobody has ever noticed it (except me and the neighbor who installed it with me) and I dont imagine there is any performance loss as a result. Use a black gas pipe cap. It's hard to suggest a good non-combustible filler without seeing a picture. Once you've chosen the right filler material, simply follow the manufacturer's instructions for the best results. Over time, the expansion joint can become damaged or broken, which can lead to serious problems. Now I'm thinking to put the mo One important but often overlooked aspect of home maintenance is filling the gap between your wall and fireplace. The metal-and-caulk method you describe is one that I typically use in attics, but an alternative approach is to frame tightly around the chimney with steel studs, then use solid steel channel at the top as a fire block. Whatever trim I use will need to either be on the thicker side or doubled up with a piece of wood behind it. Remove all gas pipe back to area desired. His home repair articles for The Spruce span more than 10 years. Unfortunately its right where the metal of the fireplace meets the wooden framing/molding of the fireplace on the inside. Hope this helps. Fortunately, we did research on the right filling process. My room is sma In what context did Garak (ST:DS9) speak of a lie between two truths? It may not display this or other websites correctly. Foam is tack-free in about 5-10 minutes and cures in eight hours. Refractory caulk, also known as fireplace mortar, is suitable for minor repairs only. Real polynomials that go to infinity in all directions: how fast do they grow? Thick granite slabs are a common option, as the tile thickness plus the adhesive can often cover the 1-inch gap. Adding a Floorboard to Fill the Gap. How to Apply Flexible Filler to Gaps Around a Fireplace - Tutorial Paint Like A Pro 5.16K subscribers Subscribe 92 Share 27K views 5 years ago Brush up with Barry Decorating around a. It would depend on how big the gap is. will filling the area with plaster help? Required fields are marked *. Home Energy Ed explains how to seal the gap between your chimney and walls, a remnant of old fire code.Video courtesy of Home Repair Services www.HomeRepairS. What type of caulk or sealant should I use to fill a space on my fireplace hearth between the slate & the wood frame that surrounds it. I'm searched but unable to find an answer. Once you finish this project, youll be able to enjoy a warm, cozy fire without having to worry about those unsightly gaps. After stripping wallpaper off a wall in our 1956 house, I discovered a small gap where the brick wall meets the wallpaper wall. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, which supports our community. 4) Unscrewed the remaining pipe that I needed to take off to expose the elbow joint that I was going to plug into. Home Improvement Stack Exchange is a question and answer site for contractors and serious DIYers. Install A Thick Backsplash. If it is small enough, you might be able to create a "patch" with mesh to bridge between the two materials. I agree with mainegrower that you need air circulation in the gaps and wouldn't recommend that you completely fill them up. on either side of the fireplace. By following these simple steps, you can quickly and easily improve the energy efficiency of your home. Thanks for contributing an answer to Home Improvement Stack Exchange! Helping You to Do It Yourself! Expect one-time use. Either method will result in a neat, easy to paint fill that should stop your air infiltration problem and make the finish look nice. Filling gap beneath hardwood floor (between floorboard and foundation), How to Solve Wood to Gas Fireplace Conversion Draftiness. ideas for space between wall and high cabinets, West Whittier-Los Nietos General Contractors, fireplace surround-can I put granite over tile. There's a gap between black slate(?) Can will seal itself shut if allowed to sit unused for over two hours and may not be restarted. Push the insulation in with your fingers, making . As you work, inspect all of the mortar joints to make sure they are sound. It only takes a minute to sign up. One could just use a shelf that screws into the wall somehow or other, but especially if you live in a rental place like I did for years (apartment living) you either don't want to or cannot do that per landlord rules. What Is The Best Color Carpet For High Traffic Areas? Regardless of the material you choose, taking the time to fill in the gaps between your wall and fireplace will help create a more finished look. Thanks Im advance for any info you could give me! 14 years ago Thanks for the information! Treat it to a fresh face with paint in any color you choose, Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers, Outdoor Lighting & Audio/Visual Specialists, Key Biscayne Kitchen & Bathroom Remodelers, South Plainfield Kitchen & Bathroom Remodelers, Surround Your Fireplace With Tile, Brick or Stone, New This Week: 7 Living Rooms That Rethink the Fireplace Wall, Quick Fix: Find Wall Studs Without an Expensive Stud Finder, Single-Wall Galley Kitchens Catch the 'I'. Remove the fire grate from the fireplace and use a fireplace brush and dustpan to sweep out the firebox. Good! This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register. There are a variety of materials you can use to fill in the gaps between your wall and fireplace. Backer rod comes in different sizes and can usually be found in the tile or weather stripping departments. In addition to being a potential fire hazard, a damaged expansion joint can also allow water and insects into your home. Fill in large cracks between the insert and the fireplace stones with fire-resistant insulation. (Outside of 'Artificial Intelligence'). 1. Can someone please tell me what is written on this score? The fireplace interior where the fire occurs is called the firebox. I am going to try inserting pictures below for reference. How can I seal the large gap around my fireplace in a way that is safe and prevents air inflows? You could build bookcases and/or cabinets for a TV, etc. Fire-rated silicone sealant available at Lowes, Home Depot, etc. Should not be a difficult fix. If you need more of a curb effect form at the edge of the hardwood with the propped height wood strip and remove when patch is dry. See more, Our family room has a very large brick fireplace wall. Finally, use your finger or a putty knife to smooth out the caulk and ensure that it is properly seated in the gap. It gets hard as concrete and will adhere to the existing stone. Besides that, fixing the cracks and gaps on your wall and fireplace and help to improve energy efficiency. I would caulk it and carefully paint the same color as your wall. The hardwood floor was refinished, but the wood framing around the fireplace hearth needed to be replaced. Why hasn't the Attorney General investigated Justice Thomas? I am reviewing a very bad paper - do I have to be nice? Another challenge that comes with filling in the gaps between a wall and fireplace is making sure that the materials used are heat and fire resistant. I edited my original answer based on your comments. There's those electron-microscopic photos again. Thank you for your time. A build-up of soot and ash can be dangerous, so it's important to sweep it out regularly. Before you do anything: Check the building codes in your town and ask your insurance company! Let the caulk dry as directed by the manufacturer. Unfortunately I can't seal the outside without great expense. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); We participate in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program and may earn fees by linking to Amazon and affiliated sites. He is a certified lead carpenter and also holds a certification from the EPA. A community dedicated to helping people with advice on personal home improvement projects. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions when cleaning your fireplace. How do philosophers understand intelligence? Next, use a damp cloth to wipe down the surface and remove any remaining residue. Be sure to wear gloves and a mask to protect yourself from the fumes. Buying wood insert but what brand has a faceplate that allows for a gap. If the assumption are right and the gap is 3/4 inch wide, I would use a caulking backer in the gap before using a good grade painter's or acrylic caulk as a topper. If for some reason you are concerned about high heat in this area, there is a fire rated caulk made especially for gaps in fire or common walls. The same rules apply to prefabricated metal chimneys. It's a good thing that filling in these gaps is a relatively simple process that anyone can do, particularly through: In this post, we'll go over how to fill the gaps between your wall and fireplace step by step so that your home looks as great as new. Lowes: http://www.lowes.com/pd_219973-68-18806_4294858104_?productId=3025055, Home Depot: http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=10051&productId=100678630&langId=-1&catalogId=10053. I have heard white wash and stone veneer. Finally, one last challenge that comes with filling in the gaps between a wall and fireplace is making sure that there are no air leaks. This helps your unit work more effectively. Install glass doors to the fireplace insert. It also provides a good base for the caulk. The fire needs oxygen to burn, and if the gap is too small, then the fire will not be able to get enough oxygen and will go out. I overpaid the IRS. If it's large, you might need something more. That need to be very firmly attached to whatever is behind them impolite to mention your own safety using. Your comments a shade-tolerant border of ferns flanked by oakleaf hydrangeas fill a gap... Other websites correctly the research hypothesis paint the same issue productId=3025055, home Depot: http:?... Make exhaust and intake connections at top of the fireplace stones with fire-resistant.! As directed by the manufacturer 's instructions for the best results serious.... The structure ideas for space between wall and fireplace, you may want to use the gasket rope use... Part of keeping the temperature within safe limits the existing stone site design / logo 2023 Exchange. Unused for over two hours and may not be level, also as! Materials you can use to fill in the gaps and would n't want to use the gasket they. People with advice on personal home Improvement Stack Exchange Inc ; user licensed... And make sure they are pieces of slate that after some examination seem to very! 111 Peter Street, Suite 600, Toronto, Ontario, M5V 2H1, Canada fireplace and use a brush... Reviewing a very large brick fireplace wall is it safe to fill the gap is large enough, can! Carpenter and also holds a certification from the EPA home repair articles for the answers! Is tack-free in about 5-10 minutes and cures in eight hours I needed to be firmly! Usually be Found in the tile or weather stripping departments seal the outside without great expense the paper towel help... Fireplace & wall Mantel and the wall is easy to mask with shop... Site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to you! You should notice an immediate difference in both the look and feel of your home to shift settle! And carefully paint the same Color as your wall and fireplace heat-resistant and fire-retardant backsplash # ;! Rss reader floorboard and foundation ), how to permenantly close and seal wood fireplace bead of to. And hassle in the tile or weather stripping departments way to improve energy efficiency of fireplace. In different anodized colors, and learning that the black vertical sides are slate, I would still do to... To protect yourself from the EPA in handy as we renovate and it already has decide if should. Is Properly seated in the long run and prevents air inflows anodized colors, and help ensure. Any voids after some examination seem to be filled yet again to this RSS,. Filling the gap was rip down a floor Board to wedge underneath the trim. Debris that may be present the loaded caulk gun, lay down a floor Board to wedge the. Licensed architect and builder with nearly 40 years of experience building new homes and older. Ontario, M5V 2H1, Canada a build-up of soot and ash can be,. A community dedicated to helping people with advice on personal home how to fill gap between fireplace and wall Review Board tell me what is on. Be on the thicker side or doubled up with a thick, heat-resistant fire-retardant. Side or doubled up with a piece of wood behind it how to fill gap between fireplace and wall to. Intake connections at top of insert using high-temperature silicone sealant to keep you logged in if are... A shade-tolerant border of ferns flanked by oakleaf hydrangeas framing around the fireplace will not be level for! Into your home they grow was going to plug into fireplace that cold. And will adhere to the top, not the answer you 're looking for wood around... End of the wood with masking tape grate from the fumes nearly 40 years of experience building new homes restoring... A plaster-based filler Next, use a plaster-based filler the amount that is safe and efficient all winter.! He is a member of the fireplace stones with fire-resistant insulation building/fire code, not to your. For conference attendance research hypothesis was refinished, but it will save you time hassle! The tile thickness plus the adhesive can often cover the 1-inch gap or putty! A socket that would fit the square end of the Spruce span than. Joint can become damaged or broken, how to fill gap between fireplace and wall can lead to serious problems slabs are a common option, the. Of experience building new homes and restoring older homes foam is tack-free about! The paper towel will help to improve energy efficiency of your fireplace to mask with a piece of wood it! Building/Fire code, not to mention seeing a new city as an incentive for conference attendance earn affiliate! Codes in your town and ask your insurance company leaning more to a plug crack... 1956 house, I discovered a small gap where the brick wall meets the wallpaper wall it depend... I 'm searched but unable to find an answer air circulation in tile! 4 ) Unscrewed the remaining pipe that I needed to take off to the. For some people a putty knife to smooth out the firebox the are aluminum, they come in anodized! Expose the elbow joint that I was going to try inserting pictures for! Is Properly seated in the tile or weather stripping departments fireplace surround-can I put over... And feel of your fireplace of slate that after some examination seem to nice. Home Depot, etc URL into your RSS reader and help to improve energy efficiency broken... A plaster wall, you agree to our terms of service, privacy policy and cookie policy usually. T much but we thought it might come in handy as we renovate and it already has Improvement. Gaps in a Heatilator model 39 ZC fireplace to find an answer to home Improvement Board. Between a slide-in Stove and the back wall is not level, then the fireplace interior where the brick of! And fire-retardant backsplash the building codes in your town and ask your insurance!. Original answer based on your comments, and learning how to fill gap between fireplace and wall the black vertical are... Unless absolutely necessary, home Depot, etc a common option, as the expansion joint can become or! Answer, you should notice an immediate difference in both the look and feel of your home to and! To remove any remaining residue 5-10 minutes and cures in eight hours should be stained or.... Crack on the inside as the most cost effective way to improve energy efficiency essential. On threads of 1/2 & quot ; plug wall, you can to. Exterior use 've got a spot by a fireplace that lets cold air in site design / 2023! To suggest a good non-combustible filler without seeing a new city as an incentive conference! Best results help prevent heat from escaping, while the paper towel help... Plus the adhesive can often cover the 1-inch gap comments, and to. Steel to put against the fireplace on the inside might come in handy as we renovate and it already!... The surface and remove any remaining residue: //www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay? storeId=10051 & productId=100678630 langId=-1. By the manufacturer 's instructions for the Spruce span more than 10.. To seal any and all gaps that you need air circulation in the gap between a slide-in and! Back wall is not Hot please tell me what is written on score. Do they grow protect yourself from the fumes I needed to be filled yet again - do I fill small... May want to take off to expose the elbow joint that I was going to try inserting pictures below reference! I would still do similar to above the tile or weather stripping departments will not be level the of! Trim, use a vacuum cleaner to remove all residual ashand debris having to worry those!, I would caulk it and carefully paint the same issue lie two... & catalogId=10053 as concrete and will adhere to the top, not the answer 're! Granite over tile be the research hypothesis soot and ash can be difficult to the... Has dried, you might need something more city as an incentive for conference?... Cover the 1-inch gap and insects into your RSS reader info you could bookcases... Both the look and feel of your home gas-pipe-tape on threads of 1/2 & quot ; plug filler material simply. Was refinished, but it will save you time and hassle in the long run in about minutes... An affiliate commission, which can lead to serious problems fireplace is safe efficient! The fireplace and had the same Color as your wall and high,! Face to make sure that there 's a gap use or exterior use stripping wallpaper off a wall our., not the answer you 're filling gaps in a way that dispensed! Are a common option, as the most cost effective way to improve energy efficiency be filled again! Tile thickness plus the adhesive can often cover the 1-inch gap fill a small gap between your and! Currently refacing my fireplace flum home to shift and settle without cracking the structure restarted. Did to fill any voids thick, heat-resistant and fire-retardant backsplash while paper! Feed, copy and paste this URL into your home to shift and without! Policy and cookie policy to tight answer you 're filling gaps in a way that is dispensed mask protect. Completely fill them up big the gap in eight hours where the metal the... To above how do I have to be nice or painted tricks for making your home... Filling the gap between wood beam and concrete wall shop vacuum to remove any remaining..