In some homes, small strips of metal plating are used both to seal an insert and to add more of a decorative touch to a room. How to remove popcorn ceiling that has been painted? We happen to have a stack of old flooring that was removed from Ed's grandparents farmhouse. Otherwise, you could end up causing more damage than good. You could either try to match the rest of the flooringwhich isn't that hard. Does Chain Lightning deal damage to its original target first? Other cons: great stuff is sticky, impossible to clean. Alternately, you could also use a setting type drywall mud, such as durabond 30 or 45 to fill the deeper gaps etc. It fits like a glove. Make another block to tack on the other side of the fireplace so it looks symmetrical. One of his specialties is repairing old systems dating back to the 1920s, including galvanized water pipes, knob-and-tube wiring, and more. 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. Is the metal you are referring to an insert trim of some type? Immediately remove the tape while caulk is fresh. Good! First inserts going into a two sided (90 degree faces) fireplace - feedback and surround suggestions? Either method will result in a neat, easy to paint fill that should stop your air infiltration problem and make the finish look nice. You could also fill it with strips of Hardieboard (or cement board) and caulk the edges with a high temperature caulk. Once it's dry, you can use a blade or kitchen knife to cut away any that has expanded beyond the gap. I didn't think I could caulk such a large gap. I've used fire rated silicone around my flue in the past and it has worked a treat to seal between the flue and the roof. 4. 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. 11 Reasons to Love Wall-to-Wall Carpeting Again, Just One Wall: When the Accent Wall Works, Everything I Need to Know About Decorating I Learned from Downton Abbey. Dystopian Science Fiction story about virtual reality (called being hooked-up) from the 1960's-70's, What are possible reasons a sound may be continually clicking (low amplitude, no sudden changes in amplitude). Is there a danger that this foam will ignite from the heat generated by a fire in the fireplace? 6) Found a socket that would fit the square end of the plug. Many homeowners have a gap between their walls and the fireplace. I agree with the scribe. Besides that, fixing the cracks and gaps on your wall and fireplace and help to improve energy efficiency. Its a rather sizable gap (maybe 3/4 of an inch). he said they do it all the time. Can You Use A Ryobi Vacuum Without A Bag? Finally, use your finger or a putty knife to smooth out the caulk and ensure that it is properly seated in the gap. Plug in the power cord from the fireplace insert. To learn more, see our tips on writing great answers. I was thinking of filling the gap in with plaster. Do I need to use mortar to do this, or would the canned foam insulation that you can get from places like Lowes or Home Depot be good for fixing this problem? Be sure to wear gloves and a mask to protect yourself from the fumes. 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. I agree with mainegrower that you need air circulation in the gaps and wouldn't recommend that you completely fill them up. This seems like something I should be able to take care of. 2) Run stove until flame goes out (pretty quick) 3) Hacksawed at the proper spot. You can wear latex or nitrile gloves to keep your hands clean if you wish. Is it considered impolite to mention seeing a new city as an incentive for conference attendance? Thanks All. Thanks for contributing an answer to Home Improvement Stack Exchange! With a little careful preparation, you can easily fill the gaps in your wall or fireplace and create a perfectly seamless finish. that stuff also doesn't appear to be fire rated. At first I was thinking to paint the brick with white paint. It also helps to protect the top of the wood with masking tape. This should result in a nice crisp straight line. Spray foam is messy and unforgiving. Unfortunately its right where the metal of the fireplace meets the wooden framing/molding of the fireplace on the inside. My home energy auditor has said that its likely that the area surrounding the fireplace is not insulated. You're Temporarily Blocked. To bridge from the chimney to a drywall surface, you can patch in with cement board (such as tile backer) for the last 6 inches or so and caulk the cement board to the chimney with fireproof sealant. I am about an 1/2" short on my depth for a Hampton HI300 insert. 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. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register. Is this a working Fireplace? Over time, the bricks and mortar can fail due to the expansion and contraction of the materials as they go from room temperature to roughly 700 degrees Fahrenheit and back again. Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations. Caulking is a common choice because it is easy to apply and comes in a variety of colors. Once you finish this project, youll be able to enjoy a warm, cozy fire without having to worry about those unsightly gaps. Which will make it look seamless? 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. By clicking Post Your Answer, you agree to our terms of service, privacy policy and cookie policy. Small gaps in mortar can be repaired with a special high-temperature caulk called refractory caulk. What are possible reasons a sound may be continually clicking (low amplitude, no sudden changes in amplitude). Can will seal itself shut if allowed to sit unused for over two hours and may not be restarted. Before filling the gaps in your wall or fireplace, it's important to take some time to properly prepare the surface. By clicking Accept all cookies, you agree Stack Exchange can store cookies on your device and disclose information in accordance with our Cookie Policy. I'd be uncomfortable closing the gap with foam. Backer rod is the correct answer here. A forum community dedicated to Do it yourself-ers and home improvement enthusiasts. In addition to her journalism experience, she has been educating on health and wellness topics for over 15 years in and outside of the classroom. Filling gap between Insert Surround and Fireplace Face. Could a torque converter be used to couple a prop to a higher RPM piston engine? This is what you fill that gap with. Use a vacuum cleaner to remove any dirt, dust, or debris that may be present. Once the surface is clean and dry, you can then begin to fill the gaps with a suitable filler material. Adding a Floorboard to Fill the Gap. Wipe Down Properly Next, use a damp cloth to wipe down the surface and remove any remaining residue. As I mentioned the first thing we did to fill the gap was rip down a floor board to wedge underneath the baseboard trim. 3. It gets hard as concrete and will adhere to the existing stone. Thick granite slabs are a common option, as the tile thickness plus the adhesive can often cover the 1-inch gap. A wall of 'Green Giant' arborvitae backs a shade-tolerant border of ferns flanked by oakleaf hydrangeas. Now I'm thinking to put the mo Always follow the manufacturer's instructions when cleaning your fireplace. With this silicate cement, use a generous supply to fill in the gaps. Now, I haven't used the gap filler so don't know how much this expands. See more, I will be having built ins around the fireplace and I am trying to decide if they should be stained or painted. One important but often overlooked aspect of home maintenance is filling the gap between your wall and fireplace. Is "in fear for one's life" an idiom with limited variations or can you add another noun phrase to it? Buy a small bag of concrete floor patch: it mixes like pancake batter and sets a light gray. [15 Awesome Ideas!]. Of course, you'll still need to seal gaps with fireproof caulk. Thanks for the information! Do not use a plug in a fitting. otherwise, maybe spackling or putty? amazon.com/Meeco-High-Temperature-Silicone-Sealant/dp/, GREAT STUFF 16 Oz. Drywall mud is slightly harder to apply, will require sanding, however will not shrink from heat over time. Refractory caulk usually cures fully after exposure to fire for one hour. The are aluminum, they come in different anodized colors, and in different thickness, different profiles, and different shapes. Making statements based on opinion; back them up with references or personal experience. 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. Measure the length of the gap, and cut a piece of foam. Refractory caulk, also known as fireplace mortar, is suitable for minor repairs only. However, air circulation will occur naturally due to the warmer air rising. What is the etymology of the term space-time? Can someone please tell me what is written on this score? Decorating around a fireplace can be a nightmare for some people. In what context did Garak (ST:DS9) speak of a lie between two truths? Make sure you know what materials you need and how to properly install them. For more decorating ideas and other DIY tips, see our posts below: How To Update A Stone Fireplace [8 Awesome Ideas], How To Whitewash A Stone Fireplace With Chalk Paint, Your email address will not be published. However, caulk can shrink over time, leaving gaps that need to be filled yet again. rev2023.4.17.43393. Hope this helps. After the caulk has cured, it can be painted to match the trim. 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. I have a picture of something like it: How about replacing the strips of hardwood you removed? 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. Unfortunately I can't seal the outside without great expense. 1. Get daily tips and tricks for making your best home. It looks like you were misusing this feature by going too fast. When choosing a filler, it's important to select one that is compatible with the type of surface you're working with. You'll want to use something like this: It might be better to update your answer with extra info (in this case with regards to high-temp silicone) instead of adding a separate comment, as it will make it easier for others to read the full answer. How should I air-seal this gap by the floor along an exterior wall? 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. His home repair articles for The Spruce span more than 10 years. Question about WETT clearance - top facing, mantel or trim? Real polynomials that go to infinity in all directions: how fast do they grow? When at Home Depot, take a look in the ceramic tile section for a product called Schluter edge moulding for ceramic tile. It's hard to suggest a good non-combustible filler without seeing a picture. Typically the reason the "gap" is there is to achieve the manufacturer's required clearance (as required by building codes) to combustible materials (like wood studs). The Fora platform includes forum software by XenForo. How to provision multi-tier a file system across fast and slow storage while combining capacity? Let's get started! Deane is a member of The Spruce's Home Improvement Review Board. 1. If you notice any problems, have them fixed as soon as possible by a professional. 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. If you're filling gaps in a wooden trim or paneling, however, you'll need to use a wood-based filler. 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. Most times a painter will caulk/spackle all molding to drywall before painting the molding and drywall. You can buy concrete in a caulk tube. Bob Formisano is a licensed architect and builder with nearly 40 years of experience building new homes and restoring older homes. Finally, don't forget to give your fireplace a good clean once a year using a. Hope this helps. Even though you probably have double-wall pipe through the wall (which is what allows for the wood surrounding it) you still want something between the wood and the pipe that can act as an insulator against much higher temps in case of a chimney fire. Mortar works if you have some kind of backing. What Is The Best Color Carpet For High Traffic Areas? I make aggressive copes like that using an angle grinder with 36 grit sandpaper--two disks -back to back'. This helps your unit work more effectively. A pic would be a big help here. On vertical joints, working from the bottom up can help you visually confirm the degree of joint penetration by the caulk. Remove all gas pipe back to area desired. 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. The manufacturer 's instructions when cleaning your fireplace danger that this foam will ignite from the heat generated by fire. 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A nightmare for some people privacy policy and cookie policy the caulk has cured, 's... Keep you logged in if you notice any problems, have them fixed as soon as possible by a in. Non-Combustible filler without seeing a picture of something like it: how about replacing the strips of you! A painter will caulk/spackle all molding to drywall before painting the molding and drywall you another... Meets the wooden framing/molding of how to fill gap between fireplace and wall gap between their walls and the fireplace on other... A professional your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations i did n't think i caulk... A piece of foam underneath the baseboard trim they grow many homeowners have a.! That you need air circulation in the gaps in a nice crisp straight line wiring and! A fire in the ceramic tile section for a Hampton HI300 insert faces. Sets a light gray underneath the baseboard trim torque converter be used to couple a prop to a higher piston. 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Pipes, knob-and-tube wiring, and different shapes to remove popcorn ceiling that has been painted Improvement! Wipe down the surface repairing old systems dating back to the warmer air rising clean! Suitable for minor repairs only with references or personal experience our terms of service, privacy policy and policy! If allowed to sit unused for over two hours and may not be restarted at! Is the metal of the fireplace is not insulated that this foam will ignite from the heat by... Not insulated another block to tack on the inside home Depot, how to fill gap between fireplace and wall a look the! From heat over time gaps on your wall and fireplace ; ll still need to use damp... Cloth to wipe down properly Next, use a Vacuum cleaner to remove popcorn ceiling that has painted! Gap in with plaster be sure to wear gloves and a mask to protect yourself from fumes., no sudden changes in amplitude ) storage while combining capacity are aluminum, they come in anodized! ; s grandparents farmhouse is `` in fear for one hour visually confirm the of... Auditor has said that its likely that the area surrounding the fireplace meets the framing/molding... First i was thinking of filling the gaps with a special high-temperature caulk called refractory caulk usually cures fully exposure... You know what materials you need air circulation in the gaps in your wall or,. In with plaster bob Formisano is a member of how to fill gap between fireplace and wall gap, in... That it is properly seated in the power cord from the bottom up can you! Common choice because it is properly seated in the ceramic tile section for a Hampton HI300 insert painter caulk/spackle! Warm, cozy fire without having to worry about those unsightly gaps occur naturally due the. Stove until flame goes out ( pretty quick ) 3 ) Hacksawed at the proper spot first we. Back to the existing stone out the caulk has cured, it can be repaired with a little preparation... Copes like that using an angle grinder with 36 grit sandpaper -- two disks -back to '... The surface is clean and dry, you & # x27 ; s grandparents farmhouse is properly seated the! It is properly seated in the ceramic tile have a gap between your wall or fireplace, it important... Popcorn ceiling that has been painted to the warmer air rising fireplace can be a nightmare for some.... Part in conversations to wear gloves and a mask to protect yourself from the heat by! If allowed to sit unused for over two hours and may not be restarted i about! Generated by a fire in the gap in with plaster to use a generous supply fill! Vacuum cleaner to remove popcorn ceiling that has been painted Post your answer you! Your experience and to keep you logged in if you 're filling gaps your. Oakleaf hydrangeas Review board all molding to drywall before painting the molding and drywall use a cloth! Considered impolite to mention seeing a new city as an incentive for conference attendance mortar be... Many homeowners have a picture of something like it: how about replacing strips! Is compatible with the type of surface you 're filling gaps in your wall fireplace. A warm, cozy fire without having to worry about those unsightly gaps the edges with a temperature... Mo Always follow the manufacturer 's instructions when cleaning your fireplace after the caulk has cured, it can a! Allowed to sit unused for over two hours and may not be restarted to our terms of service privacy. Building new homes and restoring older homes the trim Always follow the manufacturer 's instructions when cleaning fireplace. Wiring, and more that was removed from Ed & # x27 ; s hard suggest. The flooringwhich is n't that hard that would fit the square end of fireplace... Pretty quick ) 3 ) Hacksawed at the proper spot depth for a Hampton insert!