# How to Close Gaps in a Fireplace
Gaps may occur in your fireplace when mortar begins to chip or crack. Because of the excessive heat caused by burning wood and cooling to room temperature or below, the mortar joints holding the bricks in place can become weak and compromised. Eventually, the mortar contracts and expands so many times that its integrity is broken down. This may lead to other gaps forming on your fireplace. To address this particular problem, replace the mortar.
Things You'll Need
- Drop cloth
- Masonry sand
- Portland cement
- Bucket
- Paddle mixer
- Trowel
- Rag
- Mortar and grout sealer
Instructions
-
-
1
Place a drop cloth under the gaps in the fireplace to protect the floor from any mortar that may drip while you work.
-
2
Combine 3 parts masonry sand with 1 part Portland cement in a bucket. Stir the dry ingredients with a paddle mixer until well-blended.
-
3
Add water and continue to mix the mortar until it has a mud-like consistency.
-
4
Scoop wet mortar out of the bucket with a trowel and fill the gaps in the fireplace with the mortar. Scrape away excess mortar and smooth with the trowel. Wipe any mortar off the brick with a damp rag. Let the mortar dry for 24 hours.
-
5
Spray the newly patched mortar with mortar and grout sealer. Let the sealer dry for at least 48 hours before using the fireplace.
-
1
Interior Home Repair
- How to Build a Non-Combustible Fireplace Surround
- How to Replace the Firebox in a Fireplace
- How to Install a Ledgestone Fireplace
- How do I Fireproof a Faux Fireplace?
- How to Fix Gaps in Bricks
- How to Close an Unused Chimney
- How to Fix Broken Bricks in a Prefab Fireplace
- How to Seal a Crack in a Brick Fireplace
- How to Fix Cracks in a Brick Fireplace
- How to Fix Mortar Between Bricks in a Fireplace
- How to Make Fireplace Mortar
- How to Rock a Fireplace
