Can anyone suggest a DIY solution to fix a 1/4 inch crack in our fireplace, or is it best to hire a professional for safety reasons?
Asked by Tracy Byrd 
7 months ago
Last Updated: May 15, 2024
Hey, does anyone know how we can address the crack in our fireplace? We haven’t used it yet because we’re worried it might be dangerous. Do you think we can handle this ourselves, or should we hire a professional? The crack is pretty significant, around 1/4 inch in some spots. Thanks in advance for any advice!
You should definitely consider hiring a professional for this.
Hold off on using it until the issue is resolved. Have you considered using an insert instead? If you can’t afford to hire someone, then fixing it yourself is the best option.
Hey , looks like it’s a cracked insert. Just needs to get a new one!
Hey , so it’s actually not an insert. It’s a zero clearance fireplace and that panel at the back is called a refractory panel. Depending on the model, you should be able to simply order a new panel for it.
You really should have that checked out by a professional. I remember when I was young, we had a chimney fire. It’s not something to take lightly. Stay safe.
It would be a good idea to have a skilled mason inspect that.
That fireplace is not functional. It’s best to avoid using it and seek help from a professional.
Hold on, is that an insert for the fireplace? If it is, then you should consider replacing that particular panel.
Flex seal!
That’s a big deal, possibly dangerous. The firebox base may have shifted or someone angrily threw a heavy log at it. In any case, it’s best to contact a professional. In certain fireplaces, that rear wall is replaceable.
Here’s a sample of a ready-made insert that can be swapped out: https://www.efireplacestore.com/fsd-blb42sf.html?gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiAmsurBhBvEiwA6e-WPBzSIMS5-Za03fgwT9Ch6RS5Zc3wCYnYKNO0AWTdzebApjS0kedhoC0XgQAvD_BwE&refnum=Dec-241-2779
It’s best to hire a skilled individual for this task, like a friend with experience.
It might be best to call in a professional. Is this for an insert?
Just grab a new back panel if you need to replace an insert. It’s similar to a concrete board and there are clips that secure it in place (make sure not to lose them as you will need them for the new board). After replacing it, you’ll need to cure it by starting several small fires. ‘t worry, it’s not as daunting as it sounds. I did mine a couple of years back and have been lighting fires daily this time of year without any problems!
You could try putting in an insert and calling it a day, or go all out and rebuild the entire chimney.
If I were you, I’d definitely reach out to a professional. They can inspect your entire chimney to determine if it can ever be safe again and what steps are needed to repair it. It might also be helpful to get some advice on how to tackle the issue.
There’s not a whole lot of options. You could either rebuild it or consider using a steel insert.
Trying to fix this yourself is not a good idea – you could end up burning down your entire house. It’s best to hire a professional.
As everyone has mentioned, it’s important to replace all the cracked fire bricks at the very least. It’s quicker and safer to have a brick layer come in and redo the work.
I suggest having a certified chimney inspector inspect it first – in my area, this type of inspection costs around $150 but is definitely worth it. Your Realtor should be able to recommend someone.
I completely agree. It’s not worth taking any risks with fire hazards!
Realtor should have suggested getting a chimney inspection before buying!
A chimney sweep is much more knowledgeable about this than a contractor.
Absolutely, I agree with . When we purchased our home, we had a chimney sweep come over to clean and inspect the chimney. He discovered that the cap needed to be replaced. I would not hesitate to do this again.
The floor joist is sagging. Use a jack to lift it up and ensure the house has proper support to fix the crack.
Pointed out that it’s simply a cracked insert.
Agreed, stating that the crack was caused by the floor sagging.
Mentioned that the fireplace cracked because someone used too much fire.
Wait, are you suggesting that the crack and sagging are caused by the heat, dropping a significant 3/4 inch from the bottom of the pit, even though the mortar join seems undisturbed? By paying close attention, you’ll see the crack widens at the bottom and narrows towards the top, indicating a floor settlement. While replacing the insert may seem like a solution, it won’t address the underlying issue. There could also be issues with windows and doors due to the unsupported foundation settling.
Who do you think is the best person to call for a repair like this?
If I were you, I’d definitely consider bringing in a top-notch carpentry team to check out the house’s support and handle any necessary repairs. Then, I’d reach out to a specialized crew for fireplace installation. It’s crucial for the homeowner to address this issue and have it inspected by a state inspector.
Make sure to find someone who is CERTIFIED to inspect and fix!
If it’s an insert, you can simply replace it and treat it. If it’s cemented in place, you’ll require a professional brick Mason or chimney repair specialist.
That sounds really risky. If it’s not repaired correctly, the fire could easily spread up your wall!
Make sure to inspect your foundation as there are significant problems. Contact your insurance provider to start a claim process.
You can save money and increase efficiency by having a log burner installed
Hey , it’s actually not the foundation that’s the issue. The insert box is cracked and can be replaced.
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Rutland-10-3-oz-Fireplace-Mortar-Buff-Cartridge-63B/202283916?source=shoppingads&locale=en-US&pla&mtc=SHOPPING-BF-CDP-GGL-D28I-028_020_FIRE-NA-MULTI-NA-PMAX-NA-NA-NA-NA-NBR-NA-NA-NA-PMAX_SHP&cm_mmc=SHOPPING-BF-CDP-GGL-D28I-028_020_FIRE-NA-MULTI-NA-PMAX-NA-NA-NA-NA-NBR-NA-NA-NA-PMAX_SHP-71700000113164121–&gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAADq61Uf9OxE9SoAFg50wpXTbpD26y&gclid=CjwKCAiAmsurBhBvEiwA6e-WPMmlCkz9StE1oKa1KW1noGC5WsLuirkyn9speuMfoLdDvWMBDOHpGxoCzmIQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds
This could be a quick solution.
I wouldn’t recommend using the fireplace as there is a structural crack.
It’s actually an insert panel, not a real brick firebox. Check out the inner corners.
Is this a new addition or part of the chimney’s design?
She’s going to take the money. That’s dangerous, just like it is.
If you have a fireplace insert, it may need to be replaced due to potential cracks from exposure to high heat over time. It’s likely not a structural issue if it is just an insert. However, if it is not an insert, there may be structural issues to address. It is important to call in a professional rather than attempting a DIY fix. Make sure to have your chimney swept and inspected regularly, ideally every 1-2 years, to avoid any risks.
That’s a real bummer 😔
It appears to be an insert panel. It might be best to contact a fireplace insert company. Those who think it’s brick should check the inside corners.
Please avoid using that fireplace.
Consider covering it with fibro and applying fire cement instead. Contrary to popular belief, claiming it’s structural may not be accurate. Older houses tend to settle, and extreme temperatures can cause expansion. If you’re curious about how clouds form, check out my YouTube channel! 👍
The foundation probably needs some fixing.
I totally get it, it’s just an insertion. Swap it out and you’re good to go.
When looking at the corners instead of the crack, it’s clear that the cracked panel belongs to the insert and not the fireplace wall. Simply replacing the insert should do the trick.
Hey , we dealt with this same problem. Typically in the southern states like Florida, you can get these fireplaces from a chimney repair specialist or a local fireplace store.
Hey, this is actually an insert that can be bought at a fireplace store. If you’re in Florida, feel free to message me as we recently dealt with a similar situation.
There’s a special type of concrete specifically designed for high temperatures. However, the crack most likely occurred due to issues at the top of the chimney. I would address those first before moving downward to check if the fireplace is actually built with bricks.
That’s simply refractory board. You can easily find more information by doing a quick Google search.
Hey everyone – appreciate the advice! I think this might be a fireplace insert!! We’re new to the home buying game, so not entirely sure about all the details. The brick stops about 2 feet up the chimney. Do you think we should still get a professional opinion or hire a contractor? The home inspection did mention this issue. Our realtor got a quote for around $1,200 to repair it.
If it’s an insert, no professional needed. But if you’re considering replacing the entire fireplace setup, then you would definitely benefit from a professional
The issue is that it’s not just a small crack. The previous owner should have fixed it when it was small with fireplace mortar. Now that the crack is very large, it may require rebuilding or replacing. That’s just what I think.
I’m talking about the insert
Make sure to have a WETT certified chimney inspector check the firebox and chimney (or find the equivalent in the US). It’s important to not use the fireplace until it’s been cleaned and all necessary repairs have been made.
Those are panels. I have one just like it. You can take the whole thing apart. Pick up some new concrete brick slats to replace the old ones. It’s an easy project to tackle on your own. I actually did the same thing a few months back to give it a good cleaning.
I got my chimney inspected and turns out it’s the refractory! I used refractory cement that I bought on Amazon.
Just pop in one of these inserts and you’re good to go!
The cyclops has their eye fixed on you.
If you need to replace the fire board, it can be a challenging task. It’s best to contact a fireplace company to come out and assess the situation.