The fireplace is one enjoyable space in the house, especially during the winter. However, if there are heat and soot are escaping from gaps between the fireplace and the bricks, this may be the sign that fireplace surround may need to be sealed.
This should be a problem about soot staining the brick if the sealing of the fireplace is done properly. This will keep the fireplace long as good as new and walls will be stain free. In general, this is an easy work to do and it takes few minutes. To do this work, it is recommended to do this during preparation for wintertime. Here are steps that can assist in sealing the fireplace surround and at the same time keeping it from the leak.
The Fireplace
Preparation
For this project, it is necessary to have preparation before starting the project. Firstly is by doing by detailed and systematic inspection of the fireplace surround. It is recommended to wait for more few days if the fireplace has been used recently in order to give chance to cool off. The preparation work is advised to start in the summer or just before the cold weather sets in. In addition to that, the tool required for the work should also be prepared, namely caulk gun, putty knife, and fireplace and stove repair caulk. Secondly, laying down an old blanket or plastic sheer to protect the surrounded floor in front of the fireplace.
Checking Gaps
To do this, firstly lean the head into the fireplace and look for any gaps all around the edges of the surround and the bricks. Then continues with checking all corners properly. In this case, this needed seal for any gaps founded. The reason is that this will prevent any heat and soot from rising and damaging the brick wall above the surround.
Caulking the Gaps
It is recommended to use Fireplace Repair Caulk to caulk the gaps. This caulk sets hard and it comes black in color. It will seal any air leaks founded in the fireplace surround.
Then the next is loading the caulk gun. Lie on the back facing up into the fireplace and look at the top of the fireplace surround. By using the loaded caulk gun, and then lay down a bead of caulk to seal any and all gaps that is apparent. With this silicate cement, use a generous supply to fill in the gaps.
Spreading the Caulk
After application of the silicate bead of caulking, use the finger or putty knife to spread it over the gaps to create a seal tight enough to close the gaps between the brick and the fireplace surround. In this step, it is important to ensure that material is spread evenly and smoothly as it will impact on the overall finish. Then after step, give time and wait for the caulk to harden and create a solid seal before using the fireplace.
Rechecking
Check once again for any gaps left, once the caulk is hard and set. If the work is already fulfilled, rechecking is also already take place, then the fireplace can be used again.