Hearth problem

[ihavenoideawhatimdoing]

hey anyone

I have a tiled hearth. The corner of the hearth/tiles has been kicked away and whilst I can easily remove the tiles and replace I'm unsure how to build back up the hearth corner. Obv I would use a concrete mix I presume but how do I keep it's shape? I've watched other builders use a wooden frame. Is this correct? And how do I stop the concrete from drying attached to the wooden frame??

 

[RedHerring2]

The proper stuff is release oil but engine oil (used or new) will suffice.

You may need to remove all this oil from the concrete before trying to fix your tiles.

 

[ihavenoideawhatimdoing]

hmmm is there another way?

 

[Hitachimad]

If its only a small repair, you could get some patch repair cement. Quick drying and very sticky.

 

[TicklyT]

There's usually no problems striking the formwork from relatively small area like that without special precautions, especially if you only need a surface good enough to tile, not a perfect finish all over with razor sharp corners. Multiple 8X4 sheets of shuttering is a different matter.....

Petroleum jelly (eg Vaseline), candle wax, cooking oil or furniture polish on the timbers would probably be as effective as engine oil.

 

[ihavenoideawhatimdoing]

Hitachimad thank you it is only a small repair so that sounds just what I need.

Tricky T thank you too for the petroleum jelly idea ...although 'striking the formwork' not sure what this means

 

[RedHerring2]

Striking the formwork = removing the timber shuttering after the concrete/resin has cured/set.

Can be done carefully while concrete is 'green', ie. after 12 - 48 hours.

 

[jctilingservices]

on the broken corner you would be better off drilling into the hearth and inserting either screws or small bits of pipe/rod ( just a sort of reinforcing), shuttering then add your concrete, just adding to it wont give it the strength whereas if something is dropped it wont break away again, you could if you want use a powdered tile adhesive to build the corner up then lay your tiles into it as well, saves buying different items