Hi
I really want to remove our backplate, hearth and mantelpiece and replace with something to be bought from Ebay (i.e. I am trying to do this without spending a lot of money). However, I am struggling.
Our fire opening is quite small (it is an open fireplace with a cast iron firebasket). There is a clay fireback, which is cemented in with about 2inches cement all around the fire opening. Sticking fingers in here and there, I can find what appears to be a rope, which is presumably some sort of fire retardant cushioning between the clayback and the wall.
Removing the marble backplate would, I think, cause the cement to come away too.
If I removed it all, and then attempted to replace the backplate/hearth without any professional help, is it actually going to be dangerous in any way if I don't get the cementing right etc?
Thank you v much for any replies.
I really want to remove our backplate, hearth and mantelpiece and replace with something to be bought from Ebay (i.e. I am trying to do this without spending a lot of money). However, I am struggling.
Our fire opening is quite small (it is an open fireplace with a cast iron firebasket). There is a clay fireback, which is cemented in with about 2inches cement all around the fire opening. Sticking fingers in here and there, I can find what appears to be a rope, which is presumably some sort of fire retardant cushioning between the clayback and the wall.
Removing the marble backplate would, I think, cause the cement to come away too.
If I removed it all, and then attempted to replace the backplate/hearth without any professional help, is it actually going to be dangerous in any way if I don't get the cementing right etc?
Thank you v much for any replies.