What is the back bit of a fireplace called?

dan83590 · 12 Dec 2008

As above please.

What is the concrete back piece called in a traditional fireplace? I need to replace mine as it is cracked.

Thanks.

^woody^ · 12 Dec 2008

Do you mean the back of the fire .... the fire back?

Symptoms · 12 Dec 2008

dan - they're normally made from fireclay (a refractory material) not concrete; concrete tends to splatter (explode) when subjected to DIRECT heat. Just the same as you can get firebricks - ordinary bricks will splatter.

noseall · 12 Dec 2008

fireback.

toptec · 12 Dec 2008

My old man used to call them "Chairs". he used to sweep chimney's on the quiet. Odd I should remember that........ Noseall's post gave me a physco-prod.

dan83590 · 12 Dec 2008

Thanks Woody.

It is indeed the 'fireback' I am trying to describe. Do they come in different sizes?

Also I may need to change the lintel and a few bricks for cosmetic purposes. Bricks have to be fire-bricks? And the lintel? I've been searching the net and I've seen and steel 90 degree angle lintel. Is this the one to use??

Symptoms · 12 Dec 2008

dan - firebricks are only used if subjected to DIRECT heat/naked fire, say a hearth or forge lining. You don't need them to repair chimney breasts. Take photos of the old fireback before you smash it so you can then easily ID a new one. Loads of websites that do replacement stuff.

stuart45 · 12 Dec 2008

Dan- There are different sizes of fireback. You could buy the throat lintel from the same place to match it. The firebacks usually come in 2 pieces. If they are in one piece they should have a score mark where you need to cut it. This is because the bottom will be hotter than the top and expands at a different rate.
The most common cause of the fireback cracking is the brick rubble infill at the back settling over a period of time and expanding when hot and putting pressure on the fireback.
Alternatively you could build a fireback from fire bricks bedded with fire clay.

dan83590 · 13 Dec 2008

Ace answers, thanks chaps..

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What is the back bit of a fireplace called?

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