Cast Iron Fire - Problem

[craigy85]

Hi,

i recently bought a reproduction cast iron insert fireplace which i had a builder friend of mine fit.

I know that bonding plaster was used aroud the edge of the insert to 'attach' it to the wall, then it was backfilled with broken brick and topped off with a weak mortar (about 7-1).

Recently, I've had a couple of fires (given the terrible weather) but now the insert is coming away from the wall! There's a crack appeared between the insert and the bonding plaster and also one between the fireback and the sand / cement capping.

Can anyone tell me how to fix this and stop it from happening again in future?

Many Thanks

 

[Symptoms]

Craig - did the builder use embedded wire ties to hold the firepiece in place as well as plaster, or just plaster? The traditional method is wiring and Plaster of Paris behind (acts like a very fast setting adhesive). I reckon your bloke hasn't wired it and just 'clagged' around it with bonding plaster.

 

[craigy85]

Not as far as i know, i believe it was just bonding plaster.

I didn't see anywhere to attach wire to on the back of the insert either . . .