Problem: Your fireplace door, which acts as a focal point for your room, has become tarnished and worn out after years of use. In addition, creosote has built up on the bricks around the fireplace, and you're starting to notice a draft coming from between the bricks.
Solution: You can clean the bricks with a common fireplace cleaner, caulk the drafty area, and install a new fireplace door.
Materials needed:
wire brush
trowel
caulk gun with fireplace mortar
leather gloves
scrub brush
fireplace cleaner
rubber gloves
safety glasses
- Remove the fireplace door by loosening the clamps that hold it to the bricks. In most cases, the clamps will be located on both sides of the top of your fireplace door.
- Remove the andirons and grates from the fireplace, and scoop out ashes and debris.
- Use a wire brush to sweep away dirt and loose mortar. Pay particular attention to any drafty areas.
- Use a damp rag to clean any soot off of the brick. New mortar will adhere better to clean bricks.
- Use the caulk gun to fill any gaps with fireplace mortar and smooth the mortar for a finished look.
- Spray creosote remover onto the bricks and allow it to soak in for a few minutes.
* Creosote is a black material produced when wood or coal is burned.
- Spray the bricks again and begin scrubbing them with a stiff-bristle brush.
- Wipe the bricks with a damp rag and repeat the process as necessary.
- Insert fiberglass insulation (provided with the new fireplace door) into the void around the back of the door unit.
- Set the door unit in place and make sure it's centered. Adjust the height of the clamps as necessary and secure the door to the fireplace by clamping it in place.
