Changing Fire Bricks in your Wood Stove

 

In order to retain heat and protect your wood stove, you should replace used fire bricks with a new one whenever you find that the fire bricks are broken. However, you must make sure that you replace the broken or cracked bricks with the same type so that you would be able to maintain the efficiency of your wood stoves. You can purchase fire bricks directly from its manufacturer or even from your nearby home improvement centers. It is easy for you to remove and insert it simply by using your hand and without the need of using any adhesive. If you still use fire bricks which has already begin to disintegrate, sooner or later your metal box can be damaged especially in the form of metal fatigue and warping. Even though fire bricks that started having small cracks, you can still use them to perform the task of maintaining high heat from the exterior sides of your wood stove but not as efficient as the fire bricks which are still in good condition. Below is some useful information that you can learn whenever you want to replace fire bricks for your wood stove.

To replace fire bricks in a wood stove, you need:

  • Flat-head screwdriver
  • Small wire brush
  • New fire brick
  • Block of wood
  • Rubber mallet
  • Adjustable wrench
  • Vacuum cleaner
  • New bolts and nuts (optional)

Replacing Fire Bricks in a Wood Stove

Changing Fire Bricks in your Wood Stove

  • First thing that you need to do is to open your wood stove door.
    • Then, make sure to remove any of debris found inside the stove and also clean the ashes and dispose them out of your stove before removing the log grate.


Always allow your wood stove to be really cool from fire that you have used previously. Please take note that firebricks are capable of retaining heat for several hours even after the fire has died.

  • The next step is for you to pull any of the broken fire brick out from your wood stove by using your fingers.
    • If you find it necessary, you can also insert a flat-head screwdriver in between the broken brick and the adjacent brick.
    • Make sure that you carefully pry one end of the broken fire brick in order to enable you to grab its sides just with your fingers and pull it out.

Always make sure to measure the fire bricks that you want to replace while the new fire bricks should follow the same size as the one that you want to replace. You can request to cut them according to your required size when you purchase them from the vendor.

  • After that, you can proceed with your cleaning task at the empty area. Make sure that you remove all debris thoroughly.
    • If there are any broken pieces lodged beneath any of the surrounding blocks, you have to brush them out by using a small wire brush.
  • Finally, you can now place your new fire brick into the empty space before pushing it into place accordingly.
    • Next, you need to place a block of wood over the brick.
    • Use a rubber mallet to tap the wood and push the fire brick firmly into the opening.

    Always remember that whenever you want to replace fire bricks in a wood stove,

    • You can even use vacuum cleaner in order to clean out all the small particles or ashes completely located inside the wood stove. Any of these particles can be a stumbling block that can impede proper placement of your new fire bricks.
    • You must know that not every fire brick are same and you need check with the store that you purchase the fire brick to ensure that it is among the rated type suitable for the fire that you intend to burn. For instance, for gas combustion the fire brick is not the same as the one used for wood fires.
    • You do not require the usage of mortar for wood burner fire bricks because they are usually installed in dry condition without using mortar for holding them in place. The bricks require space in order to expand and contract during the time of heating and cooling. If you use mortar, some of the bricks will definitely fail prematurely.
    • If ever you need to use mortar, make sure you follow the instruction of the brick’s manufacturer regarding the usage of mortar.

Image Credit:

Flickr CC