How To Replace Fire Bricks In A Wood Stove
Here’s an extended guide on how to replace fire bricks in your wood stove:
Step 1: Safety Precautions Before starting any maintenance on your wood stove, ensure it is entirely cool, and there are no live embers or residual heat. Additionally, wear appropriate safety gear, including gloves and safety glasses, to protect yourself from debris.
Step 2: Removing Ash and Embers
- Allow the fire in your wood stove to burn down until there are only embers left.
- Once the embers have cooled completely, remove them from the stove. You can use a metal scoop or a specialized ash shovel for this purpose.
- If you haven’t used your wood stove for several days, it’s a good opportunity to clean out the accumulated ash. You can use a wet-dry vacuum to efficiently and cleanly remove the ash from the stove.
Step 3: Removing Broken or Cracked Fire Bricks
- Identify the fire bricks that are cracked or broken. They may be visibly damaged or have noticeable gaps.
- Carefully pry the damaged bricks out of the stove using your fingers or a flat-blade screwdriver. Gently lift them from their positions.
Step 4: Cleaning the Space
- Once you’ve removed the broken or cracked fire bricks, clean the space where they were located. Make sure to eliminate any debris, ash, or small fragments.
- Pay special attention to the area beneath the adjacent bricks to ensure there are no hidden pieces that could affect the fit of the new bricks. Use a small wire brush to help with the cleaning process.
Step 5: Installing Replacement Fire Bricks
- Select replacement fire bricks that match the material and size of the original bricks. These can typically be purchased from stores that specialize in wood stove supplies.
- Carefully insert a replacement fire brick into the empty space that was occupied by the damaged brick.
- To ensure a snug fit, place a wooden block over the new fire brick.
- Gently tap the wooden block with a rubber mallet to wedge the new brick securely into place along the floor or wall of the wood stove.
- Continue this process for any additional damaged bricks that need replacement.
Step 6: Final Check Inspect the newly installed fire bricks to ensure they are properly seated and flush with the surrounding bricks. Confirm that there are no gaps or loose areas. This ensures that they will effectively protect the steel interior of the wood stove.
By following these steps, you can replace damaged or worn fire bricks in your wood stove, helping to maintain its safety, efficiency, and longevity for years to come. Regular inspection and maintenance of your wood stove’s components contribute to its reliable performance and reduce fire hazards.
Things You Will Need
- Wet-dry vacuum
- Flat-blade screwdriver
- Small wire brush
- Wood block
- Rubber mallet
Tip
If you are unsure of the type of brick your wood stove requires, check with the manufacturer.
Written by Cecilia Harsch; Updated December 10, 2018 | Source https://homeguides.sfgate.com/replace-fire-bricks-wood-stove-39412.html
