Hearth extension repair done right in Eagle Creek

Larger fireplace openings need a larger hearth

When the fireplace opening is 6 square feet or larger, section R1001.10 asks for more coverage, at least 20 inches in front of the opening and at least 12 inches beyond each side. A wide or tall opening crosses that line sooner than many homeowners expect.

We work out the area from the opening's width and height at the free inspection. If your fireplace falls into the larger class and the extension was built for the smaller one, the estimate shows how far it has to grow and which materials can extend it cleanly.

Closing the gap where the fireplace meets the hearth

Where a factory-built unit meets its hearth extension, one maker's instructions call for the gap between the fireplace frame and the extension to be sealed with a noncombustible material. An open seam there is a path for embers toward the floor structure.

Grout that has fallen out of that joint, or a caulk never meant for the location, turns up often on hearth visits. We clear the seam, reseal it with a suitable noncombustible material and note the work on your invoice.

The metal strip under the front of some fireplaces

Some factory-built fireplaces ship with an ember protector, a strip of galvanized sheet metal placed between the hearth extension and the bottom front edge of the unit. One maker's manual says it goes in before the fireplace is secured, to stop glowing embers from falling through that joint.

When a hearth is replaced, that strip can be bent, cut short or left out entirely. We check for it during removal and replace it with the maker's part or the specified sheet metal before the new finish closes the joint.

Brick hearths laid in patterns

Brick hearths are laid in running bond, herringbone, basketweave and other patterns. A repair has to follow the same pattern, joint width and brick size, or the patch reads from across the room.

We record the pattern and the joint profile before lifting anything, then relay the units the same way. If replacement brick is needed, we look for size and color first, then texture, and show you the choice before it goes in.

• Running bond
• Herringbone
• Basketweave
• Stack bond and borders