This morning I got on the roof and cleaned the chimney. I might have had a gallon of buildup to clean once I got back in the house. Not bad for an October to May burn season. What I need is for someone to turn me on to how to change out my fire bricks from the burn box. There are 3 rails holding the bricks in position that are solidly attached to the metal box although I see 2 spots on each where they appear to hitch on. These rails have to be popped to change the bricks. Do I tap with a hammer? Will they go back on? The last thing I want is a broken stove! See the page I've attached and let me know what to Do! Item 13 and 14...
If the rails are permanently attached, remove the floor bricks and the side bricks will drop down. Even if you’re somehow able to remove the rails, they may have suffered some warping from countless fires and could be challenging to reinstall. But perhaps not.
6 bottom bricks....8 side bricks... Look at that! Bet if I pried the bottom the rest would follow! BRILLIANT! Guys from Virginia know how to turn you on! Now where is best to buy said bricks?
Masonry supply will have standard sizes. Not sure if that helps though. Going off of pure memory which is far from pure a standard firebrick is roughly 4 1/4” x 9 1/2” and 2 3/8” thick. Skinny version of that which I’ve never used one is a guesstimate of 1.5” thick. Willing to bet it’s a lot cheaper at a masonry supply than ordering from a stove manufacturer. If the size is right. Cutting those brick even with a diamond blade is a job.
Ha! Rural King/TSC/Menards.... probably a little spendy. USSC branded- very spendy. Measure them up. Report back.
Interesting, I did not know it needed to be changed, woopsie if it does. Only replaced one cracked one, but even that hung in there for several years before a chunk finally chipped off. How often?
4 or 5 of my originals have gouged out from wear and packing it in tight like I do...to over heat things...
Soapstone is incredibly dense. More so than fire brick I should think. I wonder how tough it is tho, in terms of abrasion resistance, and being used as a fire box liner. I have zero experience with it. Either way, get some fresh and pack ‘em in there scavenger
I need to revise my memory. Measured one in my fireplace. 8 5/8” heavy. Soapstone could be cut into one piece slabs. Maybe two on the bottom for easy removal. Never saw a soapstone stove that did t have soapstone inside. It works just fine and holds its heat for longer durations of,,,,,,whatever your durating.
Cool. Like said- no experience with it. Definitely aware of its heat holding and dissipating characteristics.
I have the soapstone lined fire box in my IS.. IME it is much more durable then fire brick and I haven't broken it yet. Neither have any of my house has many visitors some of whom were not known to be gentle
Just ask anyone who owns a soapstone stove. Yes, the stone can crack but it is rare. When used for fire-brick, I doubt there would be much chance of cracking as they are against something solid. Still, there is nothing wrong with using standard firebrick.
