Okay, here’s my blog post about replacing fire bricks in my wood burner, written from my personal experience:
So, the other day I noticed a big ol’ crack in one of the fire bricks in my wood burner. Not good! Those things are there to protect the stove body from the intense heat, and a cracked one ain’t doing its job. Time for a replacement project!
Getting Started
First things first, I made sure the stove was completely cold. I mean, completely. No lingering embers, no warm ashes. Safety first, people! Then, I grabbed my tools. Here is the list of preparation：
- New fire bricks (obviously)
- A sturdy pair of gloves
- A dust mask (because fire brick dust is nasty stuff)
- A small brush and dustpan
- Maybe a chisel and hammer, if things got stubborn
Out with the Old
I put on my gloves and mask, then opened up the stove door. Locating the cracked brick was easy enough. I gently tried to wiggle it out. Sometimes they come out easily, sometimes they’re a bit stuck. Luckily, mine wasn’t too bad. Just a little tapped and pull.
Once I had the old brick out, I took the brush and dustpan and cleaned out any loose debris or ash from the area. I wanted a nice, clean surface for the new brick to sit on.
In with the New
Next, I grabbed the new fire brick. I double-checked that it was the right size and shape – most stoves use standard sizes, but it never hurts to be sure.
Inserting the new brick was basically the reverse of taking the old one out. I carefully slid it into place, making sure it was sitting flush against the other bricks and the back of the stove. It should be a snug fit, but you shouldn’t have to force it.
Finishing Up
With the new brick in place, I gave everything a final once-over. I made sure there were no gaps and that the brick was sitting securely. And that’s it! Job done.
It’s a pretty straightforward DIY project, really. Just take your time, be careful, and don’t force anything. Now my wood burner is back in good shape, ready for those chilly evenings. And I saved myself a bit of money by doing it myself!
