Are brick slips suitable for use with a log burner or in a fireplace?
One of the most frequent questions we receive from potential customers is whether our brick slips can be used in a fireplace alongside a wood burning stove.
The quick answer is Yes, definitely.
Fireplaces are a timeless feature in homes that add warmth, character, and charm to any space. If you’re considering installing a new fireplace or updating an existing one, you might be wondering if brick slips are a suitable cladding material. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into everything you need to know about using brick slips in fireplaces, from the benefits and drawbacks to the installation process and safety considerations.
Brick slips are a perfect way of achieving the look of an original brick fireplace especially with our reclaimed selection such as the Reclaimed Barnstock and Reclaimed Tudor brick slips.
We find that our customers tend to want an authentic looking fireplace that replicates what would have been there originally. When exposing an original fireplace, a lot of the time the brickwork isn’t very good and is quite rough looking. This is due to the fact that back when the house was built, nobody expected the bricks to be exposed so the bricklayers would use the best bricks for the external face of the house and the lesser quality bricks were then used internally where they would be hidden away behind plaster.
Using Brick Slips in Fireplaces: Benefits and Drawbacks
One of the main benefits of using brick slips in fireplaces is that they can transform the look and feel of the entire room. Brick slips create a cozy, rustic, and inviting ambiance that’s perfect for cold winter nights. They’re also relatively inexpensive compared to traditional brick, and can be installed quickly and easily by a professional or a skilled DIYer.
However, there are some potential drawbacks to using brick slips in fireplaces that you should be aware of. First, brick slips are not as thick as traditional brick, which means they may not retain heat as well. This could result in a less efficient fireplace that doesn’t heat up the room as much as you’d like. Second, if you choose to use imitation brick slips, they may not look as authentic as real brick, which could impact the overall aesthetic of your fireplace.
Are Brick Slips Heat Resistant
When our bricks were originally made they would have been fired in a kiln at heats over 1000 degrees C, so they are more than capable of handling the heat from a domestic log burner, wood burning stove, gas or electric fire.
What about the mortar and adhesive?
Our brick slip adhesive and pointing mortar have both been specially selected due to them being heat and fire rated making them suitable for use around heat sources such as wood burning stoves.
Can I install them myself?
Yes, brick slips are a great DIY project that a lot of our customers enjoy getting stuck into.
Installing brick slips in a fireplace is a relatively simple process that requires a few tools and some basic DIY skills. Here’s a step-by-step guide to installing brick slips in a fireplace:
- Measure your surface area of the fireplace to determine how many brick slips you’ll need. For an internal fireplace this is normally the width and height of the back plus the two sides. If you do need some help with working out your measurements, our team will be more than happy to help. Just get in touch and we can work it all out for you.
- Clean the surface of the fireplace thoroughly and ensure it’s dry.
- Apply a layer of adhesive to the back of each brick slip using a notched trowel.
- Press each brick slip firmly onto the surface of the fireplace, ensuring it’s level and in the correct position.
- Work your way up, laying the brick slips in a staggered pattern. Our 10mm brick slip spacers really help to keep everything even.
- Allow the adhesive to set, making sure they have bonded well with the brick slips.
- Apply pointing mortar between the brick slips to fill in the gaps and create a seamless finish.
- Allow the pointing mortar to semi-set and then rake out any excess to create a recessed joint if this is the look you are wanting to achieve.
Fire Safety Considerations
When it comes to using brick slips in fireplaces, safety is of utmost importance. Brick slips made from non-combustible materials, such as our real clay brick slips, are generally considered safe to use in fireplaces. However, if you’re using brick slips made from lesser combustile materials, it’s crucial to check their fire rating and ensure they meet local fire safety regulations.
Additionally, it’s important to keep the fireplace and chimney clean and well-maintained to prevent the buildup of creosote, which is a flammable substance that can increase the risk of a chimney fire. Regular inspections and cleanings by a professional are recommended to ensure your fireplace is safe and efficient.
Looking for some inspiration for your own project, then check out these fireplace examples that have been kindly sent in to us from some of our customers using our brick slips.
For more ideas of what can be done using our brick slips, check out our Instagram page.
In conclusion, brick slips can be a great choice for fireplace cladding if you’re looking to add warmth and texture to your living space. However, it’s important to consider the benefits and drawbacks, as well as the safety considerations, before making a decision. With proper installation and maintenance, brick slips can enhance the beauty and functionality of your fireplace, making it the focal point of your home.
