How To Restore a Historic Fireplace

Restoring a historic fireplace can breathe new life into a Victorian-era home, preserving its charm and character for generations. This intricate process requires skill, patience, and an eye for detail to maintain the fireplace’s unique features. In the video above, This Old House mason Mark McCullough demonstrates the restoration process on a beautiful 1894 Victorian home fireplace, showcasing the craftsmanship required for such a delicate task.

*Unless otherwise noted, costs in this article reflect an average of prices that our team found from hardware stores like Lowes and Home Depot, and on Amazon.com.

Assessing the Fireplace

Before beginning any restoration work, we recommend thoroughly assessing the fireplace’s condition. This evaluation helps determine the extent of the damage and the necessary repairs.

Identifying Unique Features

Historic fireplaces often boast intricate details that set them apart from modern counterparts. Experts like McCullough notice several distinctive elements that highlight the artistry of the period:

• Chevron bricks: These uniquely placed bricks create a striking visual pattern
• Egg-and-dart detail: This decorative molding adds a touch of elegance to the fireplace
• Thin mortar joints: The exceptionally narrow joints between bricks showcase the mason’s skill

These elements are important for accurately restoring the fireplace and maintaining its historical authenticity.

Evaluating Structural Issues

Carefully examine the fireplace for signs of settling or other structural problems by conducting a close inspection. Look for bricks that have fallen out of place or shifted, check for cracks in the mortar or bricks, and assess the overall stability of the fireplace structure.

Inspecting the Foundation

Inspecting the foundation beneath the fireplace helps identify any underlying issues that could affect the restoration. In the basement, look for:

• Cracks in the foundation walls
• Signs of water damage or moisture problems
• Evidence of previous repairs or alterations

By understanding the state of the foundation, you can anticipate any additional work needed to secure the fireplace.

Protecting the Surrounding Area When Restoring a Fireplace

Before beginning work, take steps to protect the area around the fireplace:

• Cover the floor with drop cloths or plastic sheeting.
• Remove any nearby furniture or decor.
• Tape off adjacent walls or woodwork to prevent accidental damage.

These precautions can save time and effort in cleaning up after completing the project.

Supporting the Arch

It’s wise to provide temporary support during the restoration process for fireplaces with an arched opening. McCullough demonstrates this technique:

1. Cut a piece of Masonite to fit the shape of the arch.
2. Use 2×4 lumber to create a support structure beneath the Masonite.
3. Carefully hammer the support into place until it feels secure.

Supporting the arch prevents any sagging or shifting of the fireplace structure during the work.

Removing Damaged Bricks from Your Historic Fireplace

With the preparation complete, it’s time to remove the damaged or settled bricks. This process requires extreme care to avoid damaging the surrounding brickwork.

Identifying Bricks for Removal

Carefully assess which bricks must be removed by identifying and marking those requiring attention. Look for bricks that have visibly shifted or settled, identify any that are cracked or damaged, and focus on areas where the mortar has significantly deteriorated.

Extracting Mortar

Removing the old mortar is a delicate process, especially with thin joints typical of historic fireplaces:

1. Use a margin trowel or flat jointer to carefully scrape out the mortar.
2. Work slowly and methodically to avoid damaging the brick faces.
3. Remove mortar from all sides of the brick you plan to extract.

This careful approach prevents any unintentional damage to the surrounding bricks.

Removing the Brick

Once you remove the mortar, you can carefully extract the brick:

1. Gently tap the brick with the back of a trowel to break any remaining bond.
2. Slowly wiggle the brick to loosen it from its position.
3. Carefully pull the brick out, not damaging the surrounding bricks.

Successful brick removal helps the fireplace retain its original appearance.

Preparing the Mortar

Creating the correct mortar mix is important for a successful restoration. The goal is to match the original mortar as closely as possible in color and consistency.

Choosing the Right Mix

For historic fireplaces with thin joints, a specialized mortar mix is a must-have to meet the project’s specific needs. Type N mortar, which contains Portland cement and lime, is ideal. Fine restoration sand helps the mortar fit into narrow joints, and adding mortar dye can help match the original color for a more authentic restoration.

Mixing the Mortar

Follow these steps to create the perfect mortar mix:

1. Combine one part mortar mix with three parts fine restoration sand.
2. Add water gradually until the mixture reaches an oatmeal-like consistency.
3. If using dye, add it to the mix and blend thoroughly for consistent color.

Careful mixing helps the mortar bond well and match the original joints.

Reinstalling and Repointing Bricks

With the mortar prepared, you can begin reinstalling the bricks and repointing the joints.

Reinstalling Bricks

Carefully place each brick back into its original position:

1. Apply mortar to the back and sides of the brick.
2. Gently slide the brick into place, making sure it’s level and properly aligned.
3. Use a level to check that the brick is flush with surrounding bricks.

Proper alignment is excellent for the overall appearance of the restored fireplace.

Repointing Joints

After the bricks are in place, it’s time to repoint the joints:

1. Fill the joints with the prepared mortar using a pointing trowel.
2. Press the mortar firmly into the joints to provide good adhesion.
3. Use a jointing tool to create a smooth, concave finish on the mortar.

Repointing carefully can enhance the structural integrity and visual appeal of the fireplace.

Matching Original Joints

Maintaining the fireplace’s historic appearance requires matching the original joint style, which involves careful attention to detail and proper tools. Focus on the width and depth of the original joints and use the appropriate tools to recreate the joint profile accurately. Take your time to verify consistency across all repointed areas for a seamless restoration.

Finishing Touches To Your Historic Fireplace Restoration

As the restoration nears completion, a few final steps help create a polished result.

Cleaning Excess Mortar

After the mortar has partially set, clean the area to highlight the restoration work:

1. Use a soft brush to remove any excess mortar from the brick faces.
2. Wipe the bricks with a damp sponge to clean off any remaining residue.
3. Be careful not to disturb the newly pointed joints.

This step guarantees that the fireplace looks clean and professional.

Curing the Mortar

Proper curing is important for the longevity of the restoration. To promote proper curing, keep the restored area damp for at least 72 hours and cover the fireplace with plastic sheeting to maintain moisture levels. It’s important to avoid using the fireplace for at least a week to allow the mortar to cure fully.

Final Inspection

Once the mortar has cured, conduct a thorough inspection to confirm quality. Carefully examine the entire fireplace for imperfections or missed areas, touching up any spots needing additional attention. Afterward, clean the whole surface to reveal the restored beauty of the fireplace.

Additional Resources

Only a select handful of masons might be willing to tackle a job as complicated as the one shown in the video above.

To hold the arch in place while McCullough extracted select bricks, he used a piece of Masonite and scrap 2×4’s, which can be found at any home center. To extract the brick from the ultra-thin masonry joints, McCullough used a margin trowel and a tuck pointer to try and slip between the two bricks. These can also be found at any home center on masonry supply store.

When McCullough repointed the brick, he needed to use a special mix to match the original fireplace and also ensure that the aggregate was thin enough to slide through the small joints. To do so, he used a premixed Evolution N mortar with just Portland cement and lime in it, which is manufactured by Ciment Quebec. For the aggregate, he mixed in a Number 70 Silica Sand, which is a thin restoration sand manufactured by Taggart Sand of Pawtucket, Rhode Island. To match the color of the original mortar, he also added a Series H Concentrated Mortar Color, which is manufactured by Solomon Colors, Inc.

Materials

• Mortar mix
• Fine restoration sand
• Mortar dye (if needed)
• Bucket for mixing mortar

Tools