How to Fit Brick Slips into you Fireplace*

*This is a collaborative post.

Brick slips installation procedures usually differ depending on the type of surface the brick is being installed on. Brick slips for fireplace make one of the best products that can be used to renovate a fireplace. They can make the fireplace look more inviting and warmer, especially when you want to add a more traditional look in your home. The first step is usually to ensure you have all the right tools. For instance, you’ll need an excellent adhesive to secure the brick slips remain stable and solid. Cement-based adhesives tend to be the best because they have strong bonds that will guarantee reliability and long term durability. Cement is also easier to use compared to other types of adhesives like epoxy and Mortar. While epoxy may be strong, it is difficult to work with and is more costly. Mortar, on the other hand, tends to be weaker and is therefore not a suitable adhesive.

Installation

Understanding the structural aspects of brick slips is the first step when trying to choose an installation method. Any right installer of brick slips UK will tell you that those slips don’t have the strength needed to be part of the structure. As such, they should only be used as decorations. This is also part of the reason why they make the perfect solution for fireplace renovations.

• Check the surrounding wall to ensure that the structure is still strong. If not, then you’ll have to have the structure repaired first before installing the fireplace brick slips.
• The next step is cleaning the area. Remove all the obstacles in the form of pictures, furniture, or any other decorative items then sweep the walls thoroughly.
• Mix the adhesive you’ve chosen to work with then apply a small amount on the chimney of the fireplace. It’s easier to start from the bottom because it makes the work easier and more professional.
• Attach the brick slips to the adhesive, but make sure you leave some space. Brick slip spacers will ensure you leave equal space measures. Continue with the adhesive application and brick slip attachment moving upwards until you cover the whole fireplace.
• You can sue a tile cutter to work on the edges. This is more important if you have a large fireplace. Tile cutters will make the cutting process faster and better, especially if it a wet tile cutter.
• Wait for the fireplace brick slips to dry then start pointing. You can use a gun injected Mortar if the fireplace is more of an ornamental feature. Still, you can also opt for the traditional fire cement mortar if the fireplace is explicitly functional. Make sure the brick slips are fully covered by adhesive, and there aren’t any spaces in the bed either. Failure to do this could lead to water being collected in those spaces, thereby forcing the slips out.
• Once done, you can clean off all the grout.

Conclusion

Remember that fire cement pointers can end up damaging the fireplace instead. Better yet, have a professional brick slip installer do the work for you. All you have to do is state your specifications and preferences, and they’ll handle all the work.