heat resisting plaster

[hazmanu]

can you buy this plaster for a chimney breast

[buildersmate]

Depends what you are trying to achieve. There are firecheck wallboards (plasterboard variants) available that resist the passage of fire.
If you are trying to avoid cracking you might consider using a glass-reinforced gypsum wallboard. It is fire retardant as well.

[hazmanu]

Thanks for that buildersmate...
The problem i have is after two years with a new fire fitted i have scorch marks up the wall where the flue travels up, after removing the wallpaper i noticed the plaster has small cracks but only where the flue travels.
Ive took some plaster off to the breezeblock but havent got the width for board!!!
Any ideas on this?
thanks

[buildersmate]

Hmm, not really. Obviously it shouldn't be getting that hot on the surface but that doesn't help you much. And anyway a heat-resistant plasterboard won't change the surface temperature - its just more able withstand the temperature itself. The metal flue inside must be touching the breezeblock and transmitting the heat.
Unless you want to batten the wall (to create a small air gap) and recover with plasterboard and I can't think how to solve this.

[gasman]

I would get a gasman round first to check the flue out, as you may have a breach in the flue wall causing the problems and if you have just covering up the cracks could be deadly. If the flue checks out OK then I would also not advise battening out the chimney breast as this would breach gas and fire regs as it would involve battening round or close to the builders opening aswell, where combustable material is not allowed. In theory you should not have this problem as flue blocks should be faced with concrete blocks or similar materials or with plasterboard facing ( Dot and Dabbed ) & should never be plasterd directly onto flue blocks to prevent over heating and unsightly cracking. I would as buildersmate suggests be lining the face of the chimney breast out with plaster board but not using battens. Use plasterboard adhesive ( Dot n Dab) instead, then re-skim the face. This will require the fire and surround to be removed and then re fitted again but it will be a permanent and safe repair.

[hazmanu]

thanks gasman...
could you recommend anyone to check the flue in the bury/manchester area?
what would the cost of re-lining the flue?
also could i perhaps use a layer of fire cement then finish with plaster?

[the-gas-man]

gasmans answer is spot on but a lot of houses built before 1986 were directly plastered onto the flue without an air gap strictly speaking most precast flues should have an air gap using foil backed plasterboard. the flue may also need cleaning as partial blockages add to the heat build up.my local sweep is corgi reg and would prob help out.wayne 01942 256850(wigan) tell him simon gave you his number.if it is pre 1986 built the flue in the loft or on the roof may neen an upgrade

[the-gas-man]

having re read your question the scorch marks alone would deem this installation "at risk" so get it looked at soonest.whoever fitted it would be my first call.

[hazmanu]

thanks for the advice...
ive had the gas fitter back who said it just needed re-plastering with HEAT RESISTANT PLASTER which is back to my first question!!!
the flue was swept before the new fire was fitted, if the fitter has left this in a dangerous state... who could i get to advise and perhaps report the fitter for leaving it like this?

[hazmanu]

could i use fire cement instead of plaster????

[gasman]

Yes you can buy heat resistant plaster from most good builders yard. Have a look at this link HERE . I would not use fire cement at all wrong product for the job basically. If you have any concerns at all about the fire and its installation or safety then contact CORGI 0800 915 0485 and ask there advice, they may offer to send an inspector round to check the fire for you. Or contact them through there web site HERE in the consumer link

[asdx]

You Can buy high quality Vitcas Heat Resistant Plaster, Vitcas Heatproof Screed, Vitcas Heat proof mortars, Vitcas heat resistant tile adhesive, firebricks,Premium black fire cement and other refractory products from www.vitcas.com

[asdx]

Info directly from manufacturer form website www.vitcas.com

VITCAS HEAT RESISTANT PLASTER
High temperature smooth finish.
Protection up to 500�C
For use on walls and chimney breasts adjacent to: Inserts stoves, freestanding stoves and range cookers
On walls and chimney breasts where the temperature is likely to exceed 50�C particularly around the so-called �hole in the wall� type fires and stoves. It is recommended that the plaster is used in combination with
Vitcas Heatproof Screed.

[asdx]

Info directly from manufacturer from website www.vitcas.com

VITCAS HEAT RESISTANT PLASTER
High temperature smooth finish.
Protection up to 500�C
For use on walls and chimney breasts adjacent to: Inserts stoves, freestanding stoves and range cookers
On walls and chimney breasts where the temperature is likely to exceed 50�C particularly around the so-called �hole in the wall� type fires and stoves. It is recommended that the plaster is used in combination with
Vitcas Heatproof Screed.