Fireplace Gaps

[Matheous-2]

We recently had a new stone fireplace installed which is fine...-except that since then we have had a family addition with four feline legs who has discovered two gaps of unknown depth at the recess part of the fireplace. We are worried our mischievous kitten disappears down out of reach somewhere in the firebrick wall!

Can any ABrs suggest any sort of 'stuffing' materials.....? I had considered fibreglass insulation, but not sure of the safe use of that....

Any suggestions greatly appreciated.....Thanking you in advance.

[Tuvok]

Should the gaps be there? If not get the builder back.

[bookbinder]

Could you get hold of a few pieces of stone or brick that you could wedge in the gaps? You know, broken pieces that wouldn't look out of place.

[tonyav]

As bookbinder say's
Could you get hold of a few pieces of stone or brick that you could wedge in the gaps? You know, broken pieces that wouldn't look out of place.

And then you could skim it over with something like this.
http://www.wickes.co.uk/Wickes-Ready-Mixed-Fire-Cement-1kg/p/154057?CAWELAID=120135120000010848&CAGPSPN=pla&CAAGID=17408399812&CATCI=pla-56128534817&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_term=&utm_campaign=Google%20Shopping%20-%20Building%20Materials&tmcampid=&tmad=c&tmplaceref=&;tmcustom=mkwid|s_dc|pcrid|43364522812|kword||match||plid|&gclid=CjwKEAjwpLa5BRCTwcXS6_rpvC4SJACTDQMMKi2gLIKdvXWKOpSCCcPIVfTpDI9zvwCbu_mHDSB5SxoCnD7w_wcB

[bhg481]

There are two cases:
1) The gaps are meant to be there, in which case blocking them up is dangerous OR
2) The gaps aren't meant to be there, in which case the person who installed the fireplace should put it right.

[Matheous-2]

The fire part of this is deeply recessed with stone facia behind the vapour 'fire'. Gaps cannot be seen unless viewed from floor level. Tomorrow I will try with a piece of cane to gage the depth behind the rear facia,- just in case it's shallower than I first thought.....If deeper than acceptable I could consider a few bags of stone chips intended for garden use. -I am reluctant to call the builder as we did have to call them out to secure a loose electric fan which was a wait of over
three weeks! Sometimes it's less trouble just to finish a job yourself....!

[The Builder]

My sympathies over your "unhelpful" builder, Math.

Taking up bhg's point, it's possible this may be a vent to supply combustion airflow... especially if it's a coal/solid fuel fire. If so, bunging it up could be dangerous.

[bookbinder]

The answer seems to be; cover the gaps with grilles of some kind.

[Matheous-2]

Bookbinder, -You read my mind! Having re-assessed - I have come to the solution being a grille at the top of the fire recess.....!

Many thanks to all replies on AB