ceramic log repair

[blk]

Is it possible to repair a broken ceramic log from a natural gas unit or is replacement the only option? It's a Y shaped log with one of the legs broken off

[logdoc_rob]

The proper thing to do is to replace the log. What type of fireplace is this in?

[blk]

A Montigo 36DV unit, 18 years old.

[JBCat]

As long as it is a direct vent unit, I would drill two holes and pin it. If it is vent free, it must be replaced. JB

[blk]

How about using a dab of high temp silicone or jb weld to hold it together???

[logdoc_rob]

Hi temp silicone will burn. You may be able to use 2 6" pieces of wire coat hanger as pins to hold the log pieces together.

[JBCat]

I dont know if it would hold but if you try that, I would back it up with a screw or 2 on the back side of the log. Just watch the log to make shure it doesnt fall and block a flame port. If it does, you might create sooting that will fill you FP and the siding at the term cap.

[fireplaceguru]

A Montigo 36DV unit, 18 years old. Being this old I would doubt you could buy a replacement. This is what I would do is buy a tube of Fiberfrax ceramic paste and repair it ( only if the log is not damaged to bad ). Now the hard part is to find someone that carries the stuff ( do a google search and you maybe lucky ). Try Casey Ceramics in Texas as I ordered a case about 8 months ago and it never got here so they must still have it.

[blk]

Thanks fireplaceguru, are you flooding in your area yet? I hear the mighty Red is getting high!

[fireplaceguru]

We just had another snow dump today and it is April 1, man do I hate the snow, the Red River will crest sometime next week and it is scary. Good luck with the repair.

[logdoc_rob]

Hey Guru, we had 3/4" of snow here a month or so ago.......I hate snow too !!!!!.....and it was cold as heck here today as well. I don't think it got above 65 today.

Seriously, I didn't know you were that close to the Red River. Your office is on a river that flows indirectly into the Red River isn't it? Hope all goes well for you.

[KE Fibertec UK]

when building prototype new stoves, we used to clue bits of ceramic together to get the best flow.
We used the same high temperature glue they used to glue the glassfibre sealing ropes to the doors to make an air tight seal.
You should be able to get a similar glue from a stove shop.
it was almost like a ceramic paste rather than a glue.

[firebug1]

In a pinch I have inserted a long drywall screw to hold the two pieces together.