*
I’m talking about decorative plaster ornaments placed next to the opening of a wood burning pre-fab. Is it safe? Or can an additive to the plaster make it safe?
Discussion Forum
Discussion Forum
Up Next
Video Shorts
Featured Story
Fine Homebuilding's editorial director has some fun news to share.
Featured Video
Highlights
"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.
Replies
*
I'm talking about decorative plaster ornaments placed next to the opening of a wood burning pre-fab. Is it safe? Or can an additive to the plaster make it safe?
*
Are you concerned about the piece cracking and being damaged? Or are you worried about the stuff catching fire or causing the fireplace to overheat?
Normal gypsum plaster (chalk or plaster paris) releases water vapor when it is put in a fire. This gives it good fire resistance short term.
There are also special parging materials or plasters that are used to line the smoke shelf and throat of masonry fireplaces. It might be possible to mold the pieces you want out of this stuff, and have it resist just about any amount of heat.
Don't block the ventilation openings in any way, or you run the risk of causing the firebox to overheat.