Repair above hole in the wall fireplace

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Chris Shead

New Member
Hi,
I will be decorating above a ‘hole in the wall’ fireplace. I can feel/hear there is loose plaster above the opening, it seems there is a crescent shape of loose plaster under the lining paper maybe 50 wide by 30 cm high.
Is it worth using heat resistant plaster? I’ve seen this stuff is good for up to 500 degrees so I guess it’s not really aimed at the wall above a fireplace opening, but would it resist cracking?
Any tips on how best to repair the loose plaster gratefully received.
 
Personally I’d just use normal plaster. These fireplaces are designed to throw out the heat and have a shield edging them.
 
There’s are lots of threads on here about fireplaces and heat resistant plaster if you use the search.

But I’ve plastered round those particular fireplaces using normal plaster and haven’t yet had a call back for cracks
 
There’s are lots of threads on here about fireplaces and heat resistant plaster if you use the search.

But I’ve plastered round those particular fireplaces using normal plaster and haven’t yet had a call back for cracks
Thanks I’ll have a good look through.
There’s are lots of threads on here about fireplaces and heat resistant plaster if you use the search.

But I’ve plastered round those particular fireplaces using normal plaster and haven’t yet had a call back for cracks
would you put a stop bead across the top of the opening or maybe use a temp batten to hold the plaster until dry? Then the metal surround/shield goes back in place?
 
Thanks I’ll have a good look through.

would you put a stop bead across the top of the opening or maybe use a temp batten to hold the plaster until dry? Then the metal surround/shield goes back in place?
It may be helpful to post a picture. Normally you can take off the outside and then just plaster and replace it after. No need for a batten. But without seeing it I’m a bit confused why you think you’d need a batten
 
Interested that you've got away with regular plaster there Jess but with respect I'd beg to disagree. If it's crumbling now it indicates that it is getting too hot and needs said heatproof plaster/lime cement render. The new stoves are chunking out a lot of heat and don't have the metal surrounds.

The new hole in the wall designs are doing stove fitting firms heads in, I'm going to do a separate thread about a trade demo I went to. - hint, it was a farce.
 
Interested that you've got away with regular plaster there Jess but with respect I'd beg to disagree. If it's crumbling now it indicates that it is getting too hot and needs said heatproof plaster/lime cement render. The new stoves are chunking out a lot of heat and don't have the metal surrounds.

The new hole in the wall designs are doing stove fitting firms heads in, I'm going to do a separate thread about a trade demo I went to. - hint, it was a farce.
Fair enough, can only go off past experience. I’ve not had a problem previously but if others have then it’s goodto know. As I said, pics would be helpful so we know exactly what you’re having and I was a bit confused about the necessity of a batten
 
Interested that you've got away with regular plaster there Jess but with respect I'd beg to disagree. If it's crumbling now it indicates that it is getting too hot and needs said heatproof plaster/lime cement render. The new stoves are chunking out a lot of heat and don't have the metal surrounds.

The new hole in the wall designs are doing stove fitting firms heads in, I'm going to do a separate thread about a trade demo I went to. - hint, it was a farce.
I’ve been looking at Vitcas and Everbuild but none of my suppliers stock these heat resistant plasters and the best online delivery is 7-10days. V annoying as I just want to paint and decorate. I’m stripping the walls tomorrow so I’ll see what repair is needed.
The batten could be a temp support for any plaster along the top of the fireplace opening or I suppose a stop bead would do it.
 
Fit a geocast imitation wooden beam it’ll cover the first 120mm of plaster and deflect the heat away from the wall into the room
 
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