Why tiles crack on a fireplace hearth or surround
Decorative tile covers the hearth extension and the surround, which is the face around the opening.
- Impact: a dropped log, fireplace tool or heavy object. This usually leaves a single cracked tile.
- Heat: tile set too close to the opening, or fires built too large, can craze or split the tiles nearest the firebox.
- Movement underneath: if the brick or backing behind the tile shifts or cracks, the tiles crack with it, often in a line.
- Poor original installation: hollow spots behind a tile leave it unsupported, so it breaks under normal weight.
Take a crack seriously if it runs through several tiles in a straight line. That pattern usually means the structure behind the tile has moved.
Repairing broken fireplace tiles and the brick behind them
An isolated broken tile is a fairly simple repair. The grout is cut out, and the damaged tile is removed without disturbing its neighbors. Then the backing is checked and leveled, and a matching tile is set with materials suited to its place near the fire. With older tile, finding a match is often the hardest part, so keep any spares that came with the house.
Repairing cracked fireplace brick is a separate job, and it has to come first when the brick is the cause. If the tiles cracked because the hearth or surround masonry moved, new tile will crack again. Our related pages explain what causes cracked fireplace brick and how we approach fixing cracked fireplace bricks.
When a cracked masonry fireplace is the real problem
Tile is only the outer layer. Cracks inside the firebox, gaps in mortar joints, or a hearth that sounds hollow all point to a cracked masonry fireplace rather than a tile problem. These are fixed with firebox and masonry repair, and they matter more for safety than the look of the surround. Our guide to fireplace anatomy shows how the hearth, firebox and surround fit together.
Hold off on fires if you see these
Stop using the fireplace if a crack is inside the firebox, mortar is missing between firebox bricks, or the hearth in front of the opening has split open. Have it checked before burning again.
Broken fireplace tiles in East Hartford and across Connecticut
We repair fireplace tile, brick and fireboxes in Hartford, East Hartford and elsewhere in Connecticut, and estimates are free. If the firebox is heavily sooted, we may recommend a wood-burning fireplace cleaning first so the brick and tile can be seen clearly. If the fireplace isn't worth saving, replacing it through our electric fireplace installation service is another option.
How the visit works
Cracks in the firebox let heat reach the framing behind it. Worn gaskets and glass on inserts and gas units waste heat and can leak exhaust.
Find the cause
The firebox, damper, smoke chamber and any doors, glass or panels are checked.
Confirm the type
Masonry or factory-built — the repair has to suit the system.
Explain the fix
You hear the options and what each involves before work starts.
Repair and test
The work is done and the fireplace is checked before you use it.
If smoke comes into the room
Stop adding fuel, open a window and don't relight the fire until the chimney has been checked. If the smoke is heavy, an alarm sounds or you suspect a chimney fire, get everyone outside and call 911.
What the technician checks
- Firebrick or refractory panels
- Hearth and surround
- Smoke chamber and smoke shelf
- Doors, glass and gaskets
- Damper operation
- Mortar joints inside the firebox
Signs it's time for wood-burning fireplace repair
- Rust or warping inside the firebox
- A fireplace that is hard to light or won't stay lit
- A damper that won't open or close
- Cracked or missing firebrick or refractory panels
- Doors or glass that are cracked or don't seal
