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Attaching hardiebacker to brick fireplace

KWOLSEN | Posted in General Discussion on February 19, 2016 12:01pm

I’m renovating an indoors fireplace. Near the firebox I need to bring out the existing brick surface about 1.5″. This surface will then be tiled. So, is using the 0.42″ thick hardiebacker the way to bring out the face surface? Should I screw the first layer into the brick using tapcons? Then use liquid nails to attach each of the 3 remaining hardie layers? I know some would install lath and float the wall but I ain’t a masonry worker. Should I use thinset on the hardie between sheets or liquid nails?

And yes, I know there should not be any combustibles within 12″ of the firebox opening, so those vertical 2xs likely violate code but they will be covered by tile. I’m trying to deal with a very narrow space on the side of the firebox. 

 

hanks

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  1. renosteinke | Feb 19, 2016 07:08pm | #1

    Amateur Hour

    Replace the wood with metal 'hat channel,' available at any drywall supply house. I would not trust Tapcons to hold; the anchor to use are 'mollies,' metal screws that are contained in little metal tubes that compress as you tighten them. These anchors work well in stuff that tends to crumble- like brick.

    Attach Hardi using screws ONLY. Attach it to the hat channel.

    Tile can be a problem near heat as well. I'd avoid anything 'glossy,' like bath tile, as I'd worry about it cracking. A terra cotta tile would be better.

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