On Dec 9, 10:53 pm, "Cshenk" wrote:
Ben, you say under the bottom brick, IE not between bricks? At the base of
the floor?

That's right.

We'd need to know what the floor is of there to answer. I't certain you
could use firesafe mortar but that might actually be the 'problem' if this
is on a wooded base (such as an upstairs fireplace may be in an older
house).

It is on a wooded base.

Can you tell us the underflooring and how 'deep' it is? General dimensions
involved? Also of use is if this is how 'tall and deep' the fireplace base
is. Mine for example is 12 inches tall and on a cement slab but with
flooring wood outwards of it (solid cement under) and a good 18 inches deep
before you hit the area you would burn in so this doesnt get hot at the
base. I could use almost anything but for safety, would be looking for a
clear but firesafe type of caulk if there is such a thing.

The hearth comes out about 13" from the fireplace and has a concrete
top that is about 14" off the floor. It sticks out about 19" from the
side of the fireplace. The front and sides of the hearth are 4 bricks
tall. The mortar under the bottom brick is what's worn way. I can't
see anything other than the wood floorboards in the space. I assume
that the floorboards sit on top of floor joists, since this is the
upper floor of a 70s raised ranch.

What I'd do is see if you can get a free inspection along with paying for a
cleaning (tell them upfront of the problem and ask if they can check for
safety and write an estimate if needed). They did that for me in my area
without a problem. Alternative was pay for the inspection with no cleaning
(slightly cheaper). It turned out i didnt need cleaning so they charged me
for the inspection which was quite reasonable on their part since it was a
package deal. In my case, the damage was significant and we knew that but
we were unaware the water pouring in had been enough to make the thing so
clean you could almost 'eat off the walls'!

I would like to get a cleaning, so I'll look into an inspection as
well.

Thanks!