Firebrick (also called chamotte stone or refractory brick) is a heat-resistant brick capable of withstanding temperatures up to approximately 1300°C, used in fireplaces, chimneys, pizza ovens and industrial furnaces. It is made from chamotte — ground, previously fired clay — mixed with fresh clay and fired again at high temperature.
Properties
Firebrick differs from ordinary brick in several ways:
- Heat resistance — withstands temperatures up to 1300°C without cracking
- Heat storage — absorbs heat and releases it gradually
- Thermal shock resistance — does not crack with rapid temperature changes
- Low expansion — minimal volume change when heated
Application
Firebricks are used wherever high temperatures occur:
- Fireplaces — the inner lining of the firebox
- Chimneys — the internal flue lining for wood-burning stoves
- Pizza and bread ovens — the floor and vault
- Barbecues — the fire chamber
- Industrial furnaces — kilns, smelters, ceramic ovens
Installation
Firebrick must be laid with special refractory mortar (firecite mortar), not with standard cement or lime mortar. Ordinary mortar cracks and detaches at high temperatures. Joints should be kept as thin as possible (2-3 mm) to minimise heat loss.
Related terms
- Masonry
- Mortar
- Chimney
- Brick
- Insulation
Want to learn more about construction terms? Visit our knowledge base at fredsdiyplans.com.