# How to fix a clay chimenea? **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [April 13, 2015, 3:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-fix-a-clay-chimenea/717571 "2015-04-13T15:34:06Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 7\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![solost](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/solost/32/11776_2.png) [@solost](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/solost)\ **Post date:** [April 13, 2015, 3:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-fix-a-clay-chimenea/717571/1 "2015-04-13T15:34:06Z")
It fell over and a couple chunks broke off the top, chimney part. Is it fixable, and if so, what would be the best way to reattach the pieces- mortar? Some type of heat-resistant epoxy? ---
**Author:** ![beowulff](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beowulff/32/542_2.png) [@beowulff](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/beowulff)\ **Post date:** [April 13, 2015, 5:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-fix-a-clay-chimenea/717571/2 "2015-04-13T17:11:09Z")
Drill holes in both pieces, use thin set mortar to cement short pieces of wire into the holes across the break. ---
**Author:** ![solost](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/solost/32/11776_2.png) [@solost](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/solost)\ **Post date:** [April 14, 2015, 11:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-fix-a-clay-chimenea/717571/3 "2015-04-14T11:59:25Z")
Thanks for the reply. Don’t know if I want to drill holes and mess with wire though, the broken-off part is relatively small and won’t be subject to any weight stress, since it’s the top of the chimney area. Maybe I’ll just try the thin-set mortar by itself. ---
**Author:** ![beowulff](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beowulff/32/542_2.png) [@beowulff](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/beowulff)\ **Post date:** [April 14, 2015, 6:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-fix-a-clay-chimenea/717571/4 "2015-04-14T18:24:24Z")
You might want to try some of that DIY muffler repair goop- it can take the heat, and sets pretty hard (and you don’t have to buy a 5 lb bag of it). ---
**Author:** ![Dewey\_Finn](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dewey_finn/32/4222_2.png) [@Dewey\_Finn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dewey_Finn)\ **Post date:** [April 14, 2015, 7:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-fix-a-clay-chimenea/717571/5 "2015-04-14T19:10:31Z")
At the top of the chimney, how hot is the clay going to be anyhow? I think it would be relatively cool. ---
**Author:** ![JoshuaSD](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/f1d935/32.png) [@JoshuaSD](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JoshuaSD)\ **Post date:** [April 16, 2015, 6:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-fix-a-clay-chimenea/717571/6 "2015-04-16T18:46:06Z")
These articles are about how to build, from scratch and easily obtainable materials a full clay oven. I cant vouch for any of the instructions but they may help give you an idea how to proceed. Also, the material list is probably a good start for what to use. Both got decent reviews from other readers. Hope this helps. > **[Insulated Clay Pizza & Bread Oven](https://www.instructables.com/Insultated-Clay-Pizza-Bread-Oven/)** > > Insulated Clay Pizza & Bread Oven: How to build a high-temperature pizza- and bread-baking oven from easily-obtainable materials and avoid the use of expensive refractory bricks. And to get it to heat as quickly as possible, get maximum benefit... > **[Wood Fired Clay Pizza Oven Build (With Pizza Recipe)](https://www.instructables.com/Wood-Fired-Clay-Pizza-Oven/)** > > Wood Fired Clay Pizza Oven Build (With Pizza Recipe): Well it has been a long time in the making and an even longer time in the dreaming about, but it is finally done.... Just in time for winter. Doh. Oh well better late than never. I have been... ---
**Author:** ![Belrix](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/ed655f/32.png) [@Belrix](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Belrix)\ **Post date:** [April 16, 2015, 7:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-fix-a-clay-chimenea/717571/7 "2015-04-16T19:18:36Z")
I’ve been researching fireplace construction lately and “fire clay”, aka: “refractory mortar” is used between firebricks in the firebox of a fireplace. Should be able to get some from your local brick place. > **[Mortar, refractory heat resistant mortar, mix recipes and wood fired ovens.](https://www.traditionaloven.com/building/details/refractorymortar.shtml)** > > Mortars refractory heat resistant, mix recipes, and wood fired ovens. Preparing own refractory high temperature heat resistant bonding mortar.