Day in the life
A Day in the Life of a Refractory Repairer
What refractory repairers actually do from the start of a shift to the end: the tasks, tools, schedule and realities of the job.
What is a typical day like for a refractory repairer?
Attend the shutdown safety briefing. From there, the day usually includes inspect refractory linings, tear out worn material, and install brick and castable. Shutdown work can mean long shifts and travel.
Hour by hour: a typical shift
No two days are identical, but this timeline reflects a realistic day for a refractory repairer working full time.
- Attend the shutdown safety briefing.
- Enter a cooled furnace.
- Jackhammer old lining.
- Mix castable.
- Install anchors.
- Pour castable.
- Plan the curing schedule.
Where refractory repairers work
Repairers work inside furnaces, kilns and boilers in heavy industry.
Hours and schedule
Shutdown work can mean long shifts and travel.
Tasks you’ll do most often
- Inspect refractory linings
- Tear out worn material
- Install brick and castable
- Spray or gun refractory
- Repair furnace doors and seals
- Cure new linings
- Work during shutdowns
Tools you’ll use every day
- Jackhammers
- Mixers
- Gunning machines
- Masonry saws
- Respirators
- Trowels
The best and hardest parts of the job
What people like
- Specialized skill
- Shutdown overtime
- No degree needed
- Industrial pay
What’s hard
- Hot, dusty work
- Confined spaces
- Very small field
- Declining employment
You’ll likely thrive if…
- I like heavy work
- I don’t mind heat and dust
- I can work in tight spaces
- I like teamwork
- I can travel for shutdowns
- I don’t need a degree
Not sure? Take the free Refractory Repairer fit quiz or the Career Match Quiz.
Staying safe on the job
- Follow confined space rules
- Wear respirators for silica
- Use heat protection
- Lock out equipment