Refractory Materials Repairers, Except Brickmasons

Refractory materials repairers work in some of the hottest, most demanding industrial environments, maintaining and rebuilding the specialized heat-resistant linings that protect furnaces, kilns, and other high-temperature equipment. Their daily work involves inspecting ceramic and mineral linings for cracks, erosion, and damage, then removing deteriorated sections and installing new refractory bricks, castable materials, or ceramic fibers. They work in steel mills, glass factories, cement plants, and foundries, often timing their repairs during planned shutdowns when equipment cools enough to enter safely.