Chimney & Fireplaces/chimney

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Expert: - 1/5/2008


Question
Hi. I have a question regarding a masonry chimney.  I want to install a factory built fireplace(firebox)-a Majestic that comes with its own chimeny pipe venting system.  If I want to build a masonry chimney to enclose this outside of the house, do I still use the same pipe to run up inside the chimney?  and is insulation still needed with masonry chimneys?  And is it recommended to use brick chimneys as a chase for factory built fireplaces?  Any help is appreciated.  thanks

Answer
Eric,

To answer your first question, "If I want to build a masonry chimney to enclose this outside of the house, do I still use the same pipe to run up inside the chimney?" Yes, you must install the complete system regardless of the chase structure chosen. Question #2, "is insulation still needed with masonry chimneys?" If the manufactures installation instructions require it, yes again regardless of chase material. Number #3, "is it recommended to use brick chimneys as a chase for factory built fireplaces?  Any help is appreciated.  thanks", brick is more costly than other options, but its all about what you would like the finish product to look like. Good luck.

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Randy Brooks

Expertise

Inspection of Masonry, Pre-cast Tilt-up, and Factory Built Fireplaces as well as Free Standing & Insert, Gas, and Wood Appliances. We also provide Hearth Fire Loss Investigations, Litigation Support, Consulting Services, Flue Sweeping, Installation and Repair. Additionally, I’ve been a chimney sweep for 23 years, service and install hearth appliances as well as being recognized by the Superior Court of California as an expert witness.

Experience

Brooks Chimney Sweeping Since 1989 Ojai, CA Owner / President www.brooks-hearth.com

Organizations
NCSG, MEMBER,(National Chimney Sweep Guild), Member since 1990, Board of Directors representing Region 6, (CA, NV, AZ, UT, OR, WA, ID, WY, MT, AK and HI,) 2004-2011, ethics committee chair, 2004-2005, executive committee member, Vice President, 2006-2008, President, 2008-2011. CSIA, BOD (Chimney Safety Institute of America,) Board of Directors, ethics committee chair, 2004-2005, executive committee member, Secretary, 2005-2006, Vice President, 2006-2008, President, 2008-2011. HPBA, MEMBER, (Hearth, Patio, & BBQ Association,) since 2002. NFPA Member, (National Fire Protection Association) Since 2009. Technical Committee member for the 211 Standard.

Education/Credentials
California State Licensed Contractor, C61-D34, #750710. http://www2.cslb.ca.gov C.S.I.A., (Chimney Safety Institute of America,) Certified Chimney Sweep, #2580. Held since 1990 re-certified in ‘93, ‘96, ‘99, ‘02, ‘05, '08,'11. http://www.csia.org F.I.R.E. (Fireplace Investigation, Research & Education Service,) Certified Inspector, #FP-006. Held since 2000, re-certified in ’03, ‘06. http://www.f-i-r-e-service.com Fireplace Investigation, Research & Education Service,) Advance Expert Consulting & Witness, certificate, ’05 N.F.I. (National Fireplace Institute,) Certified Gas & Wood-Burning Specialist, #133851. Held since 2002, re-certified in '05,‘08. http://nficertified.org

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