Chimney & Fireplaces/hearth removal

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Expert: - 1/8/2008


Question
Remodeling a  brick wood burning fire place that will require me to take down the existing bricks( which are the same bricks on the outside of my house. I want  to achieve a flush look with Granite as well as utilize the existing custom doors that are in place. I will  also will be taking down the raised hearth that runs the length of the room and is approx 18 inches hight and 18 inches from fireplace doors to the carpet.
Question is what material should I use as a backer  to place the granet on to be flush with the wfireplace doors, and would I be able to lower the fireplace to the floor level (Any idea of the cost) or would I be better off placing granite or some type of surround around the bottom of the fireplace,  butting up against the bottor of the doors and placing a flat hearth on the floor. Kinda of a float look.  It this ok to do with a wood burning fireplace.


Answer
Kevin,

Yes, you can remove the veneer brick that surrounds your current fireplace opening, provided it is a veneer. That is to say, if the brick is an integral part of the chimney system and some are, you cannot. As for the potential lowering of the opening to the floor, no, you must maintain the the same exact opening size in the same exact location, especially if it draws well. There are many concerns to consider and I don't profess to have even touched a few of them. I would recommend contracting with a hearth inspector and have them perform a complete level II inspection. "Google" fireplace inspection and check inspector credentials to be certain they perform these inspections. Check my web site at www.brooks-hearth.com for more info on these inspections. You will agree it was money well spent. 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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