Expert: James Ball - 10/20/2008

Question
Hello James!  Thank you for your time.  I just had our stone fireplace inpected (camera up flue) and got bad news - motar between blocks in flue is falling apart.
The company proposed $3200 worth of work to get things up and running. WOW!  Questions:
- What is the most cost efficient way to correct this issue?  Also - due to energy efficiency and costs - I was thinking about a insert.
- Can a woodburning insert be installed in my existing stone fireplace and would that need it's own/new liner.

Thank you again for the help and insight.  You rock!
- Matt

Answer
Hello Matt, you can install a wood stove or an insert in that fireplace (if they fit) and line and insulant all the way to the top of the chimney. you can also coat the inside of the chimney with "thermo Create" check with your sweep for information on that.
Hope this helped
James Ball