Expert: James Ball - 12/8/2008

Question
Hi James,

I want to convert my current wood burning fireplace to a double sided gas
fireplace.  My current fireplace is on sided but I want to break through the
wall and install a pre-fab. gas burning fireplace.  What issues could I run into
and would you recommend the conversion?

Many thanks in advance,
Ralph

Answer
Hello Ralph, I would start with your local building department and your local wood stove store and see what they say. you might have to drop the entire chimney to build the Class A metal chimney that will come with the new double sided Pre-fab. I would have a local Certified Chimney Sweep (www.csia.org, there you can look up by zip code to find one near you) take a first hand look at what you have.
keep me posted
James