Expert: James Ball - 12/8/2008

Question
QUESTION: i have a majestic thulman model L-42 prefab fireplace. i have no manuals with it. i am wanting to vent a free standing wood stove through it. i have insulated stainless steel chimney liner installed inside the existing chimney. the stove will sit in front of the firebox on a non-combustible surface. the chimney is in the middle of the house so there is no real exposure to the bitter cold. what is your professional opinion on this?

ANSWER: Hello Wes, both units must be rated for use in a "Pre-fab". you must contact both manufacturers to find out if you can do it. I would also 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 and make sure the fireplace is safe to use at all.
James

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: ok, the fp was used all last year to burn wood. i had no problems at all. it has been inspected, perfect shape! the stove will not set inside the firebox, it will just be vented through it. it is a freestanding unit.

ANSWER: Welcome back Wes, again like I said before, you must have the chimney checked by a certified sweep, and both units must be rated to  for use in a Pre-fab. the pipe that came with the Pre-fab may not be rated for a wood stove.
hope this helped
James

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: the chimney in the prefab fp is not rated for these temps, i know, wouldn't the stainless insulated liner bring the unit up to code? i know it sounds like him questioning your professional advice and him not, him just trying to figure all of this out and make sure it is safe. the local chimney sweep says that all i have to do is insulate a new liner and i will be ok. the trouble him having is i keep getting mixed answers to all questions!!!! i do appreciate your time and advice. Wes

Answer
Wes, basically what you are asking me is "can I put Cadillac brakes on a VW" I have not researched this so I can not give you an answer that will be safe for you to use these units together, so again did you contact Majestic? or the wood stove company? you may also want to contact your local building department. I would say do not do this install unless you have the ok from both the pre-fab maker and wood stove company.
James