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Chimney & Fireplaces/Prefab fireplace lifespan/replacement

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Expert: - 3/27/2008


Question
I am planning on remodeling the face of my Preway fireplace that was installed in my Florida home in 1986.  I wanted to remove the raised hearth and lower the box to floor level.  I was told by a local contractor/salesman that I needed to replace the unit since it was at the end of its lifespan.  He said that even though I don't live on the beach side the galvanic corrosion would make the lifespan of prefab fireplaces between 18 - 22 years.  Is this true or a sales pitch?   Also do you know of any detrimental effects of installing a flat panel TV over a fireplace?

Answer
Bruce,

The expected life span of any standard, non stainless, factory built fireplace is 18 - 22 years. Some were only warranted for 1 year, others for 25. As for Preway, they have been out of business for several years and finding listed parts will prove impossible. I would strongly suggest investing in a new system during this faze of construction. As for the plasma TV, not an issue but be certain to adhere to the fireplace clearances and best of luck to you.

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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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