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Chimney & Fireplaces/cracked panels- want to stop draft

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Expert: - 3/6/2008


Question
Hi Bart,
My question is in a few parts.
I currently have a 'builders box' fireplace (lowest model type I would believe), not sure who made it but it has a model #of VR36.  It has cracks in the pseudo brick back panel and what seems to be a poured concrete floor with the  log rack fixed in place.  It has always been extremely drafty. (you can feel the cold air on the floor 15 feet away.)  I want to replace it with a pellet stove insert.  I am told by one installer that the existing firebox mostly stays where it is and the insert just 'slides in'.  I want to go about insulating the areas behind the firebox prior to stove installation. The stove installer reports that he insulates against downdraft only.  My questions are:
1) Can I remove the rear and side panels of the firebox and insulate behind them (insulation and sheet rock covering or cement board) from the inside or must I open up the walls or chimney to access the area?
2) Must the existing firebox cracked panels remain in place as a barrier/protection from the new insert? Will they need to be repaired/replaced? The cracks on the back and side panels are not very wide less than 1/16 of an inch but there are three of them.
The insert installer said he does not know anyone who insulates behind fireplaces.  Would the insert alone eliminate or lessen greatly the draft?
  Any information/recommendations would be helpful.
thank you in advance, Bill

Answer
Hi Bill,

1)  You'll have to open up the walls or chimney to access the area behind the fireplace.

2)  You'll have to consult the owner's/installation manual on the insert to determine what is required for installation.

3)  I can't tell you what would lessen the draft without looking at it, that's what your local professional is there for.

I hope this reply answers your questions!

Thanks for using AllExperts.Com and good luck with your project.

Sincerely,
A. Bart Ogden, President
Home Safe Hearth & Chimney, Inc.
Wichita, KS
Voice: 316-265-9828
Fax: 316-265-9890
www.homesafeks.com  

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Bart Ogden

Expertise

I can answer questions related to chimney and fireplace cleaning, construction and repair as well as questions related to the performance of chimneys and fireplaces. I can also answer questions related to clothes dryer vent cleaning and repair. Additionally, I can field questions related to masonry repair.

Experience


Experience in the area:
28 years experience in the chimney service/installation/repair field
President, Home Safe Hearth & Chimney, Inc. Wichita, Kansas

Professional Organizations:
Member, National Chimney Sweep Guild (NCSG)
Member, Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association (HPBA)
Member, Kansas Guild of Professional Chimney Sweeps (KGPCS)
Member, Midwest Chimney Safety Council (MCSC)
Member, Kansas Association of Real Estate Inspectors (KAREI)
Past At-Large Director of the National Chimney Sweep Guild
Past At-Large Director of the Chimney Safety Institute of America
Past Secretary, National Chimney Sweep Guild
Past Secretary, Chimney Safety Institute of America
Member, National Chimney Sweep Guild Technical Advisory Council
Member, Chimney Safety Institute of America Certification Committee
Past Chairman, CSIA Chimney Safety Education Brochures Committee
Past Chairman, NCSG Nomination Committee

Publications:
SWEEPING Magazine, The Journal of Chimney & Venting Technoloty, A Publication of the National Chimney Sweep Guild
SNEWS, The Chimney Sweep News
THE KANSAS SWEEP, The Voice of the KS Guild of Professional Chimney Sweeps

Education/Credentials:
BA, Wichita State University
C.S.I.A. Certified Chimney Sweep
C.S.I.A. Certified Dryer Exhaust Technician
N.F.I. Woodburning Specialist
N.F.I. Gas Specialist
Chimney Diagnosis & Documentation Seminar
Ahren's Masonry Restoration School Graduate
Advanced Gas Certification
Master Gas Certification
Licensed Mechanical Contractor
Pellet Appliance Specialist
Venting Design Specialist
Dale Carnegie Course Graduate

Awards and Honors:
Superior Dealer Award, Ventinox Chimney Lining Systems

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