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Chimney & Fireplaces/Enlarging stone fireplace

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Expert: - 8/31/2008


Question
We are in the process of a custom home build and came across a small 'snag'.  Our Great Room has a large stone fireplace on an exterior wall, going to the ceiling (2 story). The fireplace opening is even with the wall.  We also had large built-in bookshelves on either side of the stone, but we now realize that the bookcases will extend farther into the room than the stone and create a 'cave' at the at the hearth/fireplace opening.  Can we just build an inner chimney of brick and add the stone outside that to make it larger? I realize the actual firebox will be further from the opening, is that a problem also?

Answer
Mark,

Not knowing if your fireplace and chimney system are masonry or factory built, Its hard to say. I would think doing as you suggest would then require almost crawling inside the fireplace to place wood on the grate, or worse yet, you would be inclined to move your grate forward to accommodate this and cause smoke entry. I would consult the builder/contractor for this and certainly any manufacture installation instructions prior to proceeding. You can also find a qualified inspector for reviewing your plans by using the links at the bottom of my home page at www.brooks-hearth.com. Good luck.

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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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