Expert: James Ball - 2/3/2009

Question
We have a fireplace that was built in 1964 and has cracks in the mortar and up the chimney there are a couple bricks missing also my husband says there is no flue. He says that replacing the some of the bricks would only be a temporary fix and could still cause a fire. Would an wood burning insert be better and last longer and if so what is the difference in costs.

Answer
Hello Bonnie, hard to tell with out seeing it, an insert will give much more heat but close down the fireplace opening and will need to be lined and insulated all the way to the top. if you have no flue then it has to be relined any way. just off the top of my head.
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 they should be able to help.
James