Expert: James Ball - 6/28/2009

Question
I'm remodeling my basement and would like to replace my 10+ year old wood stove with an insert and add framing around it.  My chimney is masonry and on the outside of my house.  Currently my flue exits out the rear of my stove, then up about 4 feet, then 90 degrees into the vertical chimney(and my basement wall.  Can I still use an insert or something comparable without change the chimney itself?

Answer
Hello Andy, I would say find a good wood stove store and find a stove you like then see if it will fit in your fireplace/chimney. I recommend that the chimney be lined and insulated, 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.
Hope this helps
James