Expert: James Ball - 6/22/2009

Question
I have a 50+ year old heatilator with a larger than fist-sized hole in the top corner.

I have received conflicting opinions about whether this can be repaired.

One person said the hole can be filled with furnace cement.

Someone else said to cut the box outand install firebrick.

Any opinion?

Thank you very much.

Answer
Hello James, with out seeing it It would be very hard to say, in most cases when you have a hole that big I would say replace the Heatolator to be sure you are safe. Maybe install a woodstove?
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