Expert: James Ball - 7/10/2009

Question
Hi.  We have a built-in wood burning fireplace situated in a wall between our lounge and dining room.  It faces the lounge, however, there is a hole in the wall on the dining room side that has been backed with a sheet of metal.  We would ideally like to convert this to a double sided (wood burning) fireplace and I have had mixed responses.  A fireplace installer has said that our chimney is too small (24cmx24cm), while another has said that we can still install a new fireplace with its own metal flue, as long as it fits in this space.  The remaining area around the flue would then have to be sealed?  Do you see any problems with this solution, with regards to airflow and functioning of the fireplace.  Please could you give your opinion on this and if you feel it is not a good idea, please can you tell me why.  Thanks

Answer
Hello Sarah, I am not sure of what you have or want to do, but it sounds like you want to either break through the back wall of your existing fireplace to make it 2 sided or install a 2nd fireplace (On its own) on the other side of the fireplace?
I have seen real problems with 2 sided fireplace not drafting well. You should contact your local building department (they may not allow this type) and if you do break through speak to an engineer.
I would also 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