Expert: James Ball - 7/14/2009

Question
I am going to be installing an wood burning insert and using a metal liner for the chimney.  The fireplace is a masonry one built circa 1960 and it has a metal smokeshelf/damper unit.  I will probably need to expand the opening to allow the liner to fit and was wondering if the whole metal unit should be removed (and how) or just use a sawsall to expand the opening enoughfor the liner.  Thanks

Answer
Hello Bruce, they make a cast iron blade to cut cast iron damper saddles, you may only have to cut out the center 1" or so  (or you could get your liner ovelized and then to a oval to round to fit back to the insert)
be sure to check with your local building department and 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 and double check they should be able to help.
Hope this helps
James