Expert: James Ball - 9/16/2009

Question
I'd like to replace the tiles on our fireplace front with stone. We have a heatolater with two side vents with motors, center vent, center flue dial and doors. The mason needs 6 inches which means we need to extend everything out six inches.  Is there a kit to do this?  Do we simply weld six inches out and attach doors and vents?  Any suggestions welcome!

Answer
Hello Jennie, If I understand you correctly you have a metal firebox (heatolater) and you want to extend it into the room more by 6"? I do not think this would be a good idea I would 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 they should be able to help.
you may have to remove the Heatolater and return it to a masonry fireplace with fire brick and every thing up to code. then you could add glass doors to the front of that.
Hope this helps
James