Chimney & Fireplaces/fireplace insert

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Expert: - 9/30/2009


Question
QUESTION: i have a prefab fireplace , what brand and kind of wood burning insert can i install

ANSWER: Tamie,

Not knowing the manufacture and model number of you factory built fireplace, (Prefab), I cant say. Very few manufactures offer insert installation into their units as there has not been testing done for safety. I would caution against any installation of an insert into a factory build fireplace. The excess weight, excessive temperature etc are concerning. I would recommend looking into replacement of your fireplace with a new high efficiency unit. Good luck.

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QUESTION: the model number of my fireplace is c36emw-rplb  it is a vexar by stylecrest  bought in 2006 it is only 3 years old   thanks tamie

ANSWER: Tamie,

Thanks, this makes it easy, there is no insert tested for safety with this product. The manufacture will not support the installation and you would put your family in harms way. I hope this helps.

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QUESTION: ok look at the buck stove model 18 is listed for a prefab fireplace , how can they list that and it not be true thanks tamie

Answer
Tamie,

Trust me, they all say their inserts are listed for factory built fireplaces. The reality is, its legalized gambling. The UL listing for the inserts is #1492 The listing is only for masonry fireplaces and chimneys, not factory built. Send an e-mail to the manufacture of the factory built fireplace and see if they will endorse the installation. They wont trust me.

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Randy Brooks

Expertise

Inspection of Masonry, Pre-cast Tilt-up, and Factory Built Fireplaces as well as Free Standing & Insert, Gas, and Wood Appliances. We also provide Hearth Fire Loss Investigations, Litigation Support, Consulting Services, Flue Sweeping, Installation and Repair. Additionally, I’ve been a chimney sweep for 23 years, service and install hearth appliances as well as being recognized by the Superior Court of California as an expert witness.

Experience

Brooks Chimney Sweeping Since 1989 Ojai, CA Owner / President www.brooks-hearth.com

Organizations
NCSG, MEMBER,(National Chimney Sweep Guild), Member since 1990, Board of Directors representing Region 6, (CA, NV, AZ, UT, OR, WA, ID, WY, MT, AK and HI,) 2004-2011, ethics committee chair, 2004-2005, executive committee member, Vice President, 2006-2008, President, 2008-2011. CSIA, BOD (Chimney Safety Institute of America,) Board of Directors, ethics committee chair, 2004-2005, executive committee member, Secretary, 2005-2006, Vice President, 2006-2008, President, 2008-2011. HPBA, MEMBER, (Hearth, Patio, & BBQ Association,) since 2002. NFPA Member, (National Fire Protection Association) Since 2009. Technical Committee member for the 211 Standard.

Education/Credentials
California State Licensed Contractor, C61-D34, #750710. http://www2.cslb.ca.gov C.S.I.A., (Chimney Safety Institute of America,) Certified Chimney Sweep, #2580. Held since 1990 re-certified in ‘93, ‘96, ‘99, ‘02, ‘05, '08,'11. http://www.csia.org F.I.R.E. (Fireplace Investigation, Research & Education Service,) Certified Inspector, #FP-006. Held since 2000, re-certified in ’03, ‘06. http://www.f-i-r-e-service.com Fireplace Investigation, Research & Education Service,) Advance Expert Consulting & Witness, certificate, ’05 N.F.I. (National Fireplace Institute,) Certified Gas & Wood-Burning Specialist, #133851. Held since 2002, re-certified in '05,‘08. http://nficertified.org

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