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Chimney & Fireplaces/prefab fireplace-vented fas logs.

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Expert: - 9/17/2009


Question
I cannot find the name of my metal fireplace anywhere. The house is 25 years old and I have only lived in it 13 years and used this fireplace religiously. I also have it cleaned every year. I stopped burning wood about 3 years ago and have been using nothing but Duraflame logs. My chimney sweep said that my pipe was pitting and he saw some rust. Now, I am told that the Duraflame get so hot it was probably causing damage to the pipe.And you couldn't use them in some prefab fireplaces. Can you give me some names of prefab manuf. around 1984 so I can see if I can find a manual.  I thought I was doing a good thing by switching from wood but I guess not. The firebox was also firebricked in because of bad refractory boards.Also can I use a vented natural gas log set in the existing unit if I keep the flue open?

Answer
Linda,

Starting with potential names of factory built fireplaces, the list could be lengthy, as there were dozens of manufactures like Temco, Superior, Heatolator, Majestic, Marco, Martin, Preway and several others. I would recommend against a ventless gas system as I have concerns for the safety of these units. I would recommend removal and replacement as the life expectancy for these appliances is only 25 years give or take anyway. I know this isn't great news but it is the most responsible answer I can provide sight unseen. I hope this helps and good luck to you and your family.

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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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