Expert: James Ball - 9/15/2009

Question
I have a wood burning fireplace insert that has a huge crack in the top just aft of the damper. The chimney has a sleeve in it.  I have tried to pull the insert out but it won't budge.  The panels that out line the sides and top of insert are bolted to insert.  I can't remove the bolts until I get the insert slid out about 3".  Is the insert hung up on the chimney sleeve?  If so how do I raise the sleeve?    Thx for your help!

Answer
Hello Dwayne, you might have to break the bolts sand re drill and tap them after. after the side/top plates are off you should be able to lift up the sleeve and then slide the insert out. Or you could 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