Expert: James Ball - 1/15/2010

Question
Hello John-- I would like your opinion on the plans I have for my fireplaces.
I have two very small 100-year old fireplaces I would like to use occasionally for ambience and a little supplemental heat.  My budget is quite limited.  The chimney is unlined and there is no damper.  Therefore my low-cost options are also limited.

At least for the near future, I plan to go with a fake log with a couple of alcohol gel burners behind it.  Supposedly two gel burners will put out around 6000 BTU/hr, which will probably be enough to take the chill off. They do not require venting.    

I am planning to put a 26 gauge steel plate up in the top of the firebox and caulk around it with a silicate cement fireplace caulk.  (Since there is no damper this would be the only way to hold the heat inside.)   The mortar between the bricks in the fireplace is crumbling, so I thought I would dig out the loose material and tuckpoint with refractory fireplace mortar.  
Does this sound like  it would be enough to make the fireplace safe for a couple of alcohol burners?  If so, would it be a good idea, or not, to put a layer of unfaced fiberglass insulation above the steel plate?

Thank you,
Ann

Answer
Hello Ann, when lighting a fire in your home the fireplace should be in as up to date working order as possible. do not do the 26 gauge steel, re pointing should be fine, as far as it being an unlined chimney you are taking a very big chance, I would not do it. Now not having a damper is some thing you have have installed they do make "top mount dampers" Seat Tite, Pop Top, lymance, to name a few, it is a plate that sits on top of the chimney flue with a cable running down the inside that you open and close it with 200-400 ish in stalled, that will keep the cold air out and hot air in your house for now.
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.
do not take chances with your home and fire
Hope this helps
James