Expert: James Ball - 11/11/2010

Question
I have an existing brick-a-later fireplace and want have a gas insert installed.  I want to change the facade and cover-up the brick-a-later vents.  Can this be done?  I have gotten conflicting answer from insert installers.  

Answer
Hello Lee, not sure what you have a Heatolator is a metal firebox in a masonry chimney and the vents allow the heat of the fire to circulate around the metal box and out into the room (some have fans) do not cover these vents unless you remove the whole metal box and install a full fire brick firebox by a mason.
as far as the insert if it is made for use in a Heatolator type fireplace then it should be ok, but check with your local building department and a Certified Chimney Sweep www.CSIA.org to find one near you to take a first hand look
James