Expert: James Ball - 2/9/2010

Question
Sir,

I am in the process of building a new home.  I have planned a gas fireplace inside and a wood burning fireplace on the back porch -back to back fireplaces.  Can I install some type of liner ( FR sheetrock/metal/etc ) on the inside of the wood framed chimney before the pre-fab fireplaces are installed to decrease the chance of a chimney fire?

Thank you for you help.

Answer
Hello Robert, it sounds like your are installing two Prefab fireplace's and chimneys, all you have to do is maintain clearance to combustibles (as per manufacturers installation instructions) you do not have to double line them, (don't).
as far as the chase goes that should be insulated and as weather.air tight as possible (to keep out drafts) but remember the clearance to combustibles (including the insulation)
the top should have a good chase cover, Stainless Steel or Copper.
you can consult 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 with the chase cover, installation and answer any questions you might have.
Hope this helps
James