Expert: James Ball - 3/1/2010

Question
I have decided to purchase a new wood burning insert this spring and install in my current masonry fireplace. I was hoping to be able to install it myself with the help of a couple of friends. My old damper door to the fire place has been removed but the frame is still there. It currently has the damper mounted on top of the chimney. Most models I have looked at on line have a 6" pipe opening. How do I get a 6" pipe down from the top of my chimney and through probably what is a 4" or 5" opening of the old damper frame.
Any suggestion or tips would be greatly appreciated.

Travis

Answer
Hello Travis, most liners can be ovalized to fit through the damper or you can cut the area where the liner will go through with a SawZaw (and a cast iron blade or many regular metal blades) then feed it through the damper opening hole and make the connection. The liner must also be insulated, contact your local building department and 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.
Hope this helps
James