Expert: Paul Karthaeuser - 11/27/2011

Question
We have a masonry fireplace (1955) in good working order (just replaced) that has a metal firebox which has been rusted from flood waters from Hurricane Irene. We are not sure what to do. We can't get a gas fireplace insert (won't fit in masonry fireplace). I have been reading about heat resistant paint, but I am concerned about "curing" the paint at the right temperature. We have an estimate to remove the metal box and get a gas fireplace at over $3,000.  We will be replacing the mantel and surround which will be an additional cost. We don't know if we should get a brick firebox. Any suggestions?

Answer
You said the masonry fireplace was just replaced?  How rusted is rusted?  Are areas perforated through?  When you say gas fireplace insert do you mean just a gas log set?  Or an actual gas fireplace?  Where were you intending to paint?  Just the firebox interior?  The price you are quoting is very low for the removal of the steel firebox if you mean in its entirety and that includes the gas fireplace and installation, here in NJ?  Wow!!  We operate here in NJ and I can tell you I am concerned already for you and would love to see what that company is proposing for you and quoting to do for that dollar figure.  We have a problem here in NJ and having sat as the President of the NJ Chimney Sweep Guild for the last year and been a Board Member for several other years I can tell you I know a lot about the companies that operate within our Garden State and unfortunately it is not a pretty picture.  We have many scam companies from Long Island and New York that come into NJ on a daily basis and prey upon the less informed.  Please do your homework and check credentials and ask about permits for this type of work.  What you want to have done absolutely requires permits and already sounds as though it should cost more for what you are looking to have done so for me, red flags go up.  Be wary!
A brick firebox is not essential and is likely not required if you are going with a true gas fireplace installed in the original masonry structure.  If you could give me more details I would be happy to help guide you further with your questions.
In all of this has anyone inspected the existing fireplace and chimney system?  Did they say it would be necessary or included in the costs of the other work you are having done?
Please feel free to respond back to me and we can discuss further.  Thank you.

Paul