Expert: James Ball - 4/24/2011

Question
How do I build a fireplace on the second floor that taps into the chimney from the first-floor fireplace in my 1930s home?  I understand from the previous posts that a separate flu system is needed for each fireplace.  Does that mean that I can build a fireplace on the second floor in front of the existing chimney that taps into it by adding a flu in front of it, or something of that sort?  Or how does it work?

thanks!
Cathy

Answer
Hello Cathy, you can not "tap into the existing chimney" you would need to have a support for the new chimney to the basement and all the way up through the roof. You might do better with a pre fab or direct vent, stop by your local wood stove store and see what they have
James