Expert: Paul Karthaeuser - 1/21/2012

Question
Hi Paul and thanks for your time. I actually have two questions I would like to ask you.

1)I still use my woodburning fireplace regularly,its about 25 years old,and as I was cleaning the ashes out I noticed that one of the metal plugs on the side had come out. I know these are for the gas line which I never had, but will it hurt anything if I still use my fireplace with the hole opened in the side?

2) I also noticed that my firebricks in the back of the fireplace are cracked in about three places,is that a problem?

Answer
Bob,

1) Yes, there is the potential for a problem to occur by using the fireplace with that open hole where the gas line was intended to penetrate and be sealed around the gas line.  The key word is SEALED around the gas line.  Reason being...there are several documented cases of a loss (fire) occurring due to poorly sealed, unsealed or open gas line entry locations into fireboxes. They have caused a "secondary" chimney effect.  That's not the phrase I'm searching for but the proper phrase/name escapes me at the moment.  Nonetheless you understand the thought I'm trying to convey to you? Right?  The opening has actually allowed smoke and in several cases, fire to be drawn out from the firebox through that hole and ignited members of the chases framing system resulting in a structure fire.  

The idea here would be to seal the hole with a metal plug of the same type as the original part, same thickness etc. as close to identical as possible and/or seal it with a high temperature rated mortar/cement such as Rutland Fireplace Mortar which is available at your local Home Depot in a 10 oz. caulk gun tube.

2#  It really depends on the size/length and severity of the cracks.  Typically, factory built fireplace manufacturers will say in their manuals that a crack that is thicker/wider than a nickel should be cause for replacement of the refractory panel.  The gray cement looking panels on the sides, rear and bottom of the fireplace that are stamped/cast with a brick pattern on them.  Panels for your fireplace are no longer available as Preway has long since been out of business.  However, cut to fit refractory panels are available and are a good source for replacements.  The only issue is this...they are not the original refractory panels that are approved by Preway. And because of this should you suffer a loss #chimney fire or other# your homeowners insurance company could wriggle out of paying the claim due to the fact that you replaced the panels with an unapproved aftermarket part.  It is not very likely anyone could ever tell as all of them look almost identical and are not stamped/numbered to differentiate them from one another. Aftermarket brakes on your car are identifiably different, refractory panels are not. Let me say this, if it were my fireplace I would have no problem using the aftermarket cut to fit refractory panels.  Safest bet is to replace the panel#s# if cracked, they are relatively cheap and easy to install.  Safer vs. having a panel crumble apart when the fireplace is in use and there being the chance of a falling piece of panel kicking a log or ember out of the fireplace and causing a real problem.  When put into perspective price vs. piece of mind...It's a no-brainer.

I hope this has been helpful.  Please feel free to ask any follow-up questions you need to.  Thank you.

Paul