Expert: Bart Ogden - 12/2/2007

Question
QUESTION: Hi,
I was instructed by my contractor to select and purchase a fireplace insert for newly constructed home. I bought a Hampton H3100 fireplace insert. There is a concrete pad poured for the base/foundation of the chimney, but we haven't had the mason to return yet. After examining the blueprints, it actually specified a prefab fireplace. Our contractor gave us the option of the mason laying some of our left over split face block to the level of the foundation and then him framing a chimney up from that point, using siding for the exterior and recommended triple insulated pipe OR having the mason use split face for the entire chimney and using pipe inside.  I thought you had to have an actual fireplace for inserts rather than just piping the exhaust through a chimney? Should I panic?   Please advise me as to what I need to do!

ANSWER: Jamie,

Your contractor is an incompetent idiot and is preparing to endanger you and your family's lives.  DO NOT PROCEED WITH HIS SUGGGESTIONS!

Please consult the owner's/installation manual of your unit.  This unit MUST be installed in a full masonry chimney.

Thanks for using AllExperts.Com and good luck with your project.

Sincerely,
A. Bart Ogden, President
Home Safe Hearth & Chimney, Inc.
Wichita, KS
Voice: 316-265-9828
Fax: 316-265-9890
www.homesafeks.com


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks again!!!
Since we have a concrete pad/base, can we have our mason use split face block(cinderblock) for the entire chimney and then use fireproof/approved block for the interior of the fireplace, and use the stainless steel pipe for the liner? I would just get a prefab fireplace, but I've already bought one for the type my contractor told me the blueprints called for... What would you do?

Answer
Hi Jamie,

NO.  You must install this fireplace ONLY in a full masonry chimney and fireplace.  It is NOT approved for the installation you are describing.

Your best bet is to sell the insert you've purchased and purchase a unit like a Warmhearth or a Classic Warmhearth.

Do NOT install the existing fireplace insert in any type of variation from the installation instructions.  Do NOT install this unit in a factory-built fireplace.

Thanks for using AllExperts.Com and good luck with your project.

Sincerely,
A. Bart Ogden, President
Home Safe Hearth & Chimney, Inc.
Wichita, KS
Voice: 316-265-9828
Fax: 316-265-9890
www.homesafeks.com