AboutRandy Brooks Expertise Inspection of Masonry, Pre-cast Tilt-up, and Factory Built Fireplaces as well as Free Standing & Insert, Gas, and Wood Appliances. We also provide Litigation Support, Consulting Services, Flue Sweeping, Installation and Repair. Additionally, I’ve been a chimney sweep for 20 years, service and install hearth appliances as well as being recognized by the Superior Court of California as an expert witness.
Experience Brooks Chimney Sweeping Since 1989
Ojai, CA
Owner / President www.brooks-hearth.com
Organizations NCSG, MEMBER, BOD (National Chimney Sweep Guild), Member since 1990, Board of Directors representing Region 8, (CA, NV, AZ, UT, and HI,) 2004-present, ethics committee chair, 2004-2005, executive committee member, Vice President, 2006-2008, President, 2008-present.
CSIA, BOD (Chimney Safety Institute of America,) Board of Directors, ethics committee chair, 2004-2005, executive committee member, Secretary, 2005-2006, Vice President, 2006-2008, President, 2008-present.
GSCSG, MEMBER, (Golden State Chimney Sweep Guild,) Member since 1995, Board of Directors, 1997-2001, President, 1999-2001.
HPBA, MEMBER, (Hearth, Patio, & BBQ Association,) since 2002.
Education/Credentials California State Licensed Contractor, C61-D34, #750710.
http://www2.cslb.ca.gov
C.S.I.A., (Chimney Safety Institute of America,) Certified Chimney Sweep, #2580. Held since 1990 re-certified in ‘93, ‘96, ‘99, ‘02, ‘05, '08.
http://www.csia.org
F.I.R.E. (Fireplace Investigation, Research & Education Service,) Certified Inspector, #FP-006. Held since 2000, re-certified in ’03, ‘06.
http://www.f-i-r-e-service.com
Fireplace Investigation, Research & Education Service,) Advance Expert Consulting & Witness, certificate, ’05
N.F.I. (National Fireplace Institute,) Certified Gas & Wood-Burning Specialist, #133851. Held since 2002, re-certified in '05,‘08.
http://nficertified.org
Question QUESTION: I have an existing masonary fireplace and I have bought an antique franklin stove model 98 to restore. How are these installed as inserts?
ANSWER: John,
There not, Be sure to check with your local building code to see if you are even permitted to install this none EPA certified stove as a free standing unit. These "Franklin" style fireplace stoves were great products in their day, but due to increased regulations, aren't allowed everywhere. Good luck.
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QUESTION: My understanding was that these were originaly sold as free standing or insert...is this not the case?
Answer John,
These units are fireplace stoves. If these units are installed inside of an open fireplace, say using it as an alcove of sorts, you would simply attach an appropriate chimney liner to the appliance and use your existing fireplace and chimney as a conduit for the new system.
My reference to the EPA and the fact that your unit isn't currently installed, is to check and be certain that any installation of this product is permitted in your area. If its an insert wood-burning appliance you desire there are many period looking new inserts that may appeal to you and all of the new units meet the EPA requirements that are widely required. Good luck.
