Chimney & Fireplaces/Old gas fireplace...

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Expert: - 7/15/2004


Question
Hi Bart,
How are you...hope you can help me with my question.  I live in  Dayton,Ohio and can't get anyone to just come to my house and check my fireplace to see if I can do what I'm going to ask you.  My home is 100 yrs old next year.  I have what looks to be an old gas fire place.  There was a gas line coming up through the floor from the basement exiting into the floor of the fireplace toward the back.  Inside the fireplace, back wall at the top is a square hole about 5"x5" leading into the chimney(this hole is currently plugged with insulation). The opening of the f/p is about 18"hx18"w10"d. The inside and outside walls are either covered brick or concrete(if I've heard right asbestos is covering the inside..not sure).  Now to my question...Would it be possible to install a ventless(really don't want a ventless)a gas f/p or some other type of fireplace with a galvanized tube up the chute to vent.  I am afraid that by "cutting" away brick or whatever to make room for a new unit might destroy the structural integrity of my 100 yr old f/p. I really would like to make use of the f/p other than just decorating it for Christmas.
Hope you can help....Thanks Rod.  

Answer
Hi Rod,

Unfortunately, this is a question I can't answer without actually seeing the fireplace.

I would recommend you check three websites for a qualified professional to personally check out your particular situation.

www.csia.org
www.ncsg.org
www.nficertified.org/

Out of those three websites, I'm sure someone in your area can check this situation out for you and give you a professional evaluation on the system.

Sorry I couldn't help you further, but this is something the really requires a first-hand look.

Thanks for using AllExperts.com!

Sincerely,
A. Bart Ogden
President
Home Safe Hearth & Chimney
Wichita, KS
Voice: 316-265-9828
Fax: 316-625-9890
www.homesafeks.com

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Bart Ogden

Expertise

I can answer questions related to chimney and fireplace cleaning, construction and repair as well as questions related to the performance of chimneys and fireplaces. I can also answer questions related to clothes dryer vent cleaning and repair. Additionally, I can field questions related to masonry repair.

Experience


Experience in the area:
28 years experience in the chimney service/installation/repair field
President, Home Safe Hearth & Chimney, Inc. Wichita, Kansas

Professional Organizations:
Member, National Chimney Sweep Guild (NCSG)
Member, Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association (HPBA)
Member, Kansas Guild of Professional Chimney Sweeps (KGPCS)
Member, Midwest Chimney Safety Council (MCSC)
Member, Kansas Association of Real Estate Inspectors (KAREI)
Past At-Large Director of the National Chimney Sweep Guild
Past At-Large Director of the Chimney Safety Institute of America
Past Secretary, National Chimney Sweep Guild
Past Secretary, Chimney Safety Institute of America
Member, National Chimney Sweep Guild Technical Advisory Council
Member, Chimney Safety Institute of America Certification Committee
Past Chairman, CSIA Chimney Safety Education Brochures Committee
Past Chairman, NCSG Nomination Committee

Publications:
SWEEPING Magazine, The Journal of Chimney & Venting Technoloty, A Publication of the National Chimney Sweep Guild
SNEWS, The Chimney Sweep News
THE KANSAS SWEEP, The Voice of the KS Guild of Professional Chimney Sweeps

Education/Credentials:
BA, Wichita State University
C.S.I.A. Certified Chimney Sweep
C.S.I.A. Certified Dryer Exhaust Technician
N.F.I. Woodburning Specialist
N.F.I. Gas Specialist
Chimney Diagnosis & Documentation Seminar
Ahren's Masonry Restoration School Graduate
Advanced Gas Certification
Master Gas Certification
Licensed Mechanical Contractor
Pellet Appliance Specialist
Venting Design Specialist
Dale Carnegie Course Graduate

Awards and Honors:
Superior Dealer Award, Ventinox Chimney Lining Systems

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