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Chimney & Fireplaces/Repairing rusted areas along bottom of firebox

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Expert: - 10/16/2006


Question
I've never used my fireplace since I moved in three years ago.
But, I'd like to this winter. Apparently the previous owners didn't
keep up the maintenance.

The firebox is rusted out in spots about an inch around the
bottom. The heat deflector is also shot and needs to be
repalced. I had a chimney sweep inspect my fireplace and
chimney recently. He said the flue looks in great shape, no rust,
no cracks. Due to liability concerns, he said he can't fix the
bottom of the firebox and it would have to removed out the back
of the house, and he'd have to replace the flue to match the new
fireplace. Total cost: well over $2,000.

Could I get a welder to weld about a six inch piece of metal
around the bottom and seal any cracks with a high temperature
cement. The heat deflector should be easy to construct. The top
of the firebox is in fine condition. No problem there.

There has to be a viable solution to repairing the firebox vs
replacing everything. Please help.

Answer
Hi Dale,

You need to replace the fireplace - period.

Nothing lasts forever and that's the problem with these factory-built fireplaces - people think they last forever and they don't.

When your dishwasher rusts out - you replace it don't you?

When your roof flashing rusts out - you replace it don't you?

Bite the bullet and replace the fireplace.  Your house and family is worth more than a silly $2000 fireplace replacement isn't it?

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

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

Chimney & Fireplaces

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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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