Expert: Bart Ogden - 11/19/2007

Question
QUESTION: Ok we have gone through a diagnosis and it appears we have gaps in our flue which is resulting in soke infiltration into our garage.  Is it possible to install gas logs or a wood stove into the primary fireplace as opposed to relining?

Thanks,

Shelley

ANSWER: Hi Shelly,

If the flue is defective, it should be repaired before ANY further use.

A Wood Stove or Gas logs are not acceptable for use with a defective flue.

The flue must be repaired, then you can use it.

I recommend you contact a local CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep to give you some particular options for this particular situation.

You can find a CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep at www.csia.org.

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: Because of the age of the house, construction of the chimney and current code, the one certified chimney sweep has said that they will need to not only remove the front of the fireplace, but also the hearth, and reconstruct from the bottom up.  Something about the lack of junior beam construction and that most likely when the house was constructed in 1964 they laid the hearth, poured concrete in a section to build the firebox and went from there. the quote has been $7500. A product called Thermocrete has been suggested as a possible alternative to a complete rebuild.  Are you familiar with the product and if you are, what do you think about it?

Answer
Hi Shelly,

If a rebuild has been suggested, I would take that advice.

Thermocrete is only a sealant, not a lining system and, in my opinion, is not a suitable repair for what you've described.

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