AboutBart 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
My querie deals with the issue of potential hazards of removing a raised concrete hearth. The existing wood burning fireplace we have was constructed with the home in 1973 (typical I believe). The hearth is about a foot above the floor and extends about a foot or so from the face of the fireplace opening. From looking at the underside of the hearth I would say there may be rebar support in this one. I would like to remove it and replace with a flush floor level tile surface (as well we are putting down some hardwood in the room). The issue that comes to mind is if this will cause an issue with the firebox stability or some structural issue following removal? I would certainly appreciate some feedback if you have encountered this in your working travels. Thax in advance and Cheers.
Alan
Answer Hi Alan,
You should be able to remove the raised concrete hearth to just below floor level without any issues other than the time and effort to do the work. The structural part of the chimney and fireplace should be under the main body of the chimney, not in the hearth extension.
You should then be able to pour a level bed to put your thinset on in order to lay tile.
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
