Chimney & Fireplaces/gas logs in fireplace

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Expert: - 12/7/2007


Question
we have used our fireplace for 30 years for wood fires.  It has been cleaned last year.  We bought vented gas logs last year and have been having trouble with soot ever since.  We have had the repairman out twice and he said we could only run it on high to stop this, we have tried this, and no it doesn't work.  Can you give us some idea what may be wrong.  Thanks

Answer
Shannon,

There can many things wrong with your fireplace, chimney, gas log installation or house as a system. I applaud you for having your chimney swept prior to the installation of your vented gas logs, but would site the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA-211) standard requiring a level II inspection of your fireplace system when changing fuels, (wood to gas). By "Googleing" chimney inspections, you will find helpful links in locating folks that perform this needed service. Be sure to request a technician that performs NFPA-211 level II inspection. Be certain your not just getting a visual inspection, you want a camera to go through your system and have all accessible areas, like crawl spaces and attics looked at as well. Good luck.

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Randy 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 Hearth Fire Loss Investigations, Litigation Support, Consulting Services, Flue Sweeping, Installation and Repair. Additionally, I’ve been a chimney sweep for 23 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,(National Chimney Sweep Guild), Member since 1990, Board of Directors representing Region 6, (CA, NV, AZ, UT, OR, WA, ID, WY, MT, AK and HI,) 2004-2011, ethics committee chair, 2004-2005, executive committee member, Vice President, 2006-2008, President, 2008-2011. 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, 2008-2011. HPBA, MEMBER, (Hearth, Patio, & BBQ Association,) since 2002. NFPA Member, (National Fire Protection Association) Since 2009. Technical Committee member for the 211 Standard.

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,'11. 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

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