You are here:

Chimney & Fireplaces/heatilator(steel firebox)

Advertisement

Expert: - 9/4/2007


Question
I have a fireplace with what I believe they call a Heatilator steel firebox. There are four vents in the brick on the front. Anyway, I'd like to put in an insert, but would need to cut the back of the firebox to make room for the liner to come through. What I wanted to know is when I cut this is there brick immediately behind the steel or is there space for the liner? I'm looking to cut the steel probably with a sawzall because I don't have a torch. But, the saw won't cut through any brick if it's "right there". Thanks for any help. I know you're very busy, but is there any way you can answer to my e-mail address? Thanks again

Answer
Hi Richard,

You might have a heatilator, although this word is often used as a substitute for many things (like Kleenex is for facial tissue).  

I would urge caution when doing this type of installation.  Often there are hidden combustibles in this type of installation and a Level 3 chimney inspection is probably going to be needed before taking on this type of installation.

It can be done, but you'll need special insulations to minimize any heat mitigation from the insert and attached lining system.  Manufacturer's typically call for this type of unit to be installed in a fully-functional and code-compliant masonry chimney, which it won't be if you cut the hole in the back.

I would strongly recommend you contact a local CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep to do some on-site advisement for this potential instllation you are considering.

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

Chimney & Fireplaces

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

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

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.