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Chimney & Fireplaces/Questions Answered by Expert James Ball

SubjectDate Asked
Non Vented Fireplace Logs1/18/2012
  Q: Can I use a non-vented set of fireplace logs in an old Martin Industries residential prefab model SA ...
  A: I would not use any logs that are not for that type of gas fire or that fireplace, if you replaced ...
replacing fire box ceramic liner1/13/2012
  Q: Where can we purchase the liners for a prefab fireplace made by Tim Tex? it cracked on the back ...
  A: not sure what you have there, maybe a picture? It sounds like a this is a "brick face" that may not ...
Questions about smoke chamber1/9/2012
  Q: James, Our house was built in 1977. We have a brick chimney with a fascia of true mountain stone ...
  A: based on what you describe, I agree the Smoke Chamber should be "re-done" I use a system called ...
what's up1/3/2012
  Q: I got a problem with smoke coming back in,tha chimney is clean, but I think I have a issue with tha ...
  A: the cap height should be 8-12" depending on the size, also you can try opening a door or window and ...
refractor panel repair1/2/2012
  Q: is there a product that you can use to repair the cracks in the refractory panels on a wood burning ...
  A: you should 1st try to find original replacement panels, if you can't then do a Google Search for ...
Wood-aire fireplace insert12/31/2011
  Q: My husband and I are new to fireplaces, and we are wondering about a chute that runs out of the back ...
  A: with out seeing it I do not know what this set up is doing, and with out a model # I can't even look ...
back to back fireplaces/one fire12/29/2011
  Q: I need to buy/install a fireplace in the middle of two rooms. The whole construct must be very thin ...
  A: Welcome back Karen, I am a chimney sweep and any thing with a chimney would have to be 4' + deep ...
back to back fireplaces/one fire12/29/2011
  Q: I need to buy/install a fireplace in the middle of two rooms. The whole construct must be very thin ...
  A: not sure what you are trying to do, put a double sided fireplace between 2 rooms (2x4 stud wall is ...
Heatform/Superior Fireplace12/27/2011
  Q: Is it ok to cover the air intake and hot air vents from a Heatform fireplace? Would the air trapped ...
  A: no I would not cover the vents, top or bottom with any thing but metal vents (the trapped air could ...
creosote where pipe meets wall12/25/2011
  Q: I have a new constructed (5 years old) ranch house with basement, very well insulated and tight. We ...
  A: you can not "up size solid flue appliance" so you must maintain a 6" all the way to the top and that ...
New Outdoor Fire Place Building Project12/21/2011
  Q: I have a 4' tall by 8' wide by 4' deep firebox with an 18' dual flue chimney plan. However, the plan ...
  A: IHello George, there are different requirements in different areas of the country, your building ...
smoke12/17/2011
  Q: My neighbor has a wood burning fireplace. I noticed smoke smell building up in my bedroom this ...
  A: Welcome back Julie, ,I know this can be unpleasant, but some where your house is pulling in this ...
smoke12/16/2011
  Q: My neighbor has a wood burning fireplace. I noticed smoke smell building up in my bedroom this ...
  A: wow this is a good one, so let me see if I understand you correctly, your neighbor installed a wood ...
chimney triple wall12/15/2011
  Q: i just installed a metal chimney and the other day the wind was blowing pretty good and the rag i ...
  A: you need to make sure the rag is out (use a mirror to look up) then the "blowing into my house" is ...
Fire brick configuraton in Schrader Stove12/5/2011
  Q: I have the 2 door Schrader with Pine tree on each door. The firebrick was removed when I got it. I ...
  A: with out the owners manual there really is no way of telling how they go back, as t here are ...
Draft problems11/27/2011
  Q: I have recently installed a gas heater into an existing chimney that has a gas heater hot water tank ...
  A: some thing is very strange about this set up from what you explain, you say "gas heater" is this ...
flame sensor11/18/2011
  Q: my majco fireplace has a hsi cover that req a good ground but there are no wires and no visible ...
  A: what does the owners manual say?as Majco fireplaces I have never heard of is it MAjestic? even so I ...
Heater Flu11/17/2011
  Q: just bought a house in may, it was an estate sale. The sellers claimed on the disclosure that the ...
  A: I have seen this where they just "tap into" another flue and use it, it is not safe, I would have a ...
repairing fireplace chase cover11/16/2011
  Q: My fireplace chase cover is rusting. Assuming it can still be repaired (ie the metal is still ...
  A: why repair it, get your measurements and have it recover in Stainless Steel, just go right over it. ...
smoke11/13/2011
  Q: I have an older home with a double sided fireplac with out any screens or closures on either side. ...
  A: you might have a sizing problem of the fireplace to flue size or a negative pressure issues here is ...
chimney sweeper head stuck11/12/2011
  Q: my mum decided to have a go at self sweeping the problem is when she had the long pole thing up the ...
  A: the brush has to go up or down, can some thing on a rope be dropped down? or a rod with a hook and ...
sears fire place stove11/9/2011
  Q: A friend gave me a fire place stove model 155.841881 and reading online at your sight that they ...
  A: do you have the owners manual? this will tell you what you need to install it, clearance to ...
fire brick or refractors11/6/2011
  Q: Need to replace the rear refractor in my fire place insert. I have a Temco 39-2 and I am having a ...
  A: I believe Tempco is out of business, they do make aftermarket panels that can be cut with a regular ...
Woodstove Installation11/6/2011
  Q: I bought an old house with an opening for a woodstove to a brick chimney with a masonry liner. ...
  A: every thing you need with be in the Stove's owners manual, it will let you know what you need for ...
removing damper flap to clean..11/3/2011
  Q: Purchased the 8" round wire brush and appropriate number of flexible sticks in order to clean the ...
  A: is the chimney metal? is the chimney 8" round? if so then the wire brush (with a little force) ...
Elco fireplace blower10/31/2011
  Q: There was an Elco fireplace insert installed in our house, when we bought the house 18 years ago. At ...
  A: I am sorry I think they are out of business, maybe try a net search for "Insert fan" or "insert ...
fireplace smoke/ alarms/ watery eyes10/29/2011
  Q: I have a double-sided fireplace on ground floor level w/ fireplace directly below in the basement. ...
  A: if the smoke is coming down the un used fireplace flue in the same chimney then you have a "negative ...
8 INCH PIPE TO 6 INCH CHIMNEY10/28/2011
  Q: i have a wood stove with 8 inch pipe, and in getting ready to install a 6 inch triple wall chimney ...
  A: Welcome back, it will not draw right, will smoke, and build up faster, is against building code, no ...
wire off heating element10/28/2011
  Q: the wire that connects onto the heating element has fallen off. so the fireplace works fine, but the ...
  A: not sure what this wire cam off? but in most cases you have to replace the "blower motor", I would ...
Chimney Leak Into Firebox10/27/2011
  Q: My wife and I bought a 20 year old home last year and recently we had a chimney professional out to ...
  A: water getting in can be very hard to find unless you know how to find it and that is very simple, ...
8 INCH PIPE TO 6 INCH CHIMNEY10/25/2011
  Q: i have a wood stove with 8 inch pipe, and in getting ready to install a 6 inch triple wall chimney ...
  A: no you can not down size a solid fuel, do you have to use triple wall for the unit you have? other ...
vent pipe for Heatilater Mark 12310/23/2011
  Q: I'm needing two 36" section of cat.no. 913 pipe but its not made any more. Any idea of someone that ...
  A: sorry, if they are out of business then you will not find any, only other thing is to replace the ...
wood furnace add on to oil flu question10/23/2011
  Q: I am adding a new wood furnace onto my oil furnace.( hot water radiation) the wood furnace has a new ...
  A: not sure how you want to set this up so let me start with the wood furnace has install instruction ...
Masonry Vents10/18/2011
  Q: Have an awesome 1947's home with a 9-10 foot long Brick wall with a great fireplace and two vents ...
  A: Welcome back Tina, yes I know what MR Flame is now (I have installed them) the door fans, just did a ...
Masonry Vents10/18/2011
  Q: Have an awesome 1947's home with a 9-10 foot long Brick wall with a great fireplace and two vents ...
  A: you have a Heatolator, type fireplace, this was very common in the 50-80's, most covers/grates where ...
Old Chimney Pipe in Kitchen Wall10/18/2011
  Q: After removing the old wallpaper in the kitchen of my recently purchased home, I discovered an old ...
  A: I had the exact same thing in my home when I re did my kitchen, you must brick up the hole and the ...
can't identify smell coming from fireplace10/18/2011
  Q: When we use our fireplace a strong odor fills our home. It is not the smell of the wood burning. The ...
  A: have you had an electrician in the check the wiring? the heater may be drawing to much and thus ...
fine ash particles in air10/16/2011
  Q: we have a 20 year old block chimney w/ orange clay flue(may be broken inside chimney) we've used a ...
  A: you might need to do a "Smoke test" (plug the top of the chimney and use a smoke bomb) and see if ...
wood stove smoke10/13/2011
  Q: i have a 3 year old Vermont castings wood stove the end of last season when i would load wood in ...
  A: sounds like the stove needs a cleaning (cap should be checked too) or some thing in the home is ...
Chimney clearance10/11/2011
  Q: How high should a new stainless chimney be above an existing stainless steel chimney. The chimneys ...
  A: hard to tell, chimney height is 3' above where you break the roof line, then a 10' circle if you ...
Chimney Leaking10/3/2011
  Q: I have a chimney that is leaking water through the cleanout. The chimney starts underground and ...
  A: it sounds like this is ground water coming up and through the clean out, if so then you would need ...
Hydrolic Cement10/3/2011
  Q: This is a follow up to a question about the use of Hydraulic cement on a chimney/ cap. I have seen ...
  A: Hydraulic cement is used in a wet environment and not for a crown, so if you get the right mortar ...
Napoleon 1101 insert10/1/2011
  Q: I have a Napoleon 1101 fireplace insert and was about to perform a chimney sweep, the insert went in ...
  A: it is code that all units be piped to at least the first flue tile and if yours is then you have to ...
schrader stove owner's manual9/16/2011
  Q: I bought a schrader wood stove model# baronet 903MHF and from a private party and in need of a ...
  A: I am a member of the National Chimney Sweep Guild and they have over 400 owners manuals, but none ...
FLUE FOR HOT WATER HEATER9/6/2011
  Q: re. FLUE FOR HOT WATER HEATER Dear Mr. James Ball: My hot water heater flue goes to one side of ...
  A: depending on length of that run, size of the flue and fuel type, you might be able to, I would check ...
Martin Industry Wood Fireplace8/29/2011
  Q: I have a Martin Industry wood burning fireplace. Due to damage to my roof due to storm, the roof ...
  A: you must know the maker of that pipe and then track it down, in most cases the pipe maybe ...
Cast Iron Wood Stove8/19/2011
  Q: Good Day ! I have a cast iron wood stove, "Box King NO. 22. Made by Jacobs Manufacturing Co. ...
  A: and I could not find an owners manual, (new stoves burn much more efficiently as far as worth, maybe ...
Chimney lining8/17/2011
  Q: we have a 1907 three-story house in northern NJ with a fireplace chimney and two venting chimneys ...
  A: I know Thermo Crete and Smoke Tite (I do both) if they are doing 3 flues, 1 smoke chambers then yes ...
unused stovepipe8/6/2011
  Q: We need to know what to use to cap our unused stovepipe We have an old, homebuilt stove in our ...
  A: not sure what you are asking did you want to use this system and need a cap or do you no longer use ...
Fireplace door condensation8/5/2011
  Q: i have a new Heatilator vented fireplace in Florida. The weather is hot and the glass is covered ...
  A: the pilot light is on this will keep spiders out of the tubes (yes they love to propane and natural ...
Fireplace Conversion--Gas to wood7/31/2011
  Q: Can it be done. How much should it cost. I know this is vague, but I'd just like to know how ...
  A: hard to tell with out seeing it, I would have a local Certified Chimney Sweep www.csia.org, (there ...
propane to wood7/31/2011
  Q: We bought our first house last year and it has a Vt castings propane heater. The previous owner used ...
  A: I would have a local Certified Chimney Sweep www.csia.org, (there you can look up by zip code to ...
Wood Stove Efficiency7/16/2011
  Q: James, First, thank you for your help. My wife and I are trying to understand wood stove ...
  A: Christian, I would say check out your local wood stove stores and see what they have and can offer ...
Temco Back Refractory Replacement7/13/2011
  Q: Mr. Ball: I have searched for a replacement part for my Temco fireplace for several months now and ...
  A: I believe Tempco is out of business, they do make generic replacement panels, I would have a local ...
can a chimney be eliminated7/6/2011
  Q: we just bought a home that has 2 chimneys, one is not in use, capped off and the other is leaning ...
  A: if the heating/water heater units you have can be direct vented then go for it (contact your heating ...
Free Heat Machine from Aquapliances7/1/2011
  Q: I bought a home with the same free heat machine, but want to see it. It seems to be a good product ...
  A: I do not know what a "Heat machine from Aquapliances" is this a wood stove? did you do a google ...
rusted wood burning insert6/23/2011
  Q: We have a wood burning insert that was installed about 10 years ago, at the same time we had a flu ...
  A: Well, if it is not coming from the ground then it must be coming down from the top (or another area ...
rusted wood burning insert6/23/2011
  Q: We have a wood burning insert that was installed about 10 years ago, at the same time we had a flu ...
  A: during the winter you are using the unit so it heats the area around it, in the summer you are not, ...
water leak6/20/2011
  Q: I have water leaking on to my wood stove , i just had it installed last summer. and it was good ...
  A: water is a hard thing to find, you might have to run a hose on the roof (start low in a gutter and ...
stacked fire places6/20/2011
  Q: Like others I have an issue with two fireplaces, one in the living room one in the basement. we get ...
  A: your house needs air, if the fireplace/wood stove you are using is venting 10 gallons of air per ...
Martin fireplace in mobile home6/20/2011
  Q: We have bought a used 2000 mobile home and it came with a fireplace. Upon inspection the state ...
  A: I tried looking for that owners manual, (maybe the old owner has it) with out it I have no way of ...
Wood stove v.s. gas stove exhaust safety6/18/2011
  Q: I want to install a wood stove or gas insert in my existing fireplace. There is a tree with ...
  A: I do not beilive that tree will effect the use of either type of stove, (no leaves on the tree in ...
Martin Industries flue class A?6/18/2011
  Q: I have a 20 year old wood burning fireplace insert with a Martin industry 10" flue. The label on ...
  A: Welcome Brian, you have to follow the manufactures installation instructions of the new unit, and ...
chimney pulling away from house6/16/2011
  Q: My chimney was about 5 inches away from the house and top was movable. It recently came down in the ...
  A: it sounds like this was a masonry brick chimney that was lose? and there are no "supports" that tie ...
leaking chimney6/11/2011
  Q: My brick chimney (35years old) is 8.5 ft in length and 2.5 feet in width and is situated at the peak ...
  A: Nicole,if some one has run water (starting low and moving higher a little at a time) and it leaked ...
Marco Wood Burner #792778D6/10/2011
  Q: I have a Marco #292778D installed in a new room that we're building. However, we have not closed the ...
  A: I do not know where you can get that pipe ( a quick Google search gave me this ...
wall behind wood stove6/10/2011
  Q: We have ugly bricks halfway up the wall behind our wood stove and would like to replace it with ...
  A: Linda, a wood stove requires a certain "clearance to combustibles" and most people use brick or ...
Martin Industries chase cover and cap replacement6/9/2011
  Q: We have a potential customer with a Martin Ind. fireplace which needs the rusted chase cover and cap ...
  A: If it is just a chase pan cover then you can have that replaced by any one that can make one, ...
chimney repair5/30/2011
  Q: I am looking to purchase a home and the chimney is cracked from the top down about 10 feet. The ...
  A: Welcome back Lori, with out seeing it first hand I can not say, if it is just a crack on the out ...
chimney repair5/29/2011
  Q: I am looking to purchase a home and the chimney is cracked from the top down about 10 feet. The ...
  A: 1st beautiful home, as far as the chimney goes, I would have a local Certified Chimney Sweep ...
Creosote ruining roof5/23/2011
  Q: About 5 years ago I got my house re-roofed with metal shingles that are guaranteed for life. ...
  A: not sure what you have happening there is there an OIl fired unit in or near that chimney? (oil does ...
chimney liners5/21/2011
  Q: What do you know about heat Shield Resurfacing systems and how do they compare in cost to stainless ...
  A: I have heard good things about this system but I have chosen not to use it but instead use Thermo ...
chimney liners5/21/2011
  Q: What is approximate cost and process to install chimney liner in a 100 year old chimney? Only used ...
  A: many factors come into play when sizing and pricing a liner, what size liner, are there any off sets ...
smoking me out5/16/2011
  Q: we recently installed a napoleon 1400. seems like no matter what we do the house gets real smokey. ...
  A: Welcome back Eve, how much wood has been burned? 1/2 to 1 cord of wood or more then yes it might ...
smoking me out5/16/2011
  Q: we recently installed a napoleon 1400. seems like no matter what we do the house gets real smokey. ...
  A: if it smokes when you open the door or it is coming down another flue then the problem is Negative ...
Schrader Wood Stove Manual5/12/2011
  Q: Do you know where I might obtain a manual for a Schrader wood stove? Specifically, I'm looking for ...
  A: If you have a model number I might be able to find it, either way you should contact you local ...
hole in chimney5/11/2011
  Q: I just removed a wood burning stove from our house. Theres a hole in the chimney where the pipe use ...
  A: you need to have the chimney inspected completely, I would have a local Certified Chimney Sweep ...
Gas fireplace5/7/2011
  Q: I have a Martin DV200A gas fireplace installed in 1992. I have had problems with a marginal draft ...
  A: all chimneys have ot follow the 3', 10' 2' rule, 3' above where you break the roof line., then go in ...
Second-floor chimney4/24/2011
  Q: How do I build a fireplace on the second floor that taps into the chimney from the first-floor ...
  A: you can not "tap into the existing chimney" you would need to have a support for the new chimney to ...
fan chains4/23/2011
  Q: Inside the firebox there are 2 chains. One on each side to the left and right directly inside the ...
  A: Sha, fans usually run off a switch not 2 chain, unless this was a custom install? Even with regular ...
fan chains4/23/2011
  Q: Inside the firebox there are 2 chains. One on each side to the left and right directly inside the ...
  A: I need some more info, is this a pre fab fireplace or masonry? has any one looked up at what these ...
Chimney extension?4/10/2011
  Q: My metal chimney requires an addition foot of clearance above the roof. Do I simply buy a length of ...
  A: first you have to find the same type/manufacture of pipe as you can not mix two different kinds. ...
wood burning fireplace heatilator switch4/5/2011
  Q: I have a heatilator in my fireplace that works fine. The Regency switch (functions like a dimmer) ...
  A: you might have to remove the switch and take it to a wood stove store, an electrical supply house, ...
Smoke when heating system turns on3/29/2011
  Q: I have a manufacture home with a Coleman wood burning fire place and a coleman AC/Heathing system. ...
  A: Welcome back Steve, you have Negative Pressure that is hot air rising in the home and it is getting ...
Smoke when heating system turns on3/29/2011
  Q: I have a manufacture home with a Coleman wood burning fire place and a coleman AC/Heathing system. ...
  A: have you gotten in contact with Coleman? as I am not familiar with those systems. in any case lets ...
Fireplace3/28/2011
  Q: 1. Please suggest a brush on paint that will withstand high temperature and adhere to metal. 2. How ...
  A: the only "high temp paint" is for BBQ's and it is spray on and will not with stand the fireplace ...
Closing a chimney3/25/2011
  Q: I have a one storey residence with a open inglenook fireplace. I want to shut off the chimney ...
  A: if your "Gas warmer" is vent free then you can stuff insulation up inside the damper area, and close ...
Wood Stove pipe3/23/2011
  Q: I am installing a Napoleon 1400 wood burning stove in my basement. I want to go "through the wall" ...
  A: double check with your local building department, the chimney must have a solid thimble for the ...
fireplace refacing3/23/2011
  Q: I am a building contractor and we are remodeling a fireplace. The existing zero clearance unit is a ...
  A: I am 99.9% sure Macro is out of business and even if they were still in business I have never heard ...
Preway Forced Air Circulating Fireplace3/23/2011
  Q: I have a Preway forced air circulating fireplace and the flu will not open. I learned that the ...
  A: Angela, how old is this unit, as they have a life of 20-30 years, if it is not working and several ...
Chimney and cavity wall insulation3/19/2011
  Q: We have an open fire which we never use. However we are having cavity wall insulation installed and ...
  A: Welcome back Linda, I am not a big fan of closing off a chimney, they make a top mount damper that ...
Chimney and cavity wall insulation3/19/2011
  Q: We have an open fire which we never use. However we are having cavity wall insulation installed and ...
  A: I am not sure what you have or what you really want to do? sounds like you have a fireplace that you ...
Preway Forced Air Circulating Fireplace3/18/2011
  Q: I have a Preway forced air circulating fireplace and the flu will not open. I learned that the ...
  A: I would have a local Certified Chimney Sweep www.csia.org, (there you can look up by zip code to ...
leak from a chimney not being used3/15/2011
  Q: I have a chimney that isn't being used anymore. I have had a new furnace installed and no longer use ...
  A: water is coming in from one of 2 places, either it is coming down the chimney or up through the ...
outdoor fireplace smokes out the front3/15/2011
  Q: I had a contractor come and build an outdoor fireplace. He specializes in pavers/versa block. The ...
  A: check with your local building department for size of flue for fireplace opening required in your ...
Fireplace floor repair3/15/2011
  Q: I was hoping that you could provide me a little advice. My home was build in the 1950s and has a ...
  A: you are missing your "Hearth Extension", check with your local building department (should be 16-20" ...
Fireplace3/15/2011
  Q: James I am looking to purchase a home and the ther eis a fireplace and a nice gas log set (use to be ...
  A: , do not use this system, unless you have the owners manual for those logs to see if they are vented ...
wood stove3/8/2011
  Q: I want to remove a free standing fire place and use a wood stove in its place. Can I use the ...
  A: you would have to check with Heatilor to see if they would allow it, also check with your local ...
Block chimney install3/7/2011
  Q: Is a block chimney on the outside of a house a bad idea? I could potentialy put it inside but it ...
  A: not sure what you want to do, either way a masonry chimney needs footing so I would have you speak ...
Kiva fireplace smoke stain3/6/2011
  Q: I inadvertently let smoke out of the kiva fireplace at a relatives s house and they are upset b/c ...
  A: here is a link to some think that might help with several places to buy. James ...
Cost of rebuilding hearth3/2/2011
  Q: Mr. Ball, I need to have a brick hearth rebuilt because the bottom layer of brick (visible from ...
  A: not sure what it would cost , get a few estimates from a few masons, then pick the one with the best ...
Chimney Pipes2/26/2011
  Q: I live in a complex and we have been told we are not allow to use the wooden fireplace. I was an old ...
  A: not sure what you have, you want to remove the old fireplace and pipes and those pipes have asbestos ...
heatilator from 70's2/25/2011
  Q: Iv'e been a general contractor for almost 30 years.My best client has an incredible fireplace.The ...
  A: it sounds like a fire grate that also heats? was it disconnected? rusted/burned through? is it ...
ELCO wood burning fireplace2/24/2011
  Q: I just purchased a house, moved in last week, just had the fireplace cleaned and inspected. However, ...
  A: did that unit come with an owners manual? do you have a tag inside with a model #? I might be able ...
Fireplace advice2/22/2011
  Q: I need some advice on the fireplace in the house i have recently purchased. It seems as though it ...
  A: 1st yes I have seen them that high. 2nd do not use that "insert" as it looks like a set of gas logs ...
Schrader Wood Stove2/21/2011
  Q: I have an old Schrader Wood stove. A friend told me the model is "king" or something like that. It ...
  A: Welcome back Bryan, Schrader made many different stoves so with out a model number, there would be ...
Schrader Wood Stove2/21/2011
  Q: I have an old Schrader Wood stove. A friend told me the model is "king" or something like that. It ...
  A: on the unit some where will be a "manufacture's tag" on the back, bottom or sides with out it I can ...
replacing surround on Elco Fire insert2/21/2011
  Q: We have removed all stone around our Elco fire insert. We need to frame it out before we can ...
  A: before you start you need to find the owners manual (it will tell you if you can cover the front, ...
Fireplace Repair2/21/2011
  Q: I just bought a house built in 1983, it has a prefab fireplace, every time I use it I noticed wood ...
  A: it sounds like that unit has deteriorated beyond repair and if so the whole system will have to be ...
zero clearance fireplace2/20/2011
  Q: I have a 0 clearance fireplace, house was built in 1980. on the tag in the fireplace it says dura ...
  A: if it is not listed for an insert then you can not install on in that unit, that unit was tested ...
Mortar between flu tiles2/18/2011
  Q: We have had our chimney torn down and rebuilt. Each brick was "cleaned" of its mortar. Also the ...
  A: Welcome back William, the mortar will not "fall off" on it own and will reduce the draft. What size ...
"weeping" morter from between the clay flu tiles2/18/2011
  Q: We have had our chimney torn down and rebuilt. Each brick was "cleaned" of its mortar. Also the ...
  A: yes that should be remove it some sweeps have an chisel that connects to their rods to push up or ...
circa 1952 heatilator fire place insert2/13/2011
  Q: I have a circa 1952 heatilator. Sometime in the 1970's I assume, the previous owner wanted to ...
  A: you are one of the lucky ones, I would take many pictures to your local building department and ask ...
Back-to-back fireplaces2/12/2011
  Q: We have back-to-back fireplaces in the kitchen and living room. We'd like to open up the back of ...
  A: check with your local building department, a Really good mason and maybe an engineer, most double ...
old fireplace insert2/12/2011
  Q: my house was built in 1967 in Oklahoma. we tried burning wood in our fireplace a few times but with ...
  A: you should start with your local building department for what you can do. and it sounds like you ...
chimney flue tile2/11/2011
  Q: my wife and i live in san francisco. we got our chimney inspected and evaluated by a company with a ...
  A: there are a few things you can do, if this is a masonry chimney flue (it sounds like it) you can ...
Appropriate fireplace glass door, also grate size?2/11/2011
  Q: Have a 24-yr old prefab wood burning insert - a mason built brick fireplace front, the hearth and ...
  A: a pre fab unit is built and tested with all their own stuff (grate, cap, glass doors...etc) so if ...
Pellet Stove Venting into Existing2/11/2011
  Q: I am investigating a residential fire involving a pellet stove insert. The pellet stove replaced an ...
  A: Ryan, you have 2 places you have to start, 1 local building codes (NFPA, IRC...etc) then and more ...
New firebrick for pre-fab fireplace2/9/2011
  Q: We have a Temtex Productions prefab fireplace, Model #TLC39-2 for which we need new firebrick to ...
  A: Welcome back Joan, if your local certified sweep can not find them (I could not find any thing on ...
New firebrick for pre-fab fireplace2/8/2011
  Q: We have a Temtex Productions prefab fireplace, Model #TLC39-2 for which we need new firebrick to ...
  A: they are called "refractory panels" and you should try to find original ones first, if you can not ...
smoky smell , now, sevral weeks after last fire2/8/2011
  Q: 1951 Heatilator..Had chimney sweep here mid-January and had 1 fire since. He cleaned and certified ...
  A: take a look up with a flash light to be sure the damper is closed, it might not be closed all the ...
Outside Combustion Air Lever2/8/2011
  Q: I have a 1983 Martin industries prefab fireplace - Model LF36B. It has a lever on the left side ...
  A: it is possible that it was never connected, or broke, I would have a local Certified Chimney Sweep ...
damper pulley2/7/2011
  Q: Last week a chimney repairman replaced our old metal damper with a chain pulley damper. He also ...
  A: it does sound like it is snowed closed, I have never heard of a "chain pulley damper" could it be ...
ice forming in base of chimney2/6/2011
  Q: I have a forced air oil furnace with a 35' exterior insulated chimney# For some reason ice is ...
  A: is there a crack in the boiler, has it been tested? it there a leak in the cap or is there a cap? ...
Replace 45 year old Heatilator2/4/2011
  Q: I would like to put an insert or replace my old Heatilator to heat the house when using the ...
  A: start with your local wood stove store and building department (for local codes) and ask them if you ...
heatilator2/3/2011
  Q: James thanks for the link only I have spoke to heatilator and they no longer have the flame sensor ...
  A: Glad to help Sandy and maybe you could look on Ebay, Craigs List, local (or father away) wood stove ...
inserting 8 in liner into 9 in liner1/31/2011
  Q: First of all, please respond quickly because my husband is planning to do this in the next day or ...
  A: I will assume this is for a fireplace, and if so then unless this fireplace was sized for an 8" ...
openfires1/31/2011
  Q: i live in a 1860s terraced house and the lining is crumbling inside the fireplace what sort of ...
  A: they make a high temp Fireplace mortar for repointing the brick in a fireplace, all old cement must ...
wood/coal burning broiler1/31/2011
  Q: We have just installed a wood burning broiler in our home. My question is why is it that every time ...
  A: Brina, was it "Refurbished" correctly? it sounds like you are not using it right or it is not ...
wood stove flue heat exchanger1/30/2011
  Q: I have a free standing wood burning stove that is the primary heat source for my house,the house was ...
  A: not sure how you are going to do this and any PIping for this stove should be in double wall SS ...
wood/coal burning broiler1/30/2011
  Q: We have just installed a wood burning broiler in our home. My question is why is it that every time ...
  A: Welcome back Brina, as I said try opening a window or door all the way open, wait 20 seconds, then ...
Finding model number on a Majestic Fireplace1/29/2011
  Q: Can you direct me where to look for a model number on our Majestic wood burning fireplace. We have ...
  A: look around the frame behind the screen and above the cement panels around the sides and back, if ...
wood/coal burning broiler1/29/2011
  Q: We have just installed a wood burning broiler in our home. My question is why is it that every time ...
  A: you have a negative pressure issue, try opening a door or window (3-4") near that boiler before you ...
martin fireplace triple wall vent pipe1/27/2011
  Q: I have a Martin fireplace (home was built in 1978) Where can I find the triple wall vent pipe for my ...
  A: I believe Martin is out of business, you can try your local wood stove store, and internet search ...
replacing gas log set1/25/2011
  Q: I have a "mock" fireplace that had original, single burner, low flame, low temp. gas log set. The ...
  A: I would say go to your local wood stove store and see what they have in vented and ventless, vented ...
Marco Fireplace1/25/2011
  Q: we turn the blower on but no air comes out the top vent. The fan at the bottom is circulating but ...
  A: Welcome back Robert, you can look up inside the sides or dome above and inside for the model #, some ...
fireplace blower1/25/2011
  Q: My husband built our home in 1981 and installed a Preway wood burning fireplace. Our blower is so ...
  A: I believe Preway is out of business, did you try where you husband bought the stove? or your local ...
chimney1/25/2011
  Q: I want to put a coal furnace in my house and use the existing chimney and I asked a few people that ...
  A: 1st check with your local building department and the furnace manufacturer, then be sure the chimney ...
Stove Pipe Smell1/24/2011
  Q: I have a had Jotul 3CB for almost two seasons. It was installed in May of 2009. Things went well ...
  A: only thing that comes to mind is the pipe has not cured yet? are you burning the stove hot enough? ...
Refractory panel replacement1/23/2011
  Q: The OEM for my wood-burning fireplace evidently went out of business, so replacement refractory ...
  A: most have a bracket on top with 1-2 screws holding the bracket, so dis assembly might be needed but ...
Wood burning fireplace1/22/2011
  Q: I would like to convert my LR wood burning fireplace to both a dual sided and gas fireplace without ...
  A: you would need to check you local building department, you might need an engineer, then a great ...
Marco Fireplace1/22/2011
  Q: we turn the blower on but no air comes out the top vent. The fan at the bottom is circulating but ...
  A: Macro is out of business, Do you have the owners manual? (If you get me the model # I might be able ...
Best stainless steel.chimney brands?1/22/2011
  Q: I have a Phoenix Wood stove by Hearthstone stoves.It requires a The Phoenix requires a 6" (152 mm) ...
  A: I use Ventinox (only welded seam) and depending on the size of the flue 1-2 layers of 1/2 of blanket ...
Chimney for Shop Stove1/21/2011
  Q: I was give a nice wood burning stove for an A-Frame workshop with a ribbed steel roof - unfinished ...
  A: you can use black pipe to the roof, then it has to be Stainless All Fuel double wall through the ...
chimney fue block1/21/2011
  Q: We live on Cape Cod. My mother no longer uses her fireplace but she is losing heat up the chimney, ...
  A: they make a top mount damper that will go on top of th e chimney and has a cable that runs inside ...
smoking elbows on a wood burning stove1/20/2011
  Q: My friend had a wood burning stove that had not been cleaned out in over two years ( it is his only ...
  A: when you cleaned the stove and pipes the creosote was sealing these elbow (they should be replaced ...
gas insert in prefab wood fireplace1/17/2011
  Q: i want to install napoleon gdizc-n insert into my superior bcf-4385 wood burning prefab fireplace ...
  A: I would have a local Certified Chimney Sweep www.csia.org, (there you can look up by zip code to ...
8 inch stove pipe to 6 inch chimney1/17/2011
  Q: How can I connect the 8 inch stovepipe through the flue opening which is about 6 inchs x 24 up to ...
  A: Welcome back Donn, why was the stove fitted with a 6 to 8 adapter?, if the 6" liner is in the ...
what does this knob do?1/16/2011
  Q: one in the living room and the other located directly above in a second floor room. The living ...
  A: I do not know what that knob is for, and what could be happening is you are getting Negative ...
Replacement Pipe1/15/2011
  Q: We decided to go ahead and replace the existing pipe on our wood stove, and measured it to be 8 ...
  A: you may need to "Crimp" the last piece that goes up into the existing pipe, you can buy a crimper at ...
fireplace1/15/2011
  Q: we bought a new mobile home it has a firplace in it that they said we could burn would in we are ...
  A: Mobile homes have a hole other set of Building Code's, so before you install or use those "gas logs" ...
Leaking Creosote on the Outside1/14/2011
  Q: We have a wood burning stove that we use every year. This year, however, after 2 months of normal ...
  A: Reneh, if you can flip the pipes do it if they need to be replaced then do that too (must be stove ...
Smoke/soot smell1/14/2011
  Q: We unfortunately started a duraflame log and forgot to open the flue. When we opened the glass doors ...
  A: you might have to have a company come in and clean the house, you could try Fabreese or lysol sprays ...
Leaking Creosote on the Outside1/14/2011
  Q: We have a wood burning stove that we use every year. This year, however, after 2 months of normal ...
  A: Welcome back Reneh, find a certified sweep and have them take a look, you can find them on line ...
stove question1/14/2011
  Q: i am a ceramic artist, i was looking to build a ceramic "skin" in sculptural form around an old wood ...
  A: I do not think what you want to do fire a "older wood stove" to 1200 to cure the ceramic, if you box ...
Leaking Creosote on the Outside1/14/2011
  Q: We have a wood burning stove that we use every year. This year, however, after 2 months of normal ...
  A: the male ends of the pipe should be facing down (into the one below it) towards the stove, do you ...
Heatilator Flue1/13/2011
  Q: I grew up with stone chimneys and flue that you could see open and close. We are currently renting a ...
  A: It is possible that the unit is damaged, you should be able to stick you head (or a mirror) and a ...
Fire Place1/13/2011
  Q: Would it be possible to have a metal shop fabricate me a fire box? To keep cost down I'm taking ...
  A: not sure what you have or what you want to add (I have never heard of an "Ethanol burner") I would ...
firebrick1/12/2011
  Q: What exactly is the purpose of firebrick in a wood burning stove? After all there is no firebrick ...
  A: I have to agree I do not know why, but I know if they have it then it much be replaced as the stove ...
Superior CF3860 issue1/12/2011
  Q: I have an approximately 20 year old house with a Superior CF3860 chimney. The entire chimney run is ...
  A: the County Permit & Inspectors office is right, you must follow the manufactures instructions, if ...
gas fireplace1/11/2011
  Q: I have 2n woodburning fireplace in the house, one on the first floor and the other on the second. ...
  A: is this a sealed gas insert? if so then no air should be getting through, if they are gas logs then ...
proper repair of terra cottta pipes1/11/2011
  Q: My home was built in 1926 and I recently had my fireplace swept and inspected and I was told the ...
  A: not sure what you have in most chimneys with Terra Cotta pipe is relined with a stainless steel tube ...
preway fb24f manual1/10/2011
  Q: I have a preway fb24f woodburning stove. I don't have a operating manual for it and was wondering ...
  A: I looked on the National Chimney Sweep Guild list (Over 300) and it was not posted, maybe contact ...
8 inch stove pipe to 6 inch chimney1/9/2011
  Q: How can I connect the 8 inch stovepipe through the flue opening which is about 6 inchs x 24 up to ...
  A: you can not down size smoke pipe on solid flue (check your local building department and if you do ...
True Heat HS 36 Manufactured Fireplace1/9/2011
  Q: are there any known reliability or safety problems associated with True Heat manufactured fireplaces ...
  A: Shaun, I have not hear of any, but as with any fireplace, I would have a local Certified Chimney ...
length of stove pipe1/6/2011
  Q: I have a Lopi wood stove and just had another stove pipe fire. I thought I was doing everything ...
  A: Elbows reduce draft so no do not do that, the stove might need more frequent cleanings. I would have ...
Gas fireplace1/5/2011
  Q: We are in the process of finishing our basement and would like to add a gas fireplace. We have a ...
  A: first I would start with what type of gas unit you want or need, a regular masonry set of gas logs ...
Strong fireplace smell when weather is damp1/2/2011
  Q: I have a brick fireplace that works very well. Unfortunately when the weather is quite damp or ...
  A: what is happening is you are getting Negative Pressure in your home (house stack effect) that is hot ...
stove insert and refractory mortar1/1/2011
  Q: I have a custom built chimney (5 yrs old) for my vermont castings wood stove insert. The stove has a ...
  A: a wood stove needs to be sized properly and burned correctly, and even if the chimney was custom ...
Smoke in basement12/31/2010
  Q: I have a basic ranch style home with a 3 flue chimney. The chimney caters to the main floor ...
  A: When you have 2 fireplaces the one you are using needs to draft, lets say 10 gallons of air per ...
fireplace convert from gas logs12/29/2010
  Q: ..my home has a regular-size fireplace with chimney...the fireplace came with gas logs. We have ...
  A: you can replace that "ash dump door" in the floor and make sure the "ash trap door in the basement ...
prefab fireplace12/29/2010
  Q: I was wondering why I could not use fire brick splits 9x 4.5x1.250 in size and set together with ...
  A: Harrison, these units are tested with their panels (aftermarket are tested too) if you alter your ...
smoke problem12/29/2010
  Q: I used to have a RSF Ardent woodstove(for 25 years) and a 45feet cemented clay chimney , never had ...
  A: yes the newer stoves will emit less heat (you want more in the house) and thus less to heat the ...
Burning wood in a gas fireplace12/29/2010
  Q: I have a Majestic fireplace Model M36. #F754121. Serial #12077821. I would like to burn real wood in ...
  A: to go back the gas line must be removed (plumber) and the hole sealed (maybe a piece of metal) here ...
Vermont Castings Winterwarm blower12/28/2010
  Q: Good Afternoon, I have a Vermont Castings WinterWarm large insert. The blower comes on ...
  A: I am not that familiar with those units, do you have the owners manual? i f so that should tell you ...
my home has the faint odor of a campfire smell12/28/2010
  Q: I had a high efficiency furnace installed 2 years ago and now my home continually has a faint ...
  A: do you have a fireplace? if so it could be adding negative pressure to your home and is pulling air ...
Wax crayon smell is it age to carry on burning12/28/2010
  Q: I have found this site and my landlord is away so I thought I would ask you the question. All of a ...
  A: did some thing get thrown in the fire by mistake? (kids do even adults miss stuff) not sure how bad ...
FIREBRICK12/28/2010
  Q: I have a 20 year old Superior Fireplace model (MAY). I need to get the firebrick for this fireplace ...
  A: Frank you should try to find the OEM replacement panels as this is best, if you can not find that ...
Reverse Draft w/ Superior Heatform12/27/2010
  Q: I have an 8 year old 3-story home with superior heatform fireplaces on the ground and second floor. ...
  A: yes you do have a negative pressure issue (not just from the fireplaces but also the home it self) ...
Water leaking between flue skins (3 skinned flue)12/26/2010
  Q: We live in rural NSW, Australia. Bought a new wood fire and flue in June this year. Since then have ...
  A: I am not familiar with this type of installation, "wood fire and flue" is this a wood stove and ...
Wood stove12/25/2010
  Q: James, Merry Christmas ! I'm a fellow expert here in the electrical division. OK I'm thinking of ...
  A: Happy Holidays Bob, first I do not believe they allow a furnace or wood stove in a garage, check ...
Smoke occasionally comes in the appartment12/24/2010
  Q: I live in the top apartment of a 2-floor building. The chimney of the fireplace is about 7 feet tall ...
  A: usually the height plays a very big roll in chimney performance and with out seeing this cap I can ...
Marco B36CF12/22/2010
  Q: I have a marco B36cf. It had a gas log set in it, but I removed it and would like to burn wood. The ...
  A: see if you can call and ask Macro if you can, I would say you would need to replace the panel with ...
Insert with smoke problems (Trueheat)12/22/2010
  Q: I'm helping a single mom. She can save a lot on electric heat if we can make the insert work. While ...
  A: I would have a local Certified Chimney Sweep www.csia.org, (there you can look up by zip code to ...
ash chute clogged12/20/2010
  Q: My chute is clogged approx. 2 feet from the base of the fireplace floor. I've tried to dislodge ...
  A: did you try poking from the bottom? if it is clogged and brakes free it might puff into the room, ...
Blower/ Heater for my prefab firebox12/20/2010
  Q: James, I have a Temtex model TFC 362 prefab firebox installed when the house was built in 1992 I ...
  A: sorry but you can not install those heaters in that kind of fireplace, maybe a direct vent ...
smoke in the basement12/19/2010
  Q: We have a negetive presure in the basement.I get smoke coming through the blocks in the basement. ...
  A: the old flue that had the hot water heater should have had a plate (closed off) on top put on? if ...
chase condensation12/19/2010
  Q: James I live in central Illinois and when we have snow on the ground and the night time temperature ...
  A: Welcome back Jason, the way the chase pan is sounds right but can not tell for sure with out seeing ...
chase condensation12/19/2010
  Q: James I live in central Illinois and when we have snow on the ground and the night time temperature ...
  A: two thoughts here, one do you heat with natural gas? if so have that looked at (ton of moisture) ...
converting to a double sided fireplace12/19/2010
  Q: I have an old house (1917) in Baltimore. Currently has a single fireplace facing the living room. ...
  A: stop by your local wood stove store and see what they have that will work for you maybe a direct ...
I'm having trouble lighting my gas fireplace. What type of controller does it need?12/18/2010
  Q: We moved into a new home with a propane fireplace, and I just managed to get the pilot light started ...
  A: do not play with it any more (you could blow up your house), contact your local wood stove store, ...
Porcelien Tiles Vestal Pedestal STove?12/16/2010
  Q: I am thinking of tiling under my Ben Franklin stove using porcelain tiles. Presently, I have a metal ...
  A: Welcome back Rob, as far as discoloring of the tile I think you would be ok, it is the clearance to ...
Porcelien Tiles Ben Franklin Stove?12/16/2010
  Q: I am thinking of tiling under my Ben Franklin stove using porcelain tiles. Presently, I have a metal ...
  A: it sounds like this is an insert not a stove (a stove has legs) the legs give a "clearance to ...
Is Hearth all brick or bricked frame?12/15/2010
  Q: Here is my question. I am installing a fireplace insert in my existing masonry fireplace/chimney. I ...
  A: Welcome back Steve, it sounds like you are one of the first people to have every ting right that I ...
Is Hearth all brick or bricked frame?12/15/2010
  Q: Here is my question. I am installing a fireplace insert in my existing masonry fireplace/chimney. I ...
  A: most times that is a Hearth Extension and the frame it and then pour cement over that frame and ...
316T stainless flex liner air space12/14/2010
  Q: I'd like to know what the clearance for air space is on an 8x12 (actual measurement)316T stainless ...
  A: you wil have to check with your local building department for that info (varies from town/city to ...
marco model 792774D12/14/2010
  Q: I do not have an owner's manual but the label on the fireplace itself says, "fireplace intended for ...
  A: Welcome back Tabitha, you wont get that much heat out of those ventless units. have you looked into ...
Elco Masonary Fireplace Operating Instructions12/12/2010
  Q: Mr. Bell, We just moved into our house and it has an Elco fire place. I'm looking for operating ...
  A: if you live in a condo/town house contact the board to contact every home owner to try to find one ...
replace triple wall pipe12/11/2010
  Q: I have a Preway energy miser fireplace, model B136 EM-IV. I need to replace the top section of the ...
  A: sorry to say but you might not find that pipe and you can not use a different pipe or fabricate a ...
refracteries on temco brand fireplace12/10/2010
  Q: my question is this: the refractories, the thin bricks placed on the metal panels inside the firebox ...
  A: Welcome back Michael, I would not try to "rig" this unit with any thing other than replacement ...
refracteries on temco brand fireplace12/10/2010
  Q: my question is this: the refractories, the thin bricks placed on the metal panels inside the firebox ...
  A: that panel also insulates the metal firebox and you should NOT USE it until they are replaced, ...
martin wood stove12/9/2010
  Q: I have a Martin Industries wood stove modle# CWH-30A ICBO NO 2314 WHAT I NEED TO KNOW DO I HAVE ...
  A: I do not know if Martin is still in business? you should follow the instruction in the manual (I do ...
help with my Marco fire place model # 792778-E12/8/2010
  Q: ........ bob ":)
  A: how are you, hope all is well. the lever might be fro fresh air intake, and leave the damper open ...
Superior Fireplace CF3860 Wax-like Smell12/8/2010
  Q: I have a Superior CF3860 Fireplace in my home. When we build a fire, we eventually get a wax-like ...
  A: if t his is a brand new unit it might just be burning off the oils on the metal if not then you may ...
Fireplace Type12/7/2010
  Q: I am trying to find out more information about my fireplace. It was set up with gas logs when I ...
  A: Brian, I would have a local Certified Chimney Sweep www.csia.org, (there you can look up by zip code ...
chimney insert12/5/2010
  Q: gas fireplace, I don't see a real brick chimney in the back of it all I see is a wooden frame and ...
  A: you need to follow the install instruction for that insert (and check local building department) and ...
chimney12/4/2010
  Q: i have a 12" chimney pipe Preway type 8A Y12536A or Y13526A (can't see it real clear) i cant tell ...
  A: welcome back Howard, lest start with is this a new install? or a repair? New, get new pipe ...
Refractory Panel Repair12/4/2010
  Q: I have a Majestic pre fab fireplace with a few cacks in the refractory panels. Can these cracks be ...
  A: you could try that cement but it will not hold up, if you can find the oem replacement panels that ...
Trim kit12/4/2010
  Q: I have a Superior HC3820 zero clearance wood burning fireplace that is 20 years old. The exterior ...
  A: I am not sure you can replace those piece's, you might be able to repaint them with high temp paint, ...
Advice for installing a fireplace insert12/4/2010
  Q: I'm replacing a Buck 27000 slammer with a new insert (sweep found flue liners cracked last year#. ...
  A: 1) yes you can use either insulation 2) furnace cement would not hold up, they make a kit for that ...
Oil to wood conversion12/3/2010
  Q: I currently have an oil furnace. I want to remove it and install a woodstove. Would I have to total ...
  A: they make wood boilers and furnaces I believe most people ad a wood stove to another chimney (or ...
Brick inserts (refractory panels)12/3/2010
  Q: we have a Superior RD4300 brick insert in our fireplace that broke & we had to take it out. What ...
  A: they make replacement panels if you can find them, (this is best) they also make aftermarket ...
gas fireplace12/3/2010
  Q: We have a gas fireplace and want to know if we can burn it with the flue closed. When the flue is ...
  A: most gas logs have a "stop" that keeps the damper open a bit (about an inch for safety) and must be ...
Gap between chimney and interier wall12/2/2010
  Q: I my house i have a fireplace that backs up against the interier wall in my garage. (so the front is ...
  A: Hell Rob, there should be a 2" gap from the brick to combustibles from the smoke chamber all the way ...
fireplace12/2/2010
  Q: I have a gas fireplace and i want to use it with out the gas is that possible. How do i no if my gas ...
  A: have some one who works on gas line (plumber, chimney sweep) then I would have a local Certified ...
my gas fireplace12/2/2010
  Q: i just bought an older house that has a thulman fireplace model l-42. the gas has been caped off to ...
  A: before using it you should have the logs and gas line removed and the hole repaired and I would have ...
chimney flue12/2/2010
  Q: I have been remodeling a house that was built in the 50's for just a short time, and there is a flue ...
  A: not sure if that brick fell or was put there so I would have a local Certified Chimney Sweep ...
Pre fab chimney placement ?12/2/2010
  Q: I have a pre fab selkirk chimney on the outside of my house . It is about 12 inches from the outside ...
  A: not sure what you have with out a picture or seeing it, but most Class "A" chimneys are only allowed ...
remote control12/1/2010
  Q: I have a Kozy Heat firplace made by Sundance. Remote control was made by Majco Industries. Trying to ...
  A: not sure what you have (I have never heard of this fireplace) I checked my one supplier for these ...
PROBLEM WITH FIREPLACE AFTER REMOVING WOODBURNER AND PUTTING IS VENT FREE GAS LOGS.12/1/2010
  Q: We purchased a home in 2003 at that time I had a new baby and this place had a buck wood burning ...
  A: not sure what you had or have now, if you have a driving rain it will come through the screen part ...
metal chimney parts11/30/2010
  Q: Where can I find parts for an old galvanized air cooled triple wall chimney?
  A: hard to say, you need to find out what type of triple wall pipe is it? you can not mix and match it ...
Uninstall a marco fireplace11/30/2010
  Q: I have a Marco model # 792778D wood fireplace and I want to remove it, but don't have the manual to ...
  A: they are built from the ground up so start at the top, remove the cap, flashing and pipe all the way ...
8" stove to 6" chimney11/29/2010
  Q: I have an airtight wood Earth Stove with an 8" chimney outlet. I have an existing 6" double wall ...
  A: by code NFPA you can not down size any solid flue. If you do it and you cause a fire or some one ...
smoke comming out of the heat blower11/29/2010
  Q: I bought a insert and ran double wall thru the roof... I get no smoke what so ever as long as i do ...
  A: Welcome back Tom, I would not repair a stove/insert with out the manufacturers instructions, manual, ...
smoke comming out of the heat blower11/29/2010
  Q: I bought a insert and ran double wall thru the roof... I get no smoke what so ever as long as i do ...
  A: sounds like there is a crack/gap in the firebox (this can be very dangers) did you contact the ...
Smoke circulating down second fule to bsmt fireplace11/29/2010
  Q: I have two fireplaces-main floor and bsmt level- they use same flue chase. When burning fire on main ...
  A: when you have 2 fireplaces the one you are using needs to draft, lets say 10 gallons of air per ...
Using ceramic (gas) logs with a gas starter pipe11/28/2010
  Q: I recently bought a used home that has a woodburning fireplace with a long gas starter pipe; clearly ...
  A: I would say you have to replace the "starter pipe" with gas logs completely the starter pipe is not ...
fireplaces11/28/2010
  Q: how to convert a tlc42-3 wood burning firebox to a wood burning insert?
  A: sounds like you have a Pre Fab fireplace and want to install an insert into that pre fab fireplace? ...
Wood stove/double flu chimney11/28/2010
  Q: We burn wood in a Vermont Castings Encore stove in our living room. It heats very well. However, we ...
  A: when you have 2 flues the one you are using needs to draft, lets say 10 gallons of air per minute, ...
insert/stove/fireplace?11/28/2010
  Q: I sure hope you can help answer some of our questions! We bought this house recently that was built ...
  A: Welcome back Brian, unless you can get every thing you need why would you get the Tempco? spare ...
wood burning fireplce11/27/2010
  Q: In September a tree fell on our metal stack the fireplace is a temcp model no tlc42-2 I am looking ...
  A: Tempco is out of business and trying to find part might be impossible you might have to replace the ...
Smoke leaking from elbow11/27/2010
  Q: I have a woodburning stove and just noticed last night when burning a fire that there is smoke ...
  A: when was the last time it was cleaned? the elbows are make to be adjustable so replacing them might ...
fireplace insert11/27/2010
  Q: I recently bought a house built in the 60's that has an Free Heat Machine fireplace insert ...
  A: not sure what you have but trying to find parts may not be easy and the insert might need to be ...
Chimney pipe11/27/2010
  Q: I would like to ad a wood stove in my basement to keep the house warmer and cut down on the electric ...
  A: the horizontal can be no longer than 75% of the vertical so the chimney would need to be 30' tall. ...
Smoke in house11/26/2010
  Q: We have a double sided fireplace (slump block) which we would love to use! However, lots of smoke ...
  A: Welcome back Wendy, when I say "open a door or window" it is only enough to ge the draft to go up in ...
Smoke in house11/26/2010
  Q: We have a double sided fireplace (slump block) which we would love to use! However, lots of smoke ...
  A: they are called "Exhausto Fans" and they work (not a big fan of) but learning to burn your ...
wood stove11/26/2010
  Q: More questions for you. From all my previous questions, a lot has changed. We have decided to buy ...
  A: Welcome back Jason, if you are relining a Masonry chimney that liner must be insulated (wrap or pour ...
insert/stove/fireplace?11/26/2010
  Q: I sure hope you can help answer some of our questions! We bought this house recently that was built ...
  A: not sure what you have but to start with I would have a local Certified Chimney Sweep www.csia.org, ...
fire places11/26/2010
  Q: I'm putting in a fireplace in my shop and I just wanted to know if I can put a 90 degree angel on ...
  A: not sure what you are putting in your shop, but I would say check with your local building ...
wood stove chimney11/24/2010
  Q: Is it possible to put a chimney in an already built home? We have a laundry shoot in the center of ...
  A: Welcome back Cheryl, an out side masonry chimney will be less efficient (several tons of cold ...
Close flue when fireplace is not in use to save energy11/24/2010
  Q: Ball, Can you please confirm for the benefit of my dependents about opening/closing the flue. I ...
  A: you are correct, when the fire is out you need to close the damper (a 2' x 3' fireplace opening will ...
subfloor or insulation below hearth11/24/2010
  Q: our outer hearth looks like poured concrete from below and its tiled on its working surface above. ...
  A: that wood should have been removed after construction and yes you can insulate it, I am just ...
wood stove chimney11/24/2010
  Q: Is it possible to put a chimney in an already built home? We have a laundry shoot in the center of ...
  A: yes you can in most cases it is easier to run the new chimney up the out side wall in a double all ...
increasing 1928 heatilator efficiency11/24/2010
  Q: Seattle, Washington: 1928 heatilator located near center of house with heated rooms all around, ...
  A: a lot of people install fans in the base vents to increase heated air flow and use the damper to ...
"tile" liner separating from inside of wood burning fireplace11/23/2010
  Q: We have an 8 yr old fireplace, wood burning, that is line on the inside with what appear to be tile ...
  A: there should be a bracket that holds the panels in on top, you can not repair them and they should ...
wall mount fireplace11/23/2010
  Q: I have a wood stove flue hole on my wall. Is it possible to install a rear vented fireplace that I ...
  A: if that is what the "fireplace" is rated and designed for, then yes if the chimney is safe, I have ...
Using a 7" to 6" reducer11/22/2010
  Q: I have a new wood stove with 7" flue opening whereas the previous wood stove was a 6". While the ...
  A: it sounds like you have a 7" stove collar and a 8" chimney flue and need to from 7 to 8 (do not down ...
Make up air in wood burning fireplace11/21/2010
  Q: About 10 yrs ago we had a fireplace, roughed in, with a double wall heatalator installed. The mason ...
  A: Hell KEvin, a "Heatolator" type firebox ia a metal fire box and it is designed to circulate heat up ...
How to fix our rock fireplace11/21/2010
  Q: I'm hoping you can help. We have just bought a place with a rock fireplace installed in the living ...
  A: not sure what you have there, but if you want to use Mortar that would fill the gap (Mason) or wood ...
Wood Stove Repair11/20/2010
  Q: My house has a free standing, pot-belly stove about 100 years old. (Actually I think it's a parlour ...
  A: I would not trust a 100 year old stove or a damaged stove in my home with my family. I am sure it is ...
Regency U31 Problem11/20/2010
  Q: During the close of escrow in on my hours the previous owners installed a Regency U31 natural gas ...
  A: not familiar with that unit but, if he is right then if you open a door or window then the flame ...
pre fab back panel replacement11/20/2010
  Q: We had a chimney company replace the back panel of our pre fab fireplace due to cracks. They ...
  A: those panels should be in 1 piece not 2? it was easier to install if you just cut it down the ...
Smoke upstairs11/20/2010
  Q: We had a 1970 gas fire when we moved into our 1930s house. We removed this and put in a fire grate ...
  A: it is called Negative Pressure, if 10 gallons of air are going up the chimney then it needs 10 ...
fireplace side assemblies11/19/2010
  Q: We have a fireplace from Martin Industries and need the fire brick side assembly. I noticed they ...
  A: you may never find them, but they do make replacement panels, I would have a local Certified Chimney ...
Backdraft11/19/2010
  Q: We have a double chimney.Sometimes when were burning the woodstove upstairs(ground level),we get ...
  A: they make a "top mount damper" that will have a cable that goes down the inside of the chimney for ...
stove pipe11/18/2010
  Q: I have 2 stoves,a wood stove and a coal stove that I connected with a tee stove pipe into the ...
  A: you can not put 2 solid fuel (wood or coal) appliances into the same flue. check with your local ...
gap in flue11/16/2010
  Q: I recently purchased a home with an older fireplace with a gap in the flue above the firebox. Is ...
  A: Welcome back Michele, that is a "prefab" and you can not use that cement on it, you can replace the ...
odors posssibly originating from unused fireplace11/15/2010
  Q: WE have a hundred year old home with a fireplace in the dining room. Periodically we have had an ...
  A: not sure what you have going on there but I would have a local Certified Chimney Sweep www.csia.org, ...
galvanised mild steel plate11/14/2010
  Q: previously had a gas fire place but now bought a wood burner. i need to get for my fire place a ...
  A: not sure what you are looking for? Your sweep gave you specifications? please let me know exactly ...
removing woodburning stove & sealing chimney hole11/14/2010
  Q: We had a wood burning stove on each of our 2 floors (basement & livingroom)sharing the same chimney. ...
  A: there should never have been 2 stoves in the same flue, I would have a local Certified Chimney Sweep ...
Martin Industries Inc.11/13/2010
  Q: I have a Martin Industries Model Number DBC36 fireplace. I still have the Installion, Operaton, ...
  A: sorry for the bad new but I believe they are out of business, some one might have bought them out ...
installing flue pipe11/12/2010
  Q: after replacing my 6 inch stove pipe the connection at the top of the stove is not sealing properly ...
  A: is the male end going into the stove as it should be? if so the crimp might be to small, if you can ...
Gas Insert in Brick-a-later11/11/2010
  Q: I have an existing brick-a-later fireplace and want have a gas insert installed. I want to change ...
  A: not sure what you have a Heatolator is a metal firebox in a masonry chimney and the vents allow the ...
chimney cleaning11/11/2010
  Q: My chimney was inspected and the sweep stated"there is no creosote buildup but the flue liner is ...
  A: they do make a few chemical's that will help (do a web search for ACS) DO NOT BURN IT OUT, we do a ...
About A Chimney Storm Collar11/10/2010
  Q: I have a three year old house. I found out that when they built it they never installed a storm ...
  A: stainless is best but galvanized is #2, if you have the galvanized use it and run a bead of ...
Fireplace11/10/2010
  Q: I have an ugly 1950's fireplace. It's gas. It sticks out from the wall: 5 inches above the mantle, ...
  A: 1st check with your local building department for what is required for Hearth Extension and ...
fireplace venting11/10/2010
  Q: I have a conentional fireplace with a glass door. When burning the fireplace requires that a window ...
  A: Welcome back Brian, they do not make "glass door that provides a perfect seal (like a wood stove ...
fireplace venting11/10/2010
  Q: I have a conentional fireplace with a glass door. When burning the fireplace requires that a window ...
  A: there was a time it was code to have the "make up air vents" in fireplaces but they fond it was not ...
Flue Caps11/10/2010
  Q: I recently purchased a home that has 3 tiled flues that go up the center of the home in a single ...
  A: before you close them off be sure nothing is venting into them (fireplaces you might do better with ...
WoodBurning Fireplace11/9/2010
  Q: We recently moved into our home. It is an older house with a wood burning fireplace. We use the ...
  A: nor sure if you have a PreFab fire box or a masonry with an ash dump door. if you can send me a ...
misc holes in fireplace11/8/2010
  Q: I have an older fireplace in a home jsut purchased. There are what appears to be venthilation holes ...
  A: Welcome back Brandi, what you have is called a Heatolator fireplace it is a metal firebox and the ...
i want to put a wood stove in my fireplace11/8/2010
  Q: Is it possible to hook a woodstove into a fireplace. The fireplace doesnt throw much heat. What ...
  A: you can put a hearth stove or insert into a masonry fireplace (not a PreFab) first you will need a ...
fireplace11/8/2010
  Q: I have a marco 792774d wood burning fireplace that I cannot find a starter collar for.Can a collar ...
  A: no you can not mix and match or fabricate, it must be OEM or made by a company for that unit ...
Woodburning Fireplace Blower is Vibrating11/7/2010
  Q: I have a Temco woodburning fireplace and have used it only a few times since having our home built. ...
  A: I believe Tempco is out of business, so just take a look and see if it moves by hand and then see ...
Fireplace replacement panels11/7/2010
  Q: I have a majestic wood burning fireplace insert. Model SRSC36, I am needing to replace the ...
  A: if you can find them they are not hard to do but they can be very hard to find. they do make after ...
top hat11/7/2010
  Q: what is a TOP HAT CAGE DOWN DRAFT PROTECTOR ???
  A: not sure what a "top hat cage draft protector" is, they do make "wind" down draft caps that help if ...
Removing a wood stove11/7/2010
  Q: We have a bit of an unusual situation. We have a wood stove in our living room that my Uncle put in ...
  A: i have a customer with the same problem, this is an Illegal install and very dangerous, first pull ...
wood burning insert11/6/2010
  Q: does the factory built wood burning fireplace have to be removed to put in a wood burning insert or ...
  A: both the prefab and insert have to be designed to be used with each other, you just can't slide any ...
Double sided wood burning fireplace11/5/2010
  Q: Can you tell me if it is possible to get a double sided wood burning stove in the United States? I ...
  A: not sure why they don't sell those here, and do in the UK. Might be that double sided fireplaces to ...
Martin "L" pipe11/5/2010
  Q: I'm looking for Martin "L" pipe wondering if you have any suggestions? I can't seem to find anyone ...
  A: there have been so many manufacturers that made dozens of units that are now gone, tracking down old ...
fireplace insert11/4/2010
  Q: Can you just have a short pipe that runs from the top of the of the insert to the flu instead of ...
  A: first you have to follow the owners manual for installation and your local building department, by ...
propane fireplace11/4/2010
  Q: I bought a new home that has a propane fireplace, i want to convert it to wood or pellet is there a ...
  A: that is a self contained unit and the pipes are for that unit, you can not just run a wood or pellet ...
creosote11/4/2010
  Q: its me again with more questions. You have already helped me with two other steps in installing my ...
  A: Welcome back Jason, ok lets look at the facts, your wood might not be as dry as you hopes (18-22% ...
air box forcinder block chimneys11/2/2010
  Q: I am told that an air box must be put in the wall from the out side in when installing a cinder ...
  A: not sure what you are asking about ( I am in NY/CT) but check with your local building department, ...
6" single wall flue pipe10/29/2010
  Q: I've been using a small Buck Stove for about 9 years and have a Magic Heat brand heat reclaimer ...
  A: yes you should use double wall "all flue" Class "A" on any out side run and all "black stove" pipe ...
zero clearance fireplace10/26/2010
  Q: i have a zero clearance fireplace that i need some help with. The bottom of the unit is filled with ...
  A: Welcome back Dan, yes I know we use that for fireplace repointing, what you are talking about might ...
relace/repair metal crown10/25/2010
  Q: My prefab fireplace (30yrs old) has a galvanized crown and rust is running down onto the vinyl ...
  A: Welcome back Rob, I just installed one a few weeks back (SS) not sure where the SS came from and I ...
stove10/25/2010
  Q: I have a Martin Industries wood stove modle no CWH-30A and I was wondering if I need fire brick to ...
  A: not sure how that stove works (there are literally hundreds of stove manufacturer, and models, can't ...
Light vs heavy wall liners10/24/2010
  Q: I was wondering what your opinion was on Installing light wall liners to wood stoves or wood burning ...
  A: all liners have crimped seams, but Ventinox, theirs is welded (I use ventinox and it comes with a ...
Heatilator damper10/24/2010
  Q: We purcahes a house that was built in the 1950,s It has a heatilator fireplace - no fan system. The ...
  A: most Heatilators are rusted shut or open, your might need to be tightened, I would have a local ...
smoke not venting without help10/24/2010
  Q: the chimney is not tall enough and has a4ft.steel extension with a fan amiss on it.without the fan ...
  A: not sure what you have going on there, a chimney must be tall enough for draft (In most case's the ...
zero clearance fireplace10/24/2010
  Q: i have a zero clearance fireplace that i need some help with. The bottom of the unit is filled with ...
  A: some ZCF used a mortar mix from the factory and they poured that on the floor of the fireplace then ...
chimney parts10/23/2010
  Q: I have a 5 yr old vexar (mod. Desta cd 36m-a-2, 26,ooo btu. I dropped the firplace down 9". what's ...
  A: I do not know where to find parts for that chimney (maybe where you bought it or your local wood ...
Fireplace insert hook up10/23/2010
  Q: We have a fireplace insert that does have legs to be freestanding. Is there a way to hook it up to ...
  A: no you can not, an insert is for use in a fireplace, not free standing, and can not be used use with ...
fireplace chimney10/23/2010
  Q: ..my metal stack or chimney from our fireplace insert is bent over from last years heavy ...
  A: yes this can be a very dangerous problem, the entire chimney/fireplace might need to be replaced, do ...
use old chimney10/15/2010
  Q: I am replacing my fireplace. My old Majestic fireplace used a double wall chimney (8" flue and a 13 ...
  A: unless Majestic makes a that adapter you are talking about then no you can not you must replace ...
dampers on wood burners10/14/2010
  Q: Mr. Ball, you were very helpful with a previous question I had about going through the wall thimble, ...
  A: welcome back Jason, it sounds like the one on the door lets air into the stove and the one in the ...
Repair or replace old fire brick liner in Schrader wood stove?10/14/2010
  Q: We recently bought a used Schrader wood stove, the model with the two fir trees stamped into the ...
  A: I would talk to your local wood stove store and see if they carry them, (you can try to remove them ...
What size chimney liner do I need?10/14/2010
  Q: I am going to have a chimney built for my wood burning heater. The opening in the back of the heater ...
  A: Welcome back Jackie, the heater will have the size recommendations in the owners manual, you might ...
What size chimney liner do I need?10/14/2010
  Q: I am going to have a chimney built for my wood burning heater. The opening in the back of the heater ...
  A: why build a masonry chimney? why not a Class "A" chimney in 6"? this is a double wall stainless ...
Air Cooled Chimney10/14/2010
  Q: James, I have a zero clearance fireplace that uses a double wall air cooled chimney. When the ...
  A: in most cases the Chase is not built correctly, it should be insulated as if it is part of the home, ...
chimney relining10/13/2010
  Q: I have a wood burning stove in my cottage. The tile lining in the chimney is cracked. I removed the ...
  A: you removed the old liner? I would have some one video scan it and while I have never used the ...
wood burning stove10/12/2010
  Q: I bought the house next door (at auction) and the only redeming thing was the wood burning ...
  A: not sure what you have and I looked but could not find info on that stove either, and with out an ...
wood stove is leaking cherosene10/11/2010
  Q: I recently moved into an old house with a Vermont casting and had the chimney swept before starting ...
  A: all solid flue (wood stoves) should have the male end of the pipe pointing down tot he stove to run ...
fireplaces10/11/2010
  Q: ok, we have a 1920's old mansion, three fireplaces originally wood burning, converted to gas.There ...
  A: I have some one that works on Gas Logs look at them to be sure they are working properly (check you ...
country comfort #cc81510/10/2010
  Q: I have this stove (used). There is a plate on top sloped down to the front and a ? 3 inch channel ...
  A: ello Jeff, with out the owners manual there would be now way to tell (may have been a re burning or ...
Repairing a hole in my fireplace10/9/2010
  Q: I have an old metal (cast iron) fireplace that has not been used for years due to the fact that ...
  A: not sure what you have but I would not use it unless it is working 100%, I would have a local ...
Sealing an unused chimney10/9/2010
  Q: I live in a cold weather climate. I have a chimney that needs repointed and do not currently use. ...
  A: not sure if they share the same flue if not you could seal off the top of that chimney, I would have ...
dual Fuel Chimney10/7/2010
  Q: I own an older house with a chimney in the center. It's not lined, and currently not in good shape. ...
  A: contact your local building department and see if they will let you and I would have a local ...
chimney draft10/7/2010
  Q: I recently bought a used woodstove,It has a 7inch round chimney pipe coming out of the back. I need ...
  A: yes it should work fine, check with your local building department and I would have a local ...
Insert only sends smoke through the door.10/5/2010
  Q: We bought a house this spring that has a woodburning fireplace insert. We swept the chimney and ...
  A: not sure what is going on there, most units have an internal damper is it open? try moving the rods ...
terracotta thimble detail10/4/2010
  Q: Is it ok to run my single wall black stove pipe through the terracotta thimble? The thimble is ...
  A: if this is a boiler/furnace or hot water heater you can use "furnace cement" if this is a wood stove ...
Fire brick inserts10/4/2010
  Q: I have a fireplace inset, wood burning. The prefab firebrick walls are beginning to crumble. I can ...
  A: if I understand you correctly, the fire brick in your insert has deteriorated and you want to ...
height of hearth etc10/4/2010
  Q: We have just made a fireplace and have just had our first woodburning log fire. The chimney has been ...
  A: first if this is a brand new fireplace or rebuilt then it might not have been made to your towns ...
Flue heigths10/3/2010
  Q: I have two questions. My 1st question is that I have 2 flue's that I am replacing. One flue will ...
  A: 1st, one being higher would help with more of a negative pressure than "back drafting". 2nd Not ...
ash build up10/3/2010
  Q: I have a regency R-90 wood burning insert that I have used for two winter. The other day I was ...
  A: is this insert lined all the way to the top of the chimney? is it insulated?, if not do that. also ...
Catalytic Combustor Alloy10/2/2010
  Q: I have a metal based (not ceramic) catalytic combustor in my stove. Which alloy would have been ...
  A: not sure what yours is made of, did you read the owners manual? there are hundreds of stoves and ...
chimney repair10/1/2010
  Q: I have to raise a chimney six feet using an 8 inch flue. how many brick will i need for this.
  A: I would say measure down 6 feet, then see how many brick layers are in those 6 feet (or 1 foot then ...
Dual Flue single fireplace9/29/2010
  Q: I recently purchased a house and in the living room is a fireplace. I would like to use the ...
  A: if the 2 flues are for just one fireplace then maybe, I have seen this a few times and have seen ...
Woodstove flu damper placement9/29/2010
  Q: I have a Fisher woodburning stove with a top mounted vent. The pipe, 6", is vertical for 34" and ...
  A: I would say follow the owners manual, with out it I would not add a damper to the pipe. You might ...
Preway fireplace B36-Type C9/29/2010
  Q: We have the Preway as a wood burning fireplace, but wish to convert to gas logs. Do the specs for ...
  A: with out the owners manual I would not do it (I checked the National Chimney Sweep Guild web page ...
chimmney9/28/2010
  Q: hey james; i have bought a pre-fab firepplace insert.my questioun is can i place this in my old ...
  A: not sure what you have you should find and read the owners manual and contact your local building ...
Reducing Chimney Pipe9/26/2010
  Q: We have an 8in chimney pipe and would like to know if we can reduce the chimney pipe out of the ...
  A: not sure why you need to or want to reduce the pipe? all chimneys are sized to the unit they ...
Installing a Country Comfort CC300 fireplace insert9/26/2010
  Q: I got a Country Comfort CC300 fireplace insert that I would like to install in my fireplace. My ...
  A: not sure what you have or if that stove will fit work in that chimney correctly do you have the ...
Installing a flexible chimney liner9/25/2010
  Q: The terra cotta flue tiles in my chimney are cracked, and I'm considering installing a flexible ...
  A: 1st check with your local building department, do not down size the pipe, they make a nose cone to ...
wood stove pipe9/25/2010
  Q: I have a clayton wood add on furnace and am hooking up the pipe to the chimney but what do I need to ...
  A: first follow all instructions that came with the stove and the owners manual, then check with your ...
spark arrestor and 4' long cylindrical tin9/24/2010
  Q: I was wondering if it is easy to fix this problem. The spark arrestor and a 4' tall (tube?) fell off ...
  A: it looks like a Prefab chimney and cap, and if so it must be replaced with the exact same pipe, some ...
Chimney replacement9/22/2010
  Q: We need to replace a wood burning fire box that has a 27 foot chimney consisting of a pipe within a ...
  A: it sounds like you have a "Pre Fab" fireplace and system if so then the whole system (pipe and ...
wood fireplace vent9/14/2010
  Q: I have a older home with a fireplace which extends wall to wall. I have a window nearby which I ...
  A: you should only need to open the window "venting" to get the fire started after it is going you ...
efforescence on chimney9/14/2010
  Q: chimney was rebuilt 5 years ago. There is efflorescence on the outside and the plaster will not ...
  A: this sounds like a water problem wither out side rain/snow or maybe from a blocked or over sized GAS ...
Fireplace remodel9/14/2010
  Q: I want to make my fireplace look better than it currently does. It is a wood burning fireplace, not ...
  A: lets start with changing the wall, contact you local building department for what is required in ...
DAMPER REPLACEMENT PARTS9/13/2010
  Q: Know that other fireplace manufacturer sizes/ configuration similar to old Martin fireplaces (also ...
  A: they do make top mount dampers that fit tot the top of a chimney flue with a cable that runs down ...
outdoor fireplace placement9/11/2010
  Q: Is there a certain direction that an outdoor fireplace should face for optimum "performance"?...How ...
  A: I would start with your local building department for what is required in your area (size of opening ...
double sided fireplace9/3/2010
  Q: 6 yers ago we had a fireplace constructed in our addition that is double sided...except when we had ...
  A: it sounds like you might have a negative pressure issue, set up a small fire, 2-4 sticks and 2 ...
Fire brick for propane forge9/3/2010
  Q: I have these hard fire bricks with the initials F J D on them. Do you know what that means, if ...
  A: not sure what those bricks are (there are literally thousands of bricks make over the years by ...
Double sided firplace nothing but trouble9/3/2010
  Q: This home was built in 1976, it has a large arched double sided brick wood burning fireplace that ...
  A: Welcome back Tricia, in most cases the "face brick" is just that a cosmetic brick face but with out ...
How to build a hearth9/3/2010
  Q: I removed the decorative gas log kiva fireplace in a corner of my living room. I have a pile of ...
  A: start with the stove that will tell you how big the "stone wall and Hearth" needs to be. as far as ...
refacing a 1970's fireplace9/2/2010
  Q: I would like to cover my fireplace with slate. The fireplace is all brick (built in 1978), and goes ...
  A: first I would have a Certified Sweep (CSIA.ORG) take a first hand look and then yes you can use ...
stove exhaust9/2/2010
  Q: got a 6" d-wall stainless from roof top to basement.(20'+-) putting in a stove with 8" exhaust. ...
  A: Welcome back Ed, no you can not down size solid fuel and you want to go down 2 collar sized (6 to 8) ...
Double sided firplace nothing but trouble9/2/2010
  Q: This home was built in 1976, it has a large arched double sided brick wood burning fireplace that ...
  A: Double sided fireplaces look great and if they worked would be great....but. first I would have a ...
Out door fireplace9/1/2010
  Q: I just finshed an out door fire place. It is completely encased in field stone. The fire box is ...
  A: not sure what.....with an 8x12x8 stack in the back of the box......is but what I would suggest is to ...
stove exhaust9/1/2010
  Q: got a 6" d-wall stainless from roof top to basement.(20'+-) putting in a stove with 8" exhaust. ...
  A: you can not down size a solid fuel smoke pipe. If you make this "water storage tank" it will remove ...
Replacing firebox insert8/31/2010
  Q: I want to replace my existing fire box with a new one. The people selling me the new firebox are ...
  A: it sounds like you are replacing a Pre Fab fireplace if so then yes you have to use the pipe that is ...
chimney liners8/30/2010
  Q: James, Thank you for volunteering to answer my question. I have a fireplace with an insert in my ...
  A: a re lining can be very easy or very hard. 1st you should remove the insert and clean the flue (we ...
moving a heatilator8/30/2010
  Q: We are renovating our house and want to move the heatilator brand fireplace from one area and put it ...
  A: Welcome back Tina, yes a direct vent is much easier, visit your local wood stove store and see what ...
moving a heatilator8/29/2010
  Q: We are renovating our house and want to move the heatilator brand fireplace from one area and put it ...
  A: Welcome Tina, I would say to not reuse the old pipe or try to more it, this would weaken the pipe ...
crumbling brick firebox8/26/2010
  Q: The brick firebox of my old Victorian fireplace (built approx. 1890) is crumbling very badly every ...
  A: not sure what is going on in your chimney, but have you sweep take a good look (maybe a video scan) ...
gas fireplace and soot8/17/2010
  Q: I have a ventless majestic gas fireplace. This is not my first. We have a gas well on the ...
  A: I do not have that much experience with Vent free any thing and I am not a big fan. are you sure you ...
Martin Industries Pipe8/9/2010
  Q: We have a manufactured fireplace on main floor and want to pull it out and put a wood stove in ...
  A: I would say re move all the pipe and fireplace, then install a pipe recommended and rated for you ...
smoke in house7/30/2010
  Q: every time i open the door to my wood heater smoke comes out into the house how do i stop this? the ...
  A: this is a common problem called Negative Pressure, your house is not air tight the hot air in you ...
chimney/venting for gas fireplace7/30/2010
  Q: My question is, there is some piping available on a website that I am interested in buying to ...
  A: not sure what you are asking me, but if you have a gas fireplace and it needs a pipe (to make the ...
Is chimney cap really needed for oil burner7/24/2010
  Q: I use oil burner to heat my house. One chimney cleaner insisted it will be illegal in New York City ...
  A: Hero Brian, I live and work in West Chester county and south west CT. and there are no laws out here ...
Water at base of chimney7/23/2010
  Q: I have 34 yr old ranch home in Madison, WI with a wood fireplace on the main floor. The base of the ...
  A: could this be ground water? 6" is a lot of rain and if the ground is soaked it will come into the ...
Fire pit lava rocks7/19/2010
  Q: I have an outdoor fire pit that was filled with lava rocks. When I turn on the gas the rock pop out ...
  A: maybe the rocks get wet every time it rains or from the moisture in the air (dew) over night? where ...
excedingly hot wall over gas fireplace7/19/2010
  Q: While burning our new Napoleon direct vent gas fireplace for the first time I expected two things, ...
  A: I would contact Napoleon directly and ask them these questions, if you have a point thermometer or ...
smoky fire place7/19/2010
  Q: We live in Bolivia, South America. We have a brick fireplace with slate rock on top of the chimney. ...
  A: Beverly I am sorry but I have no Idea what you need to make a fireplace in your area to work or what ...
smoky fire place7/19/2010
  Q: We live in Bolivia, South America. We have a brick fireplace with slate rock on top of the chimney. ...
  A: Welcome back Beverly, I understand you need a formula but that changes from town to town, country to ...
smoky fire place7/18/2010
  Q: We live in Bolivia, South America. We have a brick fireplace with slate rock on top of the chimney. ...
  A: not sure what the building code in in SA, but start with the building department, and a local mason, ...
insulating a masonry chimney7/17/2010
  Q: I bought a house with a masonry chimney that forms the northwest corner of my 2 story house, from ...
  A: you have to check with your local building department most building code for this is 2" to ...
Poor drafting7/17/2010
  Q: The fireplace in our home has an annoying amount of smoke that lufts out of the firebox during all ...
  A: first find out what the problem is, open 2 windows in the room with the fireplace and light a piece ...
Fire Box Mortar7/16/2010
  Q: I have an outdoor fireplace, approximately 10 years old. I live near the ocean. The firebox mortar ...
  A: they might not have used the correct mortar to begin with and it should have very thin mortar lines, ...
side extension and moving a fireplace7/13/2010
  Q: i am moving to a property which has the potential to extend to the side, something i'd like to do ...
  A: re building/moving a masonry fireplace/chimney can be very expensive, but you could take the chimney ...
Leaking chimney7/12/2010
  Q: I purchased my contemporary home in 1986. It has a square 4 flue chimney. About 5 years after I ...
  A: hard to tell with out looking at the chimney/flashing/crown, I do not think it is coming through the ...
Marco model 7928627/9/2010
  Q: Do you know where I can pick up a new spring assembly/tensioner for the flue assembly? I pulled the ...
  A: Macro is out of business as far as I know, I looked on the National Chimney Sweep Guild's web site ...
1920's kitchen ventilation7/8/2010
  Q: I have a 1926 house. In the kitchen is a vent above the stove area. The vent is a simple rectangle ...
  A: not sure what you have there but a kitchen exhaust fan will over time build up with grease (could be ...
Fireplace flu troubles7/1/2010
  Q: When we bought this house 5 years ago from a French couple that were going home to the old country ...
  A: Welcome back Kirk, I am glad you found the CSIA web page informative, they work real hard to make it ...
Fireplace flu troubles7/1/2010
  Q: When we bought this house 5 years ago from a French couple that were going home to the old country ...
  A: not sure what you had happen it might have been a chimney fire? you say you "can not afford a major ...
chimney drip6/29/2010
  Q: I hear a drip in/around the fireplace - a drip on metal. I have no evidence of water damage. I have ...
  A: hard to tell, is this a metal chimney (prefab) or masonry (also has a metal damper) or it could ...
Fireplace/Chimney restoration6/21/2010
  Q: I have a 100 year old house with an oil burner and fireplace connecting to one Chimney. Have only ...
  A: not sure what you had done, or who did it. but you should always get a few estimates on work this ...
extending Rotary-Style Control for damper6/21/2010
  Q: I have a masonry fireplace with an all brick front. The fireplace has a damper that is connected to ...
  A: you have a few options, the rod usually pulls straight out the front after you loosen the screw on ...
propane soot buildup on walls6/15/2010
  Q: What should I do to clean that buildup and how do i fix it so it doesn't happeen again? ANSWER: ...
  A: Welcome back Dennis, sorry didn't know, you might be able to wipe it off with Fantastic,409, scuff ...
chimney6/9/2010
  Q: House chimney 45 years old, flue tiles cracked, some actually moved a little. Builder friend says ...
  A: I would not do that in my house and when they do a chimney restoration they use a much lighter ...
Majestic Woodburning Fireplace from 19866/8/2010
  Q: I am looking to order new doors for a woodburning fireplace purchased and installed in 1986. I have ...
  A: Majestic is out of business and has been for a while. some companies make replacement doors but they ...
No Cap and Water6/8/2010
  Q: If the flute was left open and we do not have a cap on the chimney will water pour in? If it does ...
  A: yes if you do not have a cap in the chimney and the Damper is left open (or closed) water will and ...
Liners and Wood Stove inserts6/7/2010
  Q: I have a 30 Year old fireplace with a metal firebox and venting that convects around that and ...
  A: all solid fuel appliance's (wood stoves) much be piped to the fires flue tile and if lined also ...
Fireplace cleaning5/31/2010
  Q: I HAVE A 85%GAS EFFICIENT FIRE PLACE. I HAD A WHITE RESIDUE ON THE FIRE WALL I CLEANED IT THE BEST I ...
  A: sounds like you are getting water in the chimney, check for missing mortar and fill it and seal all ...
Chimney & Vinyl Siding5/29/2010
  Q: A year and a half ago I built a block chimney onto the exterior brick wall of my home. The chimney ...
  A: You may need to run metal channel instead of wood or vinyl. James Mike I am sorry you feel I did ...
how to check chimney for rodents5/25/2010
  Q: we moved into a town home last year with a gas fireplace and found some droppings on top of the ...
  A: Welcome back Cheryl, you could start opening up the wall around the fireplace, not sure you will ...
how to check chimney for rodents5/25/2010
  Q: we moved into a town home last year with a gas fireplace and found some droppings on top of the ...
  A: they might be getting in from out side set up a trap out side the the out side vent (and any other ...
Temco TCH 41255/18/2010
  Q: 7 years after the installation we found out the flue was installed incorrectly and is now damaged. ...
  A: I believe that Tempco is out of business and parts are almost non existent. I would say to contact ...
chimney extension5/13/2010
  Q: Sold our house. Just needed Wett cert. for new owner. We need 3' extension on our chimney.We are ...
  A: these pipes have a 25 year life span ish, also some older pipes and companies have gone out of ...
Chimney Liner5/12/2010
  Q: I am having a high efficiency AC and Heater installed and vented outside. My understanding is that a ...
  A: what you are talking about is called "Orphaning the hot water heater" and in most cases it must be ...
installation of double lined stove pipe, It was "professionally" installed and I have leaking black ooze running down my pipe5/9/2010
  Q: A double lined asbestos pipe was installed to my Hurricane woodburning stove a year ago. I have done ...
  A: first I would have the Asbestos pipe removed by a professional asbestos remover. then a good Class ...
Adding a Fireplace5/6/2010
  Q: I am buying a home built in 1953 and there is a chimney used to heat the place. The home has been ...
  A: a fireplace needs a footing you might be able to do a wood stove into that un used flue or a direct ...
Heatilator4/29/2010
  Q: I am purchasing a home that has a heatilator built into the old wood burning fireplace, it is a nice ...
  A: not sure what you have or if it is working properly, I would have a local Certified Chimney Sweep ...
wood stove placement4/21/2010
  Q: We are about to build an 18x18 addition onto our home. We have purchased a Vermont Castings Intrepid ...
  A: not sure I understand where you want to install this stove in the room ("L"), start by taking the ...
Conversion of one-sided fireplace4/19/2010
  Q: I recently bought a ranch home with a one-sided fireplace (gas starter) on the main floor (faces the ...
  A: I would check with your local building department and an engineer. I am not a big fan of "vent less" ...
chimney crack4/19/2010
  Q: we live here in southern california, I see crack on my chimney from bottom to all the way top, we ...
  A: I don't know if it will get any worse but I am sure it wont get any better and you want to do ...
existing wood burning fireplace4/4/2010
  Q: We have an old home,( BUILT IN 1953) with an old fireplace, a family room was added in 1960 behind ...
  A: you would need to contact your local building department, a mason and possibly an engineer to see if ...
White cotton-like mold?3/31/2010
  Q: We live in the Pacific Northwest and have a concrete brick fireplace (circa 1953). We had water ...
  A: that sounds like it is lime leaching out of the brick and mortar, I would have a local Certified ...
wood stove3/30/2010
  Q: i live in semidetached house with avarage "fireplace" in sitting room which has no purpose..except ...
  A: you would have to contact your local building department for what is required in your town/city. ...
outdoor fireplace into into indoor fireplace3/29/2010
  Q: I have two questions. I'm attaching an image of an outdoor fireplace. I was wondering if it was ...
  A: I would say check with the manufacturer of the out door fireplace to see if it can be installed ...
two flues3/26/2010
  Q: I have two flues going up the chimney. When I burn in one without the other smoke goes out the hot ...
  A: what you are describing is called negative pressure, if 10 gallons of air goes up one chimney it ...
heatilater3/26/2010
  Q: The sweeper informed me that it may not pass inspection due to the heatilater.Apparently when the ...
  A: Welcome back Cindy, if the damper opens then they should have gotten a hose up behind the damper to ...
heatilater3/25/2010
  Q: The sweeper informed me that it may not pass inspection due to the heatilater.Apparently when the ...
  A: after cleaning the sweep should have vacuumed the "shelf" behind the damper. all that he cleaned ...
fireplace smoke shelf3/24/2010
  Q: My contractor is building me an outdoor screened in area with an indoor and outdoor fireplace/ ...
  A: sounds like a great set up (I am not a big fan of cooking in fireplaces, be sure to have it checked ...
leaking masonry fireplace3/24/2010
  Q: This winter has been a wet one. We have a metal cap on the fireplace. Damper is closed. Gas logs ...
  A: do not "cap off the chimney", the gas logs must be vented,I would have a local Certified Chimney ...
fireplace insert knowing if flue is open or closed?3/23/2010
  Q: We are in a house built in 1980 with an older model fireplace insert. It has a vent in the door and ...
  A: if you live in a condo the other units might have a manual, also the certified sweep might be able ...
Zero Clearance Fire Place Smoking in house3/22/2010
  Q: We have a zero clearance fireplace. The house %26 fireplace is just over 3 years old. It has ...
  A: try opening a few windows in that room (if you can also close off that room with a door or plastic ...
Elco Fireplace3/22/2010
  Q: We have an Elco fireplace insert and need to remove the outside frame as the hearth has cracked and ...
  A: the whole insert has to come out, unless you have the owners manual that might tell you if it comes ...
Small Fireplace3/22/2010
  Q: Recently bought a house and found that the previous owner had covered up the brick wall, which I ...
  A: it might be a "dutch oven" do not use either until you have a local Certified Chimney Sweep ...
fireplace insert knowing if flue is open or closed?3/21/2010
  Q: We are in a house built in 1980 with an older model fireplace insert. It has a vent in the door and ...
  A: can you find the owners manual? can you find a model # I might be able to, as far as what is ...
chimney crown cover3/21/2010
  Q: My fireplace chimney is about 10'Lx4'Wx3'H,that comes thru roofline in center of house.It is a ...
  A: it sounds like you have a "flag stove cap" that will need to be removed then install your "cover", ...
Chimney Removed3/19/2010
  Q: I originally had an oil furnace in my basement. The chimney always dripped, the pipe kept rusting, ...
  A: it sounds like you are ok with removing your chimney (if that was the only use for the furnace) and ...
can't find blowers3/16/2010
  Q: I have an 20 year old never finished house that we are finishing with a chimney made of brick and ...
  A: the blowers you should be able to get from a local wood stove store, and the brick/mortar from a ...
Direct-vent fireplace chemical smell, not gas3/14/2010
  Q: We just had a direct-vent gas fireplace installed in a family room addition. It was professionally ...
  A: not sure why it smells, did you have some one else out to look at it and smell it? my Natural gas ...
small gap on the top of the wood stove3/14/2010
  Q: I have a Northern Tool small box stand alone wood burning stove. I noticed a small gap in the ...
  A: not sure what you have going on there but I would have a local Certified Chimney Sweep www.csia.org, ...
cleaning fireplace glass3/13/2010
  Q: I have a Majestic gas fireplace and can not figure out how to get to the backside of the glass to ...
  A: Majestic is out of business but you might try your local wood stove store. the glass does come off ...
chimney3/13/2010
  Q: We are looking at an 80 year old house that has 1ft x 1ft opening at the chimney base in the ...
  A: not sure what you have there, are there ashes in it? you can usually find a replacement door at your ...
18th century fireplaces3/12/2010
  Q: I am selling a home built in 1770. I believe the original chimney is intact and works fine. My ...
  A: a "Chimney in good condition" is a very broad term as far as "code" check your local building ...
Cinder block chimney repair3/11/2010
  Q: I have a cider block chimney, approx 18 yrs old, last year I noticed that the block was starting to ...
  A: you may want to contact a local mason and check with your local building department and I would have ...
log burner /smell3/11/2010
  Q: My log/multi fuel burner and chimney will be 2 years old in April 2010 I have used logs and solid ...
  A: did you check to see if it needs a cleaning? and talk to the manufacturer? I would have a local ...
natural gas fireplace3/11/2010
  Q: my house is 14 years old and only this year there seems to be a fume smell when I burn my fireplace. ...
  A: not sure what you have there so I would have a local Certified Chimney Sweep www.csia.org, (there ...
TemTex ventless insert3/4/2010
  Q: Have had this insert about 8 -10 years,however this year I keep smelling an odor when in use. I have ...
  A: is the odor you are smelling propane? if so do not use it until it is checked by some one familiar ...
crumbling brick3/4/2010
  Q: Ball - The brick on the outside of my chimney is randomly crumbling and falling out of place in the ...
  A: it sounds like the bricks are "spalling" in most cases the bricks soak up water and then the freeze ...
Temco Fireplace Manual3/2/2010
  Q: I would like to find a manual for a Temco Fireplace Model TLC 36-3MRE wood burning. I can not seem ...
  A: Welcome back Alice, as far as using a different manual I would say it wont work for use or ...
wood burning insert.3/1/2010
  Q: I have decided to purchase a new wood burning insert this spring and install in my current masonry ...
  A: most liners can be ovalized to fit through the damper or you can cut the area where the liner will ...
flue size3/1/2010
  Q: I have a US wood stove INC wood/coal stove. my metal flue in the house is 6 inch as required. This ...
  A: Welcome back Leo, an ash trap allows build up to fall below the horizontal of the flue thus not ...
partially-closed flue for vented gas fireplace?2/28/2010
  Q: I have two vented gas fireplaces which were installed to my home in 2007. They were installed to ...
  A: read your owners manual for the logs (or contact the manufacturer) most gas logs come with a "clamp ...
flue size2/28/2010
  Q: I have a US wood stove INC wood/coal stove. my metal flue in the house is 6 inch as required. This ...
  A: I would have a local Certified Chimney Sweep (www.csia.org, there you can look up by zip code to ...
circa 1952 Heatilator metal fireplace repairs2/27/2010
  Q: My house was built in 1952. The fire place unit that was installed is a Heatilator metal ...
  A: most people just install a new top mount damper or remove the old metal box and rebuild the firebox ...
chimney tile repair2/27/2010
  Q: How do you fix a broken chimney tile?
  A: you must remove all the old tile and then set new tile from above (tile must be installed ahead of ...
Temco Fireplace Manual2/25/2010
  Q: I would like to find a manual for a Temco Fireplace Model TLC 36-3MRE wood burning. I can not seem ...
  A: I am sorry but I looked on the National Chimney Sweep Guild web site (over 300 manuals) but yours in ...
brick chimmney2/24/2010
  Q: I'm pretty sure that the brick chimney is leaking. I see gaps in the cement . My question is... ...
  A: not sure how bad your "gaps" are but if you do not remove all the old brittle cement the new ...
Firebow Panels2/24/2010
  Q: I was told the panels for my pre-fab fireplace system are no longer available. The chimney ...
  A: when parts are not longer available for a fireplace like yours then you either use after market ...
Locating a replacement cap2/23/2010
  Q: Do you happen to know where I could purchase a replacement termination cap for my Martin brand Model ...
  A: I would have a local Certified Chimney Sweep www.csia.org, (there you can look up by zip code to ...
Shrader wood stove clearance2/22/2010
  Q: We have a Shrader wood stove... I was wondering if there is a way I can tell the manufacturer's ...
  A: if they require 18" you must give them 18" (unless you have the original owners manual that states ...
fireplace glass, plus lung protection2/21/2010
  Q: We have a fireplace insert with a glass window. (The fireplace box is small, because nothing bigger ...
  A: yes there is a way to keep the glass from sooting up it is air, most stove/inserts are built so that ...
Wood burning stove smoke shelf2/20/2010
  Q: Can I remove the smoke shelf permanently? There is no way to get to it to keep it free of creosote ...
  A: you do not state what kind of stove you have and there are literally hundreds, contact the ...
chimney flue to close2/19/2010
  Q: i am selling my house and a potential buyers inspector notice the flue was touching the framing ...
  A: Welcome back JAck an elbow is the weakest part of that system I would say minimum 2" more that 2" at ...
chimney flue to close2/19/2010
  Q: i am selling my house and a potential buyers inspector notice the flue was touching the framing ...
  A: yes the insulation and b some how you have to get that 2" to combustibles every where around that ...
chimney sweep CLR2/18/2010
  Q: The sweeps just left and did a good job as far as I can see. I was having a lot of smoke in the ...
  A: if you have 3rd stage creosote then yes you need to treat it with any 3rd stage creosote chemical ...
wood burning stoves2/18/2010
  Q: I am in the process of installing a wood burning stove. I removed my inefficient fireplace insert ...
  A: I used CAPS so you can read my answers easily IT SOUNDS LIKE YOU REMOVED A PREFAB FIREPLACE AND ...
cleaning a 3 sided fireplace glass2/16/2010
  Q: Help... I have a gas 3-sided fireplace that has never been opened for cleaning. The glass is dusty ...
  A: if they are fixed you might not be able to open them I would have a local Certified Chimney Sweep ...
1975 zero clearance insert REPLACEMENT2/15/2010
  Q: i HAVE A 1975 ZERO CLEARANCE INSERT THAT NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. I AM NOT SURE OF THE MANUFACTURER?, ...
  A: that insert is over 30 years old and unless it is in good working order I would say remove and ...
fireplace parts2/15/2010
  Q: WHERE CAN I BUY FIREPLACE CONSTRUCTION PRODUCTS? I NEED A HEATFORM TYPE FIRE BOX ,FANS ,& GRILLS
  A: Edward, I believe they are out of business, they are not listed on the National Chimney Sweep ...
1 sided reno to 2 sided2/14/2010
  Q: We have a huge fireplace in out kitchen and would like to open up the other side to the living ...
  A: fireplace's are sized to the flue, if you double the sides and not the flue size it would not work, ...
Fireplace - Chimney Fire2/12/2010
  Q: Last weekend I had a chimney fire. The fire lasted 1 to 2 minutes before I was able to extinguish ...
  A: Welcome back Bob, from the picture you sent it looks like the pipe is buckled and warped, if so this ...
ELCO Fireplace Insert GLASS2/12/2010
  Q: In 1989 when we built our home we installed an ELCO Fireplace Insert. Recently the glass in one of ...
  A: Yes Tony I do have a superior knowledge base , the National Chimney Sweep Guild manual library and ...
Direct Vent Fireplace2/12/2010
  Q: James, I own a small chimney company but I have a problem with a direct vent that I have not run ...
  A: the only experience I have with direct vent units is my own natural gas DV stove, not sure if your ...
fireplace doors2/11/2010
  Q: I have a wood burning fireplace that does not have an insert. I was wondering if it is possible to ...
  A: Welcome back Wendy, if you have a masonry fireplace and not a Prefab then you can mount masonry ...
smoky2/11/2010
  Q: Why is my fireplace putting smoke into my home? The flue is open
  A: it is called a damper that is "open" is this some thing new? What could be happening is you are ...
Smoke in basement fireplace2/10/2010
  Q: I built a home in 09 with a wood burning masonry fireplace in the basement and one on the first ...
  A: the whole chimney has to be rebuilt....just kidding, this is a very common problem, it is called ...
Integrity of Firebox Walls2/9/2010
  Q: I have a fireplace insert with faux brick walls which appear to be made of an asbestos like ...
  A: Welcome back Scott, is this a wood stove insert or a prefab fireplace? if it is an insert wood ...
increased chimney safety2/9/2010
  Q: Sir, I am in the process of building a new home. I have planned a gas fireplace inside and a wood ...
  A: it sounds like your are installing two Prefab fireplace's and chimneys, all you have to do is ...
Fireplace Insert Noise2/9/2010
  Q: I recently built a new home and installed a 42" wood burning insert with double wall 8" chimney flu. ...
  A: you could have had a small chimney fire and it might have buckled the pipe, by over heating it, if ...
Integrity of Firebox Walls2/9/2010
  Q: I have a fireplace insert with faux brick walls which appear to be made of an asbestos like ...
  A: do you have the manual and if so contact the manufacture about replacement bricks, the owners manual ...
smoke in house2/8/2010
  Q: James, We just built a new home in '08 with a pair of stainless flues rising through the roof. Both ...
  A: did you try to put a slight bend on the brush/rod and give it a turn at the bend? if you can make ...
fireplace doors2/8/2010
  Q: I have a wood burning fireplace that does not have an insert. I was wondering if it is possible to ...
  A: it sounds like you have a prefab fireplace, and if so you can only use doors made for that unit (I ...
ice in chimney2/6/2010
  Q: I have a 16"x16"x8"concrete block chimney,with 8"x8"flues.The chimney is exterior,three feet above ...
  A: can you not use the stove for a few days and cover the top with a tarp when you know rain is coming? ...
Fireplace - Chimney Fire2/5/2010
  Q: Last weekend I had a chimney fire. The fire lasted 1 to 2 minutes before I was able to extinguish ...
  A: always call the fire department if you even think you are having a fire of any kind, especially a ...
leaks in chimney2/5/2010
  Q: When it rains heavily, as it has been doing in Georgia for the past several months, I've noticed ...
  A: has any one looked at the top of the chimney crown? Do you have a cap on top? both area's would let ...
prefab insert/disconnected flute2/5/2010
  Q: Less than two months ago I purchased my first home. A shared chimney chase with 2 flutes. (This is ...
  A: I would have a local Certified Chimney Sweep www.csia.org, there you can look up by zip code to find ...
Chimney Leak2/3/2010
  Q: James, The house we live in is three years old and the Chimney started leaking. I first I thought ...
  A: Ok James you need to measure the diameter of the out side of the pipe (out side to out side across ...
fireplace2/3/2010
  Q: Can I use marble inside the firebox on the side walls, but not on the base?
  A: I think it will crack, a firebox should be made out of 4" (laid on it's side) of firebrick, and 4" ...
Fireplace smell2/2/2010
  Q: We have been using our fireplace for years without problem. Recently, once the fire gets hot, we get ...
  A: Welcome back Sam, What is happening is you are getting Negative Pressure in your home (house stack ...
chimney chase cover repair2/2/2010
  Q: i recently repaired a wooden chimney[rebuilt it] but after i finished i realized that it was out of ...
  A: Welcome back Mickey, the pipe needs 2" to combustibles, and Caulk, roof cement and latex will all ...
fireplace damper2/2/2010
  Q: while trying to close damper the blade slid out of slot. is this something i can fix? it kind of ...
  A: you might be able to fix it, most dampers sit in a track and pivot open and closed when you slide ...
chimney chase cover repair2/1/2010
  Q: i recently repaired a wooden chimney[rebuilt it] but after i finished i realized that it was out of ...
  A: a Chase cover just covers the top of the chase (box you rebuilt) and keeps the water and stuff out, ...
double chimney size problem2/1/2010
  Q: I live in a house that was build in 1951.. the Chimney has 2 seperate exhaust ( i gues is what you ...
  A: not sure why you want to change the size unless to make them look the same. they are sized for the ...
Chemical Smell1/31/2010
  Q: After my fire has been burning for about an hour we get a chemical type smell (burns the eyes & ...
  A: what is happening is you are getting Negative Pressure in your home (house stack effect) that is hot ...
ELCO Fireplaces Blower Controller1/31/2010
  Q: My electrical Switch for my fireplace blower is burned out, On the Electricl face plate it say's ...
  A: you need to contact the manufacture and see if they are sill in business and you can get parts for ...
smoky fire place / dual chimmeny1/31/2010
  Q: I have a house built in 1962. The house has two fireplaces. One is on the main flore and one is in ...
  A: what is happening is you are getting Negative Pressure in your home, if 10 gallons of air is going ...
Fireplace walls1/30/2010
  Q: My fireplace is about 30 years old, it has a steel liner. I was the brick look and was told I could ...
  A: not sure what you are asking me, but you could have a local Certified Chimney Sweep www.csia.org, ...
Majestic Insert pipe1/29/2010
  Q: I have a wood burning insert in my home that was determine to have the pipe at the top of the insert ...
  A: that pipe must go to the first flue tile minimum, I recommend that is is lined with a SS liner that ...
fire place1/28/2010
  Q: my fireplaces walls (brickpanel) are broken and my model is out of bussines how i get replace
  A: they make after market refractory panels that can be cut to fit, I would have a local Certified ...
61/27/2010
  Q: I purchased a Napoleon 1101 insert which calls for a 6" chimney liner. The installer said he could ...
  A: Welcome back Lynne, by reducing a 6" into a 5" liner you have all ready choked off the draft. If ...
downdraft problem1/27/2010
  Q: I have an exterior double flu brick chimney in NH. In the living room is a regular fireplace w/ ...
  A: you have a negative pressure issue, the unit you are using is pulling air down the other to feed it ...
reopening sealed fireplace chimney1/25/2010
  Q: Greetings. I own a home built in 1936. It has a beautiful brick fireplace with full mantel and ...
  A: it may be closed off for a reason, and houses built in 1938 where not for gas that must have been ...
6" to 5" chimney liner IS THIS OK?1/24/2010
  Q: I purchased a Napoleon 1101 insert which calls for a 6" chimney liner. The installer said he could ...
  A: you must use a 6" insulated SS liner. I would have a local Certified Chimney Sweep www.csia.org, ...
Ceramic installation1/23/2010
  Q: We have a 1919 bungalow. There's a small fireplace (horseshoe shaped opening to the firebox, about ...
  A: many things can cause a bad draft, wind out side, to short of a chimney, pressure in the home ...
Venting woodstove insert1/23/2010
  Q: I am planning on installing an insert in my fireplace and am considering venting it to the first ...
  A: 1st check with your local building department for local codes for that type of installation. and ...
Need help to clean out the ash dump chase1/22/2010
  Q: I intend to install a gas log into the existing firebox in my recently purchased home. I want to use ...
  A: did you try poking the ash from below and on top to break it up? you will need to run a good shop ...
Smoking Insert1/20/2010
  Q: I am battling with a smokey wood burning insert in my new house. The insert and new liner were just ...
  A: if you do have a negative pressure issue then the air is getting out of the house and it might be ...
Smoke from fireplace1/20/2010
  Q: I live in Italy and the house we have already has a nice open fire, however the builder didnt follow ...
  A: Welcome back Matt, it may take 1 section or it might take several, hard to say, did you try opening ...
Smoke from fireplace1/20/2010
  Q: I live in Italy and the house we have already has a nice open fire, however the builder didnt follow ...
  A: did you contact your local building department to see if it was build to code? in most cases the ...
Spark Arrestor1/20/2010
  Q: Much appreciate it. I have additional questions if you don't mind... 1. There will be several big ...
  A: Welcome back Richard, any one can reinstall the cap (but a certified sweep might now why it came off ...
Double-sided fireplace1/20/2010
  Q: We have a home with two fireplaces, offset side-to-side, facing 180 degrees from the other, built ...
  A: I would start with your local building department, then an engineer and a good mason. you might have ...
Spark Arrestor1/19/2010
  Q: I am in Northern California. My Spark Arrestor got recently blown off during the storm. Since I ...
  A: I do not know the codes in CA but these type of cap will keep out, leaves, sticks, animals, rain ...
Wood stove chimney support box.1/18/2010
  Q: James I am in the process of replacing the stove pipe on my wood stove. After removing the old stove ...
  A: If you can not find the original support box then replace the entire system, pipe and all. don't ...
glass window crack1/18/2010
  Q: I have a closed fireplace with two glass doors, in the inside part of them they have a sort of ...
  A: No bother Daniel, if you have the manual try to contact them (they might be out of business) if so ...
Wood stove pipe/chimney fires1/16/2010
  Q: In our previous home, we had a cast iron wood stove which operated nearly 8 years with no chimney ...
  A: each home and stove have there own burn characteristics, and "we shut the damper overnight for a ...
smoke smell for days after cleaning out ashes1/16/2010
  Q: We are renting and I successfully built a fire in the wood burning fire place the night before last, ...
  A: What is happening is you are getting Negative Pressure in your home (house stack effect) that is hot ...
Fireplace smell1/16/2010
  Q: We have been using our fireplace for years without problem. Recently, once the fire gets hot, we get ...
  A: ok 1st set up a drop cloth and run a wet dry vac to keep the dust down, clean out all the ashes from ...
Masonry Firebox repairs1/15/2010
  Q: I have two very small 100-year old fireplaces I would like to use occasionally for ambience and a ...
  A: when lighting a fire in your home the fireplace should be in as up to date working order as ...
Wood stove to thimble connection1/14/2010
  Q: I currently have a wood stove where an 8" stove pipe runs with the crimped end in my stove to a very ...
  A: all pipe connections must run into the one below (male end facing down into the female) back to the ...
fireplace stone removal1/14/2010
  Q: We own a ranch home built in the 1970's. It has a fireplace surrounded with stone that runs from ...
  A: I would have a local Certified Chimney Sweep www.csia.org, (there you can look up by zip code to ...
relining1/13/2010
  Q: can i reline my oil liner at the size of 6 pipe, flute tile is 8x8 with a cap without relining the ...
  A: Welcome back Karen, smoke may have been from a negative pressure not a chimney issue (Negative ...
chimney/flashing1/13/2010
  Q: what is the procedure for installing chimney through cathedral ceiling @ 1/12 pitch roof and ...
  A: 1st check with your local building department, I am not the best Roofer (I am a great chimney ...
relining1/12/2010
  Q: can i reline my oil liner at the size of 6 pipe, flute tile is 8x8 with a cap without relining the ...
  A: I would have a local Certified Chimney Sweep (www.csia.org, there you can look up by zip code to ...
Fireplace door replacement & conversion1/12/2010
  Q: I have a superior cf-3860 fireplace, an would like to put doors on it, and need to replace brick ...
  A: I looked on the National Chimney Sweep Guild's web site (300+ manuals) and your fireplace is not ...
chimney construction1/12/2010
  Q: I own a house that has an existing chimney. The other day I started a fire for the first time and ...
  A: What it sounds like is you are getting Negative Pressure in your home (house stack effect) that is ...
Gooey stuff coming from chimney1/11/2010
  Q: We have some gooey stuff coming out of our chimney and seeping through onto the walls of our house. ...
  A: is this a wood stove, insert or a wood burning fireplace? it sounds like 3rd stage creosote dripping ...
Fireplace blower does not work1/10/2010
  Q: Our house was built in 1978 and we moved here 2 years ago. We have a stone fireplace with a blower ...
  A: not sure what set up you have but it sounds like a Heatolator fireplace (metal surround in the ...
gas to wood conversion1/10/2010
  Q: I have a ventless gas fireplace insert with a fake chimney on the outside of the house, I want to ...
  A: the "Fake chimney" may not be rated for an insert and be very dangers, start with your local wood ...
How large is the metal piece around a brick fireplace1/9/2010
  Q: I know there is a 2" space between my brick fireplace and the plaster wall that covers the top up to ...
  A: is your fireplace a pre fab? if so do not drill through the metal, I would have a local Certified ...
smoke coming out of my new woodburner1/9/2010
  Q: I went to light my woodburner today and started with a very small fire and smoke bellowed out, even ...
  A: try setting the stove up to start to burn (small fire) and then open a window or door fully and see ...
How to start a fire in a gas fireplace1/7/2010
  Q: I would like for someone to explain to me how to start a fire in a gas fireplace. There are fake ...
  A: do you have the manual for those gas logs? and no do not use fire logs to start it. most gas logs ...
Drafty Fireplace1/6/2010
  Q: I am attaching a picture of my fireplace which is original from the time our house was built, we are ...
  A: when building that "chase" over the dirt they did not insulate the outer walls, so air will get in. ...
smoking insert1/6/2010
  Q: I have the typical wood insert in a fireplace. Has two glass doors, and works find as long as there ...
  A: What is happening is you are getting Negative Pressure in your home (house stack effect) that is hot ...
fireplace refractory panels1/5/2010
  Q: The refractory panels inside my metal firebox are cracked. The chimeny sweep says they are ...
  A: I would have a local Certified Chimney Sweep www.csia.org, there you can look up by zip code to find ...
manufactured firplace smell when in use1/5/2010
  Q: We have a Majestic manufactured, wood burning fireplace and have been using for about 18 years no ...
  A: not sure what that smell might be, could you have put some thing plastic in the firebox that melted ...
Marco Fireplace1/5/2010
  Q: I have a manufactured home I bought 1yr ago. It has a marco fireplace in it. works great but only ...
  A: unless both the fireplace and insert are rated to be used together in writing you can not just stick ...
Liquid creosote running down furnace pipes1/5/2010
  Q: I have a wood furnace which is my primary source of heat. Recently I have had black creosote liquid ...
  A: did you contact the furnace manufacturer? and if so what did they say? you might not be burning it ...
rebuilding a chimney and the flues1/5/2010
  Q: We hired a company that is now defunct 5 yrs ago to rebuild a chimney and they did a botched job. ...
  A: I would say from what you describe they did a botched job again, 1, you should not do masonry in ...
Temco fireplace blower motor quit1/4/2010
  Q: We have a Temco fireplace the model no on the fireplace is TLC36-3mbe The model of the blower says ...
  A: I could not find the manual for that unit (if you have it I would love a copy) the fireplace should ...
Fireplace chains1/4/2010
  Q: I recently purchased a house, built in 1981. The fireplace has a flu lever in the top of the ...
  A: if you have not read the owners manual you should find it and read it, there it will tell you every ...
insert / drafts1/3/2010
  Q: I recently purchased a home with a wood burning insert. I pulled it all apart to see why it was ...
  A: is it lined to the top? is the liner insulated? here in the USA I would have a local Certified ...
smoke around door1/3/2010
  Q: when i build a fire in my nashua wood stove smoke comes back in the house. I have the door shut on ...
  A: if you have smoke coming out around closed doors then it might be time for a new stove or the gasket ...
NO CLUE how to begin!1/3/2010
  Q: We just bought a house and the chimney/ fireplace were both thoroughly inspected when we moved in 4 ...
  A: ok 1st rear the manual cover to cover, then that "loop" should open and close the damper (look up DO ...
Chimney chase condensation12/31/2009
  Q: I have a 2 story home in illinois with a vinyl sided chimney chase. When the weather turns cold, ...
  A: Welcome back ?Jason, it sounds like the water it dripping from the underside of the top/chase cover? ...
Water in new liner12/31/2009
  Q: Mr Ball, I just converted to gas from oil. I also added a hot water tank. I had a liner installed. ...
  A: Welcome back Paul, has the liner been checked for a blockage? Nest? it sounds like you have a high ...
heatilator gas fireplace12/31/2009
  Q: I have a Heatilator natural gas fireplace model GNDC30E. Recently, it has not been working. When ...
  A: did you try to contact the gas log company? or refer to the owners manual? ...
Wood burning inset stove12/31/2009
  Q: I'm installing an inset stove (sits flush with the wall) into an existing fire place. I was unsure ...
  A: you must follow the installation instructions for that insert, they will tell you "clearance to ...
Chimney chase condensation12/31/2009
  Q: I have a 2 story home in illinois with a vinyl sided chimney chase. When the weather turns cold, ...
  A: wow, I would say to start by trying to re create or during this "drip" get in to the chase and see ...
Outdoor firepit needs a chimney12/30/2009
  Q: I got a circle outdoor firepit for Christmas and need a chimney over top of it to direct the smoke ...
  A: Hell Mark, as with any home project you should start with your local building department for exactly ...
Fireplace12/30/2009
  Q: We had our Fireplace cleaned about a month ago. They found major damage to the fire box and gaps in ...
  A: with out seeing it first hand it would be hard to say, gaps should be cemented in the firebox with ...
Quadra-Fire Contour Won't Turn ON12/30/2009
  Q: I have a 2003 Quadra-Fire Contour Pellet Stove and after a routine cleaning (pot, plates, upper ...
  A: what does the manual say to do, Trouble shooting? I think you are going to have to contact ...
Smoke coming in house12/29/2009
  Q: Hey James, I have 2 fireplaces in 2 different rooms, one is a gas log that I want to convert to ...
  A: this does not sound right, I believe NFPA states a flue must be 1-10th the area of the fireplace ...
Outside Air entering house through gas fireplace12/29/2009
  Q: We have two gas fireplaces in our home and they vent to the exterior of the house. During the windy ...
  A: as with any appliance you must follow the manufactures instructions for installation, where they ...
woodstove chimney12/28/2009
  Q: Our attic filled with smoke the last time we built a fire in the wood stove. It was also very ...
  A: it sounds like Negative pressure (yes even in an attic) I would have a local Certified Chimney Sweep ...
insert flue connections12/28/2009
  Q: I have a wood burning insert. I have to move the flue pipe away from my roof. I am using two 90 ...
  A: not sure why you are moving the pipe (maybe to get around the gutter and eve) but you can not use 2 ...
smokey olympic fireplace insert12/27/2009
  Q: We rent a home and moved in 1 year ago, there is an open fireplace in the daylight basement and ...
  A: has it been cleaned? and inspected by a certified sweep? it might be negative pressure or improper ...
woodstove piping12/26/2009
  Q: We have a all cinderblock house and want to install a woodstove and want to put class A pipe through ...
  A: some Class "A" chimney require a thimble (Duratech) and some do not (ICC Excel), will the block need ...
Water in new liner12/26/2009
  Q: Mr Ball, I just converted to gas from oil. I also added a hot water tank. I had a liner installed. ...
  A: Insulating a liner is not down with Concrete but with insulating material (either poured Thermix or ...
fireplace problems12/26/2009
  Q: we have a wood fireplace on the main floor of our home , plus a gas fireplace in the basement. Last ...
  A: What is happening is you are getting Negative Pressure in your home if 10 gallons of air is going up ...
Venting wood stove through window.12/26/2009
  Q: My question is this, if I put a small old fashoned wood stove (like the ones you can cook on), they ...
  A: if the "New stove's" installation instructions say you can and your local building departments says ...
Smoky Firplace12/25/2009
  Q: We have Marco 792781 metal fireplace insert = The ID Plate says it must have a 3" minimum flue pipe ...
  A: not sure what you have but it sounds as if you installed an insert in a Pre Fab fireplace if so it ...
Wood burning Fireplace Insert12/25/2009
  Q: I would like to buy a fireplace insert but the front of the fireplace has a raised brick design. The ...
  A: you must follow the installation instructions of the insert, if the design of the fireplace "sticks ...
fireplace12/24/2009
  Q: I was told that if I drill small holes from the outside of my chimney into the fireplace keeping and ...
  A: no this is not a good idea, the holes would not be big enough to make a difference. you should try ...
woodstove leak12/24/2009
  Q: We have a woodstove and it leaks water at the elbow joint. I think it is condensation that builds ...
  A: is there a rain cap on top? if not start there, if so then you might need to replace the pipes, as ...
chimney fire12/23/2009
  Q: today dec23, we lit our wood stove and I noticed alot of smoke outside, I saw flames coming out of ...
  A: DO NOT USE IT AT ALL until it is cleaned and check by a certified chimney sweep (www.csia.org) you ...
Double Sided Fireplace12/22/2009
  Q: I know you've probably answered a lot of questions about double sided fireplaces. I thought I had it ...
  A: you can install and use both inserts if the both are vented into their own insulated liners to the ...
SMOKED OUT.12/20/2009
  Q: I live in a split level home with a fireplace in the living room and another down stairs in the ...
  A: what you have is a Negative Pressure issue, look at it this way if 10 gallons of air goes up a ...
kiva fireplace12/16/2009
  Q: I have an Adobe house in Mx (2 years old) with a kiva fireplace in the livingroom. I have a great ...
  A: try to open a window full, and see if smoke from incense or a cigarette goes up if it does then you ...
fireplace brick board replacement12/16/2009
  Q: where can I find a replacement kit or concrete boards for a firebox wood burning fireplace?.I was ...
  A: they do make generic replacement panels but you should try to find OEM, I would have a local ...
smoke smell12/16/2009
  Q: When i burn a fire in my wood fireplace i get a smokey smell in my bedroom all the way on the other ...
  A: Welcome back Steve, did you try finding a certified sweep that has taken the Chimney Physics class ...
smoke smell12/15/2009
  Q: When i burn a fire in my wood fireplace i get a smokey smell in my bedroom all the way on the other ...
  A: do you heat with forced hot air and if so is there a return (big grate in the wall or ceiling) near ...
Insert Insulation12/14/2009
  Q: I'm going to be installing a wood burning insert into my masonary fireplace soon. I was wondering ...
  A: Sorry I could not be of more help, I would not install an insert (here in my area) with out the ...
Insert Insulation12/14/2009
  Q: I'm going to be installing a wood burning insert into my masonary fireplace soon. I was wondering ...
  A: Welcome back Sebastian, with out the manual you must contact your local building department for your ...
What type of gas vent is this?12/13/2009
  Q: The sheet metal pipe on the other side of this vent is something like " to 10" in diameter. It was ...
  A: I am not sure what you have there and do not connect any thing to it until we know for sure, I would ...
Smoke is released when glass door opens12/13/2009
  Q: I have a "Heatilator" fireplace that was built in 1987. When I open the glass door(s) smoke comes ...
  A: Steve try opening a door or window before you open the glass doors see if that helps, if so then you ...
Smoke shelf12/11/2009
  Q: Hey James, Before I install a new damper in my woodburnv4ing FP should I fill in behind the ...
  A: not sure what you have there, you might not need to do any thing, I would have a local Certified ...
firebox12/9/2009
  Q: we have the heatilator firebox, it was sitting up off the floor than we had a water issue and now ...
  A: not sure if it got wet or not but it should be dry by now. you can also call the manufacture and I ...
smoke in house from outside wood furnace12/9/2009
  Q: We have a FireChief outdoor woodburning furnace, a 2008 . We are getting smoke smell in all of our ...
  A: not sure why you got the smoke in the house I understand the out side wood boiler/furnace only pipe ...
fireplace12/9/2009
  Q: I have a wood burning brick fireplace, the house (ranch) was built in 1955.Its a dual chimney, the ...
  A: that is why it is pulling air and smoke down the chimney to feed the fireplace and house. This air ...
replacement part for temco fireplace12/9/2009
  Q: I live in the S.F. bay area and would like to replace the rear refractory panel of my zero clearance ...
  A: I believe Tempco is out of business, but they do make generic panels that should work, I would have ...
Outdoor Fireplace Stack Height12/8/2009
  Q: James I am looking at building an outdoor wood burning fireplace with a 42" - 48" opening. How can ...
  A: first start with your local building department there may be certain local codes that you must do. ...
Ash Trap Door for Brick Fireplace12/8/2009
  Q: Have a defective metal ash trap door. Measurements 11" X 8" outside, and 9" X 6 1/4" inside. Maker ...
  A: is this the "ash trap door" on the floor of the fireplace? or in the basement for removing the ...
smokey two sided fireplace12/8/2009
  Q: We have a two sided wood fireplace with glass doors. When in use, we normally have the doors on the ...
  A: is the chimney clean, is the damper open fully? hard to tell with out seeing it. I would have a ...
wood stove venting pipe12/7/2009
  Q: I am installing a steel wood stove in my living room, The old house I live in was made in 1906, and ...
  A: 1st you must check with your local building department, then be sure the existing chimney is safe ...
FIREPLACE REPAIR12/7/2009
  Q: I have a wood burning prefab fireplace.the previous owner of the home installed gas log's.there ...
  A: I would call the manufacture of the fireplace and ask them what is involved, I would say remove the ...
Downdraft problem with two chimneys12/6/2009
  Q: We have 2 fireplaces and the chimneys are located next to each other. Both have been recently ...
  A: What is happening is you are getting Negative Pressure in your home (house stack effect) that is hot ...
insert to chimney liner12/4/2009
  Q: I recently baught a schrader insert/hearth stove (looks like an insert but hooks up like a hearth ...
  A: just a thought what did your friend use? did you contact Schrader? last resort might be to contact a ...
cracks in mortar12/3/2009
  Q: I see cracks in the mortar, How do I fix them? and would this cause smoke to come into my living ...
  A: contact a local mason to "re point" the cracks. What is happening is you are getting Negative ...
wood stove12/3/2009
  Q: I have a real bad down draft I can't even light wood with out it smoking out the house. If there is ...
  A: has it always smoked? is the chimney clear? Is the damper open? has it been cleaned? and checked? ...
shoot on chimney12/2/2009
  Q: I have black soot on the double wall piping from the surface of the woodstove up to my ceiling. I'm ...
  A: no it is not normal to have smoke soot on the out side of a pipe, and not sure what the smell might ...
Leaking Chimeny Repair - Crown & Tuckpointing12/2/2009
  Q: I need your advice on brick chimney repair. After a few days of heavy rain a month ago, chimney ...
  A: lets start with, you should get a good mason out to look at your chimney and get some prices on this ...
Smoke leaking out of the fireplace12/2/2009
  Q: I have a log burning fireplace and every time we have a fire my bedroom fills with smoke. The ...
  A: do not have a fire untill it is looked at or you might burn down your house, I would have a local ...
clearance12/2/2009
  Q: I recently installed a Class A system up the side of my house with the stove pipe( Class A ) coming ...
  A: most "Class A Chimney's" I have seen require a 2" clearance to combustibles what does your pipe say ...
Insulation11/30/2009
  Q: I have an older fireplace insert that needs the insulation replaced. There is what looks like ...
  A: it sounds like your insert it just "slammed" in to the fireplace (just slid in to he fireplace and ...
Smoke build-up from fireplace11/28/2009
  Q: We have lived in our home for almost 24 years - and it was a new home when we moved in. We recently ...
  A: some thing in the house has changed and what is happening is you are getting Negative Pressure in ...
Cone fireplace doesn't meet Gas co. codes?11/26/2009
  Q: I would appreciate any help you could offer! We'd really like to be able to use the fireplace in our ...
  A: with out seeing it it is hard to tell you how to remove the "damper" the flue is the air channel in ...
wood burning stove new installation11/26/2009
  Q: My husband is currently installing a new wood stove from Lowe's and the instructions say to have 18" ...
  A: take the installation instructions to your local building department and they will tell you what you ...
chimney damper removel11/24/2009
  Q: i am trying to clean my fire place from the bottom up but do not know how to remove the damper so i ...
  A: most dampers have a handle, look at how it is attached in most cases there is a cotter pin (be ...
downdraft11/24/2009
  Q: Our home has two fireplaces, one above the other, both wood burning. Both flues are the same ...
  A: this a common problem and it is rare to be able to get both to work, what is happening when you use ...
Open double sided fireplace smokes into house11/23/2009
  Q: I have a friend with an open double sided fireplace that smokes into their house when used. We ...
  A: What is happening is you are getting Negative Pressure in your home (house stack effect) that is hot ...
wood stove smokes11/22/2009
  Q: our wood stove is leaking back smoke when it starts to die down. It's always smoked alittle, but not ...
  A: What is happening is you are getting Negative Pressure in your home (house stack effect) that is hot ...
smoky fireplace11/22/2009
  Q: I have a wood burning fireplace that has intemittent problems with emitting smoke and odor into the ...
  A: What is happening is you are getting Negative Pressure in your home (house stack effect) that is hot ...
Smoke chamber needs parging11/21/2009
  Q: James, we recently removed a wood=burning insert from our masonry FP. Surpise, surprise! There's ...
  A: Hell Tim, they make a couple of products, Chamber Tech, and Smoke Tite I use Smoke Tite and love it, ...
Using an insert as a standalone venting through furnace flue?11/21/2009
  Q: I am trying to find any guidelines, regulations, codes etc. for using a Fisher Stove (FP insert) as ...
  A: Welcome back Deni, did you contact your local building department they will tell you if you can do ...
Using an insert as a standalone venting through furnace flue?11/21/2009
  Q: I am trying to find any guidelines, regulations, codes etc. for using a Fisher Stove (FP insert) as ...
  A: you can not use an insert "free standing" it must go into a fireplace, and you can not vent oil and ...
Chimney repair11/20/2009
  Q: I have a wood fireplace that when used pushes smoke back into the house. I recently removed the ...
  A: What is happening is you are getting Negative Pressure in your home (house stack effect) that is hot ...
double wall insolated sealant11/20/2009
  Q: james I would like to seal my double wall pipe at the roof it will be going through a corrugated ...
  A: the pipe you have should have a flashing and storm collar (find that) that work fine, the air space ...
chimney size11/19/2009
  Q: i have a older timberline wood stove that has a 8 inch opening on the top for stove pipe i am ...
  A: you can not reduce the pipe of a wood stove so either buy a new stove (with 6" collar) or install a ...
1908 Chimney has no flue11/19/2009
  Q: We bought a 1908 Craftsman five years ago. The inspector pointed out that they chimney has no flue ...
  A: they make spray on liners, pour in place liners, that they use in historical restorations. Caps are ...
brick fireplace coverage11/17/2009
  Q: Can multi purpose ready mixed joint compound be used to cover and smooth out the flat surface of ...
  A: not sure what you are asking, you want to use joint compound in the firebox? or near the firebox? I ...
pipe connections11/17/2009
  Q: Mr. Ball I have a schrader wood stove with two doors on it . They have trees on them. Where can i ...
  A: if the opening of the box is 4" wide x 12" long then that size should fit into an 8" round, contact ...
smoke smell thick in room where new flue liner installed11/17/2009
  Q: We had a house fire because of small cracks in fireplace chimney. Had new flue liner installed by ...
  A: I would have a local Certified Chimney Sweep (www.csia.org, there you can look up by zip code to ...
Heatilator fireplace refractory11/17/2009
  Q: I used to burn wood in my fireplace. Now I want to switch to gas logs. The back and hearth ...
  A: it sounds like you have a Pre Fab fireplace and if so you much be sure they allow gas logs to be ...
fireplace and insert11/16/2009
  Q: I have Buck insert. I had a local certified sweep to come clean and inspect and when he tried to ...
  A: the insert might have weakened the face if it was in to tight (might fit ok when cold but when it ...
Direct-vent Fireplace replacement11/16/2009
  Q: My wife and I just purchased our first home and are preparing to move into it this week. In our ...
  A: you must replace every thing in order to burn wood, the firebox, wall pass through and install a new ...
Fireplace open on 3 sides11/16/2009
  Q: I just bought a house that has two fireplaces (one main level, one basement). The main level ...
  A: you might be able to find a fireplace store locally that will be able to screen or install glass ...
chimney flue11/15/2009
  Q: I live in an 1830 home and have a masonry lined concrete chimney block, inside chimney that was ...
  A: no you can not vent both wood and oil into the same flue. you can install a out side chimney for ...
outdoor f/place draft11/15/2009
  Q: our newly built stone fireplace, all built from stone, sits about 3 ft off the ground. The firebox ...
  A: is the chimney tall enough? is it sized correctly? have you tried opening a window or door to ...
smokey fireplace11/15/2009
  Q: I have two fireplaces in my house, one on the first floor and one in my basement. It appears that ...
  A: what is happening is you are getting Negative Pressure in your home (house stack effect) that is hot ...
wood stove insert install11/15/2009
  Q: I have a Fireside-Striker C160 insert rated for install into a zero clearance/factory built ...
  A: hard to say if it will hold you have been using the 25+ year old fireplace and it maybe weakened, ...
water coming through chimney11/13/2009
  Q: we recently bought a house, its around 10 yrs old. brick build. recently we notice water coming ...
  A: do you have a cap? maybe a top mount damper it will seal the top of the chimney and has a cable that ...
Ice build up on chiminey cap11/13/2009
  Q: I have a wood stove (pacific energy super 27)in the basement with approx. 33 ft of stainless ...
  A: lets start with the stove, it is designed to run as a certain temp, if you are burning to low it ...
double sided cross section11/12/2009
  Q: I am in the process of designing an outdoor living space. I have planned a double sided fire ...
  A: you have to start with your local building department, they will tell you exactly what you need for ...
Thermocrete Liner-hairline cracks11/12/2009
  Q: We are told we have a Thermocrete liner; it has some hairline cracks. (We were told the liner was ...
  A: you can not put it in the furnace flue ever. as far as the chimney goes it should never have been ...
creosote running down pipe11/11/2009
  Q: we noticed a black gooey substance (creosote?)running down the outside of the pipe from the ceiling ...
  A: it sounds like the pipes are installed in the wrong direction, they should be going into the pipe ...
chimneburnery for a fireplace and wood11/10/2009
  Q: How do you build a chimney for a log fire up to first floor on one side of a wall and then liner ...
  A: check with your local building department I do not know what the law is in South Africa but here in ...
QUESTIONS ABOUT FIREPLACE BLOWERS11/5/2009
  Q: I WAS WONDERING HAVE YOU HEARD OF TEM TEX PRODUCTS INC? I GUESS IF I CANT FIND THAT PARTICULAR PART ...
  A: Welcome back Julianna, by code you can not install a "blower " from a different unit only OEM parts, ...
smoke problem11/4/2009
  Q: I have a question. I have a fireplace for closed to 10 years. It had inside a blade damper instaled ...
  A: it is called Negative pressure, you have changed the chimney with the different top mount damper do ...
damp fireplace11/2/2009
  Q: House built in the mid 50s. Fireplace below ground level. Floor of fireplace damp/wet with damp ...
  A: open the damper of the down stairs fireplace, wait for the dust to settle and then look up, look at ...
venting a firebox11/1/2009
  Q: Jim. Previous owner of my home (built in late 1970's, removed a firewall brick from the back wall ...
  A: not sure what they did to your fieplace, I would have a local Certified Chimney Sweep (www.csia.org, ...
Firebox & Cap11/1/2009
  Q: I just purchased this house in the Cincinnai area. The firebox has a few (6-10) spots where the ...
  A: the chimney should be looked at (at least once by a certified sweep) I would have a local Certified ...
height of pit11/1/2009
  Q: our fireplace was in a sunken living room about 6 inches we raised the floor the 6 inches and was ...
  A: raising the floor/grate will help with smoking issue's, but most times it is not the fireplace that ...
chimney10/30/2009
  Q: I have chimney brick walls from the basement to the roof, but is used with other pipe Idon't sure ...
  A: I am not sure what you are asking me but I would have a local Certified Chimney Sweep (www.csia.org, ...
chimney blocking10/30/2009
  Q: What material should be used to permanently block off a masonry chimney in an old house in order to ...
  A: I am not a big fan of "Vent Free" any thing, or "clemently blocking off a chimney" you can install a ...
fire place leaking10/29/2009
  Q: I was cleaning the fireplace of ashes and noticed the ashes where wet and you could see rust signs ...
  A: it may be that the crown is leaking and causing the water damage in that case you should have it ...
broken flue tile10/28/2009
  Q: I have a broken flue tile at the back of the 90 degree at the entrance of the intake of the metal ...
  A: not sure what you have but I would have a local Certified Chimney Sweep (www.csia.org, there you ...
Damper repair (rusted out)10/26/2009
  Q: I'm going to be replacing my Damper in my Brick Chimney for it has rusted out. I have the old style ...
  A: not sure what you have but they do make a replacement "Top Mount Damper" that goes on top of the ...
Temtex Fireplace, Model # TBF 42 310/25/2009
  Q: The back insert panel(Brick Looking)in my fireplace is starting to crack. Where can I find ...
  A: did you try to contact Temtex? You could have a local Certified Chimney Sweep (www.csia.org, there ...
Chimney Leak10/24/2009
  Q: James, The house we live in is three years old and the Chimney started leaking. I first I thought ...
  A: Welcome back James, it sounds like it is missing a storm collar that is a 2 inch ish piece of SS or ...
Outside wood heater10/24/2009
  Q: My wood heater outside does not draw. We have a 6" flu pipe that is about 2 feet above the house. ...
  A: I think you are telling me you have a new wood stove and out side pipe going up past the roof 2'? ...
Fireplace issue10/23/2009
  Q: I recently had a house inspection done and he said that the hearth is removed the fireplace form ...
  A: not sure what you are saysing, "hearth is removed" that is the floor of a fireplace. "basement is ...
wood stove chimney10/23/2009
  Q: how hot does the outer shell of an insulated woodstove chimney get?
  A: not sure, it depends on how hot you burn your stove, if you can find the manufacture of the pipe ...
removal of damper10/22/2009
  Q: My friend's 60 year old California ranch has some fireplace maintenance and repair needed. ...
  A: if I understand you correctly this was a cast iron damper and saddle (the frame) the saddle is ...
smokey smell in house10/22/2009
  Q: We have a 1 1/2 story house with an exterior wall fireplace and a basement fireplace underneath as ...
  A: yes "stack Effect", you might want to install top mount dampers to the top of each flue (cable runs ...
fireplace smoke problems inside the home10/21/2009
  Q: i have a wood burning fireplace in my home, its in the wall and vents with a flew pipe going threw ...
  A: it sounds like a negative pressure issue try using the fireplace with a door open and see if it make ...
Chimney Leak10/21/2009
  Q: James, The house we live in is three years old and the Chimney started leaking. I first I thought ...
  A: it sounds like the chase cover might be leaking? I would have a local Certified Chimney Sweep ...
insert direct connect10/20/2009
  Q: James, Thanks for your time and expertise. I have a house with a fireplace and an insert. We ...
  A: a local certified sweep will be current on all local building codes and know how to install this ...
Ventless Propane Logs in Wood Burning Fireplace10/20/2009
  Q: I have a large fireplace that originally was for burning wood. When we bought the house it looked ...
  A: I am not a big fan of "ventless any thing" contact the manufacturer of the insert and ask them what ...
log lighter valve location10/20/2009
  Q: I bought a house earlier this year with a wood burning fireplace. Just inside the front right ...
  A: I do not install or deal with gas installs but you are dealing with gas in your home and the knob ...
Recommended Replacement of Wood Burning Stove10/16/2009
  Q: Our home is 20 yrs. old and we've lived in it for 6 yrs. It came with a large wood burning stove ...
  A: using an insert in a prefab that both are not rated to be used with the other can be VERY dangers ...
Do I need to run stove pipe up the Chimney ?10/16/2009
  Q: I have a center chimney house built in 1962 with 3 fire places on and 4 flues. I have a Pellet ...
  A: check what the stove says, building department and then it should go to the first flue tile I ...
temco wood fireplace10/15/2009
  Q: i understand that temco fireplace products inc. have went out of business. i am in need of 6' of 12" ...
  A: Welcome back Karen, here is the only link I have to Majestic ...
remodel10/14/2009
  Q: what does one do when a contractor adds a second floor on a house and needs to raise the existing ...
  A: you can not mix different pipes, make your own pipe, alter their pipe, if you can not find the pipe ...
Broken Damper10/13/2009
  Q: We are not savvy at all about fireplaces. Earlier this year we had our basement fireplace checked ...
  A: with out seeing it I really cant say what you have, I would have a local Certified Chimney Sweep ...
Block Chimney10/13/2009
  Q: I am a new homeownner catching up on several needed repairs due to some neglect from the previous ...
  A: with out seeing it it would be hard to say for sure, $225 does not sound like a lot to maybe save ...
draft10/13/2009
  Q: will i get the draft i need if i use a 6in thimble ANSWER: Hello Whitney, I do not understand what ...
  A: Welcome back Whitney, if the stove collar is 6" then it must be 6" all the way to the top. I have ...
Replacement Doors10/11/2009
  Q: I have a 30 yr old home with a wood burning fireplace. I want to replace the doors/front plate of ...
  A: you can only replace with OEM doors do not use any other type of doors no matter how close they look ...
Converting gas to wood burning fireplace10/11/2009
  Q: I have a masonry fireplace that was originally designed to burn wood. I converted to a gas log ...
  A: if you remove every thing and have the gas line checked (that it is a gas starter)you maybe able to ...
Flute of fireplace10/10/2009
  Q: We are renting an older home with a stone fireplace where the flute seems to be in the floor of the ...
  A: A flue is an air channel usually made of flue tile, not sure what you have a small door on the floor ...
Stove and Chimney diameter10/7/2009
  Q: I have a new home with dedicated 8" wood stove flue and a new wood stove with a 6" diameter stovetop ...
  A: you really have to follow what the "new stove" says for installation if it says 6" and you have an ...
Why 2 flues for side vents?10/7/2009
  Q: Built in 1960, my fireplace as a flue and two side vents next to the fireplace which appear to have ...
  A: with out seeing it I realy don't know so I would have a local Certified Chimney Sweep (www.csia.org, ...
Schrader Stove10/7/2009
  Q: My parents gave us a beautiful shrader wood stove that we desperately need to get hooked up, but we ...
  A: you may have to have something custom made by a machine shop, I would have a local Certified Chimney ...
Fireplace Insert Replacement10/3/2009
  Q: I currently have a brick fireplace in my home that had a gas insert installed at some point. Do to ...
  A: first what does the installation for the new inert state for installation? I would have a local ...
chimney liner or not, and rebuild from roof up or attic up?10/1/2009
  Q: My 2 family house was built in 1919 and has an internal chimney that is placed right in the middle ...
  A: ok by code if you alter the chimney or update an appliance the entire chimney musty come up to code. ...
sharing a chimney10/1/2009
  Q: we have a 1 story home. we have oil heat. the heater is in a closet. could we put a wood stove just ...
  A: you can not use the same flue for both oil and wood. I would have a local Certified Chimney Sweep ...
Chimney Sweep for Fireplace insert9/30/2009
  Q: I just had a chimney sweep come out and clean my fireplace that has a wood-burning insert, but he ...
  A: he did not clean it properly that unit should have come out and not be reinstalled unless it is ...
fireplace insert9/30/2009
  Q: i have a prefab fireplace , what brand of wood burning insert can i install ANSWER: Hello Tamie, ...
  A: Welcome back Tamie, the stove maybe rated for an insert but the insert may not be.did you check with ...
Outdoor Fireplace Damper9/29/2009
  Q: Our company has been constructing outdoor masonry fireplaces in the State of California for many ...
  A: I would start with your local building department, no matter what I find they have the final say. if ...
cleaning chimney with an insert9/28/2009
  Q: We have an insert blower in our chimney. When I called out the chimney sweeps, they showed up and ...
  A: hard to say what you have, but it sounds like some one cemented an insert into a fireplace and if ...
Replacement Fireplace Inserts9/27/2009
  Q: Where do I find replacement inserts for my monarch fireplace?
  A: did you do an Internet search? do you have a model number? did you try your local wood stove store? ...
18th Century Home - installing liner in chimney9/27/2009
  Q: We have an 18th century home in Southern New Jersey with a very large 6 foot by 5 foot cooking ...
  A: as far as draft goes if you want it to go up the chimney you need enough make up air. As far as re ...
ash pit clean out9/25/2009
  Q: How can I clean the ash pit located in the basement? To prevent getting dust spread throughout is ...
  A: us a shop vac and metal or paper container and small shovel, slowly open the ash trap door and ...
Chimney - Forever Flex liner9/23/2009
  Q: I recently bought a house and had a chimney sweep do an inspection. He noted a crack in the furnace ...
  A: Welcome back Steve, you could install glass doors on both sides of your masonry double sided ...
cracked fireplace box9/23/2009
  Q: Hey there, I was told a couple of years ago that I had a crack in the metal box of my fireplace. ...
  A: I do not know if a welder can fix this it might just re crack at the next fire. I do not know if CO2 ...
smoke not going up the chimney but coming into room9/22/2009
  Q: . we built a house from scratch 18 months ago. We have 3 fireplaces but one has a gas fire in it. ...
  A: Welcome back Adrienne, What is happening is you are getting Negative Pressure in your home (house ...
"Mineral Wool"9/21/2009
  Q: I'm in my home 9 years and have never (and will never) use my fireplace. Open flames and I don't ...
  A: I understand what you want to do but I suggest you install a top mount damper/cap that opens and ...
Chimney - Forever Flex liner9/20/2009
  Q: I recently bought a house and had a chimney sweep do an inspection. He noted a crack in the furnace ...
  A: be sure he sized it as per NFPA 33, (If you get me the nozzle size I will double check your sizing ...
fireplace chimney repair or rebuild9/19/2009
  Q: We have an 80 yr old 1 story bungalow.The chimney is origanal.Its deteriorated from roof line up to ...
  A: it is hard to tell what you have from what you state, you still need a flue to vent the hot water ...
Finding a Chimmney Cap made around 1990s for our Condo community9/19/2009
  Q: I live in a Condo complex of about 200 units. There were several builders as they add on with more ...
  A: I would have a local Certified Chimney Sweep (www.csia.org, there you can look up by zip code to ...
kiva fire pace9/17/2009
  Q: We have just had are Kiva fire place built, and found out that more smoke is coming in the house ...
  A: are you sure it is the chimney and not the house? try building a fire and opening a door or window ...
extending heatolater doors and vents9/16/2009
  Q: I'd like to replace the tiles on our fireplace front with stone. We have a heatolater with two side ...
  A: If I understand you correctly you have a metal firebox (heatolater) and you want to extend it into ...
Conversion of Coal Burning Fireplace to Wood9/16/2009
  Q: My wife and I are considering purchasing a house, but the fireplace is a coal burning fireplace, ...
  A: you might be able to alter the fireplace and it could be expensive. You might be able to install a ...
wood burning insert9/15/2009
  Q: I have a wood burning fireplace insert that has a huge crack in the top just aft of the damper. The ...
  A: you might have to break the bolts sand re drill and tap them after. after the side/top plates are ...
free standing chimney9/14/2009
  Q: What do I use to glue or cement my flue liner together. On a new chimney for a wood stove - 8x12
  A: hard to say from the information you give, is this a metal flue? Flue tiles? if this is masonry you ...
Pellet stove chimeney9/11/2009
  Q: I am installing a pellet stove and venting out with a 4" liner up an existing stone fire place ...
  A: not sure where you want this insulation? is this a wrap of the pipe? If so they make a blanket Wrap ...
Removal of weeping mortar9/11/2009
  Q: I have weeping mortar on my brick fireplace and would like to remove it and get an updated look to ...
  A: Welcome back Nancy, ok now I understand what you are talking about (never heard that before) is this ...
chimney9/11/2009
  Q: Hi my name is Michael and a friend called me and her new home owner insurance told her that she ...
  A: not sure why you need or what type of truss you need, I would have a local Certified Chimney Sweep ...
chimney brush stuck9/9/2009
  Q: my husband was trying to sweep chimney when brush became stuck, absolutely will not come out by ...
  A: did you try spinning the rod (and the brush) maybe push up and the spin then down? push it all the ...
duraflame logs9/8/2009
  Q: I use about 9-10 duraflame logs a week in my fireplace. I switched over from wood after reading up ...
  A: it sounds like time for another video scan. Second it sounds like you have a Pre Fab fireplace? if ...
fireplace "smell" coming into home when furnace is on9/7/2009
  Q: I live in a condo and we had our first fire in a wood fireplace last week. I went to use the ...
  A: it sounds like you need make up air when a furnace turns on it also turns on a "return" big vent ...
Refractor Panel Replacement9/6/2009
  Q: I have a Lenox/Superior fireplace. Refractor panels are cracked and rear panel has large holes in ...
  A: did you look inside your unit for a tag with a model number? I would have a local Certified Chimney ...
Chimney Whistles!9/5/2009
  Q: There is a chimney that whistles down to the firebox in the fireplace even with the damper closed. ...
  A: I would have a local Certified Chimney Sweep (www.csia.org, there you can look up by zip code to ...
FLUE SIZE9/4/2009
  Q: I AM THE PROUD OWNER OF A SCHRADER 2 DOOR FIREPLACE. THE SMOKE COMES OUT THE BACK FROM A SQUARE ...
  A: you should try to find the owners manual that will tell you every thing you need to know. also check ...
Wish to install Lopi insert9/2/2009
  Q: Mr. Ball, I emailed you several days ago about installing an insert in a metal Martin Fireplace. ...
  A: Welcome back John, that fireplace system is built from the ground up so you can't just remove the ...
Martin LF42E Ultra Therm Fireplace8/28/2009
  Q: We have a Martin LF42E Fireplace that was installed in our manufactured house approx 11 years ago. ...
  A: I am sorry but I could not find the owners manual for that unit (I checked the National Chimney ...
fireplace8/28/2009
  Q: this may be a stupid question but here we go... is there a such thing as a fireplace that can be ...
  A: if I understand you correctly, you want some thing other than wood or gas to burn in your fireplace, ...
Heatilator B type vent modifications8/20/2009
  Q: Our house was built in 1993 with a Heatilator CR36D 2 sided ("L" shape) wood burning manufactured ...
  A: first contact Heatilator and ask them what they think and you must follow what they say. as far as ...
Chimney cracks8/19/2009
  Q: I recently had my chimney inspected and the sweep said that I had hairline cracks. He indicated that ...
  A: Welcome back Ray, the panels must (if you can get them) be original manufactures panels. any one ...
Chimney cracks8/19/2009
  Q: I recently had my chimney inspected and the sweep said that I had hairline cracks. He indicated that ...
  A: it sounds like you are talking about a PreFab fireplace (manufacture tag should be up inside the ...
SBB5400SS Martin Fireplace8/18/2009
  Q: I have recently purchased a Martin fireplace from a distributor in the Los Angeles, CA. area and ...
  A: if the town requires it then you have to have it. the unit you bought sounds like a very old unit, I ...
reduce fireplace opening8/17/2009
  Q: we have a large semiarch brick fireplace opening that we would like to reduce the size of the ...
  A: then a mason who will do the work, but I think you are headed in the right direction for this re ...
Changing heating8/16/2009
  Q: We presently have oil heat and are thinking of converting to gas. We need a new liner for the ...
  A: depending on the unit they are installing you might not be able to use the chimney to vent it, (you ...
fireplace smell8/16/2009
  Q: I live in an old two storie wood frame house that has two fireplaces in seperate rooms that are in ...
  A: What you are describing is called "negative pressure" I would have a local Certified Chimney Sweep ...
Acceptable chimney use8/16/2009
  Q: I have a gas (lp) tankless water heater I would like to install. I have an existing masonry chimney ...
  A: you must follow the instructions from the manufacture of the tank less water heater for venting, if ...
Wood stove insert8/14/2009
  Q: I am building a new house, we wood framed an exterior chase its 5ft.W and 2.5ft. deep and bricked ...
  A: no you can not an insert has to go into a fireplace (masonry) what you have is set up for a PreFab ...
free standing fire place8/14/2009
  Q: I currently have a bay window in with three seperate windows the biggest in the middle and the ...
  A: first find out what the stove manufacturer requires for installation on your stove, then the local ...
Drywall around brick Fireplace8/13/2009
  Q: My daughter recently bought an older home with a middle of the room brick fireplace. The back of ...
  A: not exactly sure what you are describing but clearance to combustibles (If you can maintain it) ...
wood stove flue oil boiler flue venting8/13/2009
  Q: getting ready to buy a older house that has a wood stove that vents into the same chimney as the oil ...
  A: you can not mix liquid an d solid flues in the same flue (wood and oil)one or the other must come ...
blocking unused upper stove pipe8/11/2009
  Q: I need to know how to block an existing stove pipe that is on the upper level of a residence while ...
  A: you can not have two entires in a flue on different floors if you want to remove from 1st floor and ...
Glass doors on all fireplaces8/11/2009
  Q: We are selling a home and the buyers want us to install glass doors on the fireplace outside. There ...
  A: I'm on the East Coast and do not know what codes LA has, I would have a local Certified Chimney ...
replacement glass doors & frame8/10/2009
  Q: We have a free standing fireplace built by preway inc. model#F824F stove #J-455956 Model #FB26FM Its ...
  A: do I understand you correctly that you have a wood stove installed in a Preway fireplace? and you ...
specs for fireplace8/10/2009
  Q: I have a Thulman model L42A raised hearth fireplace manufactured by Majestic Co. IN. Where can I ...
  A: //legacy.majesticproducts.com/content/support/manuals.cfm?browse=search I checked the National ...
Outer flue short stacked8/8/2009
  Q: I live in a condo with a Martin BB3640L corner fireplace. I have been told that the outer flue at ...
  A: I would have a local Certified Chimney Sweep (www.csia.org, there you can look up by zip code to ...
Oval fireplace flues for wood burning fireplaces.8/8/2009
  Q: James, Can an oval flue be used for a wood burning fireplace? I have a situation where we are ...
  A: not really sure what you have or what you are using in this fireplace I would say contact the ...
Chimney surround to replace brick.8/7/2009
  Q: I have a fairly old 2 story house with an oil burning furnace. The chimney is the original brick ...
  A: I would suggest re building the chimney and then relining it, it will be safer, you can always check ...
installing a fireplace insert8/5/2009
  Q: I have a Temtex prefab wood/gas fireplace model TLC 36-2. It is installed to a double wall chimney ...
  A: Welcome back Mike, an insert is designed to be used in a masonry fireplace not free standing or ...
same chimeny use8/4/2009
  Q: I have a wood burning fireplace on 1st floor(ranch home) and would like to put a wood burning stove ...
  A: each solid fuel unit must have its own "flue" (air channels in the chimney) if you do not have a ...
Chimney liner & repair7/30/2009
  Q: I have a 100 year old house with a red brick chimney that is just as old. The Chimney runs from the ...
  A: I am not sure but it sounds like you want to drop the existing chimney to the attic floor and the re ...
installing a fireplace insert7/30/2009
  Q: I have a Temtex prefab wood/gas fireplace model TLC 36-2. It is installed to a double wall chimney ...
  A: short answer is no you can not install that insert to that prefab fireplace. long answer you would ...
refractory lining7/30/2009
  Q: I HAVE A PREWAY FIREPLACE. IT IS 24 YEARS OLD AND HAS DEVELOPED A CRACK IN THE BACK AND BOTTOM OF ...
  A: I would have a local Certified Chimney Sweep (www.csia.org, there you can look up by zip code to ...
Fireplace Insulation7/29/2009
  Q: We are rebuilding a fireplace and placing a PVC conduit in it in order to eventually put a ...
  A: I am not a big fan of TV's over fireplaces, as far as clearance to combustibles it should be 8" of ...
cutting clay and concrete round hole7/26/2009
  Q: I need to add another exhaust hole in my chimminy.8"round.First through concrete block then clay ...
  A: any mason should be able to cut that hole, my questions is why do"you need to add another exhaust ...
how much should it cost to replace a 120 brick chimney7/25/2009
  Q: from the roofline up, how much should it cost to replace a 120 brick chimney? Today I called on an ...
  A: not sure what a "120 Brick Chimney" is, or what it would cost to rebuild a chimney like yours (with ...
Chimney Construction7/24/2009
  Q: I have two chimneys side by side. One is for the furnace on the lower level of the house, and the ...
  A: not sure what you have if the 2 flues are connected then it is not right and both flues must be ...
buying used stoves7/24/2009
  Q: I am debating between buying a used wood stove from an individual (cheaper) and a new wood stove ...
  A: start with your local wood stove store newer units will heat better using less wood, and burn ...
67/24/2009
  Q: I am trying to install black single wall pipe from the top of my Sears and Roebuck potbelly stove to ...
  A: Welcome back Lee, what does the owners manual state? ask the wood stove store to show you on another ...
Building a fireplace7/22/2009
  Q: I built a 30 x 40 outbuilding as a work/play room. I have a 5 foot opening for a fireplace. Its ...
  A: if I under stand you correctly you built a room and now want to build a fireplace and chimney for it ...
heatolater7/22/2009
  Q: I am purchasing a house built in 1975. The only fireplace is a masonry one in the basement, but the ...
  A: hard to say what it will need with out seeing first question I would ask is "why was it removed"? ...
repair steel box fireplace7/21/2009
  Q: We have an old steel box fireplace with masonry built around it. Built in the 60's which recently ...
  A: hard to say what you have from what you describe, I would have a local Certified Chimney Sweep ...
pellet stoves7/18/2009
  Q: i have a martin wood fireplace that i want to install a pellet stove insert into. i have 8" of ...
  A: are both fireplace and insert rated to be used together? check with both manufacturer's and ask ...
Limestone fire place surround7/15/2009
  Q: How do I clean the limestone fire place surround? Burning wood in the fireplace, the top of the ...
  A: check with your local wood stove store they should have a product that will clean the stone. You ...
Opening up the metal damper unit for liner installation7/14/2009
  Q: I am going to be installing an wood burning insert and using a metal liner for the chimney. The ...
  A: they make a cast iron blade to cut cast iron damper saddles, you may only have to cut out the center ...
Welcom Dover Coal Stove Chimney7/14/2009
  Q: We have a Welcome Dover Stove. It has a standard oval-shaped exit but no flue. We were told that a ...
  A: hard to say with such an old stove with out original manual, but a 6" x 10" oval would be an 8" ...
Conversion to a double sided fireplace7/10/2009
  Q: We have a built-in wood burning fireplace situated in a wall between our lounge and dining room. It ...
  A: I am not sure of what you have or want to do, but it sounds like you want to either break through ...
Price Quoted7/9/2009
  Q: I was quoted $185 for a chimney pro to 'cement crown-point and face bricks where needed, cement ...
  A: that price seems very low (with out seeing the job my self)and I am not sure what he is really ...
wood stove piped into oil burner chimminy7/7/2009
  Q: i have a chimney that used to have an oil burner in it . now that it dosent i would like to run my ...
  A: it might not need any thing if the flue is sized right and clean, but I would have a local Certified ...
fireplace noise7/7/2009
  Q: 7 year old home fireplace never used no gas - all natural no cap moving damper results in a ...
  A: I am not sure what you are describing, so I would have a local Certified Chimney Sweep ...
chimney7/5/2009
  Q: i have a galvanized steel chimney (which is the vent for the furnance)even when it was brand new i ...
  A: Welcome Back, as you can see this is a common issue when burning Oil. Have you had the unit tuned? ...
chimney7/4/2009
  Q: i have a galvanized steel chimney (which is the vent for the furnance)even when it was brand new i ...
  A: is this an oil fired appliance? if so then the soot contains sulfur and will continue no matter what ...
a broken flue ?7/4/2009
  Q: I am buying my first home and 3 weeks ago at inspection we were told that a certified person should ...
  A: If this is for a fireplace then you have a real problem and the entire system might need to be ...
Chimney Flue7/3/2009
  Q: We have a brick chimmney and the flue is like hanging on one side. How can I repair it or would I ...
  A: I am not quite sure what you are describing so I would have a local Certified Chimney Sweep ...
Remove old brick chimneys7/1/2009
  Q: We bought a 1940s house with 2 old chimneys. no fireplaces attached. one on outside of house, and 1 ...
  A: taking down a chimney is a big job, first do you have a heating unit venting out through it? if so ...
multiple class A chimneys7/1/2009
  Q: Mr. Ball, what is the minimum distance between two class A chimneys servicing wood burning stoves? ...
  A: to tell you the truth I do not know, I would check with the pipe manufacturer or your local building ...
Sears triple wall chimney6/30/2009
  Q: I have a Sears model 155.847202 fire place with model 8CA6 triple wall pipe. The only problem with ...
  A: that is called a prefab fireplace and chimney, and if you have to replace any part then it must be ...
gas logs6/30/2009
  Q: Is it ok to use gas logs in a fireplace chimney that has cracked flue tiles?
  A: when changing the use type of a fireplace or flue the entire chimney should be brought up the ...
Gas Starters & Masonry Construction6/29/2009
  Q: I am building a house in Mexico and don't have access to real experts. I need 2 questions answered. ...
  A: Welcome back Nick, I would start with a good set of gas logs and they will tell you what you can use ...
Heatilator chimney section6/29/2009
  Q: I am looking for a 12 inch tall Heatilator chimney section that measures 14 inches on the outside ...
  A: this is a problem with in the industry, I tell a customer that the pipe needs to be replace and can ...
chymney sweating6/29/2009
  Q: Mr. Ball, I have a brick chymney that when the temperature is high the chymney sweats down ...
  A: with out seeing it I am not sure what it might be from (exterior rain, natural gas for the ...
joining clay flues6/29/2009
  Q: I am having a cement chimmey block and clay tile chimney built for a new wood stove. My Contractor ...
  A: 7.2.10 Fireclay Flue Liners. sec, 7.2.10.2 Liners shall be bedded one on top of the other in a ...
Replacing a wood stove with an insert6/28/2009
  Q: I'm remodeling my basement and would like to replace my 10+ year old wood stove with an insert and ...
  A: I would say find a good wood stove store and find a stove you like then see if it will fit in your ...
venting6/28/2009
  Q: Can I vent air through the cleanout at the bottom of my chimney?
  A: if I understand you correctly you want to vent (a boiler, hot water heater, wood stove) into an ash ...
CHIMNEY SWEATING6/25/2009
  Q: MR. BALL, I have noticed when it is real hot that my chimney is sweating it appears from the ...
  A: hard to say with out seeing it, I have never seen a chimney sweat (like a toilet on a hot summer ...
removing a woodstove from basement6/23/2009
  Q: My parents have a woodstove in their basement that they do not use and want it removed. How ...
  A: depending on how it was installed it might be as easy as just taking apart the pipes and closing the ...
Rusted heatilator6/22/2009
  Q: I have a 50+ year old heatilator with a larger than fist-sized hole in the top corner. I have ...
  A: with out seeing it It would be very hard to say, in most cases when you have a hole that big I would ...
firerplace6/21/2009
  Q: how close to a door can a firerplace be?
  A: I am not sure what you are asking me? is this a prefab or masonry fireplace? if it is a prefab then ...
chimney cover for a 4x4 chase6/17/2009
  Q: on a fairly new house how would you cover the top of a chimney for a fireplace?? 4x4 chase? Do they ...
  A: a chase cover can be made out of Galvanized, copper and stainless steel, you could have a local ...
Fireplace inserts/ventalation6/14/2009
  Q: Are there any combined fireplace inserts/ home ventilation systems out there? It seems a waste to ...
  A: there are lots of choices, stop by your local wood stove stove, inserts and wood stoves have fan ...
Chimney6/14/2009
  Q: I live in the Chicagoland area in a brick raised ranch home that was built around 1956. My furnace ...
  A: this moisture can be from a few things, ground water seepage, or the inside of the chimney. you may ...
Downsizing 7-inch furnace for a 6-inch liner6/9/2009
  Q: Wondering if you could provide some info as to whether or not it is acceptable to downsize a 7-inch ...
  A: make sure that you check with your local building department, oil company and furnace manufacturer. ...
wood stove replacement6/9/2009
  Q: The free standing stove I am considering as a replacement( Drolet HT 2000) has a 6" flue collar ...
  A: 1st check the stove for what size chimney it wants you to use if it is a 6" then you might have to ...
Efflorescence On Chimney Top6/9/2009
  Q: Sigh. My husband and I have had a long-time problem with the top of our chimney. Efflorescence ...
  A: with out seeing it, I would have have the crown (cracked concrete cap if this is what you are ...
Chimney Cap and EPDM roof6/8/2009
  Q: I have a relatively flat roof with old "role roofing" that I was thinking about replacing with a ...
  A: when was the last time the chimney was looked at? Cleaned? if you are going to replace the roof you ...
Fixing chiminea6/7/2009
  Q: how do I fix my chiminea? It has a slice off the back. Is it safe to use? The slice is about 4" in ...
  A: it is hard to make out what problem you are having but it sounds like some thing on the back wall of ...
freestanding fireplace installation question6/7/2009
  Q: my husband and I are thinking about installing a malm freestanding woodburning stove. We are ...
  A: what you are asking about is called a Class "A" chimney, it is a double wall insulated chimney. I ...
Fireplace wiring6/7/2009
  Q: "I am going to hang a LCD over the mantle of my fireplace and have removed the entire front wall ...
  A: I am not a big fan of TV's over fireplace's. and the metal pipe SHOULD NEVER TOUCH a 2x4. I would ...
dual use chimney6/5/2009
  Q: I have a fireplace on the outside wall that shares our pool area. On the pool side, I would like to ...
  A: if I understand you correctly you want to change the exiting fireplace to make it a BBQ grill ...
Do I really need a chimney?6/5/2009
  Q: We just had our chimney inspected because I noticed a lot of cracks and it's falling apart at the ...
  A: how are you heating your home? Most homes heat with oil or gas or both, when you burn any thing you ...
Smoke odor6/2/2009
  Q: There is a smoke odor from fireplace even though we haven't used it since the winter. There is a new ...
  A: the top mount damper should be air tight. the bottom damper should not be used just the top mount. ...
building an outdoor custom grill...6/2/2009
  Q: I want to know if I would be able to use. I would like to know if I could cut in half a chimney ...
  A: I would not change them each has its own use's and once in might be even harder to replace. Fire ...
Toxic off-gassing from fireplace chemicals?5/31/2009
  Q: I'm renting a 1920 house with a masonry fireplace. I was having a problem with very strong smoke ...
  A: My first idea is to burn off the chemicals (I do not know what "creosote foam degreaser" was used, ...
Turning a two sided fireplace into one sided5/30/2009
  Q: I have a two sided fireplace between two bedrooms. I use the second bedroom as a sitting room. ...
  A: I am not a big fan of removing a fireplace (even a 2 sided) could you add glass doors to both sides ...
re-bricking a wood stove5/28/2009
  Q: I have an Earthstove and the bricks on the sides are falling loose, also the steel, cast iron or ...
  A: do you have the manual for that stove? how old it is? was it installed correctly?it might be time to ...
Stone exterior fireplace chimney5/28/2009
  Q: What can we do with our stone fireplace chimney freezing and breaking chunks off? We have applied ...
  A: silicone will repel water from the out side but it will also hold water on the inside. you may need ...
fireplace blower/insert5/28/2009
  Q: I currently have a large brick wood burning fireplace in my family room (back of home) I would like ...
  A: I would start with our local wood stove store and see what they have (they will service it down the ...
Spark Arrester for a Marco Firepalce5/27/2009
  Q: I have a Marco Manufactered Fireplace Model DWF41-D whose spark arrester has been blown off. Could ...
  A: did you try Macro? Do you have double or triple wall pipe? if you can't find a Macro cap then you ...
Water leaking through chimney5/27/2009
  Q: We had our chimney rebuilt 6 months ago and ever since has been leaking water through the mortar cap ...
  A: I would have a local Certified Chimney Sweep (www.csia.org, there you can look up by zip code to ...
smaller flu5/26/2009
  Q: I have a new firebox that I purchased from a private owner, and along with it they sent some vent ...
  A: hard to tell from what you describe "firebox"? is that a wood stove? you can never down size a solid ...
moving a fireplace5/26/2009
  Q: I have a corner fireplace and want to move it from the corner to the center of wall in family room. ...
  A: no you can not move that fireplace, first you would have to dismantle it completely and rebuild it ...
chimney repair5/25/2009
  Q: My fireplace chimney has no liner, just rectangular bricks with mortar, top are dropped off during ...
  A: I am hoping this chimney has not been used at all since the earthquake for the fireplace or heating ...
chimney replacement?5/24/2009
  Q: I am in the process of purchasing a new home which I had inspected. Our inspector found a problem ...
  A: Not sure what you are describing but it sounds like the chimney is separating from the house? ...
clay liner5/24/2009
  Q: I bought a buck stove insert. What I notice before I was to put the stainless steel pipe into my ...
  A: I would have a local Certified Chimney Sweep (www.csia.org, there you can look up by zip code to ...
natural gas fireplace5/22/2009
  Q: I recently purchased a home with a natural gas fireplace. When I use it, it does not seem to throw ...
  A: 1st a fireplace will never "throw off heat" like a wood stove, 2nd a gas fire place will not "throw ...
wood inserts5/21/2009
  Q: I have recently raised my cottage, the old wood burning f/p is now partially under the floor due to ...
  A: first check with your local building department, then I would have a local Certified Chimney Sweep ...
Temco Chimney5/21/2009
  Q: I have a Temco wood burning fireplace and would like to remove it and replace with a Harmon coal ...
  A: no you can not use that pipe for coal. and I can almost bet you wont get just the fireplace out and ...
Strong smelly dripping at flue connection5/16/2009
  Q: Can you tell me please why it is dripping back down and out the connection of the flue while the ...
  A: it sounds like you have third stage creosote dripping from a pipe connection? first if it is then ...
soot on outside of chimney5/12/2009
  Q: I have a gas fireplace. How should I clean the soot off the OUTSIDE of the Chimney at the top? Same ...
  A: I am wondering why you have so much soot? has the unit been checked by some one that services gas ...
chimney5/11/2009
  Q: I live in a 2-story house, with fireplaces on both floors. The one on the top floor has a chimney ...
  A: I would have a local Certified Chimney Sweep (www.csia.org, there you can look up by zip code to ...
Melted vinyl on a pre-Fabricated chimney5/9/2009
  Q: I'm in the market for a new house and today I looked at a home that was built in 1992. The house ...
  A: it sounds like you might have had a chimney fire and the high heat warped the siding, I would have a ...
Chimney5/8/2009
  Q: I am recently remodeling my basement to an old (20s) house I purchased a few years back. There is a ...
  A: sounds like a blockage (4' up?) I would have a local Certified Chimney Sweep (www.csia.org, there ...
chimney liner5/7/2009
  Q: We bought an older house.The chimney is block with no clay tile flue. Our question is can we line it ...
  A: Welcome back Colleen, Home Saver is a good liner but I use Ventinox (It is a welded liner seam, Home ...
soot at the top of chimney5/7/2009
  Q: We live in a new (4 Yr. old) home and enjoy our propane gas fireplace. At the top of the chimney it ...
  A: is the inside of the chimney/logs sooty? the unit may need an adjustment from who ever put it in and ...
flu size5/6/2009
  Q: I'm interested in building a masonry chimney for my camp. My metal pipe size (inside camp) is 8" ...
  A: I would check with your local building department. A 8" round has 50sq inches and a 8 X 8 has an ...
heatilator td46bi5/5/2009
  Q: Hey james i'm a chimney sweep down in houston. Got myself in a bit of a bind. I got a customer ...
  A: you should join the National Chimney Sweep Guild, (www.ncsg.org) we have an E-mail list you could ...
Chimney construction5/5/2009
  Q: I need to construct a chimney for a free standing wood burning stove. This stove vents directly out ...
  A: what does the manufacture of the stove state for installation? and why are you building a masonry ...
Marco B36CF Fireplace - Pipe5/4/2009
  Q: Do you happen to know if I can still find this pipe somewhere? I'm unsure, but thought I needed the ...
  A: yes you must use the same pipe, and I am sorry I do not known where you can get it, check your local ...
chimney liner5/3/2009
  Q: We bought an older house.The chimney is block with no clay tile flue. Our question is can we line it ...
  A: if the chimney is structurally sound then you can reline it with a flexible Stainless Steel liner (I ...
Empress 740HE Fireplace5/3/2009
  Q: I am a certified W.E.T.T. inspector here in Canada and I just completed an inspection on an older ...
  A: What is a WETT inspector?, I an a member of the National Chimney Sweep Guild and looked into their ...
Temtex Products Model ADL36P Unvented Fireplace5/1/2009
  Q: I have a Temtex Products Model ADL36P Unvented Fireplace that is leaking propane gas when it is in ...
  A: first turn it off at the propane tank and do not use it. I am not a big fan of "Unvented" any thing, ...
Chimney Fire - Replace Entire Unit?4/29/2009
  Q: I have a Marco B36CF Fireplace, recently had a chimney fire... and got to meet my local fire dept. ...
  A: I would have a local Certified Chimney Sweep (www.csia.org, there you can look up by zip code to ...
preway fireplace4/27/2009
  Q: i have a Preway built-in fireplace and I need the metal chimney replaced. Do you know of anyone that ...
  A: if you can not find it you will have to replace every thing including the fire box. You could have a ...
damper repair4/27/2009
  Q: I am having a very hard time finding someone to repair the dampers in my fireplaces. I have 3 ...
  A: csia.org, there you can look up by zip code to find one near you) take a first hand look at what you ...
fireplace and chimney4/27/2009
  Q: A coal or small-log brick fireplace (not used)in middle of 1917 house with a small clean out grate ...
  A: hard to say what you are "hoeing" out of that clean out you talk about "1 fireplace in the middle of ...
Adding another fireplace4/26/2009
  Q: I have a basement that I want to finish out and have a fireplace similar to that above. This is a ...
  A: to install in your existing chimney you would need an existing un used flue. not common. you might ...
chimney liner4/26/2009
  Q: what is the cost of a new chimney liners, my home is approx 56yrs old,having a problem winter ...
  A: hard to give a price with out seeing it or the chimney, I would have a local Certified Chimney Sweep ...
Controlled combustion air4/25/2009
  Q: I'm designing a unique fireplace that requires very low air flow through the fireplace. For the ...
  A: I am not sure what you are building or how safe it would be, they make "air intakes" that bring ...
Insulating a gas fireplace4/22/2009
  Q: Good day. We bought a previously owned home 3 years ago that came with a propane fireplace. I ...
  A: You could have a local Certified Chimney Sweep (www.csia.org, there you can look up by zip code to ...
Conversion of masonry fireplace to alcove4/22/2009
  Q: I have a standard masonry fireplace that has a wood stove insert installed. The chimney backs up to ...
  A: is the insert installed correctly? is it being operated properly? check with the manufacturer to ...
chimmney4/21/2009
  Q: we burn wood and oil in our chimmney which has one flue , is this legal ? and will insurance from ...
  A: I do not know what you have that you can "burn wood and oil" in the same flue (you can not do that) ...
Interior Brick Chimney w/ gas furnace & hot water heater4/21/2009
  Q: ..I am currently having contractors give me quotes to replace my old gas furnace. I have a cape cod ...
  A: a 15 year old H/W Heater might need replacing too? and at this point I would to the ventless. you ...
Rain Damage Heatilator4/20/2009
  Q: I have a Heatilator insert fireplace. My chimney has been leaking for about a year (drips here and ...
  A: if I understand you correctly you have a pre fab Heatolator fireplace and chimney (all metal, in a ...
leaking "bricks"4/18/2009
  Q: We have a 1890's New Englander with a center chimney. There is a water problem, which creates water ...
  A: has the inside of the chimney been inspected? I would have a local Certified Chimney Sweep ...
chimney cleaning4/16/2009
  Q: I have an oil-fired furnace which is about four years old. NO fireplace. My chimney was last cleaned ...
  A: NFPA states "chimneys should be checked every year" most Stainless Steel Liners must be inspected ...
pizza oven chimney4/16/2009
  Q: we are in the process of building a pizza oven and would like to use a round terracotta chimney pipe ...
  A: you can check your local stone suppler, they sell stone, cement, bricks and all that stuff, you ...
Fireplace and drywall4/16/2009
  Q: We removed plaster that was behind our fireplace. It's attached to the back of the fireplace brick ...
  A: Welcome back Pat, the key word here is "combustibles" and the clearance to them (in last post) if ...
Fireplace and drywall4/15/2009
  Q: We removed plaster that was behind our fireplace. It's attached to the back of the fireplace brick ...
  A: there are minimum clearance to combustibles Your local building department will have what you need ...
chimney draft4/15/2009
  Q: I have an outside masonry chimney with a terracotta liner. The chimney is on the north side of my ...
  A: you say you have a new "COAL/wood burning hot water boiler" was it installed as per manufacturer's ...
Wood heater smoking into room4/14/2009
  Q: I purchased a home & workshop (concrete block)about 2 years ago and in the workshop is a chimney ...
  A: lets start with do you have the owners manual for this stove? if so you must follow the installation ...
fireplace insert and4/14/2009
  Q: I have a fireplace insert/flu with glass doors. Was considering inexpensive, creative options to ...
  A: what I saw in the videos I would not trust in my home ever. here is a link for Masonry Heaters ...
gas valve4/14/2009
  Q: I have a customer that has a Franklin stove and he has gas logs in it from years ago. They did ...
  A: Welcome back Bobbi, some times it is not what you want to do but "walking away" maybe the best thing ...
fireplace damper stuck open4/14/2009
  Q: My brick fireplace has a pullchain operated damper. The pass through for the chain is about 18 ...
  A: with out seeing it I can not tell what you have (most inserts have their own damper built in and you ...
chimney4/13/2009
  Q: can I use double wall insulated pipe for a thimble into a masonry chimney?
  A: I would have a local Certified Chimney Sweep (www.csia.org, there you can look up by zip code to ...
woodburning fireplace4/13/2009
  Q: We installed a wood burning fireplace, and wired for electronic ignitor. Can the ignitor stand the ...
  A: I am not sure what you have installed? you should ask this of who ever installed it, they do make a ...
Attaching mantel to real fieldstone fireplace4/11/2009
  Q: I have an asymmetrical, floor to ceiling, fieldstone fireplace in my mid century modern home and ...
  A: 1st I am not a big fan of TV's over fireplace's (heat) 2nd make sure the mantel is 12" above the ...
re: fireplace4/10/2009
  Q: One day when using a store log wrapped in those packages, I lit one and about ten minutes later a ...
  A: I would have a local Certified Chimney Sweep (www.csia.org, there you can look up by zip code to ...
Fireplace and chimney removal4/10/2009
  Q: I would like to remove a double sided fireplace and chimney that is in the middle of my living room. ...
  A: it should not support any thing BUT, who knows how they built it. in order to find out you will have ...
Damaged chimney pipe4/9/2009
  Q: I have a gas-start wood-burning fireplace in a 7 year old home. We recently discovered 2 holes in ...
  A: I am not sure what "Steel Pipe has 2 holes" but I would have a local Certified Chimney Sweep ...
Using concrete to repair cracked flue tile4/9/2009
  Q: We have cracked flue tiles in our chimney. We have never actually used the fireplace, and so we ...
  A: I will say to have it check and do not use it until you do for heating or fires. I would have a ...
Fire Brick inserts4/8/2009
  Q: We purchased a cabin NE Georgia last year. The fireplace is a built in prefab unit. The back wall ...
  A: it sounds like you have a Pre Fab fireplace and the back panel has holes and cracks with out seeing ...
woodstove pipe leaking creosote4/8/2009
  Q: we recently had a liner installed in our chimney. Since that was done we have had a problem of ...
  A: first that type of drip indicates not hot enough of a burn (your stove's manual will state the ...
Air cooled chimney flue4/7/2009
  Q: I am a contractor who was asked by a homeowner to patch her "fake brick" metal chimney that was ...
  A: I would have a local Certified Chimney Sweep (www.csia.org, there you can look up by zip code to ...
cleaning kiva fireplace4/5/2009
  Q: I live in a very remote area of New Mexico and I'm finding it difficult to locate a reputable ...
  A: I live in the north east and have never worked on a fireplace like that so with out seeing it would ...
transition between firebox and flue4/4/2009
  Q: can you explain exactly what and where the transition is between the flue and the firebox? If you ...
  A: I have found a common side view of a fireplace chimney it shows the smoke chamber (that is the ...
Flu Liner Size4/3/2009
  Q: I am looking into a job for a lady that has a Brunco 190 wood stove that has an 8" outlet for the ...
  A: a 8 x 8 out side is usually a 7 x 7 inside (cross sectional inches = 49) an 8" round has a cross ...
fireplace4/2/2009
  Q: I have a cabin in Maine with a large central chimney and fireplace. There are no apparent leaks, ...
  A: Greg, damaged stone and brick must be removed and replaces, how hard that is would be had to say ...
preway gas fire place4/1/2009
  Q: We are buying a house that has a preway Model#BE41LAP gas fire place We would like to know what it ...
  A: I would say the Preway will have to come out (gas line disconnected, by a plumber). Then the ...
chimney condensation3/31/2009
  Q: can condensation from a chimney cause damage to the plaster wall covering it, and if so what is the ...
  A: yes water can seep through a wall from out side water (rain and snow) and inside from a natural gas ...
wood fireplace3/31/2009
  Q: I read in one of your answers where you said "fireplace chimneys are not to be used for long periods ...
  A: most fireplaces are not very efficient and purely decorative and not intended for long periods of ...
chimney capt3/29/2009
  Q: I have a 12in. inside diameter terra cotta liner. I want to install a 6 inch stainless flex liner ...
  A: 1st question, why are you relining the flue? is this a fireplace? Oil/Gas flue? as far as supporting ...
sinking chimney3/28/2009
  Q: My entire chimney is sinking on one side and is starting to tear the roof apart. Can it be jacked ...
  A: you will have to check with an engineer to see if you can "jack it up" when A chimney moves like ...
wood burning furnace/chimney3/28/2009
  Q: James, I have a wood burning furnace in my basement. It is hooked up to a masonry chimney that ...
  A: you say this liner is venting a gas hot water heater? then there should not be any creosote building ...
Woodburning stove for heat3/28/2009
  Q: My husband and I are building a house and are going crazy looking into heating alternatives. Today ...
  A: lets start with wood stoves work great at heating but require a lot of work, you do not just load ...
chimney,gas furnance, cement and cabinents3/25/2009
  Q: I have a gas furnace and hot water heater that vent into a chimney. I am currently in the process ...
  A: with out seeing it I would say no. I would not start eating away at a chimney it might do some thing ...
Through the wall chimney3/22/2009
  Q: I plan to install a wood burning stove near the basement wall. The exhaust will not go straight up ...
  A: what does the stove manual say about the chimney?, most will state "straight as possible" what is ...
one-sided wood burning fireplace to double3/21/2009
  Q: We currently have a one-sided wood-burning fireplace. We would like to turn it into a double-sided ...
  A: if it is a pre fab unit you would have to replace every thing (chimney included) if they make one. ...
freedom stove3/18/2009
  Q: i have a freedom stove that i want to install but it has no tag on the back and i don't know the ...
  A: I really do not know any thing about that stove and if you can not find any info on it then I would ...
chimney rebuild - roof up3/16/2009
  Q: A local mason recently inspected my chimney and said it needs to be rebuild from the roof up. He ...
  A: I do not do chimney re builds so I do not know if it is a good price or not, I would have a local ...
chimney3/13/2009
  Q: My house is about 50 years old and the furnace and water heater are both vented into the chimney in ...
  A: yes you can get moisture through the walls are you heating with natural gas? I would have a local ...
poor draft3/12/2009
  Q: james, I installed a wood insert at the beginning of this season. I had a stainless 6in flex liner ...
  A: I am not surprised you have poor draft after burning 4 cord's of wood, one of which was unseasoned. ...
Log Fire3/11/2009
  Q: we have just re opened our fire place we had to put 3mtr on the chimley because the roof is thatch, ...
  A: I am not familiar with chimney's and Thatch roofs and do not know what "3mtr" is. but smoking ...
Chmney bricks keep popping3/6/2009
  Q: I'm finding my back chimney to be a b*tch to keep in good working order. It is used only for wood ...
  A: I think the gutters should go back on and be pitched correctly, and check out this web page ...
Chimney3/5/2009
  Q: I have a great chimney with a combustion stove in it, unfortunately the room on the other side of ...
  A: I have seen where my customers have cut vents in the walls, ceilings and added fans to circulate the ...
chimney leaking water in basement through access door3/4/2009
  Q: I live in Michigan (winter season). Our colonial style house recently had the top 36 rows of brick ...
  A: Welcome back Tony, where do your gutter drains go? try piping them away from that entire area and ...
chimney leaking water in basement through access door3/4/2009
  Q: I live in Michigan (winter season). Our colonial style house recently had the top 36 rows of brick ...
  A: is this new? Is this why you did all the work? is the ash trap below ground? I have seen that happen ...
dampers3/2/2009
  Q: JAMES- Is a lower damper and a smoke shelf required if I install a top mount damper with the long ...
  A: If you install a top damper then no you do not need the original damper, do not alter the smoke ...
smoke in upstairs room3/1/2009
  Q: I recently moved house and have an open fire place. The house is about 11 years old and has had no ...
  A: do you have a upstairs fireplace? Is this the only time it has happened? Is there a exhaust vent ...
chimney sleeve3/1/2009
  Q: We have a 20+ year problem of brown stains coming through our chimney breast from the inside of the ...
  A: I a not quite sure what you have from what you describe and I do not know what a "smokeless fuel ...
Gas Log Install3/1/2009
  Q: James, I have a wood burning fireplace in good condition on my main floor. I would like to install a ...
  A: I would have a person that installs gas lines (plumber, gas man, wood stove store) install the gas ...
Converting gas to wood2/28/2009
  Q: I am looking to purchase a home and really want a wood burning fireplace. However, most of the ...
  A: congratulations on your new home, I would have a local Certified Chimney Sweep (www.csia.org, there ...
Smoking Chimney2/28/2009
  Q: My chimney went on fire about a month ago. After this I cleaned the chimney. Since then when I ...
  A: I would have a local Certified Chimney Sweep (www.csia.org, there you can look up by zip code to ...
kitchen exhaust vented out through chimney flue2/26/2009
  Q: I recently had my kitchen exhaust vented out and the handyman did it through chimney flue and not ...
  A: very true and very dangers, I would have a local Certified Chimney Sweep (www.csia.org, there you ...
chimney sweep2/26/2009
  Q: i rent in so. california. have been in this apt 3 years and have never gotten the chimney swept. is ...
  A: did you ask them? they might, if not have it done. I would have a local Certified Chimney Sweep ...
rotted heatilator2/25/2009
  Q: how to remove rotted heatilator fireboxes and what type of fireplace should be built to replace
  A: you might need some one who does masonry, almost of chimney sweeps do, but I would have a local ...
insulating chimney chase2/24/2009
  Q: my home was built in mid 60s as a ranch..in 80s a top floor was put on and in the process the ...
  A: depending on how the extended the chimney, was it brick? was it metal pipe? if metal pipe then you ...
wood heater2/24/2009
  Q: why does my wood heater smoke up the house when the wind blows hard? ANSWER: Hello Allan, is this ...
  A: the 3', 10', 2' rule, this is where the chimney brakes the roof line you go up 3', then go around ...
refractory panels2/23/2009
  Q: We have a Desa wood burning fireplace and I could have sworn that there were indentations in the ...
  A: you should not have altered the fire brick in that type of fireplace. do not do any thing more I ...
chimney liner2/23/2009
  Q: We live in Northern Michigan and recently we had a VERY cold snap..double digits below zero plus ...
  A: I would have a local Certified Chimney Sweep (www.csia.org, there you can look up by zip code to ...
Smoke smell in the bedroom2/23/2009
  Q: We had a rumsford fireplace installed in our house that we just purchased. We had to install that ...
  A: is the Lock Top installed correctly? can you see day light when you look up? you might have to have ...
fireplace vents in face of brick work2/22/2009
  Q: have a wood burning fireplace that has gas logs in it now. the face of the fireplace has vents on ...
  A: what it sounds like you have is called a "heatolater" this is a metal fire box (back wall and sides) ...
Stone2/22/2009
  Q: We bought an old farm house that has an old stone fireplace. When it rains hard it leaks on on ...
  A: with out seeing it and from what you describe I can not tell if this fireplace is safe or if you can ...
wood heater2/22/2009
  Q: why does my wood heater smoke up the house when the wind blows hard? ANSWER: Hello Allan, is this ...
  A: Welcome back Allan, ok then lets look out side is the chimney tall enough? are there roof peaks near ...
fireplace grate2/20/2009
  Q: We have a wood burning built in fireplace in our home. Close to it you can really feel the warmth ...
  A: do a Yahoo search for "Fireplace Blower Grates" then I would have a local Certified Chimney Sweep ...
wood heater2/19/2009
  Q: why does my wood heater smoke up the house when the wind blows hard?
  A: is this some thing new? more from one direction or another? Is the wood heater a wood stove? I would ...
Chimney gap2/18/2009
  Q: I recently bought a home and belive that my fireplace can be used for either gas or real logs( at ...
  A: it sounds like a air intake vent and it should slide open and closed. open to allow fresh air to ...
Gas Fireplace Questions2/18/2009
  Q: I have a gas fireplace and I'm wandering if the glass doors should be opened or closed after the ...
  A: with out seeing what you have I am not really sure about that fireplace operation, did you read the ...
gas boiler2/18/2009
  Q: Recently there has been a horrible smell coming from the gas boiler in our basement. I do not think ...
  A: has the chimney been checked and cleaned? is it in good working order? Is this a new gas unit? there ...
Gas Fireplace Won't Light2/18/2009
  Q: Ball, I have a gas fireplace on which I am able to light the pilot light, but as soon as I press a ...
  A: did you refer to the owners manual? Do you have the owners manual? You might have to get some one in ...
no liner in chimney with gas furnace2/17/2009
  Q: Four years ago, we switched from an oil to gas furnace. As part of that install, the contractors ...
  A: I would have a local Certified Chimney Sweep (www.csia.org, there you can look up by zip code to ...
chimney breast2/17/2009
  Q: But apparently the chimney breast has been took out of my daughters bedroom.And capped off.is there ...
  A: It is hard to tell with out seeing your set up but I would have a local Certified Chimney Sweep ...
Pre-fab hearth floor cracked.2/16/2009
  Q: We are selling our house (built in 1979) and the buyers had an inspection done. He noted the floor ...
  A: the floor (panel) must be removed and replaced I do not know if they make that replacement panel any ...
Vented Fireplace2/14/2009
  Q: We have a vented gas fireplace. We are having issues with the unit and someone came out to fix, ...
  A: I am not sure what you are describing with out seeing it, I can only guess, just the logs and their ...
Marco fireplace2/14/2009
  Q: Iam looking for an extension to a chimney. I was told it is a Marco Fireplace. The chimney ...
  A: I do not know if Macro is till in business, you could do a web search, if not then you can not just ...
new fireplace2/13/2009
  Q: I have a new home with a fireplace. Recently after a fire I went to close the flu and I noticed that ...
  A: no this does not sound right, do not use the fireplace until it is checked, I would have a local ...
Blackened glass doors2/11/2009
  Q: We burn would in a Kozy Heat fireplace. Is there anyway to prevent our glass doors from turning ...
  A: you can contact Kozy and ask them? also in most cases it is an air adjustment or burning the ...
Flue Cracks2/8/2009
  Q: I recently had my chimney swept and there are hairline cracks in the flue tiles that appear to ...
  A: I will look into this for you and get the web page and get back to you. I do a sister product called ...
Smoke In My Basement2/8/2009
  Q: I have a two story colonial with a partial finished basement. I have one wood burning fireplace in ...
  A: What is happening is you are getting Negative Pressure in your home, if 10 gallons of air is going ...
combined flue gas exhaust2/6/2009
  Q: My house is heated by two forced air natural gas furnaces. My hot water heater also uses gas. The ...
  A: it is hard to tell what you have from what you describe but it doesn't sound right, yes it should be ...
brick fireplace with insert2/6/2009
  Q: I live in British Columbia Canada and I have a home that was built between 1979-1982 with two ...
  A: they put those tags in the back, inside, front....all over. You might have to pull the units to see ...
Cold draft (Breeze actually) around zero clearance Fireplace.2/6/2009
  Q: We have a 14 year old zero clearance fireplace. There is an air grill (4 inch tall) below and above ...
  A: hard to tell with out seeing it the out side of this fireplace may not be enclosed properly, or ...
Using an insert as a free standing wood burner2/5/2009
  Q: I have a Buck Stove insert in good shape that is not being used and would like to put legs on and ...
  A: an insert is nothing more than a wood stove that is "inserted" into the fireplace. you could check ...
face plate/surround for fireplace insert2/4/2009
  Q: I have a large fireplace that we are looking to install a woodburning insert in. The problem I am ...
  A: I would contact your local wood stove store, they might have some one who can help modify the insert ...
chimney2/4/2009
  Q: I have a wood burning stove I want to pipe into a chimney that needs to be built. There is a damper ...
  A: from what you state I am not sure what you are asking? What size should the chimney be? what size ...
Use of an aluminium flue with a wood burning stove2/4/2009
  Q: I am about to install a wood burning stove, I have a chimney and an exsisting aluminium flue(left ...
  A: the pipe must be rated and UL listed for a wood stove (no aluminum) you would cause a fire. did you ...
fix bricks or fireplace insert which is better2/3/2009
  Q: We have a fireplace that was built in 1964 and has cracks in the mortar and up the chimney there are ...
  A: hard to tell with out seeing it, an insert will give much more heat but close down the fireplace ...
flu system2/2/2009
  Q: I'm building an outdoor fireplace opposite an indoor fireplace with the chimney containing both flu ...
  A: I am not sure what you are building or how you are doing it from what you explain, I would say start ...
5.5" vs 5" liner2/2/2009
  Q: we are having our furnace replaced and currently we have a 4 year old 5.5" liner... Our contractor ...
  A: I think you should be ok (can't tell for sure with out seeing it or sizing it my self) there is not ...
Smoke coming into house2/1/2009
  Q: James, We have a woodburning fireplace upstairs and one in the basement. When we light a fire the ...
  A: it does sound like negative pressure and the smoke maybe coming down the other fireplace, the hot ...
Water Heater Venting2/1/2009
  Q: I have purchased and installed a 118,000 BTU tankless water heater in my dad's house. The 80% ...
  A: Welcome back Steve, when opening a flue to make it bigger you can damage the flue and it should have ...
chimney pipe bigger than flu1/31/2009
  Q: we have a 12 inch pipe we are installing today. But some experts have said our flu is about 10 ...
  A: with out seeing it and sizing it my self I would say do not do it. solid flue (wood and coal) can ...
Where's the power1/31/2009
  Q: We bought a home with a Dover by Heatilator cast iron ,N.G. fueled, free standing stove, model ...
  A: that might be for a blower, but with out the owners manual it is had to say, try to find it and go ...
Water Heater Venting1/30/2009
  Q: I have purchased and installed a 118,000 BTU tankless water heater in my dad's house. The 80% ...
  A: what does the new water heater say about venting? if it says that it should go into the chimney then ...
chimney lining1/30/2009
  Q: Hey, James. I'm having my old oil burner and oil tank removed to install natural gas in my home. ...
  A: there are many reasons for the need to reline a flue. sizing, deterioration, and depending on the ...
fireplace and stainless steel1/29/2009
  Q: I have an unvented gas log fireplace and loose a lot of the heat up the chimney. No damper, but have ...
  A: I am not a big fan of "unvented" any thing and with out seeing what you want to do I would say no, ...
thermo coupler1/29/2009
  Q: I have a Pyromaster model FSUV3oRN. I bought from Lowes about 8 years ago. This year no gas to the ...
  A: you have to contact the manufacturer (I do not know this unit), sis you talk to Lowes? Do not try to ...
stink1/29/2009
  Q: I have a wood burner in the living room. The back of it has a 6” tee with a cap on bottom for ...
  A: Welcome back Randy, "did a certified sweep look at or install this unit?" i have no idea it was ...
frozen flue1/28/2009
  Q: After this last ice storm, the flue to my wood burning fireplace is frozen shut. Is there a way to ...
  A: you could try a drop light, hair dryer to warm the damper up but you will have the same problem ...
smokey room, no heat1/28/2009
  Q: my sitting room is relativley small and so should be easy to heat but its not.I have an open ...
  A: It is hard to understand the problem from what your describe but It might be negative pressure, I ...
Heat pump/oil burner backup/woodstove1/28/2009
  Q: I am renting a one story rambler with a basement. I am really very unfamiliar with oil burners and ...
  A: I am not sure which unit you are talking about, the wood stove or oil unit? either way they should ...
stink1/28/2009
  Q: I have a wood burner in the living room. The back of it has a 6” tee with a cap on bottom for ...
  A: Welcome back Randy, Creosote is a by product of in complete combustion. you need to run the stove ...
stink1/27/2009
  Q: I have a wood burner in the living room. The back of it has a 6” tee with a cap on bottom for ...
  A: it sounds like you are not burning your stove hot enough. and what you are getting is 3rd stage ...
heating oil fumes from chimney1/26/2009
  Q: Lately we noticed a heating oil smell outdoors from chimney when oil burner is working.This is ...
  A: this is strange could it be front he wind?does your oil unit vent into he chimney or a power venter ...
smokey fireplace1/26/2009
  Q: Some of the firebricks at the back of our fireplace are broken. Would that cause smoke to back up ...
  A: yes those vents could be doing it, is there way the air is getting up into the attic? if so stop it ...
high chimney1/26/2009
  Q: ..regards tom
  A: 1st most chimney work fine, (its the house that is the problem, Negative Pressure) 2nd follow the ...
Kiva Fireplace1/26/2009
  Q: Is it difficult and expensive to change a Kiva fireplace to a brick one? Thank you
  A: I have never heard of a Kiva Fireplace, so changing it my be difficult, I would have a local ...
smoke1/25/2009
  Q: Why does smoke come out of my chimney when there is no fire burning?
  A: is this chimney connected to another unit? like an other home (condo) or an oil fired unit? if so ...
Damper1/24/2009
  Q: I have a home built in the mid 1960's with a brick fireplace. The damper is a steel plate that runs ...
  A: your fireplace is over 45 years old? the entire system might need to be replaced. I would have a ...
DAMPER FREEZES1/24/2009
  Q: THE DAMPER FREEZES CLOSED ESPECIALLY DURING THESE BITTER COLD DAYS, AND WE ARE OFTEN NOT ON SITE. ...
  A: No need to use all caps that is yelling on line. are you getting water down the chimney that could ...
smokey fireplace1/24/2009
  Q: Some of the firebricks at the back of our fireplace are broken. Would that cause smoke to back up ...
  A: it could, but more than likely you are getting Negative Pressure in your home (house stack effect) ...
Refractory replacement1/23/2009
  Q: marco wood burning fireplace Model 1405 2 sided left hand. I need the refractory back 164513 ...
  A: did you try to contact Marco? if you can't find it you can find replacement panels, I would have a ...
the smell of smoke from next door log burner1/21/2009
  Q: i have a problem with next doors log burner. When next doors log burner is burning logs the smell of ...
  A: if the two flues are close together in the same chimney then yes you will get smoke down your ...
Smoking chimney1/21/2009
  Q: I have had open fires all my life. I had a Victorian fire installed and at first it did not smoke, ...
  A: I am not sure what a "Victorian fire" is, but it sounds like a fireplace. Almost all fireplaces work ...
draft in fireplace.1/21/2009
  Q: My fireplace I believe is a fireplace insert. With the flue closed, a very small amount of air will ...
  A: I am not sure by what you explain what you have or how to correct it, I would have a local Certified ...
2 storey home with fireplace on both floors1/20/2009
  Q: my wife and i just bought a house that was built in the early 1900's. it has a fire place on both ...
  A: Depending on how it was when they closed it up, how it faired all these years and if it is safe now. ...
Glass for fireplace1/19/2009
  Q: Moved into house that has old fireplace. The glass broke, and I have nothing to indicate who ...
  A: I am not sure what you have you say a furnace in a fireplace? missing glass? with out seeing it I ...
chimney?1/19/2009
  Q: I have just bought a house and have ripped out the old coal fire.. and i am installing an electric ...
  A: if there is not exhaust going into he flue then you can cover the top with a metal plate and ...
Next door neighbor's chimney1/18/2009
  Q: Every time our neighbors have a fire our sunroom and in side our home smells like smoke. Looking at ...
  A: Welcome back Mary, it is still not clear why you are getting this odor. It sounds like the 2 ...
FIREPLACE1/18/2009
  Q: IS IT SAFE TO OPERATE A GAS FIREPLACE WITH CHIMMNEY DAMPER CLOSED?
  A: I assume you are talking about GAS LOGS and if so then they came with a owners manual, refer to that ...
Next door neighbor's chimney1/17/2009
  Q: Every time our neighbors have a fire our sunroom and in side our home smells like smoke. Looking at ...
  A: do you have a fireplace? is it in the sun room? if so then what is happening is you are getting ...
fireplace1/16/2009
  Q: how do i close the flue on the inside of the fireplace/
  A: I believe you are asking how to close the "damper", look up inside the firebox (watch you don't hit ...
Chimney Sweeping1/16/2009
  Q: a few years ago I had a liner installed in my chimney. The company told me that once a liner is ...
  A: your vents and chimneys should be checked every year (may not need cleaning) by a certified sweep ...
Wood fireploace insert1/16/2009
  Q: We just purchased a Lopi Freedom Bay fireplace insert and cannot seem to sufficiently heat the room ...
  A: what did the stove store that you bought it from say? What did the person who installed say did they ...
brown spots1/15/2009
  Q: What are the brown spots at chimney joints? Two joints have stains ,one has small spot and the other ...
  A: it is hard to tell with out seeing these stains and where on the chimney they are. I would have a ...
smoke coming back into house1/15/2009
  Q: We have a masonary fireplace that was built with the house 3+ years ago. we have from day one, built ...
  A: What is happening is you are getting Negative Pressure in your home (house stack effect) that is hot ...
chimney1/15/2009
  Q: hi im in rented property ive been in my loft and noticed the chimney stacks have big cracks in and ...
  A: it is hard to tell by what you describe here what you have, I would have a local Certified Chimney ...
Exhausto Limitations1/14/2009
  Q: Our stove downdrafts due to wind coming from a particular direction. We get wind up to 125 mph but ...
  A: it sounds like you have a problem only from the south, so maybe you could find out what is there and ...
Oil Smell in House When Boiler is Firing1/13/2009
  Q: We have a 1961 single story ranch home with basement and a single masonry fireplace which has two ...
  A: you have a lot going on here so lets see if I can help, lets say every thing is clean and working ...
small crack in prefab chimney back wall1/13/2009
  Q: We had our entire fireplace and chimney replaced in February 2008. We noticed yesterday, January ...
  A: I would contact the fireplace manufacturer about that crack (it might be covered by the warranty) it ...
Chimney in disrepair1/11/2009
  Q: We bought this 90 year old house knowing the fireplace didn't work. A Chimney Sweep inspected it ...
  A: with our seeing this fireplace I would follow the certified sweep's recommendations ( you could get ...
Exhaust from heat getting into house1/11/2009
  Q: A few weeks ago I noticed exhaust from my oil-fired forced air heating system getting into my ...
  A: I am not sure what is going on with your set up, but yes the furnace smoke pipe could be shorter ...
Fireplace flu1/11/2009
  Q: Recently we have had a hard time opening and closing our flu. Last week it was in the closed ...
  A: what you are talking about is called a damper and it might have some thing on top of it, rusted shut ...
superior fireplace # AB2766131/9/2009
  Q: I have a superior fireplace and the back refractory has a large opening in it as of yesterday. ...
  A: DO NOT USE THIS FIREPLACE until it is repaired. try contacting Superior and I I would have a local ...
Gas Fireplace Damper1/9/2009
  Q: I have a natural gas fireplace - a TEMCO fireplace unit with glass doors and ceramic logs. I have ...
  A: the logs came with a manual and those instructions must be followed. If you do not have that manual ...
vent free gas log1/8/2009
  Q: ,,i have a monessen gas vent free log and i havetn used it very much in the last few years since i ...
  A: I am not a big fan of Vent Free any thing, did you call the company who installed it? or the ...
backdrafting wood boiler1/7/2009
  Q: I have a fp industries indoor wood boiler located in my basement. I bought my home two years ago and ...
  A: some thing has changed either in the chimney (blockage, not re installed correctly) or some thing in ...
Water in firebox....Carpet in front of hearth wet1/7/2009
  Q: Today after several hours of heavy rain, I noticed water was getting into the firebox even though ...
  A: it is hard to tell from what you describe, is this fireplace below grade (under the ground level) if ...
fire place down draft1/7/2009
  Q: We have a basement fireplace that we use frequently. Randomly, smoke will not vent up and will fill ...
  A: What is happening is you are getting Negative Pressure in your home that is hot air raising in your ...
Creosote problems with woodburning stove.1/6/2009
  Q: Hey James. About 7 weeks ago, being the rocket scientists that we are, my husband and I decided to ...
  A: if every thing worked before then you did not get it right when you put it back together (this you ...
two-sided insert1/6/2009
  Q: I have a two-sided wood burning fireplace but all the heat goes up the flue. I want to find a ...
  A: I would say start with your local wood stove store and see what they have (deal local so you can get ...
Chimney Cleaning1/6/2009
  Q: Please guide me through detaching and cleaning the Efel harmony chimney (comes out the back), I ...
  A: I am not sure what a "Efel harmony chimney" and with out the right tools and vac's you could cause ...
Replacing the top of a zero clearance fireplace1/6/2009
  Q: Can you safely remove and replace the entire top section of a zero clearance fireplace without ...
  A: with out seeing it I can not say for sure, but I do not think so. you may be able to install a top ...
Bitter smell of smoke in room1/5/2009
  Q: A metal wood-burning stove produces bitter smelling smoke in the room after it heats up. Connector ...
  A: it is hard to tell what you have by what you describe but, I would have a local Certified Chimney ...
Gas Logs1/5/2009
  Q: We have vent-free gas logs and for some reason, recently the fire just goes out. There is no gas ...
  A: I am not a big fan of "vent free" any thing. it might be a sensor in which case you are getting to ...
Poor Draft1/5/2009
  Q: I am having trouble with my enviro fireplace insert. I cannot get enough air into the firebox to ...
  A: I am assuming the insert is clean and installed correctly, try opening a door or window (all the ...
Smell in fireplace1/5/2009
  Q: I have been reading about a bad smell coming from the fire place when not in use I have the same ...
  A: What is happening is you are getting Negative Pressure in your home that is hot air raising in your ...
wood stove stack installation1/5/2009
  Q: I have a wood burning stove outside in a florida room. It has a 6 inch rear smoke pipe. I purchased ...
  A: you can not use this chimney. You can not reduce a solid flue unit. either install a 6" all the way ...
Smoke in supply duct from wood furnace1/4/2009
  Q: We have a heat pump and an add-on wood furnace. The wood furnace has a jacket around it with a ...
  A: not sure what you have with out seeing it. I would have a local Certified Chimney Sweep ...
insulated stainless steel flu or not1/4/2009
  Q: i'm thinking of putting in a wood fireplace insert. my chimney is fine, i went too two places and, ...
  A: I would have a local Certified Chimney Sweep (www.csia.org, there you can look up by zip code to ...
installing a stove pipe reducer in a prefab chimney.1/4/2009
  Q: I have an appalachian wood stove model 30cd (http://www.appalachianstove.com/woodstove_30CD.php#). ...
  A: you can not reduce the pipe and with out seeing this set up I can not be sure what you have but it ...
"key" to operate damper1/4/2009
  Q: I have an odd damper assembly--was installed sometime in the mid-70s when the chimney was built. ...
  A: Try a door knob the older type (I have used the glass door knobs) they still sell them in the ...
Flue sizing1/3/2009
  Q: I have an outdoor fp under a 16'covered patio which I think may not have the correct flue dims. ...
  A: I would start with your local building department for proper sizing of that system. if it only ...
fisher wood stove insert1/3/2009
  Q: I have a fisher insert #H901840 and i need to put a pipe to the top of it,due to the blower grate on ...
  A: I am not sure what you have from your description, and I am not familiar with that stove, I would ...
Wood underneath firebox:1/2/2009
  Q: I recently had a sweep by my home to clean out my chimney - since it hasn't been done in years, and ...
  A: some times when building a fireplace a mason will use wood to support the base of the fire box and ...
Chimney rebuild or fixed?1/2/2009
  Q: I recently had foundation work (piers attached) completed on my home. When the company was close to ...
  A: I would have a local Certified Chimney Sweep (www.csia.org, there you can look up by zip code to ...
Firplace installation1/2/2009
  Q: I am considering installing a fireplace in my home for the looks as well as the efficiency. I have ...
  A: when you say "has a sleeve for the furnace and how water heater"? and "can you tap into it" you can ...
Wood Burning Fireplace1/2/2009
  Q: is there a way to remove a old old wood burning fireplace with out a professional? It is about 30+ ...
  A: with out seeing it I would not know what you have or what to do with it. I am not a big fan of ...
fireplace flue adjust rod1/2/2009
  Q: we have a conestoga black cast iron insert,a metal(threaded)rod comes out top middle which has no ...
  A: you will have to go back to Conestoga to get that "rod" and owners manual you should not have to use ...
Smoking Chimney Flu1/1/2009
  Q: We have a cabin with a wood burning stove. It has been fine, all of a sudden this weekend the flu ...
  A: when was the last time the stove and flue was cleaned? was there any thing in the cabin pulling air ...
Chimney flues12/30/2008
  Q: I'm looking to buy a property in Maine. The basement has a wood heater for HWBB heat and an oil ...
  A: I would have a local Certified Chimney Sweep (www.csia.org, there you can look up by zip code to ...
fireplace with loose broken tiles in firebox12/30/2008
  Q: Is it safe to use a fireplace with loose or missing tiles in the floor of the firebox? I'm renting ...
  A: I would have a local Certified Chimney Sweep (www.csia.org, there you can look up by zip code to ...
burning pine cones12/30/2008
  Q: what is the material/paint that is sprayed on pine cones that when put in wood burning stove makes ...
  A: I am sorry but I do not know what they use, but as a child growing up my mom would let us color ...
Masonry Chimney Crack Repair12/30/2008
  Q: I have a very large limestone masonry chimney that is towards the center of a cathedral ceiling. ...
  A: I would have a local Certified Chimney Sweep (www.csia.org, there you can look up by zip code to ...
Chmney Inspection12/29/2008
  Q: I am under contract to purchase a home that was built 8 years ago. It has a cultured stone-clad ...
  A: I would have a local Certified Chimney Sweep (www.csia.org, there you can look up by zip code to ...
Fireplace Stone12/29/2008
  Q: I have a Lennox ELV direct vent gas fireplace. Last spring, I had stonework installed around the ...
  A: you will have to read the owners manual for that unit and it will tell you how close you can get ...
vent on outside of chimney side12/29/2008
  Q: I have a dryer like vent on the outside of my chimney located about 6 feet off the round on the ...
  A: I would have a local Certified Chimney Sweep (www.csia.org, there you can look up by zip code to ...
Ground water leaks...12/29/2008
  Q: We were on vacation for Christmas and returned last night. We live in Chicago and in our absence ...
  A: yes it is possible to get ground water to seep into the foundation. are you sure the water didn't ...
smoke12/29/2008
  Q: we live in a an old farm house with a large fireplace and have just re converted it to an open log ...
  A: you say it "was just re converted it to a open log fire"?was there a wood stove before? did it ever ...
wood fireplace venting12/27/2008
  Q: I actually have 2 questions. I have a wood fireplace built with the house in 1978. There is a ...
  A: 1st yes it sounds like a fresh air intake, there should be a "dryer vent" type vent some where on ...
Chimney flu leak12/27/2008
  Q: Sept 2008 we had record rains, starting the 3rd continuous rain our flu started leaking. We had ...
  A: Welcome back Les, yes please wait until it is dry and safe to do the hose test start even below the ...
Chimney flu leak12/27/2008
  Q: Sept 2008 we had record rains, starting the 3rd continuous rain our flu started leaking. We had ...
  A: when you say "our flue started leaking" I guess you mean the water drips in your fireplace? and it ...
Wood Stove Hook up12/27/2008
  Q: I live in a house built in 1916, it has 2 chimney's and the back chimney is hooked up to a gas ...
  A: NO you can not hook up the wood to the gas flue, they must have there own flue's. The fact that ...
Smoke on Glass Door12/26/2008
  Q: I recently got a wood burning fireplace insert. (Vermont Castings Montpelier medium insert) ...
  A: Welcome back Robert, try adjusting the vents and see if that helps, also try other wood that might ...
Smoke on Glass Door12/25/2008
  Q: I recently got a wood burning fireplace insert. (Vermont Castings Montpelier medium insert) ...
  A: you might need to adjust the vents (that will wash the front and glass with fresh air to help keep ...
Temtex TFC 36-212/25/2008
  Q: I need a new back refractory panel for my Temtex TFC 36-2. I can't seem to locate a web site for ...
  A: I do not know if they are still around, try a local wood stove store and I would have a local ...
Easy way to remove flue secions?12/25/2008
  Q: Just wanted to thank you for taking the time to answer me. We are remodeling our living room and ...
  A: it sounds like you have a Pre-fab and pipe system if so you can not mix 2 different pipes or use a ...
Fireplace12/25/2008
  Q: I have a fireplace in my family room and a roughed in fireplace in my basement which is covered by ...
  A: you have a negative pressure issue, the hot air that is going up the first chimney is being pulled ...
chimney insulation12/25/2008
  Q: I had a wall mounted television installed above my fireplace in a home I recently purchased. Should ...
  A: I am not a big fan of TV's over fireplace's (I do not know what you have done with wires or the type ...
leaking thimble12/24/2008
  Q: What is wrong when black water & sap leaks down the wall from around the thimble/stove pipe? It has ...
  A: this is for a wood stove? what this installed correctly? the smoke pipe should face the pipe before ...
fireplace cracked flue12/24/2008
  Q: After a recent Chimney sweep inspection (not sure if tech is certified as you recommend) of our ...
  A: first I would get a second opinion and have a local Certified Chimney Sweep (www.csia.org, there you ...
fireplace inserts12/23/2008
  Q: thank you for your time Kevin
  A: first I would have a local Certified Chimney Sweep (www.csia.org, there you can look up by zip code ...
chimney not drawing effectively12/23/2008
  Q: Our home is 6 years old and our fireplace has always drawn very well. My husband just replaced the ...
  A: you say your husband "just replaced the cement liner inside" and now you are having problems, I ...
cast iron seal12/23/2008
  Q: Hey James i have a chimney which has a cast iron seal right directly above the fire place. So when ...
  A: I really can not tell what you have in this picture, either way I would have a local Certified ...
fireplace removing house heat?12/23/2008
  Q: My children bought a house several years ago that has a brick fireplace. They use it during the Xmas ...
  A: first thing I would have a local Certified Chimney Sweep (www.csia.org, there you can look up by zip ...
gas logs and fireplace help12/22/2008
  Q: ..my wife and I recently bought a house that has a regular fireplace/chimney with gas logs and not ...
  A: I am not sure what you have but it sounds like a Heatolator fire box. and yes the vents should send ...
Damper Open or Closed with Gas?12/22/2008
  Q: I bought cermaic gas logs and only burn fires in the fireplace using gas. Can I safely close the ...
  A: what does the installation instructions say? you must follow them to the letter and they usually ...
smoking fireplace12/22/2008
  Q: I too like Michael have a manufactured home fireplace insert, my home is 2330 sq ft and the ...
  A: I would have a local Certified Chimney Sweep (www.csia.org, there you can look up by zip code to ...
wood stove smoke12/22/2008
  Q: my husband recently installed a wood stove in our new home - first we thought we were having an ...
  A: is the stove installed correctly? Is it lined all the way to the top and insulated? is the chimney ...
broken damper handle12/21/2008
  Q: I don't have a question.It's been a while since my last e-mail to James.He was just great with his ...
  A: but I am sorry I do not remember your original post, did you ever get the unit looked at by a ...
chimney insulation12/21/2008
  Q: dairly use - Wood burning stove with conventional flue and block construction. The block chimney in ...
  A: I would have a local Certified Chimney Sweep (www.csia.org, there you can look up by zip code to ...
rain in fireplace12/21/2008
  Q: We have decided to close up our fireplace and drywall over it so that the corner can be put to ...
  A: maybe a stainless steel sheet over the top? I would have a local Certified Chimney Sweep ...
fireplace/stove 1950's house12/20/2008
  Q: We have recently purchased a 1958 home that has in the den a two door black cast iron stove(?)or ...
  A: do not use this unit until it is is looked at I would have a local Certified Chimney Sweep ...
Smokey two-sided fireplace...Help12/20/2008
  Q: We purchased our current home in Colorado late last winter and were excited at the prospect of ...
  A: I would have a local Certified Chimney Sweep (www.csia.org, there you can look up by zip code to ...
Fan in Elco Fireplace Insert12/20/2008
  Q: We need to replace the fan with thermostat in our Elco Fireplace. Please direct me to where we ...
  A: csia.org, there you can look up by zip code to find one near you) take a first hand look at what you ...
Thrimble12/20/2008
  Q: What causes the trimble to have cracks? How is it replaced?And how do you replace the morter at the ...
  A: Welcome back Lynwood, did you have a certified sweep take a first hand look? its not just as easy as ...
Haven't Burned in a While12/20/2008
  Q: We have three fireplaces, all in the same spot on three different floors. The main floor firelplace ...
  A: What is happening is you are getting Negative Pressure in your home that is hot air raising in your ...
Fresh Air intake vent and woodburning fireplace insert12/19/2008
  Q: I have recently installed an Hampton HI305 wood burning insert into my masonry fireplace. The ...
  A: what does the owners manual state? with out the owners manual I would not install or use that ...
chimmney stack removal12/19/2008
  Q: we had a small damp patch on our bedroom wall and a suveyer looked from the ground and said the lead ...
  A: I am sorry but I do not under stand what you are asking me or what a "damp, breast, lead flashing, ...
Outer chimney wall heats up12/19/2008
  Q: Just bought a house built in 1969, ranch style with main level and basement. Each level has a ...
  A: Steve it is a good idea to have a certified sweep take a first hand look (www.csia.org) the sweep ...
chimney12/18/2008
  Q: we had a leaking chimney so had it taken down to just inside the roof space. We are thinking of ...
  A: I would have a local Certified Chimney Sweep (www.csia.org, there you can look up by zip code to ...
victorian fireplace.12/18/2008
  Q: My house has a Victorian fireplace, I think it might be original but not certain - see attached ...
  A: it is very hard to tell what you have from this picture, I would have a local Certified Chimney ...
Chimney flue12/17/2008
  Q: I have a leak in the wall caused by the chimney according to roof specialist. I had a chimney ...
  A: I am not sure what type of chimney you have or why you are getting the water in. but it sounds like ...
Installing wood burning stove insert in fireplace with narrow damper12/16/2008
  Q: I just bought a two-year old Avalon Rainier at auction and am trying to install it in my fireplace ...
  A: has the chimney been inspected by a certified sweep (it must be) (www.csia.org) we either cut part ...
fireplace chimneys12/16/2008
  Q: A neighbor told us that burning an aluminum can in a wood stove will help remove creosote, is this ...
  A: do not burn anything but wood in your fireplace. if you need to have the creosote removed call a ...
Fireplace not warming room12/15/2008
  Q: We are having problems with our fireplace not projecting heat. Once we turn the gas on and really ...
  A: you do not say if your fireplace is a masonry or Pre-fab, if you have a blower or if you ever got ...
chimney flu leak12/15/2008
  Q: I have a brick fireplace on a 1966 home. We have owned the home with no leaking problem for 5 yrs. ...
  A: lets start with a water problem is very hard to fix (you start with the obvious and fix from there) ...
Smoky cellar12/15/2008
  Q: I have a fireplace on the first floor that was inspected and considered fine. Whenever I have a ...
  A: I would have a local Certified Chimney Sweep (www.csia.org, there you can look up by zip code to ...
smokey doublesided fireplace12/13/2008
  Q: We have a doublesided fireplace that has glass doors on each side (they are older and don't shut ...
  A: yes replacing the doors, making the chimney taller both can help but I would start with opening a ...
Smoking Fireplace12/13/2008
  Q: We have a double flue chimney in our house and although our damper is closed, whenever our tenant ...
  A: What is happening is you are getting Negative Pressure in your home that is hot air raising in your ...
smoke rolling into house from fireplace12/13/2008
  Q: I recently purchased a house with a fireplace. When I have a fire in it smoke will roll out of the ...
  A: I would have a local Certified Chimney Sweep (www.csia.org, there you can look up by zip code to ...
Small cracks in interior Firebrick12/12/2008
  Q: What can I use to patch small cracks in the firebrick?
  A: is this a pre-fab or masonry fireplace? masonry you could clean the crack of all lose mortar and ...
creasote12/12/2008
  Q: we have a wood furnace in our basement, when it rains we get a river of black stuff that smells like ...
  A: if you have a wood furnace then it will make Creosote and if it gets wet (from rain) it can flow ...
leaking chimney12/12/2008
  Q: We have a vintage 1793 center chimney(original bricks) colonial. For the two years that we have ...
  A: lets start with "the north side leak" it could be the way storms roll into your area. A water leak ...
Fresh air intake12/12/2008
  Q: I have a Majestic Vented gas fireplace. It seams to have a strong pilot that stays lit. When the ...
  A: what does the manual say about this? is this until a "direct vent" if so the vent has 2 pipes (one ...
Wood insert/creosote12/11/2008
  Q: I have a wood fireplace insert and would like to know you opinion about some of the anit creosote ...
  A: what does the insert owners manual say about how to burn that unit? as far as Creosote removal, read ...
Thrimble12/11/2008
  Q: What causes the trimble to have cracks? How is it replaced?And how do you replace the morter at the ...
  A: cracks can be caused by wear and tear, age, and even from original installation. to replace it you ...
double-sided fireplace to woodstove swap12/11/2008
  Q: We currently have Hart glass screens on both sides, that we happily flip open and closed when we ...
  A: as far as "not drawing well" you might have the same problem with the wood stove. I would also have ...
Fireplace draw12/10/2008
  Q: I have a Northern facing chimney totally exposed to the outside with a large buck stove insert. This ...
  A: they do make wind deflection caps that can help, I would have a local Certified Chimney Sweep ...
fire place floor12/10/2008
  Q: I bought a house a few years ago its apx 18 yrs old.It had a gas fired log system in it and I had it ...
  A: it sounds like an ash dump door that is missing, I would have a local Certified Chimney Sweep ...
vintage preway fireplace12/10/2008
  Q: we have a vintage preway fireplace that we want to install in our living room that has hardwood ...
  A: when you say "vintage" I hope it is in good working order and you have the owners manual. as far as ...
covering fireplace vents12/10/2008
  Q: James. I have a house built in the late 50s. The brick fireplace has four vents in the front. Two ...
  A: 1st I am not a big fan of TV's over a fireplace, second what you are describing in your fireplace ...
covering a hole in top of existing fireplace12/9/2008
  Q: I am getting ready to install a ventless gas fireplace in an existing fireplace opening. Question is ...
  A: I am not sure what you have for a fireplace so sealing it up I am not sure about or even if I would ...
smoke smell12/9/2008
  Q: I have an appalachian 4n1-xl wood catalytic insert with SS flex liner with insulation. this is on ...
  A: Welcome back Landon, you could try the gasket and use what the manufacturer says to secure it (high ...
Fireplace spin draft controls12/9/2008
  Q: I recently had my chiment swept in a place I bought 1 year ago. It is a heatilator wood burning fire ...
  A: 1st if you just bought the unit 1 year ago where it the manual? if you don't have it find it it will ...
smoke smell12/8/2008
  Q: I have an appalachian 4n1-xl wood catalytic insert with SS flex liner with insulation. this is on ...
  A: what does the owners manual say about the gasket size and replacement? the smoking could be that the ...
prefab12/8/2008
  Q: i have a majestic thulman model L-42 prefab fireplace. i have no manuals with it. i am wanting to ...
  A: Wes, basically what you are asking me is "can I put Cadillac brakes on a VW" I have not researched ...
Converting Wood to Natural gas fireplace12/8/2008
  Q: I want to convert my current wood burning fireplace to a double sided gas fireplace. My current ...
  A: I would start with your local building department and your local wood stove store and see what they ...
Majestic Gas Fireplace12/8/2008
  Q: I have a majestic gas fireplace and there is an immense amount of cold air leaking into the room. ...
  A: no it is not easy to remove just the fire box, I would have a local Certified Chimney Sweep ...
Damper Repair12/6/2008
  Q: I just bought a 40-year-old, one-story house with a wood-burning fireplace. It is the original ...
  A: it sounds like a Pre-fab unit, why is the damper missing, is it safe to use with that missing? in ...
prefab12/6/2008
  Q: i have a majestic thulman model L-42 prefab fireplace. i have no manuals with it. i am wanting to ...
  A: both units must be rated for use in a "Pre-fab". you must contact both manufacturers to find out if ...
Convert Wood Burning to Gas Logs12/5/2008
  Q: I have a Superior wood burning prefab fireplace Model # CF3860. It was already in my home when I ...
  A: you will have to go back to the Manufacturer, local wood stove store, your condo board to find this ...
fireplace smells of sut days after fire was built!12/4/2008
  Q: Three days ago we built a fire and the damper wasn't all the way open so the smoke got real bad. We ...
  A: this is not your typical way to have a fire, sorry. Did you close the damper after the fire was out? ...
boiler for woodburner12/4/2008
  Q: Iam looking for a boiler to fit into a steel woodburner which can be adapted to whichever boiler is ...
  A: I am not sure what you are asking me for? a wood stove? wood boiler for home heating? you could try ...
fisher woodstove insert12/4/2008
  Q: i just moved into a mountain cabin with a fisher woodstove insert. i started looking on the net to ...
  A: start with your local wood stove store and I would have a local Certified Chimney Sweep ...
fireplace fire box repair12/4/2008
  Q: The bottom of the firebox surface has crumbled and the tiles have come loose. Can I replace the ...
  A: I would have a local Certified Chimney Sweep (www.csia.org, there you can look up by zip code to ...
Gas Starter vs Fire Starter Products12/3/2008
  Q: We have a gas starter for our wood burning fireplace. Do you think it is more economical to use the ...
  A: first I would have a local Certified Chimney Sweep (www.csia.org, there you can look up by zip code ...
Pioner Spirit12/3/2008
  Q: I am building a stone cabin in our woods here in IN. I've always wanted to build a cabin, By myself, ...
  A: I think that is great that you have this hobby and it should bring you great satisfaction. while the ...
Fireplace height of hearth12/3/2008
  Q: We just installed a woodburing fireplace. My dilemma is at what height to put the hearth. I ...
  A: I would say to set every thing in "dry" at both heights and see what it looks like for a day each ...
Shared flue for gas fireplaces12/3/2008
  Q: I own a townhouse with an existing fireplace on the main floor (that was converted to gas). The ...
  A: Welcome back Doug, you can mix liquid fuel's (oil and gas) but not solids (wood and coal) in the ...
Refractory sheet replacement12/3/2008
  Q: I have a 10-12 year old Temco fireplace. I would like to know how to replace the aging refractory ...
  A: start with Temco, they should have the manual, and the replacement parts. Or you local wood stove ...
hole in my chimney pipe12/2/2008
  Q: how do i fix my chimney pipe? i have a small hole in my pipe going into the tile chimney and i need ...
  A: I would have a local Certified Chimney Sweep (www.csia.org, there you can look up by zip code to ...
Black stove pipe as flue liner12/2/2008
  Q: James, My house is 56 years old with the fireplace in the center of the house. I recently removed ...
  A: I would have a local Certified Chimney Sweep (www.csia.org, there you can look up by zip code to ...
thimble connections12/2/2008
  Q: After installing my 6 inch stove pipe through a 12 inch thimble opening I have a couple inches of ...
  A: where does the 6" pipe go after it goes into the 12' thimble? does it go into a 6" system or a 12" ...
Moisture in fireplace flue12/2/2008
  Q: I have recently done extensive remodeling to my kitchen where I have a fireplace. In June, I had a ...
  A: Welcome back Teresa, ok now you state you have a "non-venting gas log system" that produces a ton of ...
fireplace12/1/2008
  Q: i would like to find out what i could make a fire wall in my fireplace to replace the old wall that ...
  A: I am not sure what you are replacing? if this is a Pre-Fab fireplace you must replace it with stock ...
gas fireplace inserts12/1/2008
  Q: Does anyone make a gas FP insert that draws air from the outside for combustion, are these more ...
  A: check with your local wood stove store and see what they have available. I always say local because ...
flue pipe installation11/30/2008
  Q: I'm about to install my new wood burning stove in my sun-room to help keep the cold at bay this ...
  A: what kind of pipe does the stove call for? that is what you should use (metal Bestos, ICC Excel, ...
Gas Logs11/29/2008
  Q: I'd like to put gas logs into my masonry fireplace. What are the advantages of vented versus vent ...
  A: I am not a big fan of Vent Free logs, speak to your local wood/gas log store (if you buy from local ...
propane fireplace fan blower11/29/2008
  Q: I have a propane fireplace model#adl36p with afan that will not shut off. I kicked the breaker ...
  A: Hell Janeen, did you contact the manufacturer? do you live in a condo unit if so some one in the ...
smoke smell11/29/2008
  Q: Recently I had a problem with my flue and my little tiny house totally filled up with smoke. I have ...
  A: I would have a local Certified Chimney Sweep (www.csia.org, there you can look up by zip code to ...
Smoking Fireplace11/28/2008
  Q: I have a small (24" deep x 36" wide) Majestic fireplace insert that smokes the room every time it's ...
  A: What is happening is you are getting Negative Pressure in your home that is hot air raising in your ...
Flue - Fully or partially open?11/28/2008
  Q: It has been suggested to me that partially closing the flue will prolong the life of my fires, ...
  A: the "damper" will open and close allowing air n smoke to leave the fireplace, open fully to start ...
fireplace/chimney construction11/28/2008
  Q: I am considering purchasing an arts and crafts bungalow in Pasadena, California that was built in ...
  A: I would say to contact your local building department and a good mason and see what the cost would ...
chimney insulation11/28/2008
  Q: I have a brick chimney on the north side of my house. Thus it makes my living room quite cold. I ...
  A: the down draft might be from Negative pressure in the home, What is happening is your home is a ...
fireplace11/28/2008
  Q: We live in a 1910 bungalow. Fireplace is brick inside with a hole in the back covered by metal ...
  A: I would have a local Certified Chimney Sweep (www.csia.org, there you can look up by zip code to ...
venting problem11/27/2008
  Q: My chimney is being used for a gas furnace. Wouldnt it be wrong to go through the same chimney to ...
  A: not sure what you are asking but you can not mix liquid (gas or oil) and solid (wood and coal) in ...
Smoking towards end of firelog use11/27/2008
  Q: I used a Pine Mountain fire log in my Don-Bar 9200 (http://www.don-bar.com)island fireplace. It was ...
  A: when your air in the fireplace is hotter than the air in the house it will draft, as the fire dies ...
Moisture in fireplace flue11/26/2008
  Q: I have recently done extensive remodeling to my kitchen where I have a fireplace. In June, I had a ...
  A: Welcome back Theresa, first, is this the only unit in this chimney? if so get some one to cover the ...
Chimney Repair11/26/2008
  Q: We recently purchased a single story home. We had the fireplace inspected and cleaned and learned ...
  A: if you had a chimney fire then you need a level 2 inspection ("all accessible parts of the chimney ...
Removing Gas Logs11/26/2008
  Q: My question is, we recently moved into our house and the previous owner had installed gas logs in ...
  A: is this chimney safe to use? I would have a local Certified Chimney Sweep (www.csia.org, there you ...
fireplace smoke in the lobby11/25/2008
  Q: I have a very large but old fireplace in a lobby of a hotel that is recently being renovated. The ...
  A: air in a chimney is either pulled or pushed down a chimney pushed is wind, pulled is mechanical ...
chimney11/25/2008
  Q: Somebody gave me some metal chimney, similar to selkirk but the wall is thinner, he removed it from ...
  A: I would never use used pipe. is that pipe rated for wood? Is the pipe a 7" to match the wood stove? ...
Timberline Insert11/24/2008
  Q: We had someone out to clean our fireplaces today and the guy said there was no use in cleaning our ...
  A: what you described is called "slamming" and is not to code, you must check with your local building ...
Furnace vented through chimney11/24/2008
  Q: We recently bought a 1920s house and had a chimney expert over to talk about repointing. After ...
  A: each unit must have its own flue so if you have a fireplace and oil burner then you need 2 flues one ...
Soot11/24/2008
  Q: I have a question about an oil burner. We have temporarily rented a house on Long Island with small ...
  A: I have a friend in long island at http://www.chiefchimney.com/ Ask for Diane Pilger, I have worked ...
vent free LP gas logs in existing Marco FP11/23/2008
  Q: I have a Marco fireplace model DWF41-D that we have used for burning wood. The unit was installed ...
  A: all units must be rated to work with each other, the pre-fab fireplace must be rated to use with gas ...
Exterior Chimney Box11/23/2008
  Q: I have a Tru-Heat manufactured wood burning fireplace that was manufactured in 1986. I have owned ...
  A: the out side of that chimney is separate from the inside (except for clearance to combustibles and ...
chimney length11/23/2008
  Q: I have a house with a flat roof. I used a Buck stove insert in the fireplace for about 25 years. It ...
  A: your stove should be piped to the first flue tile (I recommend to the top) the added smoke pipe must ...
Direct Vent fire place11/23/2008
  Q: I have a direct vent gas fire place. The flue is about 12" and has a chimney top. I have never used ...
  A: DO NOT BURN WOOD IN THAT FIREPLACE a true "Direct vent" is not designed for burning wood and you ...
fireplace11/23/2008
  Q: why do my house smells like somke when i burn my fire place the damper is open
  A: What is happening is you are getting Negative Pressure in your home. Does the smoke happen before, ...
Cold draft coming from fireplace11/22/2008
  Q: Please forgive me if this question has been asked before. I did a quick search but my searching ...
  A: Welcome back Kelly, ok now I see what you have and it called a "direct vent" gas fireplace. and the ...
Chimney operation11/22/2008
  Q: As i examine the chimney it has three columns in it that are 7 By 11 inch rectangles. On the outside ...
  A: you have several things going on and I would have a local Certified Chimney Sweep (www.csia.org, ...
Firebox11/22/2008
  Q: The back and bottom panel in my fireplace has a crack running the entire length of the fireplace. ...
  A: it sounds like you have a Per-Fab fireplace (metal construction) and you may be able to find those ...
Cold draft coming from fireplace11/22/2008
  Q: Please forgive me if this question has been asked before. I did a quick search but my searching ...
  A: What is happening is you are getting Negative Pressure in your home try this sit in front of the ...
Wood stove installation11/21/2008
  Q: I am planning to install my wood stove. I have to construct a non combustible wall spaced out by 1 ...
  A: they make a high temp "stove" paint that should hold up fairly well. I would have a local Certified ...
Moisture in fireplace flue11/21/2008
  Q: I have recently done extensive remodeling to my kitchen where I have a fireplace. In June, I had a ...
  A: a top mount damper will hold moisture in the chimney (not allowing it to breath) if water is still ...
Gas starter11/20/2008
  Q: I have a woodburning fireplace with a propane gas starter pipe and regularly use it to light and ...
  A: I am not sure either, contact a local wood stove store and ask them, they might have even installed ...
Dura-flame only fires11/20/2008
  Q: My mother-in-law insists on using only Dura-flame logs in her fireplace. She will not use real wood ...
  A: 1st lets start with is the fireplace in question a masonry or metal (pre-fab) fireplace? if it is a ...
Chimney11/19/2008
  Q: we have a gas fire on the wall their was a an open fire there before, use of the chimney is it true ...
  A: I am not sure what you are describing or asking? do you have gas logs in an existing fireplace that ...
chimney at a slight angle11/19/2008
  Q: I have no choice but to put a slight angle in the first 3 meters of my chimney. Then it straightens ...
  A: welcome back Ncoom, ok now it sounds like you have an insert that goes into your fireplace and you ...
Gas Boiler Rollout11/19/2008
  Q: James... I'm having some issues with a gas boiler I installed myself as a replacement for my old ...
  A: lets start with some basics a 144 BTU natural draft boiler, in a 20' tall chimney, 2' lateral from ...
chimney at a slight angle11/18/2008
  Q: I have no choice but to put a slight angle in the first 3 meters of my chimney. Then it straightens ...
  A: Welcome Back Ncoom, when installing a pipe you must follow their instructions for installation. so ...
chimney at a slight angle11/18/2008
  Q: I have no choice but to put a slight angle in the first 3 meters of my chimney. Then it straightens ...
  A: I am not sure what you are asking, what does the stove installation instructions say? what does the ...
Heatilator gas insert cold air leaks11/17/2008
  Q: Like the previous question, we also have a heatilator gas insert thats leaks cold air from bottom, ...
  A: not sure what is going on you might have a very bad negative pressure problem pulling cold air down ...
intake fan ?11/17/2008
  Q: I recently bought a house that is only 7 years old. It has a beautiful masonry fireplace in it, the ...
  A: I would have a local Certified Chimney Sweep (www.csia.org, there you can look up by zip code to ...
one sided convert to two sided11/17/2008
  Q: We are going to remove the wall between kitchen and living room to make a great room. Presently have ...
  A: I would have a local Certified Chimney Sweep (www.csia.org, there you can look up by zip code to ...
rodent smell in fireplace vents11/17/2008
  Q: we had an exterminator come and bate for rats that were getting in to our pet food in the garage and ...
  A: what this looks like is called a "heatolator unit it is a metal box in the fireplace with vents low ...
smoke in house from fireplace11/16/2008
  Q: We have a natural fireplace and when we try to burn anything wood or "commercial box logs" we have ...
  A: yes if the chimney is not tall enough it will not draw correctly, also Does the smoke happen ...
Chemical smell11/16/2008
  Q: After my fire has been burning for about an hour we get a chemical type smell (burns the eyes) in ...
  A: next time you have a fire check the boiler room for that smell. if you are getting it from there ...
dampers11/15/2008
  Q: Wood burning fireplace and the damper is stuck in the up position
  A: is there a handle with a cotter pin in it? if so try to remove it (do not drop it or twist it) that ...
smoke from pellet stove and pipe11/15/2008
  Q: We installed a earthstove pellet stove in our basement. We have had unending problems with smoke ...
  A: what did the manufacturer say when you contacted them? is the pipe installed as per the installation ...
Why is smoke from fireplace coming into home11/15/2008
  Q: We recently purchased a brand new home and just tried out our fireplace for the first time. When ...
  A: What is happening is you are getting Negative Pressure in your home, your house is a better chimney ...
smell of smoke for days11/15/2008
  Q: in my condo, I have a full chimney brick fireplace about 30 years old. everytime I have a fire I ...
  A: there are other things that can bring smoke and odor down a chimney like the furnace return, ...
prefab chimney installation11/14/2008
  Q: I've just purchased a napoleon wood stove and have to have a chimney installed. I've decided to go ...
  A: a chimney should be as straight as possible, follow the manufactures instructions for installation ...
Brick Fireplace Opening11/14/2008
  Q: We have a brick fireplace (3' x 21.5" internal base) which is open toward our hearth area. The back ...
  A: I am not a big fan of double sides fireplaces they really do not heat well (get a wood ...
fireplace conversion11/14/2008
  Q: the outside of my existing standard (rumford type)fireplace is now in the center of the kitchen,due ...
  A: I am not a big fan of double sides fireplaces they really do not heat well (get a wood ...
Need fireplace parts11/14/2008
  Q: Where can I get parts for a Pyromaster fireplace? Model HBC36, I need the rear firebrick
  A: did you try the Internet for the manufacturer? local wood stove store? I would have a local ...
Smoke coming in the furnace.11/13/2008
  Q: When I have a fire in my fireplace I get smoke coming in from the furnace. My mother had a chimney ...
  A: what is happening is you are getting Negative Pressure in your home, if 10 gallons of air is going ...
1940's wood burning fireplace.11/13/2008
  Q: James! We recently purchased a 1940's home with a brick wood burning (massive!)unlined fireplace. I ...
  A: I would have a local Certified Chimney Sweep (www.csia.org, there you can look up by zip code to ...
fisher wood stove11/13/2008
  Q: James, I removed a old wood and replaced it with a used fisher wood stove i also replaced some 8" ...
  A: lets start with is the stove installed correctly? (8" to 6"? you can not down size a smoke pipe on a ...
Chimney Heat11/12/2008
  Q: I have a brick chimney that runs through the center of the house. When I light the wood stove the ...
  A: no that does not sound "normal" do not use it, I would have a local Certified Chimney Sweep ...
relining chimey for insert11/12/2008
  Q: I just bought a CenturyHeating CW2500X insert for my masonry fireplace.. Its a display and didn't ...
  A: you should be able to down load a manual from the manufactures web page.by code it must be piped to ...
Installing gas logs11/12/2008
  Q: What is a fair amount to pay for the installation of gas logs?
  A: I am sorry but I am not sure what that would cost. try a few places and get estimates. be sure they ...
what to do about fireplace11/12/2008
  Q: We just bought a house that was built in 1947. We were told that the chimney flue has a terra cotta ...
  A: if you do not want to use the fireplace just close the damper and leave it alone but before you do ...
missing chimney pipe11/12/2008
  Q: Okay, I live in Texas and my chimney was blown off my roof due to Hurricane Ike. Part of it is still ...
  A: I would have a local Certified Chimney Sweep (www.csia.org, there you can look up by zip code to ...
Damper Replacements11/11/2008
  Q: James, I live in a 1920's bungalow with a masonry fireplace. The original throat damper ...
  A: 8X8 is not a very big flue for a fireplace, maybe extending the top of the chimney 2-6', to replace ...
Wood Insert draft.11/11/2008
  Q: I have purchased and house with a wood insert installed in an unlined 13x13 flue. When starting a ...
  A: you must line to the top in an un lined chimney (should be insulated also) I would have a local ...
wood stove11/11/2008
  Q: Have wood heater Model WC100C issue 586837 what yr is it. is it csa approved? How far from the ...
  A: I do not know any thing about this unit, I would have a local Certified Chimney Sweep (www.csia.org, ...
Liner for terra cotta flue for wood stove11/10/2008
  Q: I have an 8x8 terra cotta flue that has never been used and was intended for a wood stove. I have ...
  A: yes the masonry would be fine if there are no gaps, cracks or holes if so then have it relined. ...
smoky double sided fireplace11/9/2008
  Q: . I have a large brick, double sided fireplace with opennings of approximately 32"x20" on each side, ...
  A: Welcome back Mark, yes 8" minimum above the lintel to the throat of the damper. and the height ...
Lining old fireplace for gas coal use11/9/2008
  Q: I have a very old (1915), very small (20" wide, 11" deep), coal-burning fireplace. The chimney and ...
  A: what does the manufacture say about installation (you must follow them). Is this a stove with a pipe ...
Cracks around chimney flue on roof11/9/2008
  Q: We had our chimney cleaned and the chimney sweep brought down a couple of pictures that showed ...
  A: check with your local building department and home center. a sweep may have the form and experience ...
smoky double sided fireplace11/9/2008
  Q: . I have a large brick, double sided fireplace with opennings of approximately 32"x20" on each side, ...
  A: lets start with are both dampers open completly? is the chimney tall enough? Then if the fireplace ...
chimeny11/7/2008
  Q: I have a two story home with a brick chimney. I have an existing oil burner. I would like to put an ...
  A: you are right you can not mix the two, they must be in separate flues, you can not install one pipe ...
jotul #1 multifuel stove11/7/2008
  Q: we wondered if you could help us. We have an old (20 years at least) jotul #1 stove to sell to make ...
  A: I would say check what other stoves like your are going for on E-bay, and your local wood stove ...
smoke going into neighbours room upstairs11/6/2008
  Q: lit fire for the first time this year we have a log burner we live in a semidetacted house neighbour ...
  A: sound like you have a shared chimney? if so then the negative pressure of his house might be ...
vent11/6/2008
  Q: i have a blaze king wood insert mod k ff-402 built in 1980 i think i keep talking to people about if ...
  A: It is code to install a pipe to the first flue tile (I recommend lining all the way to the top and ...
wood stove in to a insert11/6/2008
  Q: I have come across a old fisher wood stove insert that i would like to put in my place and have ...
  A: all wood stoves (and inserts) have "a minimum clearance to combustibles" with out the manual you ...
Ceiling leaking around fireplace11/6/2008
  Q: the ceiling started leaking after a storm and we had a new roof put on, but it is still leaking. My ...
  A: what did the roofer say? if the top of the chimney (crown) damaged? then water can get in there, was ...
Smoking Multi fuel fire11/5/2008
  Q: We have had a multifuel fire in our house for the last 3 years, sometimes it lights like a dream and ...
  A: I would have a local Certified Chimney Sweep (www.csia.org, there you can look up by zip code to ...
lining my fireplace.11/5/2008
  Q: I have a wood burning fireplace that the previous home owner had put some gas logs in. We have taken ...
  A: I would have a local Certified Chimney Sweep (www.csia.org, there you can look up by zip code to ...
Is it recommended?11/4/2008
  Q: We have a zero clearance fireplace that we would like to use this season and I have been getting ...
  A: if it burns solid flues it will need cleaning (sooner or latter)Zero Clearance refers to space ...
Inital gas fireplace use11/3/2008
  Q: I just moved into a house I am renting. I was going to use the fireplace and realized it wasn't ...
  A: (no picture can through?)I would have a local Certified Chimney Sweep (www.csia.org, there you can ...
Missing Chimney brick in attic! (Argh)11/2/2008
  Q: I am concerned about my chimney! I cut a hole to inspect the attic, and install some insulation ...
  A: I would have a local Certified Chimney Sweep (www.csia.org, there you can look up by zip code to ...
No chimney crown, just a hole!11/2/2008
  Q: I am a poor person, and bought an old house, 1880! I have been here for awhile, and I reroofed the ...
  A: I will assume this is a masonry chimney, and the "hole" does not go all the way to the bottom and ...
Fireplace combustion11/1/2008
  Q: I am working on residing a chimney for a customer. He has noticed rusty stains coming over the edge ...
  A: it sounds like you are describing a "chimney case cover" this covers the top of a wooden chimney ...
Fireplace smoke in basement10/31/2008
  Q: I have a 30-yr old 2-story home with forced air (heat pump w/ oil furnace backup) and a fireplace in ...
  A: I would have a local Certified Chimney Sweep (www.csia.org, there you can look up by zip code to ...
DIY installation of used pellet stove10/31/2008
  Q: I have a used model HP40 Earth Stove pellet stove that I would like to install in my fireplace ...
  A: Welcome back Diane, you mean to tell me that this manual does not say if 1" clearance to ...
DIY installation of used pellet stove10/31/2008
  Q: I have a used model HP40 Earth Stove pellet stove that I would like to install in my fireplace ...
  A: you must follow the installation instructions for any install like this, if you don't have them it ...
Chimney liner10/30/2008
  Q: I have a timberline insert in my fireplace. It was installed in the early 80's and never had ...
  A: After 2 chimney fires you should have the flue cleaned and video scanned to be sure the chimney clay ...
wood burner10/30/2008
  Q: We have a chimney in the middle of the house and a oil boiler has a flue connected to it. I would ...
  A: you can not mix liquid and solid in the same flue. I would have a local Certified Chimney Sweep ...
Converting propane fireplace to wood10/30/2008
  Q: I am a realtor and a client of mine fell in love with a log home, however, the double sided stone ...
  A: with out seeing it I can't tell but I would have a local Certified Chimney Sweep (www.csia.org, ...
venting pellet stove10/30/2008
  Q: i e-mailed you on the 22nd and just got chance to read your reply.(thank you) been working few ...
  A: I would have a local Certified Chimney Sweep (www.csia.org, there you can look up by zip code to ...
Wood burning stove10/29/2008
  Q: I currently have a gas fireplace in my house that has a chimney that goes through two stories and ...
  A: yes you should be able to but I would have a local Certified Chimney Sweep (www.csia.org, there you ...
smoky fireplace10/29/2008
  Q: We have a large doublesided fireplace upstairs and a woodstove downstairs in our timberframed home. ...
  A: this is a common problem, it is called "Negative Pressure" look at it this way if you have 10 ...
Accessing rear of fireplace firebox from outside10/28/2008
  Q: A chimney sweep/repair company wants to reparge our fireplace by cutting a hole in the chimney from ...
  A: I do not like the idea of a access door in the fire smoke chamber. I do a process called Smoke Tite, ...
Fitting a retaining plate for a woodburning stove10/28/2008
  Q: I am in the process of fitting a woodburning stove, and have a plate to insert in the chimney, but I ...
  A: did that plate come with instructions? it sounds like the "plate" is in place of the damper where ...
SMOKE10/27/2008
  Q: We have a double fireplace with wood stove downstairs and regular fireplace upstairs. We put log in ...
  A: this is a common problem called "negative pressure" that means the air going up the chimney down ...
New Chimney Installation - Cure time?10/26/2008
  Q: I am wanting to install a wood burning stove in my basement. Of course I will want to use it as ...
  A: to be honest I am not sure I do not do chimney construction. I would say read the mortar bag, talk ...
fireplace ,woodburning stove10/26/2008
  Q: Iam hopeing to put a wood burning stove into existing fireplace which was hardley used.Ihave taken ...
  A: I am not sure I understand what you mean by "i have taken out the old fireplace and am left with ...
gas fireplace10/25/2008
  Q: We just moved into a apartment with a gas fireplace. There is no remote to be found and has been ...
  A: you might have to have some one from your local wood stove store come out and take a look at what ...
woodstove firebricks10/25/2008
  Q: I own an old mill wood stove 15 yrs old or so,and am replacing the bricks on one side,they were ...
  A: not sure how those bricks come out. what does the stove manual say for taking them out? if you don't ...
Log burner10/25/2008
  Q: We purchased a log burner last year and bought an extension pipe to take the smoke up the chimney. ...
  A: What is a "log burner" is it a wood stove? was it installed coracle? when does the smoke come back ...
stuck brush10/24/2008
  Q: I have a brush with two links of handle stuck in my ventrinox liner. the brush is an 8 inch, the ...
  A: ok did you try pushing another brush up or down (if you lost it going up then push it up if you lost ...
EPA Exempt Wood Stove10/24/2008
  Q: We might purchase a small wood stove,from United States Stove Company "The Log Wood Model 2421" , ...
  A: Welcome back Stephanie, no you can not go out through a window. But you can go out through a wall ...
wood insert10/24/2008
  Q: Purchased App. 32bw w/ flex SS insulated to the top. After local chimney sweep cleaned it. I took a ...
  A: I would call them back and watch them this time. "Could you do it your self"? Not sure what happened ...
woodstove10/23/2008
  Q: We have a two flue chimney one is being used by a fireplace while the other was once used for a ...
  A: I would have a local Certified Chimney Sweep (www.csia.org, there you can look up by zip code to ...
black pipe inside masonry chimney10/23/2008
  Q: I have seen on several sites that I can not put single wall black pipe inside an existing masonry ...
  A: Welcome back Mark, with out the installation manual for that stove I would check with the local ...
Chimney repair10/22/2008
  Q: Ball, I've two fireplaces sharing the same chimney built in 1975. The lower-level fireplace has a ...
  A: I would have a local Certified Chimney Sweep (www.csia.org, there you can look up by zip code to ...
black pipe inside masonry chimney10/22/2008
  Q: I have seen on several sites that I can not put single wall black pipe inside an existing masonry ...
  A: check with your local building department for the installation you want to do. You do not say if ...
coal stove10/22/2008
  Q: Mohawk tempcoal stove...wondering if we can vent it up the fireplace... ANSWER: Hello Terri, what ...
  A: Welcome back Terri, did you speak to your local building department? you may want to have a local ...
venting/airintake10/22/2008
  Q: i have a englander 55-SHP22 pellet stove.i want to run it up throu my fireplace.there is 2 flues one ...
  A: lets start with you must follow the manufacturer's installation instructions for that stove., the ...
cracked tiles & mortar loss10/21/2008
  Q: James, I just had my chimney swept and inspected by a company certified by Chimney Safety Institute ...
  A: with out seeing the flue it self it is very hard to tell, but if a Certified sweep pointed out these ...
manufactured home & wood stove10/21/2008
  Q: can you tell me the difference between a wood stove for a manufactured home and a wood stove made ...
  A: if I understand you correctly you have a "pre-fab" manufactured chimney, and you want to install a ...
4 vents in fireplace brick10/21/2008
  Q: I just bought a house with a wood stove-fireplace insert in it. There are 4 vents around the ...
  A: from the picture you sent it looks like some one installed an insert into a heatolator, you should ...
Chimney top damper10/20/2008
  Q: We had an old blaze king insert removed and we currently have an electric fireplace insert that is ...
  A: yes they are very easy to install, uncoil the cable (clamp a vise grip pliers to the end) and drop ...
fireplace flue and options10/20/2008
  Q: I just had our stone fireplace inpected (camera up flue) and got bad news - motar between blocks in ...
  A: you can install a wood stove or an insert in that fireplace (if they fit) and line and insulant all ...
calcium leaching out of mortar on fireplace10/19/2008
  Q: What should I do about calcium leaching out of mortar in fireplace and in chimney - there is a ...
  A: that usually comes from water getting in to the chimney, I would have a local Certified Chimney ...
hairline cracks in flue tile10/18/2008
  Q: We recently bought a 1970 split level house with a basement fireplace. After a cleaning, the sweep ...
  A: from he picture you sent I do see several cracks and the 2 flues are miss alined...does it need to ...
wood stovepipe leakage10/18/2008
  Q: We use a new (2007) Harman wood stove for all of our heat, day & night. This is also the 2nd year ...
  A: it sounds like 3rd stage Creosote (a tar like Creosote that will run like tar or sap) it usually ...
Sears fireplace insert10/17/2008
  Q: James, We have a sears fireplace insert that we are unsure if we can burn wood in. It appears ...
  A: that unit is 30 years old, I would have a local Certified Chimney Sweep (www.csia.org, there you can ...
heatilator reline for woodstove installation10/17/2008
  Q: I have a heatilator 'built in' fireplace in my modular home. I want to install a small woodstove. I ...
  A: start with your "prefab" fireplace and ask the manufacture if you can install an insert then with ...
heatilator reline for woodstove installation10/16/2008
  Q: I have a heatilator 'built in' fireplace in my modular home. I want to install a small woodstove. I ...
  A: if what you are describing this is called a "prefab" fireplace and in order to install a wood stove ...
converting fireplace to wood burner10/16/2008
  Q: James My weatherization guy told me that I should convert my fireplace (which also burns wood) into ...
  A: yes a wood stove or insert will produce a lot of heat for your home (fireplace's are mostly ...
smokey wood stove10/16/2008
  Q: I am new to using a wood stove, and the home we rent has one...I know how to build the fire, but ...
  A: what you are explaining is called "negative pressure" with out the manual for the stove you will ...
heatalator conversion to wood insert10/15/2008
  Q: I have a Heatform heatalator installed in my fireplace with tubes running on top of the metal ...
  A: once you cut you can never go back. you may sell that house some day but I would have a local ...
Installing fireplace doors over uneven surface10/15/2008
  Q: I want to install fireplace doors on my fireplace but have a dilemma. The face of the fireplace is ...
  A: Most glass doors come with insulation that fits a track behind the doors you could get move of this ...
Wood stove10/14/2008
  Q: I am installing a woodstove into a chimney dedicated to this stove only. It have a flue inside made ...
  A: lets start with the 1st question, sealing the thimble try using a quick drying cement (home depot, ...
burning wood with propane10/14/2008
  Q: We have always heated our home with a wood stove. Recently we had a propane furnace installed, ...
  A: you can not mix liquid and solid flues in the same flue so you can not put both units in to the same ...
Converting a penisula fireplace to 2 sided10/13/2008
  Q: we have a brick wood burning penisula style fireplace. We would like to "close" the front view to ...
  A: I would have a local Certified Chimney Sweep (www.csia.org, there you can look up by zip code to ...
viper?10/13/2008
  Q: I have been heating with wood and cleaning my own chimney(8" round metal) for 30 years. I am ...
  A: I have looked in to the Viper for my self but did not feel it would work well for me (other sweeps ...
wasps in chimney10/13/2008
  Q: For the last two years we have had many wasps coming down our chimney. We have a prefabricated ...
  A: you can plug the flue with what every you want but you can not use the fireplace with it in there. ...
ZC wood insert10/12/2008
  Q: I have a metal ZC fireplace. I want to put in a wood burning zero clearance insert. My problem the ...
  A: in order for you to install an insert safely both the insert and metal fireplace must be rated for ...
gas coal: ventless or not10/11/2008
  Q: I have a chimney with gas coal insert. Can you take a look and let me know if it is ventless or not? ...
  A: I can not tell but it looks like a gas log set and should be vented. I would have a local Certified ...
Chimney Liners10/10/2008
  Q: Jim, Is it OK to use 22 gauge stove pipe instead of stainless steel as a chimney liner? I'm in a ...
  A: you can use that stove pipe, I do not know how well it will hold up to repeated cleanings (moving it ...
smoking fireplaces10/10/2008
  Q: We are renting a two story house with a wood burning fireplace up and down stairs, sharing the same ...
  A: I would have a local Certified Chimney Sweep (www.csia.org, there you can look up by zip code to ...
multiburner do i need to put in a liner10/9/2008
  Q: If i convert to a multiburner to i really need to put a liner up the chimmney.Would a chimney bottom ...
  A: what is a "multiburner"? is it an insert or wood stove? if so then you have to pipe/line to the ...
fisher woodstore10/9/2008
  Q: I have a purchased a house with a fisher wood stove, it smokes alot.....it has a chain on the right ...
  A: with out the owners manual it is had to say what it does (it might be the damper) if you can find ...
Smoke In Basement10/8/2008
  Q: We've lived in our house for 6 years, and used the fireplace often, but we have an issue that has ...
  A: you might be getting embers down the ash trap? Other than the ash door is the boiler near that area? ...
vent free fireplace10/8/2008
  Q: I am considering purchasing a gas log insert for my existing fireplace. This unit is vent free so ...
  A: I am not a big fan of "vent free" any thing, but where ever you install it you must follow the ...
Marco fireplace doors10/8/2008
  Q: I have a Marco zero clearance fireplace with outside air into the firebox. I previously had a ...
  A: you should check with Marco, they will only allow their doors on their fireplace, any other door ...
installing a woodburing stove into a fireplace10/8/2008
  Q: how would you go about installing a woodburning stove into a fireplace?
  A: I would have a local Certified Chimney Sweep (www.csia.org, there you can look up by zip code to ...
CHIMNEY IN OLD HOUSE10/8/2008
  Q: We own an 18th century farmhouse. When we bought the house the fireplace in the living room had been ...
  A: you must follow the manufactures instructions on the install and if it says "a straight pipe" then ...
fireplace insert10/7/2008
  Q: I have a marco insert model no.792778E.It was installed with a two-by four frame and they put cement ...
  A: you say "We where told by several inspectors that it is an extreme fire hazard" do you have that in ...
firebox10/7/2008
  Q: I've noticed that there are some vertical cracks in the firebox of my fireplace.I wasn't too ...
  A: do you have a "prefab" fire box? (metal chimney and firebox with masonry type floor and sides and ...
Fireplace Insert10/7/2008
  Q: I live in Windsor Ohio and recently purchased a Napolean 1402 wood burning fireplace insert. I ran ...
  A: ok it sounds like you have a "heatolator" box with 4 air vents in front of the fireplace? I would ...
Woodburning Insert10/7/2008
  Q: I have a older home with a fireplace after a sweep, cap and damper it really didn't heat the room ...
  A: yes an insert (properly installed) can heat a home very well. An insert is a wood stove that slides ...
Fireplace Insert10/6/2008
  Q: I live in Windsor Ohio and recently purchased a Napolean 1402 wood burning fireplace insert. I ran ...
  A: I think you have the wrong stove. in order to run an insert in a "Pre Fab" unit both have to be ...
Fireplace and woodstove10/6/2008
  Q: can this be done? is it safe as long as you only burn one or the other?
  A: I would have a local Certified Chimney Sweep (www.csia.org, there you can look up by zip code to ...
Chimney10/6/2008
  Q: I currently have an oil furnace and was going to add a wood/coal burning furnace to help with oil ...
  A: Welcome back Joe, a "re lining with insulation" means to insert a Stainless Steel tube into your ...
existing flue in basement10/5/2008
  Q: We have a brick and tile flue that was built the same time as the house. We have a fireplace on main ...
  A: I would have a local wood stove store or Certified Chimney Sweep (www.csia.org, there you can look ...
Ratio10/4/2008
  Q: Is there a max size fire place in relation to the height of the chimney?
  A: when sizing for a fireplace you are looking at the flue size (air channel inside the chimney) I ...
Chimney10/4/2008
  Q: I currently have an oil furnace and was going to add a wood/coal burning furnace to help with oil ...
  A: you can not reduce (and should keep the same size all the way to the top, cross section of a 6" is ...
Smoke smell10/3/2008
  Q: I just installed a Regency wood stove in my log home. New chimney liner, new stove pipe.Flu is clean ...
  A: with the stove not on, try lighting a piece of incense and watching the smoke trail when you hold it ...
Pellet Stove Installation10/2/2008
  Q: We currently have a pellet stove insert that is installed in our zero-clearance fireplace. It was ...
  A: I agree the bigger unit should not be installed either way. why not just run the new pellet stove ...
reconstruction10/2/2008
  Q: I purchased my home with an open fireplace. The insert in the fireplace was cracked and bowed out ...
  A: If I understand you correctly you have removed the old stove, had the chimney inspected by a CSIA ...
chimney crown10/2/2008
  Q: On inspection of our chimney, it needs a new crown. Is there a prefabricated crown that can be ...
  A: I would have a local Certified Chimney Sweep (www.csia.org, there you can look up by zip code to ...
Chimney Liners10/1/2008
  Q: I am buying a Fireplace insert and I need to know if I have to line my chimney. I am being told yes ...
  A: by code you must line from the outlet of the insert to the first flue tile, but to clean that might ...
wood burning stove chimney clearances10/1/2008
  Q: I have a 7" double wall insulated chimney with a clear 2" clearnace that comes through my roof for ...
  A: I think you are asking me what the height should be for the top of your wood stove pipe? if so then ...
chimney residue leakage9/30/2008
  Q: my house is about100yrs old ,used to be heated by oil now heated by gas furnace.my chimney runs up ...
  A: was the chimney cleaned before the change over to gas? do you have a cap on top? is the top of the ...
Conversion to a wood stove9/29/2008
  Q: Ball, We are looking to convert our fireplace to a woodstove for better heating this winter. My ...
  A: you should be able to install an insert or wood stove in that fireplace, I recommend lining all the ...
surface for woodstoves9/29/2008
  Q: I see all theses brick slabs and wall backers that wood stoves rest on and against, but they are too ...
  A: I do not know if your set up would be enough protection for that wood stove, you must follow what ...
Smoke issue9/29/2008
  Q: I have a fireplace that has a small smoke problem. After starting a fire (which drafts almost ...
  A: Welcome back Walt, this makes more sence, when the glass doors are open it works fine, when closed ...
Smoke issue9/29/2008
  Q: I have a fireplace that has a small smoke problem. After starting a fire (which drafts almost ...
  A: it sounds like a negative pressure issue that is where the house is a better chimney than your ...
one flue for two sources9/29/2008
  Q: Why is it considered unsafe to run gas furnace and wood stove in same flue? Especially if monthly ...
  A: Welcome back Mark, depending on the pipe you will have to speak to the manufacturer (B-vent is a ...
steel firebox - needs new blower system9/28/2008
  Q: In our cottage we have a masonry fireplace with a steel firebox that appears to have been original, ...
  A: What you are describing is called a Heatolator and with a unit that old you will never find part. I ...
one flue for two sources9/28/2008
  Q: Why is it considered unsafe to run gas furnace and wood stove in same flue? Especially if monthly ...
  A: It is in NFPA 211 code book (do not mix liquid and solid flues), second Creosote is very corrosive ...
fireplace9/24/2008
  Q: We removed an old fireplace insert & want to use the fireplace as a wood-burning. It has a stainless ...
  A: I would have a local Certified Chimney Sweep (www