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Chimney & Fireplaces/Questions Answered by Expert Randy Brooks
| Subject | Date Asked |
| removing damper/restructuring chimney for a wood stove | 1/4/2012 |
| Q: I would like to install a wood stove in our chimney. I would like to set the stove somewhat into ... A: Joyce, Great question. Please use the links at the bottom of my home page at www.brooks-hearth.com. ... | |
| re. FLUE FOR HOT WATER HEATER | 9/6/2011 |
| Q: re. FLUE FOR HOT WATER HEATER Dear Randy Brooks: My hot water heater flue goes to one side of the ... A: Makoto, No. Each appliance must have a dedicated flue if the vent size is equal to the collar size ... | |
| Inner Flue | 6/4/2011 |
| Q: I have a Superior HC 3820. I had it inspected and the inspector stated that they do not manufacture ... A: Jenn, The terms of the UL listing for the hearth product you describe will not allow for the ... | |
| Chimeny Liner and liner for hot water boiler | 3/23/2011 |
| Q: I recently had my fireplace cleaned for the 1st time in 20 years and had a camera installed to check ... A: Diane, You have received sound advice. The fireplace cannot share a flue with any other appliance. ... | |
| Martin industries info | 3/15/2011 |
| Q: I recently remodeled an old home and removed a Martin cast iron fireplace. Before i discard it for ... A: Tom, Not really. If anyone installed the unit, listed chimney components would be required as well ... | |
| Wood stove hookup to fireplace. | 1/2/2011 |
| Q: My fireplace has a new S/S 6 inch liner. Placed down, top to bottom through the old terra cotta. I ... A: Donn, No, your stove will be listed system, tested for safety with six inch set up. This will put ... | |
| Fireplace in Bedroom | 1/1/2011 |
| Q: We have a new home with a stone fireplace in the master bedroom. We reside in Connecticut. We would ... A: Steven, Good question, The International residential Code, IRC requires a 20" inch hearth extension ... | |
| Single wall pipe on a '80's era firepalce? | 11/5/2010 |
| Q: I recently purchased a home that had a custom gas &/or wood fireplace professionaly installed in the ... A: Steve, You have some great questions and should be commended for asking rather than putting ... | |
| Olympic Model 2000 fireplace | 11/4/2010 |
| Q: we moved into a house with a wood burning zero clearance fireplace. The front of the unit says ... A: Stacey, Abort the idea of installing this fireplace. Like a hot water heater or an air conditioner, ... | |
| fireplace conversion question | 11/3/2010 |
| Q: I currently have a 1968 brick fireplace (cynder block in the back, it looks like) that I'd love to ... A: Wendy, Good question, first things first, the weight of the masonry structure will compromise the ... | |
| cold fire place | 11/2/2010 |
| Q: I closed the flue but i still have cold air getting in the house after ten years I found on the left ... A: John, I would recommend an NFPA-211, level II inspection be performed. This will require a trained ... | |
| brick from wood burning fireplace turning black | 9/27/2010 |
| Q: I have a wood burning fireplace that I use alot and I just noticed that on the outside of my house, ... A: Susan, That depend on the cause of the black spot. It could be mold, creosote,or something else. I ... | |
| Complications in installing a chimney liner | 9/25/2010 |
| Q: The terra cotta flue tiles in my chimney are cracked, and I'm considering installing a flexible ... A: Doug, The first concern is that you are not being told that the liner, all flexible liners require ... | |
| chimney liner insulation | 9/24/2010 |
| Q: In an older external 2 story masonry fireplace chimney,a flexible one piece liner has been put down ... A: Mike, I don't know. The reason I don't know is this was never tested for safety and heat transfer ... | |
| firebox floor repair | 9/23/2010 |
| Q: I have 2 wood burning fireplaces, built in the early '50's., one in the basement and one direcly ... A: Eugene, That may be possible. My question is what is making this happen? It could be water entry of ... | |
| fireplace insert | 8/10/2010 |
| Q: my husband is planning on putting a wood burning insert. there is no existing fireplace. in order ... A: Rachelle, The installation of wood-stove inserts is serious business. I have no doubt that your ... | |
| Firebox Leak | 8/5/2010 |
| Q: Our home was built in 1953. We have a woodburning fireplace in basement. We get water seepage in ... A: Ben, Could be a couple of things. First, the chimney crown. This is the very top surface of the ... | |
| Hot Water not venting all of the time | 7/30/2010 |
| Q: I have watched your show for many years and now turn to you for some much need help. My wife and I ... A: Larry, I only wish I could look at your situation myself. That being said, it sounds like you may ... | |
| schrader woodstove | 7/21/2010 |
| Q: i know that some wood stoves can not be put in mobile homes. is the schrader ok to put in a mobile ... A: Christy, It would depend on the model. The manual of the product will let you know. HUD approves ... | |
| 1965 chimney cracking apart | 7/3/2010 |
| Q: My chimney continues to crack apart - thin pieces of brick are now starting to fall off on the outer ... A: Kim, Your chimney appears to have outlived its safe and useful life. You can use the links at the ... | |
| Maintenance on a metal firebox. | 6/29/2010 |
| Q: We have a fireplace with a metal firebox. I'm sure the wood burned in the fireplace must cause some ... A: David, I would recommend hiring a chimney sweep to service the system first and then inspect the ... | |
| Firebrick gas starter | 6/28/2010 |
| Q: We are trying to locate a firebrick with a starter insert. Our contractor says they don't make them ... A: C. GIOVINCO, I'm sorry I dont understand what your looking for. A firebrick is brick fired to ... | |
| Rotary-Style Control for damper | 6/21/2010 |
| Q: I have a masonry fireplace with an all brick front. The fireplace has a damper that is connected to ... A: Jacob, Yes, the new damper idea is what I would suggest. The old damper control sounds more like a ... | |
| Fireplace Waterproofing | 6/11/2010 |
| Q: We have a fireplace in our basement, and we are getting ready to "re-finish" the area. This past ... A: Dawn, The water sealing products we are familiar with will work against your need. They are vapor ... | |
| Outdoor Fireplace | 6/8/2010 |
| Q: I am planing on building a 28" x 28" inner opening if I did my math correctly with your previous ... A: Shawn, 4ft. X 4ft. would require a minimum flue size of 15.25 X 15.25. The suggested size would be ... | |
| removal of fireplace rocks | 6/4/2010 |
| Q: I would like to remove old rock, it is very large pieces of rock with edges that jutt out all over. ... A: Tony, Without seeing your fireplace I cant say for certain. I believe your referring to the veneer ... | |
| Sealing Flue | 6/1/2010 |
| Q: What is the best product for sealing the galvanized pipe from the oil furnace into the chimney flue? ... A: Peter, High temp furnace cement is a good call. I would first recommend an NFPA-211 level II ... | |
| Fire Pit | 5/27/2010 |
| Q: I am building a fire pit on my raised concrete patio. It will be a U shaped fire pit. I wanted to ... A: Arthur, That sounds like a fun project. The use of fire brick as the inside liner will be most ... | |
| steel chimney removal | 5/26/2010 |
| Q: What is the best way to remove a steel chimney? It is exposed. How does it come apart to remove? ... A: Dan, The chimney sections are snap locked. Each layer will be snapped together. This is not easy ... | |
| Firebox | 5/24/2010 |
| Q: My fireplace is very old prob over 100 years.The firebox looks to be metal but patched up with ... A: Donny, All things start with a compliant, NFPA-211 level II inspection. Feel free to use the links ... | |
| Fire place | 5/22/2010 |
| Q: I hope you can answer my question. I have a manufactured fireplace in my mobile home. After looking ... A: Rick, The building code unfortunately leaves you no wiggle room. Listed parts or nothing. There are ... | |
| Wood burning stove and chimney compatibility | 5/20/2010 |
| Q: I have an Appalachian 30 CD woodburning stove and a CF3860 factory built fireplace and chimney. I ... A: John, The simplest thing to tell you is don't install your stove inside this factory built ... | |
| smoke | 5/15/2010 |
| Q: Sometimes we get choking smoke blowing back into the room. The damper is set wide open. It can ... A: Chuck, Answer to your first question, there are literally dozens of potential reasons for what you ... | |
| Insulating around masonry chimney | 5/11/2010 |
| Q: I guess I'm either really dense, or what I'm thinking about just isn't done, because I've looked & ... A: John, The International Residential code, IRC 2006 requires a two inch clearance to this wall from ... | |
| possible to do a double-sided open fireplace? | 3/22/2010 |
| Q: I would like a double-sided gas fireplace in the middle of a big room. What is the lowest height the ... A: Juliane, Several thing should be considered before starting this project. The biggest one being the ... | |
| Chimney moisture/ventilation | 3/21/2010 |
| Q: I live in Vancouver, BC, Canada, a region on the west coast that receives significant amount of ... A: Trev, 1) Should I be covering the flues with the paving stones or should I have caps installed to ... | |
| Smoke Smell in Upstairs Room | 3/20/2010 |
| Q: When we use our fireplace in the first floor living room, the bedroom above the living room gets a ... A: Ken, Please use the links at the bottom of my home page at www.brooks-hearth.com to find an ... | |
| fake bricks used inside fireplace | 3/18/2010 |
| Q: just purchased a new home, and after using the fireplace this winter, what we thought were bricks ... A: Barbara, Yes, I know a great deal about these panels. They are called refractory panels and the ... | |
| venting a pellet insert | 3/16/2010 |
| Q: could you please tell me if it is safe to run ss flex 5 feet up exsisting flue and ... A: John, NFPA-211 addresses this this type of installation as acceptable for a wood stove, but a ... | |
| building a multi-purpose chimney | 1/23/2010 |
| Q: Randy, I built a 3500sqft capecod 4 years ago and prepped for a central chimney in all framing and ... A: Duane, All inserts for wood-burning are listed for installation into an operational pre-existing ... | |
| cleaning suggestions | 1/22/2010 |
| Q: I have a fireplace in my home that has open spaces behind the face brick that runs up beside the ... A: Ken, Please use the links at the bottom of my home page at www.brooks-hearth.com to find a ... | |
| Converting gas fireplace to wood | 12/23/2009 |
| Q: Brooks, We have an Empire Unvented Gas Fireplace that was installed when we built our house 7.5 ... A: Renee, The existing box no. Removing and replacing with a box and chimney listed for wood-burning, ... | |
| isokern fireboxes | 12/22/2009 |
| Q: I had an Isokern Fireplace installed in my home in 2005, in Charleston, SC. It is a double-sided ... A: Kem, I often times find inconsistencies with the termination. Frankly there can be several issues ... | |
| Vezar manufactured home fireplace | 12/21/2009 |
| Q: Our vezar fireplace fan does not blow air and the fan is getting louder. What kind of issues could ... A: Dawn, On the fireplace, you will find a small listing label. This listing label will tell you the ... | |
| gas fireplace valve | 12/18/2009 |
| Q: I have a Robert Shaw valve in my gas fireplace. It seems to be burning a lot hotter this season, ... A: Robert, Adjustments to the valve can be tricky. I would recommend having a professional take a look ... | |
| wood burning fireplace w/gas starter | 12/16/2009 |
| Q: We have a 10" gas "lighter" for our wood burning fireplace. this is the piece where the holes are ... A: Barb, Your log lighter has fireplace ash inside that is causing an obstruction. You can remove the ... | |
| brick front getting hot | 12/15/2009 |
| Q: The house was built in 1978 and has a brick fire place, and originally had a insert. The brick over ... A: Mike, I would recommend an NFPA-211 level II inspection be performed to check code requirements for ... | |
| fireplace hearth | 12/14/2009 |
| Q: I am wanting to remove an existing brick fireplace hearth. Do you have any suggestions as to what I ... A: Kim, If you have a raised foundation, you can crawl underneath and look, If its a slab foundation, ... | |
| Insulation cover | 12/13/2009 |
| Q: I have an older fireplace that was in the home when I bought it, therefore, I am unsure how to take ... A: John, The only "Super Series" I am aware of is made by "Pacific Energy" I believe this comes in ... | |
| Stove pipe height on a split level house | 12/11/2009 |
| Q: I understand the 3' 10' 2' rule but here is what complicates my interpretation--I live in a split ... A: Greg, You seem to have a good understanding of the rule. The simple answer to your question is yes, ... | |
| creosote running out of mpipes | 12/9/2009 |
| Q: I cleaned my double lined chimney pipe over the summer.After the third day of burning, liquid ... A: Joe, If you only swept the insulated class "A" chimney and not the connector pipe as you have ... | |
| Chimeny Cavity Condition | 12/8/2009 |
| Q: My chimney cavity is filled with loose bricks which can create heavy load to chimney structure. ... A: Steve, I wish I could inspect your chimney system myself and answer your question accurately. That ... | |
| fireplace | 12/6/2009 |
| Q: we have a early 1900s brick fireplace that has no damper in it, but It does have a metal liner! Can ... A: Leisa, I would recommend have an NFPA-211, level II inspection be performed. Please use the links ... | |
| Schrader insert/hearth stove | 12/4/2009 |
| Q: I bought a used insert from a friend of mine, and I am having a hard time finding a way to hook a ... A: Kevin, The stove should have a listing label posted somewhere on the unit. This label will tell you ... | |
| Thermopiles on a gas fireplace insert | 12/3/2009 |
| Q: The main burner in my lopi gas fireplace insert will not come on. The pilot light stopped working, I ... A: Johny, For you to test your thermopile, you would need to be trained in the operation of a ... | |
| Martin Industries fireplace | 12/2/2009 |
| Q: I have recently purchased a home that has the martin industries model DV2H gas fireplace. ... A: Brad, You should start with a professional inspection of the gas fireplace. NFPA-211 requires such ... | |
| Wood burning stove chimney | 10/9/2009 |
| Q: I purchased a Napoleon woodburning stove and now I'm shopping for a chimney system. What is the ... A: Ed, Good question and thanks for asking. The installation manual included with your new Napoleon ... | |
| Chimney Fire | 10/7/2009 |
| Q: I would like to know what my options are for repairing the mortar on my chimney, I am afraid that it ... A: Robin, You must first start with an NFPA-211 level II inspection. This will provide the needed info ... | |
| Gas Fireplace (insert ) | 10/4/2009 |
| Q: My propane Gas Fireplace will not light - I can light the pilot light only - when I go to turn the ... A: Donna, Sounds like the system needs service. I could go on and on about the dozens of ... | |
| height of chimney for wood stove insert | 10/3/2009 |
| Q: We were just given a wood burning stove and were going to insert it into our existing (already ... A: Susan, Thanks for asking. The cons for not extending the liner to the top are plenty. The six inch ... | |
| "Heatilator" | 10/2/2009 |
| Q: Can I pipe a wood stove up through my old rusted out heatilator? Assume that the chimney is ... A: Lee, The National Fire Protection Association, NFPA-211 requires a level II inspection be performed ... | |
| chimney brick breaking up | 10/1/2009 |
| Q: We had our chimney rebuilt last summer, better flashing and a nice cap were added. During the winter ... A: Kathy, Bricks breaking up or spalling as we call it may be related to water entry. I would ... | |
| fireplace insert | 9/30/2009 |
| Q: i have a prefab fireplace , what brand and kind of wood burning insert can i install ANSWER: Tamie, ... A: Tamie, Trust me, they all say their inserts are listed for factory built fireplaces. The reality ... | |
| chimney brick breaking up | 9/29/2009 |
| Q: We had our chimney rebuilt last summer, better flashing and a nice cap were added. During the winter ... A: Kathy, If your chimney was just built last summer, and bricks are falling off, you have bigger ... | |
| fireplace insert | 9/28/2009 |
| Q: i have a prefab fireplace , what brand and kind of wood burning insert can i install A: Tamie, Not knowing the manufacture and model number of you factory built fireplace, (Prefab), I ... | |
| insulating above sheet metal baffle | 9/27/2009 |
| Q: I am having a new wood burning fireplace installed and found none of my chimney insulated. I took ... A: William, You will have to differ to the manufactures installation instructions as well as the ... | |
| Steel firebox for vent free gas logs | 9/23/2009 |
| Q: I have an older house with a wood burning fireplace that is unusable (chimney tiles are cracked). ... A: Erik, I'm not a fan of ventless appliances. That being said, When working as intended, they are ... | |
| backdraught | 9/22/2009 |
| Q: My home is a three story colonial w/chimney on outside wall. The main fireplace is on the second ... A: Lisa, This could be the result of many possibilities. Not knowing the age of your home, the ... | |
| Superior Wood fireplace doors to Gas log | 9/20/2009 |
| Q: I have a Superior FirePlus-38 fireplace that was installed in my home in 1994. I am considering ... A: Marion, You will want to check the manufactures installation instructions to determine if the ... | |
| Old firbox removal from woodburning fireplace | 9/18/2009 |
| Q: Randy, I have a fireplace in my home that was installed around 1971-72. The outside of the ... A: Aaron, It may be possible. I would consult with a hearth dealer and have the existing fireplace and ... | |
| prefab fireplace-vented fas logs. | 9/17/2009 |
| Q: I cannot find the name of my metal fireplace anywhere. The house is 25 years old and I have only ... A: Linda, Starting with potential names of factory built fireplaces, the list could be lengthy, as ... | |
| replacing temco fireplace | 9/16/2009 |
| Q: We have a Temco model# TLC-42-4 fireplace insert. It is a woodburning one that has a propane gas ... A: Sue, This may be an easy solution. I assume by the fact you experienced a hurricane, you live in ... | |
| Chimney cap | 9/9/2009 |
| Q: 15 years ago, when my husband and I built this house,we installed a zero-clearance fireplace ... A: Karen, Thanks for asking. The factory built fireplace you have is a listed system. The test ... | |
| martin fireplaces | 8/2/2009 |
| Q: I have a woodbrning fireplace that is in good shape.Can I put a gas insert in it. ANSWER: Joe, ... A: Joe, Changing appliances and or fuel sources simply requires an NFPA-211, level II inspection of ... | |
| martin fireplaces | 7/30/2009 |
| Q: I have a woodbrning fireplace that is in good shape.Can I put a gas insert in it. A: Joe, Provided it is a masonry fireplace and chimney, yes. If your fireplace is factory built or a ... | |
| fire blanket | 7/26/2009 |
| Q: I am wondering where I can get a fire blanket for my Fire place insert, It sits on top of the fire ... A: Rick, Contacting the manufacture of the insert would be the place start. If you don't know the ... | |
| chimney liner | 7/25/2009 |
| Q: I had a chimney liner installed in my 1940's brick chimney in 2007. I noticed a small leak when it ... A: Mark, The liner must have a positive connection to the appliance. If you can obtain the name of the ... | |
| direct vent gas fireplace | 7/24/2009 |
| Q: Recently we have had some major water damage on dry wall from rain water entering through the direct ... A: Lynn, What you describe is not normal. I would contact the local licensing board for assistance. If ... | |
| Fireplace screen/glass doors cover damper control knob | 7/22/2009 |
| Q: I purchased a new fireplace screen with glass doors for my wood burning fireplace. The frame is ... A: Amy, The intended way for your damper to be operated is through the knob you describe. I would ... | |
| ventless gel burner fireplace | 7/21/2009 |
| Q: I have the opportunity to salvage and recover a 100 year pressed metal fireplace surround and mantle ... A: Karl, You sound like you know what your doing with the unit, but I or no one else could give a ... | |
| Fireplace noise | 7/7/2009 |
| Q: move the damper.... noise happens knock on fireplace....noise happens sounds like a banging noise ... A: Marta, No, it sounds like something may be loose. I would recommend you invest in an NFPA-211 level ... | |
| replacing a marble hearth with tile | 7/4/2009 |
| Q: what is involved with removing a marble hearth and replacing it with tile? Do you just use a pry ... A: Amy, I would have no idea what is under your marble hearth at this time. Presumably, yes, you would ... | |
| Mark 700 pipe by Heatalater | 7/3/2009 |
| Q: I am looking for a Mark 700 pipe made by Heatalater, or something compatable for my wood stove. This ... A: John, I would never recommend a used section of pipe. You are required by code to use only listed ... | |
| leaking fireplace? | 7/1/2009 |
| Q: I have a beautiful fireplace, bricks run up to ceiling. When it rains, I have water running down the ... A: Barb, It sounds like either the flashing or the chimney crown itself. Sometimes a new roof doesn't ... | |
| damper | 6/30/2009 |
| Q: My fireplace is about from 1965, the damper is located between the mantel and the opening. The ... A: Marie, This is an easy one. Contact a CSIA certified chimney sweep at www.csia.org. There is a ... | |
| Older "handmade" fireplace | 6/20/2009 |
| Q: I have a 1960's added on room in a 1940's house in the High Desert area of California with a ... A: Martha, Good question. Speaking only of the hearth depth, you cant make a hearth deeper. You can ... | |
| Do I need to replace the catalytic? | 6/17/2009 |
| Q: I have an Earthstove 1003C series and I believe I need to replace the catalytic. I cannot believe ... A: Terry, You will want to refer to the manufactures installation and operating instructions for ... | |
| fireplace removal | 6/16/2009 |
| Q: I have a fireplace that never worked right so it has been sealed off at the top and chimney taken ... A: Kimberly, It sounds like you have a factory built fireplace and chimney system. If this is the ... | |
| fireplace removal | 6/16/2009 |
| Q: I have a fireplace that never worked right so it has been sealed off at the top and chimney taken ... A: Kimberly, This wont be pretty. You will require an electric chisel hammer or small jack hammer at ... | |
| Framing-in a steel chimney | 6/11/2009 |
| Q: I recently had a crumbling masonry chimney replaced by a 7 inch stainless steel one for my gas ... A: Bob, You will want to contract with a framing contractor. The chase structure is much like if not ... | |
| Liner sizing | 6/9/2009 |
| Q: I am a CSIA certified chimney sweep in new jersey (6101)Wondering if you could provide some info as ... A: Kevin, Great question. My area of expertise doesn't include oil venting as I have never serviced or ... | |
| Gas Fireplace Not Working Right | 6/8/2009 |
| Q: I need a little help diagnosing a problem with a natural gas fireplace. I have Century free ... A: Kevin, Ventless appliances are often referred to as "lung vented" appliances. Any malfunction is to ... | |
| running grey PVC conduit near fireplace | 6/7/2009 |
| Q: I am going to hang a LCD over the mantle of my fireplace and have removed the entire front wall ... A: Carlos, If the chimney pipe is touching the wood studs anywhere, this is not okay. All chimney pipe ... | |
| Venting Gas and Wood buring fireplace throught same vent | 6/6/2009 |
| Q: I currently have a wood burning stove on one side of my wall in the family room and a wood fireplace ... A: Neal, Providing I am understanding you correctly, you cannot vent any two appliances through the ... | |
| creosote odor | 6/5/2009 |
| Q: Here goes.I am rfustrated and almost out of options. I have done just about everything to stop the ... A: Mike, Liners can be replaced without tearing down the chimney. The visual inspection you refer to ... | |
| gas Fireplace problem | 6/5/2009 |
| Q: The extension piece connected to my built in Gas valve and comes out the brick is missing. I think ... A: Dave, Any chimney sweep that orders parts from a number of suppliers could get you a key. ... | |
| creosote odor | 6/4/2009 |
| Q: Here goes.I am rfustrated and almost out of options. I have done just about everything to stop the ... A: Mike, It's possible that your lock top damper is not an air tight fit. Another possibility would be ... | |
| creosote odor | 6/3/2009 |
| Q: Here goes.I am rfustrated and almost out of options. I have done just about everything to stop the ... A: Michael, I would recommend that you invest in an NFPA-211 inspection of your system. Feel free to ... | |
| crack in rear refractor | 6/1/2009 |
| Q: i have a martin industries fireplace less than 10 yrs old. the rear refractor wall has a horizontal ... A: Jim, Great question. One important thing to remember when servicing your "Martin" factory built ... | |
| majestic fireplace | 4/5/2009 |
| Q: I recently moved into an apartment with an open ZC fireplace. I got permission from the manager to ... A: Toby, Never install an insert inside of a factory built fireplace. This is a very dangerous install ... | |
| Pulling out an old firebox | 4/4/2009 |
| Q: We have a house built in 1979 with a brick fireplace. Inside the part where you would put the wood, ... A: Mary, Removing the insert wood stove and removing the fireplace is not dangerous. That being said, ... | |
| smoke in house | 4/3/2009 |
| Q: I have a brick home built in 1982=has a pre-fab dual opening-doors are glass=1 side in family room ... A: Ralph, The first thing I would suggest is to invest in an NFPA-211 level II inspection. Please use ... | |
| chimney with woodstove | 4/2/2009 |
| Q: We are looking at buying an old antique cape, and there is currently a large chimney with a ... A: Jennifer, Please feel free to use the links at the bottom of my web site at www.brooks-hearth.com, ... | |
| chimney flute joints | 3/31/2009 |
| Q: Does the clay chimney flute about the roofline need to have masonry between the flute tile joints? ... A: Rubin, The disadvantage of not having the required mortar between the joints, is that in certain ... | |
| masonry chimney | 3/25/2009 |
| Q: I have a 5 year old house in VA. I had the chimney swept and the man told me that he beleived that ... A: Brian, Great question. There is no requirement for specific size or thickness of a bedding joint ... | |
| Open existing wood burning fireplace with glass back | 3/12/2009 |
| Q: We are renovating. The back of our existing fireplace is now in our new kitchen addition. Is it ... A: Fay, For a number of reasons, opening the rear wall of your masonry fireplace is a bad idea. The ... | |
| Hearth stove for existing fireplace | 3/11/2009 |
| Q: I am looking for a used stove to have installed in the fireplace of my small cabin (750sqft). I ... A: Les, You can do your home work at www.regency-fire.com. They will have the specs and installation ... | |
| Firebrick | 3/9/2009 |
| Q: We had a wood burning fireplace insert for 25 years which we have now removed.The firebrick are ... A: Gary, I recommend that you have the fireplace chimney inspected prior to installing gas logs. The ... | |
| researching older fireplace | 3/6/2009 |
| Q: We purchased our home from the adult children of the previous owners. They had little information ... A: Mary, This type of fireplace stove was produced by a number of manufactures all those years ago. ... | |
| Outdoor BBQ | 2/12/2009 |
| Q: Randy, Help! I'm building an outdoor barbeque on a 3x5 slab of Durock (with exterior grade plywood ... A: Sam, I'll apologize in advance for outdoor grills being out of my area of expertise. With that ... | |
| chimney height v. fire box size | 2/11/2009 |
| Q: I'm looking for the math formula to determine proper height of a chimney for a fire box that is ... A: Winston, Sorry for the late reply, I taught I had answered this a few days ago. Chimney height is ... | |
| chimney repair | 2/9/2009 |
| Q: I have a majestic L36BR professionally installed fireplace that is now 30 years old. When my ... A: Nance, You will want to contact a CSIA certified chimney sweep that services your area. I believe ... | |
| Fireplace below floor level | 2/8/2009 |
| Q: I want to raise my living floor by 6 inches but that will result in my fireplace being 3 inches ... A: Merideth, The size of your flue or the hole that vents the heat and smoke out of your home, is ... | |
| Fireplaces and Chimneys | 2/7/2009 |
| Q: I recently purchased a house built in the 1840s. It has one chimney servicing two fireplaces (one ... A: Thom, Chances are that at one point, the chimney also vented free standing wood-stoves in rooms ... | |
| Top Lock Dampers and other questions | 2/6/2009 |
| Q: I have several questions for you, perhaps you can help. I have a colonial house built in the 60's. ... A: Yvette, Glass doors come in varying degrees of quality. Many that are easily affordable offer an ... | |
| Top Lock Dampers and other questions | 2/5/2009 |
| Q: I have several questions for you, perhaps you can help. I have a colonial house built in the 60's. ... A: Yvette, 1) It can be hard to pull the chain, especially if the spring is new. 2) Probably best ... | |
| Leaking Fireplace | 2/3/2009 |
| Q: I live in NJ; our house which is a split level was built in the 60's. Our brick fireplace is on the ... A: Lee, It's hard to say without seeing your fireplace first hand. Water could be coming from any ... | |
| galvanized fireplace and flue size | 2/1/2009 |
| Q: I have built an outdoor fireplace from an old 42" galvanized tank. Is this safe or will fumes from ... A: Jim, The fumes from the galvanized firebox will be a serious health issue. I do not advise going ... | |
| flue size | 1/31/2009 |
| Q: what is the minimum flue size available for a wood burning fireplace? We have interior dimensions of ... A: Libby, A factory built fireplace, like one you would purchase complete with firebox, chimney and ... | |
| new house with gas fireplace | 1/29/2009 |
| Q: We just bought a house (Have not moved in yet) that has a gas fireplace. There is no propane tank ... A: Kevin, I trust the manufactures installation instruction manual was also present for your new ... | |
| Hearth removal/repair | 1/28/2009 |
| Q: My house was built in the 60's. I have a fireplace on the main level and one directly under it in ... A: Kay, It sounds like you have or had a raised hearth extension or seat? If that is the case, and you ... | |
| unvented gas logs | 1/26/2009 |
| Q: I have a question about the soot that is inside the free standind unit. I recently has some type ... A: Erich, Yes absolutely replace the unit. Ventless gas appliance only operate safely when they are ... | |
| martin industries fire place | 1/25/2009 |
| Q: I have a martine industries model LF 36 BM fireplace was put in around 1983 and I need a replacement ... A: Scott, You are correct, Martin Fireplace Manufacturing went out of business some time ago. The ... | |
| Thoughts On Best Heat Loss Prevention | 1/24/2009 |
| Q: I have an open fire with no damper, which I do use every week or so. I'm trying to work out what's ... A: Barbara, The top sealing dampers work well and good one can stop 100% of heat loss. The only issue ... | |
| ASBESTOS CHIMNEY CEMENT | 1/23/2009 |
| Q: I LIVE IN AN OLD HOUSE AND NOTICED THE PAINT WAS BUBBLING OFF THE CHIMNEY STACK IN MY BEDROOM. THE ... A: Lee, I'm certainly not an expert on asbestos. With that said, I would consult with one ASAP. I do ... | |
| Flue size | 1/22/2009 |
| Q: Sir, I am building a fireplace in India. Would appreciate your help. The opening width is 36". Flue ... A: Praveen, Take your fireplace width of 36" inches and multiply that times the the height of the ... | |
| Furnace flue pipe leaking | 1/20/2009 |
| Q: The pipe attached to the outter wall of the house at one end and to the furnace at the other end ... A: Jerry, The water entry can be the result of any number of issues. I recommend contracting with a ... | |
| fireplace wall insulation | 1/18/2009 |
| Q: The lower half of my bylevel has a corner fireplace it shares one outside wall & one garage wall, ... A: Dean, You would have to check with your local building code, but I would certainly think that that ... | |
| fireplace conversion | 1/17/2009 |
| Q: i have a prefab fireplace, and am wondering if i can convert to use a wood burning stove? thank u A: Lisa, You can certainly replace your factory built fireplace with an EPA certified wood-burning ... | |
| Convert wood stove to propane? | 11/17/2008 |
| Q: I would like to put a propane log set up in my wood stove. I would also like to get some meaningful ... A: Ed, No, You cant put a gas log set, gas or propane into a wood-stove. The best way to achieve ... | |
| Flue Diameter | 10/16/2008 |
| Q: I just purchased a Napolean wood burning insert to replace my existing fireplace. The new insert ... A: Jim, I hope your 8" inch liner is not for a factory built fireplace. If it is, i do not recommend ... | |
| Chimney Heatalater | 10/13/2008 |
| Q: The Heatalater unit is stuck closed with a small gap on the left side. The handle won't move the ... A: Bill, Using the links at the bottom of my home page, www.brooks-hearth.com, link to the Chimney ... | |
| footer reinforcement | 10/10/2008 |
| Q: I work in Collier County, the worst county for inspections. These guys fail at least 50% of my ... A: John, I assume your referring to a chimney structure here? If so, I am not a mason and don't build ... | |
| wood burner hook up | 10/9/2008 |
| Q: if you have gas furnace and hot water heater already what do u have to do to put small wood burner ... A: Jeff, If your question is can it be in the same cellar or basement, the answer is yes, it the ... | |
| Gas insert - trouble lighting pilot | 10/8/2008 |
| Q: I have a three year old propane insert that hasn't been lit for 7 months (summer). I turned the ... A: Frank, Your probably purging air from your line. It may take several minutes to purge all of the ... | |
| Gas Fireplace Pilot | 10/7/2008 |
| Q: I recently moved into a condo with my girlfriend which has a gas fireplace. When we moved in, the ... A: Adam, This can be lit with a match or lighter as well, but you will want a pro to look at this for ... | |
| Can I install a regular wood stove into my Fireplace? | 10/6/2008 |
| Q: I have an existing fireplace with a traditional liner. Stack has a rooftop damper and cap installed. ... A: Ken, Yes, it can be done. I would recommend differing the installation to a professional though. In ... | |
| wood insert into a furnace? | 10/4/2008 |
| Q: I have a brick fireplace and have thought of installing an insert. I was wondering if there was a ... A: Ben, You could consider an intake fan that simply pulls the heat from the room both units would be ... | |
| Fireplace and flue safety | 10/3/2008 |
| Q: My elderly mother has a fireplace she uses to heat a family room that is about 25-30 years old. It ... A: Rich, Your factory built fireplace and chimney system are tested and listed as a complete system ... | |
| flu extension for a temco fireplace | 10/2/2008 |
| Q: I am having an addition built above my garage, so need to extend my chimney. The fireplace ... A: Jayna, No it doesn't, your Temco fireplace and chimney were tested for safety and listed as a ... | |
| gas fireplace | 9/30/2008 |
| Q: We are building a house and I would like a vented gas fireplace in the great room on a wall that has ... A: dd, See through fireplace that vent inside/outside are notorious poor performers. Wind load and ... | |
| chimney liner | 9/29/2008 |
| Q: We are installing a natural gas/wood burning furnace. We have a masonry chimney with a terra cotta ... A: Brenda, It may have to do with the size of your existing chimney liner. Both too small and too big ... | |
| Woodburing insert into prefab fire box | 9/28/2008 |
| Q: I have a house built in 2004 that has one of those pre-fab open front firebox fireplaces. It is ... A: Shannon, You will have to remove and replace the existing fireplace and chimney system. You will ... | |
| Venting Coal Stove Using Existing Chimney | 9/27/2008 |
| Q: I am considering purchasing either a coal stove insert or a hearth coal stove. Our home has an ... A: Mark, You definitely can not install an insert inside of a factory built fireplace and chimney ... | |
| fireplace | 9/24/2008 |
| Q: We removed an old fireplace insert & want to use the fireplace as a wood-burning. It has a stainless ... A: Beth, The liner that remains within your fireplace flue was no doubt for the insert. It would need ... | |
| Small Fireplace Opening: What Can I Install? | 9/23/2008 |
| Q: What make + model woodstoves or wood fireplace inserts might actually fit these dimensions? Have ... A: Barry, You may look into a hearth stove for you small fireplace opening. Regency hearth products ... | |
| fireplace | 9/22/2008 |
| Q: I have a real fireplace that was put in when the house was build back in the 1950's it is not a ... A: Jennifer, This may be possible. What you must do first is invest in an NFPA-211, level II ... | |
| new construction | 9/21/2008 |
| Q: This might be more of a design question...but have you ever seen a rock / stone fireplace that had ... A: Karen, There are building codes everywhere. As for an insert appliance that loads from the outside, ... | |
| soapstone woodstove | 9/20/2008 |
| Q: how happy are people with the massive soapstone woodstoves from vermont castings? they have 1,600 ... A: Linda, Given the choices people have to make on hearth products these days, value is in the eye of ... | |
| Gas Log replacement | 9/19/2008 |
| Q: I have a Superior Model GHC-5000N Serial Number 2943 vented fireplace. Lennox does not sell the ... A: Herman, I'm so glad you asked this question. The answer is no do none of the above. The Superior ... | |
| liners for marco prefabricated fireplace | 9/18/2008 |
| Q: I have heard that some factory built fireplaces allow liners to be installed. I was wondering where ... A: Corey, To my knowledge, Marco has not approved any liner for installation within any of the models. ... | |
| cracked chimney | 9/17/2008 |
| Q: We are in the process of selling our home. During inspection it was confirmed (we had some ... A: Debbie, There are actually a few ways to remedy the cracked flue liner question. Cost will very ... | |
| Insulation surrounding fireplace chimney | 9/16/2008 |
| Q: We have a fireplace in the center of our house, built in the early 60's. There is no insulation ... A: Judy, You should maintain at least a two inch air space around the chimney. In the attic, you can ... | |
| Chimney / Basement Leak | 9/15/2008 |
| Q: We have had a constant rain for 3 days. A few hours after it stopped I just happen to walk into our ... A: Jeremy, After three days of rain, saturation is a distinct possibility. I recommend having your ... | |
| Fireplace leak | 9/13/2008 |
| Q: I have minimum experience working on our home but am pretty handy so here goes; I have a 30 year old ... A: Theo, Before damaging any of the stucco, I would recommend the system be inspected by a ... | |
| Heatilator Gas Fireplace Modification | 9/12/2008 |
| Q: I have a 14 year old Heatilator gas fireplace model # GC 300 that has an electronic ignition system. ... A: Steve, The heatilator gas fireplace is a tested and listed system. You will not be able to modify ... | |
| black soot on the exterior of siding/vent | 9/11/2008 |
| Q: My husband and I are going to buy our first home, we are still waiting for the house inspector to ... A: Kathleen, Congratulations on the purchase of your first home. Please use the links at the bottom of ... | |
| adding a fireplace | 9/10/2008 |
| Q: I am in the process of buying a house i town and i absolutely love a wood-burning fire and want to ... A: Savina, A qualified mason can certainly build a real fireplace and chimney system for your home. ... | |
| Basement Fireplaces | 9/8/2008 |
| Q: In order to comply with the Exterior Air Supply codes (R1005.1) which say that any fireplace must ... A: Rob, You can use a PVC in 4" inch diameter and run it down a wall on the interior or exterior. You ... | |
| woodstove chimney | 9/7/2008 |
| Q: what is double walled piping? i was told if i am going to use steel piping for my wood stove to ... A: Scott, Your wood stoves installation instructions should define what is required for venting. ... | |
| fireplace insert and insulation | 9/6/2008 |
| Q: We bought a fireplace insert for our fireplace. We are getting ready to put the vent in...but we ... A: Sue Jane, Installation of inserts requires first a complete NFPA-211 level II inspection of your ... | |
| liquid nail | 9/5/2008 |
| Q: i am a builder and i have a small sauna project , years a go i watched a chimney contractor glue ... A: Mark, I'm not a mason and couldn't comment on the liquid nails issue, although I wouldn't follow ... | |
| vented propane fireplace | 9/4/2008 |
| Q: I am installing a vented propane fireplace in a TEMO sunroom which is constructed of 3 inch ... A: Earl, Your venting system will offer a component piece for breaching a wall with vinyl siding. If ... | |
| vent free gas fireplace | 9/2/2008 |
| Q: I currently have an existing masonary fireplace and would like to install a vent free lp gas log ... A: Bill, Any time you change fuels or appliances NFPA-211 requires a level II inspection be performed ... | |
| fireplace | 9/1/2008 |
| Q: I have a 1930's house with a brick chimney. The chimney is in bad enough shape that I have to run a ... A: Jason, I strongly recommend that you have an NFPA-211 level II inspection performed. Converting ... | |
| Enlarging stone fireplace | 8/31/2008 |
| Q: We are in the process of a custom home build and came across a small 'snag'. Our Great Room has a ... A: Mark, Not knowing if your fireplace and chimney system are masonry or factory built, Its hard to ... | |
| fireplace | 8/11/2008 |
| Q: I have a preway freestanding fireplace model # fb26f I belive and am not sure if you burn wood in it ... A: Brian, Without the manufactures installation instructions, it would be impossible to advise you on ... | |
| gas fireplace | 8/8/2008 |
| Q: We have a gas fireplace. We have been living here for 3 years. The fire burns but the flame is not ... A: Kimberly, I would have my system looked at by an NFI certified gas fuel specialist. You can find a ... | |
| pellet insert in existing fireplace | 8/7/2008 |
| Q: I have an open fireplace that I want to put a pellet insert in. The chimney is also used for a hot ... A: Brad, You should have the chimney system inspected to the NFPA-211 standard. The NFPA requires a ... | |
| oil fireplace | 8/5/2008 |
| Q: I have an oil fireplace (the tank of oil) with a stainless steel chimney, i was wondering if i can ... A: Grace, Provided the the liner is an all fuels liner yes. I would recommend and NFPA-211 will ... | |
| metal chimney install | 7/26/2008 |
| Q: I want to install a wood stove in my first floor of my house. I want to go through the second floor ... A: Mike, You should consult you local building authority with this question as well, but if you are ... | |
| water leaking in through/around metalbestos | 7/23/2008 |
| Q: We had a wood stove installed a couple years ago. Metalbestos enter through low angle shedroof with ... A: Rick, If you have an effective flashing and storm collar, you may have water entry above the ... | |
| Chimney on siding | 7/21/2008 |
| Q: and in tearing off the existing cedar shingles we discovered that one of our chimneys was built on ... A: Jessica, You can check with your local code authority about clearance requirements for chimneys in ... | |
| chimney installation | 7/18/2008 |
| Q: Randy, I am building a gambrel barn style cabin and plan on heating it with a wood-burning stove. ... A: Gary, If the stack is within ten feet of the center peak of the roof, it must be at least two feet ... | |
| see thru fireplace | 7/17/2008 |
| Q: I am about to build a wood see through fire place. size to be 42 - 48" wide and 32 - 36" tall. I ... A: Lance, Double sided fireplaces are chronic smokers. The way air and pressure move within the house ... | |
| Do I need a liner? | 7/16/2008 |
| Q: I am having a pellet stove inserted into my existing fireplace. I had the chimney inspected; it has ... A: Jane, I would check with the manufacture of the pellet stove. The manufactures installation ... | |
| pellet stove insert and routing wires and air intake | 7/7/2008 |
| Q: I am converting an existing fireplace to burn wood pellets. The new insert requires 2 things, a ... A: Gerry, The NFPA-211 standard, requires a level II inspection of the existing fireplace system in ... | |
| Wood Burning Fireplace | 7/6/2008 |
| Q: We have a wood burning fireplace (20 years old I think) in our apartment that works well but has a ... A: Roy, I wouldn't hesitate to consult a local expert on this. Sight unseen it would be impossible for ... | |
| Converting Propane Fireplace downstairs to Wood Burning | 7/3/2008 |
| Q: We have a two story house with two propane fireplaces, vertically in line. The stove pipes are ... A: Michele, Adequate space for both units to exist in compliance with the terms of there listings and ... | |
| Shared Chimney Flue | 6/30/2008 |
| Q: I have a 20 yr. old home with a tall chimney with 3 tile flues one is for the fire place, 1 for the ... A: John, Each appliance must have a dedicated flue. Mixing the condensation of even the occasional oil ... | |
| Indoor gas fireplace for use outside? | 6/29/2008 |
| Q: I'm hoping you can help me with this - we did a reno on our house and removed an indoor gas ... A: rrand, I would have no way of knowing the answer to this question without the manufactures ... | |
| Woodsman vs, Shrader? | 6/27/2008 |
| Q: Randy, I am looking at buying a used woodburner. There are two I am considering that are ... A: Eric, Not knowing the model number and or age of the used units it's hard to say. If I where you, I ... | |
| tile in front of a fireplace | 6/24/2008 |
| Q: Is it necessary to have tile installed in front of a gas operated fireplace that doesn't use logs? ... A: Mary, In as much as the gas fireplace will not produce sparks, there is no danger, however, the ... | |
| Leaking chimney | 6/22/2008 |
| Q: I have recently recently removed a fireplace unit.Pipe and all.We made it into a recessed ... A: Charles, If you have removed the fireplace system, pipe and all, I suspect that the termination cap ... | |
| Raised hearth for woodstove | 6/16/2008 |
| Q: We own a bungalow in S. Quebec, built on a concrete slab. We will eventually have radiant hydronic ... A: Martine, Being that you have a non combustible floor to begin with, your plan with the concrete ... | |
| Range | 6/14/2008 |
| Q: whats the story like when ya have two holes in the wall above the range is there two flues in the ... A: Marie, It's possible, that at one time a an exhaust system over the range was replaced with a unit ... | |
| chimney design and construction | 6/11/2008 |
| Q: I currently have a power vent for an oil burner heating system. It's about to fail and I want to ... A: Eric, I would contact a CSIA certified chimney sweep for this job. Venting a new oil burner is ... | |
| gas fireplace thermostat | 6/1/2008 |
| Q: We had a gas insert installed in our wood burning fireplace. The blower only worked properly for ... A: Diane, The blower mechanism on your gas insert most likely operates on a thermal switch. The intent ... | |
| Regency Direct Vent Gas Fireplace | 5/23/2008 |
| Q: We have had a problem with the main burner ignition on our fireplace since the day we bought it. The ... A: Bob, The issues you describe can caused be a number of things, It sounds like your installer / ... | |
| Installing an insert into a zero clearance fireplace | 5/20/2008 |
| Q: We are installing a wood burning insert into a zero clearance or pre-fabbed fireplace that has an ... A: Andrea, Don't do it, I recommend you you go to the Chimney Safety Institute of America web site at ... | |
| chinmey for basement wood burner | 5/3/2008 |
| Q: I plan on installing a wood burner in my basement. I have only power vented equiptment in my house ... A: Joe, If you install a wood-burner in your basement, yes, you must vent according the manufactures ... | |
| Chimney | 4/30/2008 |
| Q: "I recently had my roof replaced. The day the mason was to point the bricks below the flashing, he ... A: Anne, If you have a guarantee in writing concerning the future of the job, I wouldn't worry about ... | |
| Fireplace insulation | 4/7/2008 |
| Q: We have a wood burning fireplace with a natural stone face. I installed a metal/glass fireplace ... A: Ken, Any fireplace shop that sells glass doors will be able to help with that. If you have no ... | |
| wood stove insert problem | 4/5/2008 |
| Q: Brooks, We installed a Vermont Castings large winter warm wood stove insert in Nov. 2007. It has ... A: Jayne, I would recommend an NFPA-211, level II inspection of your fireplace and insert system. ... | |
| unused fireplace | 4/4/2008 |
| Q: I have a woodburning fireplace/chimney. The previous owners of the house put in a gas fireplace ... A: Kim, Certainly, I would recommend have a qualified plumber re-route the gas with all of appropriate ... | |
| Can I convert a 2 sided Pre-fab gas fireplace to the door only? | 4/3/2008 |
| Q: This is a pre-fab metal fireplace. The front has a glass door and there is static glass on one side ... A: Travis, You asked; Hi Randy - Thank you for your quick responce, just a few more questions on the ... | |
| use of existing metal fireplace flue to insert class A 6" | 3/28/2008 |
| Q: Greetings Mr. Brooks: I have a 2-story, '96 house with interior chase and flue attached to a Marco ... A: Walt, Due to the difference in UL listings your existing system has versus the the high temperature ... | |
| Prefab fireplace lifespan/replacement | 3/27/2008 |
| Q: I am planning on remodeling the face of my Preway fireplace that was installed in my Florida home in ... A: Bruce, The expected life span of any standard, non stainless, factory built fireplace is 18 - 22 ... | |
| Staining in plaster from bricks | 3/26/2008 |
| Q: In my building there are round patches on the plaster that look like damp, some have a white, furry ... A: Alison, If the issue concerns the chimney system, I would invest in an NFPA-211, level II ... | |
| firebox rebuild | 3/20/2008 |
| Q: I rebuilt my present firebox in 1975 using firebrick but it needs re-doing. I have crumbling ... A: Leon, The replacement of the rear wall of your firebox, should include high temperature refractor ... | |
| Fireplace Flue mechanism | 3/19/2008 |
| Q: I am having marble installed over the brick on my fireplace and need some advice on how to remove ... A: Ginny, Yes, this handle should remove when the set screw is removed. No secret here, just hard ... | |
| Putting a wood stove in trailer | 3/17/2008 |
| Q: I just purchased a 1979 66X16 trailer with a fireplace insert that was probably put in when trailer ... A: Dolly, There is no wood-stove insert you can install inside of a factory built fireplace. You can ... | |
| two sided fireplace on same level | 3/16/2008 |
| Q: What a great resource! We have an indoor fireplace in our living room and I am interested in having ... A: Stacy, Any fireplace or appliance will require its own flue. If your inside fireplace is a factory ... | |
| Majestic gas ventless fireplace | 3/15/2008 |
| Q: It is getting harder and harder to start the fire. The pilot light goes out quickly. When we do get ... A: Sally, If your repairman is knowledgeable about gas fired appliance trouble shooting, his fee ... | |
| Air heating | 3/13/2008 |
| Q: What u think about air heat distribution from fireplaces ? I would like now opinion about air ... A: Derek, The product looks interesting. I apologize for having no knowledge of this product as it ... | |
| fireplace backing into bedroom | 3/7/2008 |
| Q: on the other side of a fireplace is a bedroom. a metal box is sticking out the back side of the ... A: Frank, This sounds like a combustion air intake for the fireplace. I would recommend an NFPA-211, ... | |
| Installing flu for cast iron wood stove | 3/6/2008 |
| Q: we are going to be installing a wood burning stove. The concern I have is that everything I have ... A: Krista, Many venting manufactures provide listed systems for wall penetration. Many competent ... | |
| Zero clearance | 3/4/2008 |
| Q: I have a 1,500 sq foot all electric home. I'm looking into either a wood burning insert or ... A: Art, You cannot tie into the existing chimney system. This chimney is listed to UL 127, 1700 ... | |
| Preway zero clearence fireplace refractory panel replacement | 3/3/2008 |
| Q: What is the website to order replacment refractory panels for Preway refractory panels the model# is ... A: Greg, Prepay has been out of business for many years. Listed replacement parts for there products ... | |
| MONARCH wood burning insert | 2/29/2008 |
| Q: I recently bought an old home (1908) and it has a precast insert into a masonry firebox. the only ... A: Josh, Given the age of your new home, I would strongly recommend an NFPA-211, level II inspection ... | |
| Zero clearance | 2/28/2008 |
| Q: I have a 1,500 sq foot all electric home. I'm looking into either a wood burning insert or ... A: Art, Regardless of the age of firebox you cannot install an insert into a factory built fireplace ... | |
| K-23 9" x 4 1/2" x 2 1/2" Insulating Firebrick | 2/27/2008 |
| Q: Randy, I am making a hearth for a Franklin Style Wood Stove. I am making the hearth out of regular ... A: Roy, First off, a "Franklin style" stove is usually an unlisted stove. Unlisted means that there is ... | |
| fireplace | 2/26/2008 |
| Q: I have a stone fireplace with a chimney that goes right to the ceiling,we burn logs in it, and i ... A: Jean, Ideally, the veneer stone that surround your fireplace opening shouldn't be heated ... | |
| Chase cover | 2/25/2008 |
| Q: Have a chase cover that needs to be replaced. Currently a gas fireplace and a secondary gas furnace ... A: Alex, No, this cannot be framed and covered with shingles. Even the gas venting systems have a ... | |
| Conversion of Fireplace to multi-sided direct vent | 2/24/2008 |
| Q: Question I have a home with a wood burning brick fireplace. The previous owners added an addition ... A: John, You must remember that the existing chimney is quite heavy. The brick that you would consider ... | |
| leaking cement cap | 2/19/2008 |
| Q: i have a chimney that was built in 2002, the cement cap is very thin, i have been told that the top ... A: Shawn, That white powdery substance is called efflorescence. The crown wash I believe you are ... | |
| 1950s furnace | 2/18/2008 |
| Q: My mother has a 1950s vintage central wood burning furnace in her house. I believe it is a ... A: Darrell, The word "Certified," today refers to the EPA standards set for clean burning. That being ... | |
| refractory kit | 2/17/2008 |
| Q: I have a majestic zero clearance wood burning fireplace which was installed in 1977. We put vent ... A: Bill, Its not necessarily a matter of being safe, as its a matter of violating the listing for this ... | |
| vertical grate for fireplace | 2/10/2008 |
| Q: I have a fireplace with a conventional basket grate, and read about a vertical grate on the site ... A: Richard, Not sure about the claims being "scientifically accurate," but I can tell you the product ... | |
| Wall cracks with wood/coal stove | 2/7/2008 |
| Q: Brooks, Our 35 year old, two story house with open fireplace and exterior located chimney (block ... A: Noel, This is a serious issue. Stop using the appliance immediately. Heat is transferring outside ... | |
| Fireplace Pilot doesn't come on. | 2/6/2008 |
| Q: Brooks, I have a Fireplace CFM Majestic Model "THE REGAL COVE 360DVS3" in the house we recently ... A: Amjad, A few probabilities, if you hear the gas exiting the valve when you depress the pilot knob, ... | |
| furnace to wood stove conversion | 2/5/2008 |
| Q: We have a fuel oil furnace, that doesn't perform the way I would like, it is vented into the same ... A: Virginia, You would most likely experience the same disappointment with the performance of the new ... | |
| Fireplace insert fumes | 2/4/2008 |
| Q: Have a fireplace insert with new stainless steel and insulation in the existing masonry chimney that ... A: Karen, Often times, an insert installation will need to "cure" the paint and production oils ... | |
| Brick chimneys leaking water into basement | 2/2/2008 |
| Q: I have two woodstoves (one upstairs and one in the basement). Both have brick chimneys that go all ... A: Derek, There are a number of possibilities for water entry. The open flue, The crown may be damaged ... | |
| Cracked chimney flue - vent free gas logs | 2/1/2008 |
| Q: We had our chimney serviced recently and was told the flue had cracks and would need repair. This ... A: Larry, To be honest with you, I'm not a fan of vent free anything. I sarcastically refer these ... | |
| joing a wood stove into a oil stove pipe | 1/31/2008 |
| Q: I would like to vent a wood stove into a chimney being used by a oil burner. The pipe is 7" through ... A: Rob, There needn't be any other reason than "being against code," In the event that both appliances ... | |
| Marco DF 41 fresh air draft | 1/30/2008 |
| Q: I need to seal a Marco DF 41 fireplace. It seems that the fresh air inlet is allowing cold outside ... A: Drafty, Many manufactures require insulation of the chase and other areas that may have been ... | |
| superior kr-43 | 1/28/2008 |
| Q: I recently bought a house with superior kr-43 fireplace. I could not find the pilot light or the ... A: Joseph, The "Superior," #KR-43, is a factory built fireplace, listed to UL 127. This means that the ... | |
| Majestic MBC42 replacing rear refractory panel | 1/27/2008 |
| Q: Any tips other than "be careful not to break the new panel while installing it"? Brackets are ... A: Chris, I am without question a " no insert into pre-fab guy," If you contact "Winterport," and ... | |
| Wood burning to gas log chimney size | 1/26/2008 |
| Q: We have a 2 sided fireplace that we recently converted to a gas log (Propane). As a wood burning ... A: Dan, It sounds like you have a see through, factory built fireplace, designed to burn either wood ... | |
| Converting back to a masonry fireplace | 1/24/2008 |
| Q: Sorry if this has been answered, I looked in past questions and was surprised not to find my answer. ... A: Holly, I'm glad to hear your investing in an inspection prior to using your 100 year old chimneys. ... | |
| Factory-built fireplace refractory | 1/23/2008 |
| Q: I have a Selkirk, zero-clearance/metal factory-built, fireplace that has cracks in the refractory ... A: Paul, Your Selkirk factory built fireplace is a listed system. This means that you must replace ... | |
| Townhome--shared chimneys | 1/22/2008 |
| Q: We moved into our townhouse in early 2006 and our fireplace has been driving us crazy ever since. ... A: Kerri, I would recommend having a qualified inspector perform a complete NFPA-211, level II ... | |
| Need key for discontinued gas log fireplace! | 1/21/2008 |
| Q: My home is ten years old, and the gas logs were manufactured by Martin Industries, which is now out ... A: Tina, A gas log set typically operates on a standard valve within the and not part of the ... | |
| Rainwater Leaking Through Chimney onto Gas Fireplace Insert | 1/20/2008 |
| Q: About 3 years ago, we had a gas fireplace insert installed into our existing brick wood-burning ... A: Paula, There are a number areas that water will typically enter your system. Water can weep or ... | |
| gel fireplace | 1/19/2008 |
| Q: is there a type of isulation that i could stuff into the hollows of my gel fireplace so it won't ... A: Susan, Gel fireplaces are ventless fireplaces that are tested and listed for safety as a complete ... | |
| Preway Zero Clearance Fireplace D-298739 fix or dump | 1/18/2008 |
| Q: In the process of remodeling our family room that has a Preway Zero Clearance Fireplace D-298739 in ... A: Ed, First, yes, there are qualified people to inspect your fireplace system and recommend action at ... | |
| crack | 1/17/2008 |
| Q: The brick veneer on the base of my Z clearance fireplace has developed a crack. Does this need ... A: Steve, It sounds like your concerned about the refractory panel on the inner hearth floor. If this ... | |
| Old fire box | 1/16/2008 |
| Q: Randy, I have an old wood burning Elco brand fire box original installation 1984. The prior owner ... A: Connie, My apologies for not being familiar with an Elco brand fireplace. That being said, it ... | |
| Flue Size | 1/15/2008 |
| Q: I building a fireplace and it is going to have a 48 in damper on it and was wondering what size of ... A: Bret, 14" X 14" with rounded corners would be a good choice. 18" X 18" is probably to big. The ... | |
| Flue Size | 1/14/2008 |
| Q: I building a fireplace and it is going to have a 48 in damper on it and was wondering what size of ... A: Bret, When you say a 48"inch box, I will assume you are referring to its width? If that is the ... | |
| recent house fire | 1/13/2008 |
| Q: I recently had a fire in a house that I rent that appears to have stated just to the left of the ... A: Billy, I can understand how terrified you and your family must have been during this unfortunate ... | |
| Propane Fire Place Black soot | 1/12/2008 |
| Q: I have recently purchased a home that has a propane fireplace. Having never had such a beutiful and ... A: Brian, It sound like your system isn't venting properly. Stop using your fireplace immediately and ... | |
| Mismatched Fireplace and Gas Logs | 1/11/2008 |
| Q: I recently bought a house with a woodburning fireplace box(vented) that has a ventless gas logs ... A: Tiffany, It sounds like you have a factory built fireplace intended for venting gas or wood. ... | |
| double sided wood stoves | 1/10/2008 |
| Q: I have been on the net for many hours looking for a double sided wood stove in this country. The ... A: Linda, Stoves sold in the USA are required to be certified by our EPA for clean burning status. I'm ... | |
| hearth removal | 1/8/2008 |
| Q: Remodeling a brick wood burning fire place that will require me to take down the existing bricks( ... A: Kevin, Yes, you can remove the veneer brick that surrounds your current fireplace opening, provided ... | |
| chimney | 1/5/2008 |
| Q: I have a question regarding a masonry chimney. I want to install a factory built ... A: Eric, To answer your first question, "If I want to build a masonry chimney to enclose this outside ... | |
| Fireplace back draft | 1/4/2008 |
| Q: I have a wood burning fireplace which has worked perfectly since we started using it this winter. ... A: Mike, Have your fireplace and chimney inspected to the NFPA-211, level II standard. You can ... | |
| heatilator fireplace inserts | 1/1/2008 |
| Q: We have a heatilator gas fireplace insert, there is SO much cold air coming in the bottom, top, and ... A: Kathy, It sounds like the old fireplace your insert is installed in may not be sealed completely. ... | |
| Venting a gas fireplace | 12/31/2007 |
| Q: Randy, - I live in Minnesota (cold winters), and I'm installing a gas fireplace as part of a ... A: John, I would recommend contacting an NFI certified gas specialist to consult on both options. The ... | |
| gas fire place | 12/29/2007 |
| Q: i just purchased a house that was built in 93 and a security fireplace was installed but no gas was ... A: Matt, The ghosting or oxygen starvation you described is classic of a problem with the direct ... | |
| upstairs condo neighbor's smoke coming into our living space | 12/28/2007 |
| Q: I am in a downstairs-upstairs condo situation. Whenever the upstairs neighbor starts a fire in his ... A: Robert, First of all, you are not using your system, close the damper. If your factory built ... | |
| colman fireplace | 12/27/2007 |
| Q: I have a colman wood burning fireplace incert.It has a fan that circulates air inside the ... A: Mike, It sounds like you have a factory built fireplace manufactured by "Coleman"? The blower on ... | |
| Franklin stove/ inser installation | 12/26/2007 |
| Q: I have an existing masonary fireplace and I have bought an antique franklin stove model 98 to ... A: John, These units are fireplace stoves. If these units are installed inside of an open fireplace, ... | |
| Franklin stove/ inser installation | 12/25/2007 |
| Q: I have an existing masonary fireplace and I have bought an antique franklin stove model 98 to ... A: John, There not, Be sure to check with your local building code to see if you are even permitted to ... | |
| Gas fireplace troubleshooting | 12/24/2007 |
| Q: I live in Petawawa, Ontario and it's damned cold this time of year. Anyhow, I have an Osburn LA 30 ... A: John, You could have any number of problems, from a loss of gas pressure, a blockage in the valve, ... | |
| Wood insert | 12/23/2007 |
| Q: I am wanting to purchase a wood insert Quadra-Fire 2700I. I have a pre-fab fireplace Heatilator ... A: Wesley, Your Heatilator #E036, factory built fireplace is a UL listed product. Installing a ... | |
| securitychimney fireplaces | 12/21/2007 |
| Q: I have a security chimney fireplace that was put in when the house was built in 1987. My question ... A: Mark, Sorry, I'm not familiar with this product other than the chimney system. Traditionally there ... | |
| Back Refractory for a Temco Fireplace | 12/20/2007 |
| Q: The Back Refractory of our Temco Fireplace is cracked and has a hole. We are in need of replacing ... A: Christy, Temco parts are still available in a number of locations. Contact a CSIA certified chimney ... | |
| Old insert | 12/19/2007 |
| Q: Brooks, I bought a house about 1 ½ years ago that is wood heated only. There is an insert mounted in ... A: Bruce, You asked, "If I run the blowers faster than on the slowest speed the blowers will shut off ... | |
| fumes from no chimney fireplace | 12/18/2007 |
| Q: Ever since we had our fireplace that uses propane (no chimney) we have had to deal with fumes. We ... A: Carmen, I believe your fireplace is a vent free by design, and a venting system couldn't be added ... | |
| fumes from no chimney fireplace | 12/17/2007 |
| Q: Ever since we had our fireplace that uses propane (no chimney) we have had to deal with fumes. We ... A: Carmen, It sounds like you have a vent free gas fireplace. I like to refer to these units as "Lung ... | |
| Gas Fireplace Scorching Marble Surround | 12/13/2007 |
| Q: We recently installed a new Xtrordinair fireplace (36CFR)and noticed that after about 30 minutes of ... A: Rocky, The manufacture requires that the unit be surrounded with cement board first, drywall second ... | |
| gas fireplace | 12/12/2007 |
| Q: I have a gas fireplace, and ever since we have had it, the glass gets black after a few hours of ... A: Allison, It sounds like your fireplace is not venting properly. If your fireplace is a direct vent ... | |
| Replacing Zero Clearance Fireplace with Pellet Stove | 12/11/2007 |
| Q: I currently have a Security zero clearance fireplace with a stainless steel chimney. It's located in ... A: Kirk, Your existing "zero clearance" as you called it, or "factory built fireplace" as its known ... | |
| House fire | 12/10/2007 |
| Q: We just bought a new home here in the Buffalo area in the early Spring and started using our ... A: Alice, Provided there is enough of the factory built fireplace and surrounding construction left to ... | |
| ventness propane fireplace | 12/9/2007 |
| Q: my fireplace pilot light will stay on but if i turn the gas on it will produce a fire for approx. 5 ... A: Ken, Merry Christmas to you as well. I caution you about using compressed gas and would recommend a ... | |
| heatilator caliber fireplace | 12/8/2007 |
| Q: I just had a Heatilator caliber fireplace `installed. It throws good heat but there ais a crackling ... A: John, Your fireplace is most likely heating up and the metal is expanding and contracting. This is ... | |
| gas logs in fireplace | 12/7/2007 |
| Q: we have used our fireplace for 30 years for wood fires. It has been cleaned last year. We bought ... A: Shannon, There can many things wrong with your fireplace, chimney, gas log installation or house as ... | |
| Can a man break a chimney | 12/6/2007 |
| Q: I was impressed with your answers and Tom Pierces to other questioners and decided to ask you and he ... A: John, Interesting question, I will assume your enquiring about about a service provider working on ... | |
| Switch on gas fireplace | 12/3/2007 |
| Q: I have a gas fireplace and the last time I used it (last winter) I couldn't get the switch to turn ... A: Sharon, Replacing the switch is one possibility of many. I recommend that you contract with a ... | |
| woodburning fireplace | 11/29/2007 |
| Q: My husband and I built a family room onto our home. The existing chimney is in this room. We new ... A: Teresa, Anytime you remove masonry material from a structure that supports that kind of weight, ... | |
| woodburning fireplace | 11/28/2007 |
| Q: My husband and I built a family room onto our home. The existing chimney is in this room. We new ... A: Teresa, I'm concerned with the modification of the existing fireplace as you have disturbed it. You ... | |
| Prefab Fireplace vent clearance | 11/26/2007 |
| Q: I have a 15 year old Superior fireplace model - KR 43. How close can the framing be to the double ... A: Tom, Without the installation instructions, I cant tell you the requirement of the manufacture. ... | |
| kiln dried wood | 11/25/2007 |
| Q: I am new to using a wood burner and have picked up a few packs of kiln dried wood at my local ... A: Eric, The manufactures installation instructions that came with your EPA certified stove will be ... | |
| can an electric cabinet be used for gas? | 11/23/2007 |
| Q: I was given a fireplace cabinet that I'm pretty sure was meant for an electric insert. Can I ... A: Darren, Not quite sure what a cabinet is for an electric insert. If you mean a mantel of ... | |
| venting chimney pipe | 11/21/2007 |
| Q: I got a question I get different answers on. I want to put a majestic factory built woodburning ... A: Eric, You must provide a chase inclosure for your installation. I'm guessing that you have a second ... | |
| HELP! | 11/20/2007 |
| Q: I have been looking for someone to tell me what to use and how to chisle?? a new firebrick/baffel ... A: Julia, You will want to go to www.lennoxhearthproducts.com, They will be able to help you find a ... | |
| fireplace insert | 11/19/2007 |
| Q: We own an Earthstove fireplace insert (Model 4000?) from Lennox.We are building a cottage and would ... A: Diane, You would have to construct a masonry fireplace to the NFPA-211 standard before you could ... | |
| installing wood stove into existing masonry chimney | 11/16/2007 |
| Q: We have an unused masonry chimney that until 7 months ago was used as the chimney for an oil furnace ... A: Terry, Not knowing the condition of your chimney,weather its lined or unlined, I would recommend ... | |
| fire place bonanza | 11/14/2007 |
| Q: I just bought a house that had a wood fire place converted to a gas, which Iam in the process of ... A: Shawn, I think I'm missing too much information to advise you as needed. If you are installing an ... | |
| Earth Stove 1003C Model Question | 11/12/2007 |
| Q: We just purchased a 22 year old home with an existing Earth Stove model # 1003C (I believe by ... A: Kim, The Earth Stove, #1003C was one of the industries best sellers ever. It used catalytic ... | |
| does my chimney need a cleaning & insulation too | 11/11/2007 |
| Q: I had an wood burner installed into my fire place in 1999 by the company I bought it from. I burn ... A: Jim, Provided you still have the manufactures installation instruction, read their requirements for ... | |
| Low Flame on Gas Fireplace | 11/9/2007 |
| Q: I have a 7 year old Heatalator Direct vent gas fireplace. Even with the pilot knob turned to high, ... A: Bruce, There are a number of potential reasons for the low flame output on your DV fireplace, low ... | |
| Masonry Fireplace | 11/8/2007 |
| Q: While doing some novice inspection work, I've noticed that there is no liner along the inside ... A: Drew, I have often recommended cast iron firebacks for masonry fireplaces for the very reasons you ... | |
| How to choose | 11/7/2007 |
| Q: Randy - we are building a home in SW Colorado. Bedroom will have a gas fp and great planned for ... A: Pat, The extrodinair is a high efficiency wood-burning fireplace and a good one at that, Regency's ... | |
| leaking inside house old chimmney | 11/6/2007 |
| Q: we have an old chimmney that extends inside the house made of fieldstone and cement with a liner ... A: Gary, If your chimney crown is sealed properly and you have a spark arrestor cap that prevents ... | |
| wood-burning insert | 11/5/2007 |
| Q: I have a wood burning fireplace insert with 6" flue opening at the top, but I only can put 5" ... A: Jeffrey, Using a 5"inch liner rather than the required 6"inch, is like always having a half inch ... | |
| 2 wood burning units sharing same chimney | 11/4/2007 |
| Q: I am a log home contractor in Arkansas and am getting prepared to build a good sized log home in ... A: Chris, The bottom FP with the 45' foot height and the upstairs pellet appliance will both have ... | |
| Cracks in back of fireplace | 11/2/2007 |
| Q: WE bought a house this past summer that is 21 years old. It was in foreclosure so we have no history ... A: Joe, The information you have provided tells me you have a factory built fireplace. These products ... | |
| Want to make my never been used Fireplace work | 11/1/2007 |
| Q: I just bought a condo and there is a fireplace that has never been used. There is a flu that goes to ... A: Natalie, Congratulations on your new home purchase. I'm not sure if you have any reason to believe ... | |
| free standing wood-stove help | 11/1/2007 |
| Q: We would like to build a mantle over a corner placed wood stove, and enclose the sides to cover some ... A: Lee, In effect, you are describing an alcove installation. All EPA certified hearth appliances will ... | |
| Masonry Fireplace | 10/31/2007 |
| Q: While doing some novice inspection work, I've noticed that there is no liner along the inside ... A: Drew, congratulations on the purchase of your new home. The fireplace is the centerpiece of any ... | |
| Drafty Wood Burning Insert | 10/30/2007 |
| Q: I have recently purchased a house that came with a wood burning insert inside a brick fireplace. ... A: Ward, Provided your insert was installed with a listed liner system from the appliance, all the way ... | |
Chimney & Fireplaces
Answers by Expert:
Randy Brooks
Top Expert on this page
Expertise
Inspection of Masonry, Pre-cast Tilt-up, and Factory Built Fireplaces as well as Free Standing & Insert, Gas, and Wood Appliances. We also provide Litigation Support, Consulting Services, Flue Sweeping, Installation and Repair. Additionally, Ive been a chimney sweep for 20 years, service and install hearth appliances as well as being recognized by the Superior Court of California as an expert witness.
Experience
Brooks Chimney Sweeping Since 1989
Ojai, CA
Owner / President www.brooks-hearth.com
Organizations
NCSG, MEMBER, BOD (National Chimney Sweep Guild), Member since 1990, Board of Directors representing Region 6, (CA, NV, AZ, UT, OR, WA, ID, WY, MT, AK and HI,) 2004-present, ethics committee chair, 2004-2005, executive committee member, Vice President, 2006-2008, President, 2008-present.
CSIA, BOD (Chimney Safety Institute of America,) Board of Directors, ethics committee chair, 2004-2005, executive committee member, Secretary, 2005-2006, Vice President, 2006-2008, President, 2008-present.
GSCSG, MEMBER, (Golden State Chimney Sweep Guild,) Member since 1995, Board of Directors, 1997-2001, President, 1999-2001.
HPBA, MEMBER, (Hearth, Patio, & BBQ Association,) since 2002.
Education/Credentials
California State Licensed Contractor, C61-D34, #750710.
http://www2.cslb.ca.gov
C.S.I.A., (Chimney Safety Institute of America,) Certified Chimney Sweep, #2580. Held since 1990 re-certified in 93, 96, 99, 02, 05, '08.
http://www.csia.org
F.I.R.E. (Fireplace Investigation, Research & Education Service,) Certified Inspector, #FP-006. Held since 2000, re-certified in 03, 06.
http://www.f-i-r-e-service.com
Fireplace Investigation, Research & Education Service,) Advance Expert Consulting & Witness, certificate, 05
N.F.I. (National Fireplace Institute,) Certified Gas & Wood-Burning Specialist, #133851. Held since 2002, re-certified in '05,08.
http://nficertified.org
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