Expert: Randy Brooks - 11/29/2007

Question
QUESTION: My husband and I built a family room onto our home.  The existing chimney is in this room.  We new we couldn't convert to a double open fireplace without possibly causing problems to the fireplace upstares which has it's own flu.  We busted out a clearing of 11.2" deep, as far as we could go to other fireplace, and installed a ventless gas log fireplace.  We are not satisfied with this as the logs caused a black residue on everything.  Is it possible to open up an area at the top of the gas log fireplace through to the top of the wood burning fireplace and either vent with proper piping through the existing flu?  Or could this opening alone work if glass doors were installed in existing wood burning fireplace to allow for proper drafting?  Then is it possible to have a fire burning in both fireplaces at the same time?  The two fireplaces are not center to each other as we centered the new addition for looks.

ANSWER: Teresa,

I'm concerned with the modification of the existing fireplace as you have disturbed it. You are correct in that you cannot open up the back side for drafting reasons. Additional, even the clearing you "busted out" may have a negative effect on the support that the structure has in holding the weigh of the entire structure. I would recommend having an NFPA-211, level II inspection performed before doing anything else to the system. You can "Google" fireplace inspections and find a local professional to perform this valuable;e service. Be sure to ask if the inspection will be an NFPA-211, level II inspection. Not all inspectors perform this service. Good luck.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you for your quick reply and for the information. We had contacted the original person who installed the fireplace before doing anything.  He suggested we support the new opening with a 1/2" thick brick lentel with a true arch opening under the outside brick.  The depth is only 9 1/2".  Do you think we may still have a problem in the future?

Answer
Teresa,

Anytime you remove masonry material from a structure that supports that kind of weight, that weight is redistributed to other areas. Even if you installed a framming or arch or anything for that mater, it will only be a cold joint that is cosmetic and doesn't actually support the weight. I would still recommend the level II inspection. Good luck.