Brick fireplace -convert to 2 sided?
edwardh1
| Posted in Construction Techniques on
Good friend had a den with fireplace on outside wall. He is adding a room on outside. He is getting conflicting advice on putting in a two sided gas fireplace. some say the fireplace throat wiill only work for a fireplace on one side . also they think it may weaken the fireplace if it becomes 2 sided.
Are there any 2 sided metal insert made that would solve he throat problem?
where do you go on the web to get smart on this?
Replies
With a wood fireplace you'd have to take the fireplace down to make it double-sided. But with a gas unit the dynamics are mostly in the insert, so you have a better shot. But still there's a LOT of brick work implied unless you get a free-standing unit and just run its flue back into the chimney.
You'd really need to deal with the experts at the factory for something like this.
>>where do you go on the web
>>where do you go on the web to get smart on this?
Check out the manufacturers' web sites. They often have the manuals for various models available, and sometimes FAQs
As Dan said, I'd check with the manufacturer about this idea
= = =
For what it is worth, as a home inspector with a lot of training in combustion analysis and carbon monoxide testing, I strongly recommend against so called "ventless" gas appliances.
This issue has been discussed several times here, see, e.g., http://forums.finehomebuilding.com/breaktime/energy-heating-insulation/ventless-fireplaces
Or search the forum for "ventless"
Ventless are illegal in CA, and 2 other states as far as I know.
I've done it in the exact circumstances you describe (i.e., an additon built around an exterior chimney.) I wouldn't agree to do the job unless they switched to a gas-burning fireplace because of the uncertainty of a traditional woodburning fireplace drawing properly.
I didn't use a metal insert; I did the job in masonry. The finished job turned out very nice and the fireplace worked well. The job cost $2400, if memory serves.
Convert fireplace to 2 sided
I just read your comment from 2/22/10. I want to do this. What tradesman should I look for? In Los Angeles area.
Did a gas burning insert conversion last year worked great! A little tough lining up the flue. Ours used a double wall pipe that pulls intake air & exaust. With some careful measuring You should have great results.
>>Ours used a double wall
>>Ours used a double wall pipe that pulls intake air & exaust.
Double wall or triple wall? I'm only familiar with triple wall that does that, but am always looking for new information/products....
Henley,
There was only combustion source. The single fireplace was open on both sides.
Putting in the gas insert is the easy part. Assuming it's not wood burning.
I think the problem he is talking about is the brick chimney.
You have to knock out 1 wall of the 3 existing walls of the chimney.
E.G [__] becomes [ ] as you can see it looks much weaker doesn't it? That example is mad of text, when it's made of brick it's even scarier, even if it's just a couple foot opening at the bottom it makes a big difference.
I would not do that. Especially because I don't trust others peoples work, or old work.
It may be possible because brick has high compressive strength, and the brick ties solve the problem of it tipping over... but I wouldn't ever do it. By the way, what year was the chimney built? It does have brick ties holding it to the house right.... Haha.
Gas inserts don't even need a brick chimney, so you could always get rid of the chimney completely and use the brick for a patio out back.
If your friend get's it done.... Make sure he checks that the contractor is licensed and bonded. He should do everything he can to make sure if there ARE ever any problem it will be resolved. Don't get a fly by night company to do it, you'll lose money in the long run, especially if there are problems down the line. Look for someone who has been doing work in the city for years with a good reputation.
Two sided fireplace
Our house has a two sided fireplace, and it doesn't draw well at all. Reference the picture and notice the smoke stains on the brick from the previous owner. As of now we don't use the fireplace because of this.
It is a really neat feature in the house, but it needs to be modified to be functional. Anyone care to suggest good brands for a gas insert?
Yes you can I just did one and it vents fine with both sides open but I had to build the hole thing right there to make it vent right