Hi,
Thinking of replacing or refinishing a real wood fireplace. It has a old brick outdated front on it from the floor to the ceiling. Thinking of putting in a gas insert. I would like to know if I should get a gas installer or gas company to insert the new fireplace before starting to dismantle the brick work or before I paint it?
Thanks,
Rocky
Replies
In my opinion a gas fp install is very DIY friendly.
But opinions vary & some locals won't let a ho do that type of work.
I would remove the brick facing before the install---- wouldn't want to break the glass from an errant brick.
I would put in the fp before painting though, I found masking is easier than trying not to damage new paint.
If you're gonna tackle this one remember the brick chimney must be lined to accept a gas burning appliance.
Do you look to the government for an entitlement, or to GOD for empowerment. BDW
I would agree that a gas F/P is an easy DYI install BUT, I would absolutely get a certified and permitted install on the gas hook up and probably the flue.
About three years ago, three local fireman died in a fire in a commercial building because the owner and a local handyman installed a gas incinerator improperly and without permits. Both are good guys, but their lives, not to mention the families of the victims, are forever altered.
And in another install, the vent for a gas F/P was poorly installed by the HO in an old chimney and the resulting fire did over $100K in damage to the residence.
The hookup by a professional is relatively inexpensive as is a permit and inspection of an air-pressurized gas supply line to verify a leak-free hookup.
But I agree with everything else you said! :-)
plumb: I know very little about gas hook-ups, but it seems like it would not be all that complicated.
I know Notchman stated that a chimney was installed incorrectly and caused a fire. THat is very very strange since I believe unlike a wood stove or firplace teh chimney for gas is for CO2 not flames or smoke and not much heat (hence teh efficency of gas fireplaces). Anyway.
If I guy were building a house and had a pro plumb up teh gas cook top and furnance, and had just a line run to the location of a FUTURE gas fireplace, in your opinion could a guy complete teh hook-up on his own in the future? I always hate to let the county assessor know when I have added value to my home through the permit process. LOL!
If a future stub is provided by a contractor---- connecting a gas appliance to that stub is quite easy, & almost every appliance has directions to make said connection.
If you are having gas futures installed by your contractor make sure they put in a finish shut off valve with in 6' of the fireplace, a finish valve has a chrome flange & a square key.
With any gas appliance, a factory appliance connector canNOT be hidden from access or pass through any cabinet or wall.
Most gas FP's have a dual pipe exhaust connection, inner pipe is for exhaust outer pipe is for combustion air.
Snaking a dual flex pipe down a chimney is a chore even for a seasoned pro.
I prefer to run a single pipe down the chimney for the exhaust & use the chimney itself for the combustion air. This too can be found in the manual.Do you look to the government for an entitlement, or to GOD for empowerment. BDW
Thanks for the input!