Removal of Old Chimney and replace with FireBox for Gas Fireplace?

7 years ago

We have an old chimney that we are being told needs to be replaced. Our fireplace is gas, and there is really no need to have this chimney if we can get something going with a firebox, or so I've heard. Has anyone ever gotten rid of an old chimney and replaced it with a firebox? I am wondering what the cost differences are like? Thanks a lot for your help. Photos of chimney included.

Featured Answer

akamainegrower

7 years ago

Building codes, especially for earthquake resistance, are undoubtably very strict in most parts of CA. I think I would check into the cost of having the present chimney removed entirely rather than having an expensive retrofit/restoration done. You could then install a stainless steel chimney certified for gas burning appliances and enclose it in a code compliant chase. It may turn out that there is not much difference in cost between the two options, but I would guess that the second option would be considerably less expensive.

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Comments (11)

akamainegrower
7 years ago
A firebox with a lower case f is the area in a wood stove, fireplace or insert where the fire is built. The chimney is the vent for smoke, unburned gasses, etc. If you are referring to an unvented gas heater with FireBox as a brand name, don't install one. Unvented gas heaters are not permitted in a number of states, produce a great deal of water vapor and can potentially fill the living space with CO.

the exterior of the chimney looks to be in good shape. Installing a stainless steel liner designed for gas burning appliances would not cost a great deal and would allow you to use a vented gas fireplace - a far better choice than an unvented one.
Eric Helsel thanked akamainegrower
armoured
7 years ago
Why are they telling you it needs to be replaced? Because unsuited for the current fireplace, or some structural issue? Anyway, completely agree with mainegrower above - a liner can usually be put directly through the existing chimney that would take care of all the combusted gases and be safe. Likely cheaper than tearing down the existing chimney.
Eric Helsel thanked armoured
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Eric Helsel
Original Author
7 years ago
The inspector is telling us that it is structurally unsound and has cracks. Thats all I know so far. I have a licensed contractor coming out today to take a look at it. We have a gas fireplace now, so I don't see the need for a full chimney if we can save money and have it be safe.
Eric Helsel
Original Author
7 years ago
I'm told that this chimney is a TILT UP, where they pour it as a solid form on the ground, and then TILT it UP and put it into place. Apparently popular in the 70s. The inspector says it is deteriorated. We want it to be safe, and to cost the least amount of money obviously. I know that California has some regulations on building masonry chimneys now, so I don't want to get caught in that either. Need to do whatever is allowed by law, and most safe and effective for the home.
armoured
7 years ago
For the vent for the gas fireplace, in most places a stainless steel chimney (or liner inside a masonry chimney) with proper preparation against fire would be enough. That could go straight up through your building, or out and up, or many variations - but where an existing masonry chimney is in place, up that chimney is pretty common. If there's cracks in the masonry chimney that let air/gas through and make the combustion/venting unsafe, the liner inside the existing chimney should work. It would be unusual for the chimney itself to be so structurally unsafe that it has to be completely rebuilt or torn down, but could happen - and of course local regulations matter. You might need a second opinion or two. Good luck, let us know how it goes.
Eric Helsel thanked armoured
Eric Helsel
Original Author
7 years ago
Thank you everyone. I have a guy coming in an hour. I will give you all an update. Thanks again.
Eric Helsel
Original Author
7 years ago
Here's an update, I just had a masonry contractor out here that was referred to me by three builders, as being the best guy for the job. He came out and inspected it, and told me that we can bring it down to collar level, reinforce and retrofit the base, and build the steel cage chimney on top of it to all codes. Estimate is 7000-8000 dollars.
armoured
7 years ago
@EricHeisel, that sounds fairly normal (although worth considering akamainegrower's suggestion too). Keep in mind: since you have a fireplace you vent through that chimney, you may need to ensure it gets inspected / looked at by a fireplace specialist (or that your masonry contractor has the proper qualifications). You wouldn't want to have that work done and then find out something else needs to be done to meet code/safety regs for venting your fireplace (like getting the structural work done and finding out later it now needs a liner). Your masonry contractor may know this all but check - the structural issues may be different from the fireplace/venting requirements. Of course it's possible your current chimney has a steel liner inside it now, too.
Eric Helsel thanked armoured
Eric Helsel
Original Author
7 years ago
Yes, we have several bids coming in. I will point out all of these items to each company as well as send them this link. Thank you to all again. Please keep them coming, the information is awesome.
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None
4 years ago
Eric, could you confirm what you finally ended up doing? I have the same issue where i need to have chimney demolished for structueal issue. I was wondering if i can keep the breast part of it and convert it to gas firplace/insert. instead of rebuilding it.