Wood burning fireplace surrounds - will metal work?
Comments (9)
PROPatricia Colwell Consulting
2 years agoRelated Discussions
Paint or tiling metal fireplace surround
Comments (3)It is a challenge to tile the metal. The following two options may work. First, there is a flexible thinset motar available (HD carries it) that would probably hold because of it's flexibility, which would allow it to absorb the expansion and contraction of the metal without deteriorating. However, if it doesn't work you will probably not be able to remove the thinset without damaging the metal. You could try it out by getting a metal piece similar to what you have and leaving it by the fireplace for a while. Second, you could see if there is a high temperature tile mastic available. If so, that would work. Good Luck!...See MoreNew Build-Advice for Wood burning fireplace
Comments (5)Hi Gladys, I am aware of how much more efficient wood stoves are (and am considering one for the basement), but really want the look of a fireplace in the family room. I did see a double sided fireplace with what looks like an insert (see link) but am not sure if that is as high efficient as some of the inserts out there for masonry fireplaces. Setting the double sided feature aside, are there fairly efficient wood burning fireplaces out there that don't require a full masonry chimney? I'm having trouble understanding how the prefab wood burning fireplaces work (why aren't footings required, for example). Investing 10K on a masonry fireplace, then getting an insert is just too much money, but building a masonry fireplace and letting most of the heat go up the chimney doesn't make sense either. thanks Here is a link that might be useful: Acucraft Fireplace...See Morereplacing wood burning stove with wb fireplace, will it work?
Comments (1)There's no obvious reason why this could not be done, but... You will be faced with many issues involving clearances to flammable surfaces. You'll also have to deal with local building and fire codes. The very first step would be to check these things out. Corner installations are often difficult because you have to deal with two walls and the required clearances frequently mean installing heat shields and/or having the stove stick out into the room more than you would like....See MoreRestoring a Wood Burning Fireplace from Gas
Comments (3)Hi Sammy - I could not locate a shutoff valve. We didn't really trust him for a few reasons... first and foremost was just the way he carried himself. He basically barged into our house, got soot from his shoes all over our carpet, and wouldn't directly answer technical questions because "he doesn't want to be liable for any bad decisions". He also proceeded to remove our chimney cap (full metal cap, not a smoke escape/animal guard) before he even told us that we wouldn't be able to have a fire in there. Logic would suggest checking that out first, informing us, and we make a decision as to what to do. The biggest trust factor was him not giving us any concrete answers. He was just.. backwards......See Moreptreckel
2 years agolbbrowning
2 years ago
PROHansen Wholesale
2 years agoptreckel
2 years ago- PRO
Hansen Wholesale
2 years agoIn my original response, I failed to address other concerns regarding the disintegrating firebricks in the back of your fireplace and potential overheating of the fireplace:
Although using a metal surround is safe, I would consider it unsafe to continue using this fireplace until you have it inspected and replace those firebricks. The fact that the firebricks are crumbling and you seem to be experiencing excessive heat coming out of the fireplace indicates that the fires being built are too big and out of control. It is not safe to over-fire a prefab fireplace like yours, particularly when the firebricks are in poor repair. These things are built into the home with wood construction and the firebrick helps insulate the fireplace to help protect the wood framing. It is possible to start a house fire by creating roaring fires in these metal fireplaces, hence the word of caution.
It is likely that the fireplace is too old to get factory made replacement firebricks. I would contact a local chimney sweep and have them inspect it. As you call around, ask if they can provide replacement firebricks for a prefabricated fireplace before you schedule a house call. If you cannot find one who can do this, you may need to shop online to buy some custom made replacements. We do not sell these and I have no particular online dealer whom I can recommend, but there are plenty out there.
I can help you with the metal surround if you do not yet have a good resource.
Norwood Architects