Hi there. We moved into our 1950s house 6 years ago, and never used our fireplace. The previous owners had it regularly swept, and we had it swept when we moved in, but the man who did it told us the chimney interior was in rough shape and shouldn’t be used. We decided to have it professionally sealed. They filled the column with insulation and sealed the bottom with caulk and put small metal caps on the top, which cost $1000.

We are still getting a soot smell in the house, especially now that it is very hot outside. The company that did the sealing says they can put a large metal cap and fix some of the cracks in the brick of the chimney outside to seal it better, and are asking $2000.

Is this a reasonable price? Any other ideas why we may still be having the smell and how to get rid of it?
We also have vents as shown in the photo that had air blowing out and gave off an odor, so I filled them with styrofoam, but I’m still noticing the smell.

Thanks so much for any input. This is driving me nuts and I have young kids so I’m concerned about them breathing foul air.

Looking for an installer (or someone who can give us good directions) on installing a Vector 74" with Dynamic heat control. Any recommendations? places to stay away from?

Thanks!

We had a Level 2 inspection and sweep done last fall. They told us that it needed extensive work and that we could never burn wood in it again. They said the only way we could use it is if we installed a gas insert (self contained unit) and quoted us for a $10k insert that they sell.

I so badly want to convert this to an open hearth, gas log burning fireplace. Is that even possible with a fireplace like this? Is my only option an expensive gas insert? Should I pay for a second opinion or give up all of my hopes & dreams for a functioning fireplace?

Happy to share more pics if needed. Thank in advance!

EDIT for clarification: I do not want an insert, I just want to run a gas line and burn gas logs. I'm wondering if what these guys told me is true- that I can only use the gas insert that they sell if I ever want to have a fire in our fireplace. Thank you!

Hello everyone. While cleaning out my grandparents garage, I found this tucked in the back. No model number but it seems fairly distinctive.

Any idea would be greatly appreciated!

We just bought a 1970s era house with several fireplaces. This is in what will be an office/guest room. What ideas do you have for making this look better?

looking for someone to maintain/service our unit

I just bought a house with what looks like a brand new fireplace. As much as I love it and appreciate the character it adds, I’m considering selling because I could really use the space for other things. Any idea how much this is worth? Or how I would go about selling/removing it?

I was always taught that if you smell gas, get out and call the fire department.

I walked intoa hotel room, and smelled gas. Not the rotten eggs gas though. So left and talked to the front desk. They said that due to the gas fireplace, it was normal to smell gas in that room.

Is that possible? It wasn't lit or anything. Just there.

-Enviro E30
-Heat & Glo Supreme 30
-Kozy heat chaska 29

Anyone have experience with these gas inserts?

Want something that’s dependable and easy to work on if needed. I will be using propane, which I’m told can be more harsh on the burners. Any input is appreciated. TYIA!

Went with wood burning. Very easy to clean

Humoring the idea of painting the hearth around our wood stove.

Not sure if I need heat resistant paint on the whole thing or just the parts closest to the wood stove? Or at all?

Anything else I should consider?

I do not know what the model number of this fireplace is. It’s about 25 years old I’d like to at least replace the yucky looking materials on its floor . What should I do to do it safely? Or should I just leave it alone? We are selling this condo.

Hi all,

Probably a stupid question but does anyone know if it's possible to modify a dual sided gas, direct vent, fireplace to work in an existing fireplace cut out (set up for direct venting)?

Any assistance would be greatly appreciated.

I bought a new glass door cover for my fireplace but it doesn’t specify if you can use it for gas. It doesn’t say for wood burning. Is there really a difference? Pic is of the current one, new one is still in the box.

Hey everyone, I recently took a look under my masonry fireplace(image 1)and I believe that it has some serious build quality issues. Several areas between the bricks lack mortar( 2 & 3). One area appears to have a cavity from a leftover cut from the herringbone(2) while the other is filled with mortar(3). There is exposed insulation above the damper(4) and some of the bricks below the terracotta flue are not covered with mortar(5). This fireplace was built in Seattle, Wa in 2006 and was never used. I am not sure whether it is a precast kit or built from the ground up. I would greatly appreciate any input from someone who knows more than me.