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Masons: Smoke Shelf removal?

10K views 4 replies 2 participants last post by  Sammy 
#1 ·
Any Masons in the house?

I would like to put an insert into the large fireplace in our 100+ year old money pit. The problem is that the fireplace seems to be very oddly sized and no inserts will fit by my measurements,

The actual opening of the fireplace is quite large....41" wide and 32" high. The problem is that it has a very aggressive smoke shelf. The depth of the fireplace at the base is 20 inches but at about 12" up the back wall the smoke shelf begins encroaching, reducing clearance. Most inserts need the depth to be maintained for at least 16 inches. I don't understand why someone would make this large fireplace (and chimney) with such a shallow area for the actual fire.

Now...if I could remove that smoke shelf and make it a nice box, I would be golden. Can the smoke shelf be easily removed? I realize once you do this you can never go back without a pricey re-build, but my only other option is to get a small freestanding woodstove and just pipe it through the fireplace...an idea I don't really care for.

Advice?
 
#3 ·
If its a 100+ year old house the chimney is probably just straight brick without any terra cotta liner.

You can break out the smoke shelf brick but I would strongly suggest having it inspected by a qualified company. Depending on where you are, you may even need a permit to do this.

And due to the age of the chimney and the modifications, I would defintley go with a stainless chimney liner.
 
#4 ·
Thanks Sammy!

I found another brand that will fit...more of a "half in half out" design in stead of flush, I will definitely be going with a 8" flexible liner/pipe. We are having the chimney inspected next week regardless to ascertain the condition of the existing flue.
 
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