[mrcaptainbob]

Was very pleased with the fireplace when we moved in here. But dismayed when we tried to use it. Turned out the flu damper was mortared shut. From the outside. By cutting some access holes through what would be the outside chimney surround I found there was a chimney there at one time. And found the mortar nicely slathered over where the smoke box should be. Apparently there was never any use of fire brick in the past. At one time it burned natural wood, but now has gas logs. We have yet to use them ourselves. No venting of gas logs just seems like not a good idea to me. (This may be a long post...) I want to line the fire place with fire brick, of coarse, but need to (re)construct the smoke box and chimney. Where can I dig up dimensions for a smoke box that's appropriately sized for this rather large and nice looking fire place? Chimney building will be the next level of concern.

 

[techpappy]

Are you sure the gas fireplace is not of the direct vent type which would be vented via a vent pipe directly to outside. I'm not that familiar with gas fireplaces but, it sounds logical to me. Not sure how to definitely determine though. ( if it is...should be vent on outside wall) Maybe get a fireplace installer to check and let you know what can be done.

OR if firebrick and chimney required just get it converted to direct vent unit.

 

[joecaption]

Call a mason on this one.

 

[techpappy]

YES.. If you really want to convert back to wood burning then a good stone mason is a must..these guys are worth their weight in gold. Do not guess on size of fireplace/smoke box...paying for hour for an experienced mason would be the right way to start.

 

[mrcaptainbob]

Good suggestions....

Not all that interested in it being a natural log fireplace. Maybe I should for somebody in the future. That way it would be dual use. As for it having an outside vent...I found no openings to the outside. Inlet or outlet.

 

[Technow]

Are they vent-free gas logs?

 

[mrcaptainbob]

Vent free logs....

I don't know, Technow. How can I tell? Is there a label or tag on the burner assembly?

 

[Technow]

There is supposed to be a tag.

 

[mrcaptainbob]

Fireplace logs....

The 'logs' are a pretty delicate material. They look like smallish branches between 1.5 and two inches diameter. I remember seeing a tag on the floor in there when we first moved in. I'll check it today and report back.