Fireplaces, Heating Stoves, Flues and Chimneys - Major(?) fireplace problem

We are selling our house. The woodburning fireplace was installed when the house was built in the mid-70's. It seems to be some kind of kit or something. It's in a corner, there is no outside brick chimney but there is a metal chimney. We have probably used it 4 times a year for 12 years.

Anyway, I noticed tonight when cleaning that the floor of the firebox has chunks of what appeared to be cement breaking away in the center underneath the cradle that holds the logs. There is a crater about 8" x 6". It extends down to what looks like some metal grating (metal grid with diamond shaped openings). I can safely assume this is major, right? Also, the joint where the 2 front sides of the firebox meet the back of the firebox appear to have no mortar at all. And there is a large crack that runs horizontally then vertically in the back of the firebox.

Short of tearing the whole thing out, is there anything we can do? Can it be repaired? Could we install a gas insert of some kind? I don't want to sink alot of money into a solution since this is a very modest home.

Thanks

You have a zero clearance fireplace. The cement panels you refer to are called refractory panels and they are replaceable.
If you look in the upper right hand side of the fireplace just behind the mesh screens. (If your lucky) you will find a U.L. rating lable. On the lable you will find the manufacture name, fireplace model and serial number. With this information and a photgraph of the fireplace, almost any fireplace shop can order the replacment panels for you.

I was told today that the manufacturer, Martin Industries, has been out of business for several years. A local store recommended using fireplace mortar to repair the cracks but didn't have a suggestion for the hole in the floor. Could I use Rutland Castable Refractory Cement to patch the hole? It says it can be used to cast your own bricks.

They are not out of business. Try www.martinfireplaces.com
What city and state are you in?

dwlee@charter.n,

You may want to look at this..I called Atlanta Stove, a Division of Martin Industries and they are out of business. Matrin Industries sold the business to Monesson Hearth Systems Co. of Paris, Ky. in March this year.

http://birmingham.bizjournals.com/birmingham/stories/2002/12/30/daily3.html

http://www.bizjournals.com/birmingham/stories/2003/03/03/daily29.html

Sandklee, try contacting them at;

http://www.monessenhearth.com/

They may be able to help you but no guarantee.

Good Luck!

Thanks. I'm in Gulf Breeze, FL and there isn't a dealer anywhere nearby but I'll contact someone and see what options are available. Thanks again.