Fireplaces, Heating Stoves, Flues and Chimneys - Converting back to fireplace
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tallguylehigh
11-02-05, 08:08 AM
Hi everyone!
I am new here as most of you can see by my post count. I recently bought a house that has a really nice stone fireplace that was actually one of the selling features of the house (at least for me).
It currently has a wood-burning insert (a Regency (http://www.regency-fire.com/Wood/Inserts/index.php) ) in there right now, but I was raised on wood burning fireplaces and I am really starting to get the itch to convert BACK to a fireplace.
I know they're inefficient and that the wood burning insert will heat my house easily- but I just really enjoy the ambiance of a roaring fireplace. Cal me crazy, but that just seems to be the way I operate.
When I was getting my woodstove inspected (will probably keep it for this season) I asked the guy what was involved in converting it back to a fireplace. He said that the insert and liner would have to be pulled out and that a new damper would have to be installed. He said this cautiously, not really knowing what lies behind there. But for a cost estimate of buying and implementing the damper alone would cost somewhere in the neighborhood of $650 :eek: .
That seemed awfully high to me so I was just wondering if he is spot on with the pricing, and what I can expect from doing such a conversion in terms of things that might need replacing and a worst case cost scenario.
Thanks guys!! :cool:
I am new here as most of you can see by my post count. I recently bought a house that has a really nice stone fireplace that was actually one of the selling features of the house (at least for me).
It currently has a wood-burning insert (a Regency (http://www.regency-fire.com/Wood/Inserts/index.php) ) in there right now, but I was raised on wood burning fireplaces and I am really starting to get the itch to convert BACK to a fireplace.
I know they're inefficient and that the wood burning insert will heat my house easily- but I just really enjoy the ambiance of a roaring fireplace. Cal me crazy, but that just seems to be the way I operate.
When I was getting my woodstove inspected (will probably keep it for this season) I asked the guy what was involved in converting it back to a fireplace. He said that the insert and liner would have to be pulled out and that a new damper would have to be installed. He said this cautiously, not really knowing what lies behind there. But for a cost estimate of buying and implementing the damper alone would cost somewhere in the neighborhood of $650 :eek: .
That seemed awfully high to me so I was just wondering if he is spot on with the pricing, and what I can expect from doing such a conversion in terms of things that might need replacing and a worst case cost scenario.
Thanks guys!! :cool:
Sharp Advice
11-08-05, 06:53 PM
Hello: tallguylehigh
Just a thought. Might not need a damper once the existing box is removed. Install open and closeable glass from doors. Just a thought..... :thinker:
Web Site Host, Forums Monitor, Web Sites Moderator Hiring Agent, Gas Appliances Topic Moderator & Multiple Forums Moderator & Natural Gas Appliance Diagnostics Technician.
Just a thought. Might not need a damper once the existing box is removed. Install open and closeable glass from doors. Just a thought..... :thinker:
Web Site Host, Forums Monitor, Web Sites Moderator Hiring Agent, Gas Appliances Topic Moderator & Multiple Forums Moderator & Natural Gas Appliance Diagnostics Technician.
SuperSweepTN05
11-09-05, 08:25 PM
if its a positive connect (liner connects into stove and exhausts at the top of the chimney) you could cut the liner off at the damper area, pop a stainless steel top sealing damper cap up on top, drop the cable that operates it and close the airspace off around the liner and damper/smokeshelf area... would probably be looking at roughly 100$ a foot on the liner.. and the cap I think is going about 279$ for a 13X17 or 13X13 cap ... ask for RMR Ice Breaker from your local sweep
jocelynj
11-28-05, 08:37 PM
For what your contractor proposed doing the cost sounds reasonable. More than likely the liner would have to be removed, especially if it is a positive connection. If the liner is the common 6 or 8" it may be too small for your firebox opening without the insert and could cause insufficient venting. One option that may save you some money is to have a top sealing damper installed (like SuperSweepTN05 suggested). good luck!