Pre fab fireplace question

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1

Originally Posted By: cpatterson1
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http://www.nachi.org/bbsystem/usrimages/P/PC200060.JPG ]

2

Originally Posted By: lkage
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Cheryl, it’s hard to see the cracks in the pic but any time I see any cracks or damage from logs, the poker, etc. in the panels of a prefab firebox I recommend repairs of/or replace the panels by a qualified professional such as a chimney sweep.


Occasionally I've seen them patch with refractory cement but more often than not they replace the panel. And somethimes the unit is just plain worn out or the parts aren't still available. Then they need to be replaced.

3

Originally Posted By: away
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Cheryl,


If they are just small cracks that don’t look like they are opening I write them up and tell them to avoid having humongous blazing fires and that the inserts will probably continue to crack and need to be replaced at some point.


If they look like they are opening, indicating they may have probably broken entirely through the insert, I will state they need to be replaced to make sure the fire stays inside the firebox and not against the metal.

Oh I also recommend having a qualified chimney sweep do a Level I inspection before use and then annually thereafter, especially when solid fuel is used.

--
Andrew Way
Keystone Residential Inspection Services PLLC
817.441.9598
www.keystoneinspections.com

4

Originally Posted By: cpatterson1
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Great advice guys, thanks.

5

Originally Posted By: ckratzer
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They are actually made that way if you are referiing to the areas where the three panels meet to form 90 deg. angles.

6

Originally Posted By: mboyett
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http://www.nachi.org/bbsystem/usrimages/F/Firebox.jpg ]

7

Originally Posted By: twheeler
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I don’t know if i’m reading the post wrong, but the fireplace is a gas insert. And if the liner is cracked, there is a possibility of carbon monoxide entering into the house.


Prohibitting a homeowner from having a blazing fire is not in the best interest of the purchaser.


I would recommend a licensed HVAC tech assess further.

8

Originally Posted By: gbeaumont
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cpatterson1 wrote:
Hi,

This pre-fab gas fireplace had some small cracks in a 5 x 5 area in the back, do you think its a future concern?
[ Image: http://www.nachi.org/bbsystem/usrimages/P/PC200060.JPG ]


Hi Cheryl, I would report it as a current concern and require further evaluation and repair by a specialist contractor. One development that I am aware of had 3 fires in 1 year due to this type if issue.

Regards

Gerry