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REPLACEMENT OPTIONS FOR PREFAB METAL WOOD BURNING FIREPLACES

-> Also read our article “Is it Time to Replace Your Wood burning Prefabricated Fireplace?”

The fireplace industry considers prefab wood burning fireplaces to have a life expectancy of 10-30 years. Like other household appliances, they just don’t last forever. The good news is that there are many options for upgrading to a better system when it comes time for replacement.

Keep in mind that the fireplace must be removed from either the front facing wall (inside the house), or from the rear.

• Removal from the rear is usually the easiest method, especially when the fireplace is installed against an exterior wall and the framed chase has been covered by siding. We remove the siding and underlayment to gain access to the inside of the chase. The chimney is normally removed from the top and sometimes the chase is large enough to actually get inside to assist in unscrewing and disconnecting the chimney sections, but it’s rarely this “easy”.
• Removal from the front of the fireplace opening commonly involves removal of the facing material (slate, marble, tile, etc.) and the mantel, resulting in a bigger mess, greater expense and more work overall. However, if you’ve always wanted a different style – say tiles or granite instead of the old slate or a new mantel — then this is the time to plan out your new look!
• When it comes time to choose a new fireplace model to install, consider the options available to you. Commonly the original model was a “builder grade” appliance, an inexpensive model wood burning fireplace with minimal features.

New, high-efficiency wood burning prefabs that are manufactured with quality metal, tightly fitting glass doors are available. They are energy efficient combustion designs that provide burn times and heat output comparable to a wood stove. If you still enjoy wood fires then why not consider a high-efficiency model that can help provide substantial heat when needed? This classification of wood burning fireplaces also uses upgraded chimney systems meant to withstand higher temperatures.

Gas Fireplaces provide the beauty of real flames without the work and mess associated with burning firewood. Like wood burning fireplaces, gas models are classified as either “decorative” or “heater rated”. Heater rated models have a glass window instead of an open fire, protecting against contact with open flame. Most models also work during power outages, providing excellent backup emergency heat if you’ve chosen a heater rated
fireplace. Unlike wood burning fireplaces where the type, condition or amount of wood greatly affects heat output, gas fireplaces are designed to
withstand a maximum constant heat production so over firing isn’t a concern with this class of appliance. Heater rated gas fireplaces use the gas
more efficiently and transfer that heat to your living space, providing substantial heat when desired. Better models also offer thermostat controls that modulate the flame to adjust the heat output so you’re never too warm or too cold. Direct vent models, which use outdoor air for combustion, provide versatile installation and venting options where a wood burner couldn’t be used such as venting horizontally through an exterior wall.

ALTERATION OPTIONS
The expense and labor involved in a prefab fireplace replacement may lead you to consider a conversion or alteration of your fireplace, thinking that “If it’s not safe to burn wood, I’ll just convert to gas.” That’s a great idea, but you can’t take a shortcut here.

CAUTION: ABSOLUTELY DO NOT PUT GAS LOGS into a damaged or deteriorated wood burning fireplace. Vented gas logs require the fireplace and chimney to be suitable for use with wood. If it’s not safe to burn wood, it’s NOT SAFE to use with gas logs, either!

Contrary to popular opinion, ventless (vent-free, unvented) gas logs are far worse! They are designed to allow you to close the damper, keeping the heat produced concentrated in the fireplace. While this may feel like a good idea it’s making more heat right where it’s more likely to cause a problem including pyrolysis of the adjacent wood framing within the wall.

An ELECTRIC INSERT is a very inexpensive option. An electric fireplace is uniquely capable of offering you flames with no heat so you can have a romantic fire in the summer, or use with the heater option when the weather turns chilly. This at least provides you the ambiance of a “fire” with no need to tear anything out. These are surprisingly realistic looking and is an option more and more customers have chosen in recent years. Blue Sky Chimney Sweeps|Bless Your Hearth is happy to help guide you through the options for repairing, replacing or possibly just upgrading your prefabricated wood burning fireplace!

Blue Sky Chimney Sweeps|Bless Your Hearth is happy to help guide you through the options for repairing, replacing or possibly just upgrading your prefabricated wood burning fireplace!-*+

Why do Gas Logs and Appliances Need Annual Check-Ups?

Most folks won’t argue that wood-burning fireplaces need regular inspections and sweepings. The presence of creosote buildup exponentially increases the potential for chimney fires and other hazards. However, many folks think that having gas logs eliminates the need for having any kind of annual service. It is quite common that there isn’t any kind of appliance check until the unit causes a problem. This is not the case, as they also need regular maintenance.

Gas Fireplaces and Their Chimneys Need Attention

A properly operating gas log appliance has less potential for sooty buildup than a wood burning appliance. However, with the passage of time, as dust or/or animal dander builds up in the working parts, the appliance can become less and less efficient. With lowered efficiency, there is potential for sooting and even failure.

The following are some examples of complications that can arise from not having regular check-ups:

• Deterioration of ceramic components
• Leaky valves
• Faulty thermopiles/thermocouples
• Glass doors may need cleaning, repair, or replacement
• Birds, squirrels or other critters may take up residence in an uncovered chimney
• Cracked crowns, eroded mortar joints, and porous bricks may allow moisture to chronically enter the chimney and cause damage

It’s true that it is relatively easy to see when wood burning appliances require cleaning, as there can be plenty of debris visible. With gas fireplaces, the need for service may not be as immediately obvious. However, that doesn’t mean the need doesn’t exist. The necessity for service may not become apparent until your gas fireplace has problems. Proactively opting for regular inspection/service is a great way to avoid interruption of use.

What To Expect with a Gas Fireplace Inspection/Service?

When our well trained technician arrives to check out and clean your gas fireplace, you can expect a thorough inspection of every aspect of the appliance and the chimney. The following are a few of the most critical elements of a gas fireplace inspection:

• We examine the fireplace/chimney structure to determine if it is in appropriate working condition. For example, is it in compliance with appliance manufacturer’s specifications for installation? This is determined via a courtesy fireplace/chimney inspection.
• We check the appliance ignition system to determine if it lights correctly.
• Some portion of the face of the unit may be taken apart to provide access to interior parts. We check the pilot, connections, thermopile/thermocouple, and other various mechanical parts.
• We clean dust and debris from the unit. In addition, we refresh the medium around gas log burner if it is dirty beyond practicality of further use.
• A condition report noting any remaining problems that may require attention will be provided along with recommendations for resolution of issues and prices for those resolutions, if desired.

Keep Your Home Hearth Fires Burning Brightly

You value the comfort, beauty, and enjoyment your gas fireplace provides for your family. Timely care and attention can keep your fireplace in good working order for years and years. Professional chimney sweeps like the ones at Blue Sky Chimney Sweeps | Bless Your Hearth strive to keep every aspect your home hearth fire always in tip-top condition. We can help determine overall condition, need for maintenance, issues with functionality, and even project long-term issues before they become costly problems. Regular inspections/maintenance can insure there is no interruption in your family’s enjoyment of your fireplace.