I am considering a project that is taking a chimney that has an 8″x12″ clay flue and “carving out” a firebox. Then have a set of gas logs installed.
This is for looks more than efficency and I am fine with that.
The mason I am talking to is not sure that the flue is big enough.
So any masons out there that can help me think this through?
As a carpenter/woodworker this is not up my alley.
Thanks
Replies
I'm no expert, but 8"X12" is huge for gas logs --they don't burn that much gas. The supplier of your logs will be able to tell ya, tho'.
Mike Hennessy
Pittsburgh, PA
Everything fits, until you put glue on it.
Just did five gas log sets that are ventless. Now, that being said, dampers were left operational and fresh air inlets were provided. But that's not required, depending on the set.
You can even get remote control - 'click' and you've got a fire.
Jeff
Bump
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>>The mason I am talking to is not sure that the flue is big enough.
It could well be too big, with the gases cooling too much on the way up and condensing and running back down.
"Ask not what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive... then go do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive."
Howard Thurman
http://rjw-progressive.blogspot.com/
Just how large are these gas logs anyways? That flue is more than likely too large.
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Gas logs typically are less than 60k BTU's, and for that, the 8 x 12 chimney is huge.
As others have pointed out, it will most likely be too big, and will cause condensation to develop inside the chimney. (Burning gas makes water, as you probably knew.)
We don't know where you live, but the colder the climate, the worse the condensation problem will be. Especially if your chimney is on an outside wall of the house.
You probably won't use it that often if it's mainly for looks, so the condensation may not really be a big problem. But, in the worst case, the condensation is greatest toward the top of the chimney, where it can saturate the masonry, and freeze-thaw cycles will break down the chimney in time.
Like I said ... use a high-quality ventless ... http://www.firelogs.com/Peterson-GasLogs-VentFree.htm
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and leave the flue open anyway. No big deal.
I don't know your local codes, but in my area of Wisconsin the chimney drafts must be adapted to be continually open if you are going to use gas logs. Apparently, someone died of carbon monoxide poisoning somewhere from not opening the draft. This Darwin candidate screwed it up for the rest of us. I had wanted those logs, but I don't want my draft to be open all year. Too bad...