My second-story addition planning is complicated by the location of an existing first floor wood-burning fireplace and chimney. The location of the chimney makes the second floor layout a bit awkward (it sits where the hallway would fit best). Also, adding a second story would require extending the brick/masonry chimney up about 8-10ft. (Chimney is only used for this fireplace)
As an alternate, I’m considering converting the fireplace to gas (LP) and removing the chimney structure. (this fireplace is used more for ambience than heat)
Any thoughts on the pluses/minuses of these two options?
What about cost considerations? Any guesses to relative costs to extend chimney vs. remove + convert? Any other options/ideas??
Thanks, and Happy New Year!
Replies
>>As an alternate, I'm considering converting the fireplace to gas (LP) and removing the chimney structure. (this fireplace is used more for ambience than heat)
A "ventless" gas log set?
Personally, I wouldn't put a ventless in my house - they aren't really "ventless" - they just turn your whole house into the chimney.
If you're thinking about a "ventless" please read all of the manufacturer's warnings and restrictions ("do no install in a bedroom" is on virtually every one of them - you are most vulnerable to CO when you are sleeping) and if you decide to get one anyway, install a good CO monitor (with a digital readout.)
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Bob-
I should have clarified... I wouldn't consider ventless. I would vent to the exterior via something other than the chimney.
Thx.
-RG
Bob's already covered my CO thoughts. Extending the chimney could cost a bunch. IF the existing base and brick chimney would support the added weight, then maybe $2,000-4000. If, by current standards, it wouldn't support the added masonary then a tear-down, rebuild would be $8,000-$12,000.
How about extending the existing chminey with Metalbestos double- or triple-wall flue pipe? Almost no added weight, could box in it the back of a closet. Could do minor offsets (two 45s or two 30s) to get it out of the hallway.
Don't know if earthquakes are a concern, but the integerity of an old chimney after having been shaken is dicey. And asking the house to accelerate and de-accelerate that mass seems a needless burden. Removing the existing masonary would free up space and design options whether you route metal flue pipe along a similar path or a totally new one.
For just 'ambiance', the gas thru-the-wall option is going to save you a bunch of dollars and hassle in this case. Most folks find they use a gas unit more often once they have one. There is a fair amount of 'overhead' involved in getting a wood fireplace going. Realistically, you need a least a couple of hours set aside in a block to enjoy a wood fire, particularly with an open fireplace. An open fireplace will not net you any heat unless you run it nearly constantly. Masonry chimneys are not very practical for occasional use due to their mass. If you decide to stick with a wood burner, consider a sealed unit with glass doors, and a SS flue.
You take it out , you lose on appraisel . Leave it in and you have it where you dont want it. Huh , this is easy ;
Ask your wife , Im not going down for something like this , because she will have the final word. Youre not makin me look bad , you get her done .
Tim Mooney