Posted: 12/8/2007 6:53:31 AM EDT
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Right now I have a fireplace, but it needs work. It's an insert type I believe, with a metal flue. It's two-sided (front and right side open). Before I start on it, I'm wondering what the best option would be. Obviously, it's crap for heating. It's more of an "ambiance" piece, and I do like it. I think it would help the resale value of the house to keep it. I'm thinking that my options are to redo the face with brick or stone, perhaps put in a wood stove insert that could later be removed (do those really heat better?), or replace/remove it altogether. Removing it will obviously be a pain, since it would require extensive work on all levels of the house, including the roof. Any suggestions? |
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I have a all steel wood insert in my old standard brick fireplace. it works pretty good. it sticks out about 8" from the face of the wall. not as good as a free standing wood burner, but a whole lot better than a brick fireplace. as far as resale goes, that's a tough one your in. you are correct that what you have is 99% for looks. what needs to be redone? is it just the brick face ? is it just balck or is it 1970's ugly? a reface would be your cheapest, contact your local (if you have one) fireplace store and ask what options you have. my advise is worth every penny you paid for it. |
I suppose contacting someone would be my best bet. A few of the hearth bricks have fallen out. If worse comes to worse, I can always just replace them. It's not "ugly". I should probably have someone look at it. It appears to be on a wooden stand, enclosed by brick. Where one of the bricks fell out on the edge, I can see plywood underneath. |
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A stove or stove insert is most always going to be far more efficient at heating over a fireplace. if you are considering redoing the thing and trying to get some heating value out of it research "Rumford" fireplaces. These old timers had all the propper proportions worked out and it makes a world of difference. |
That's pretty neat. I'll certainly remember that for my next place. It's far more of a project than I was looking to tackle here, though. |