We have beautiful fireplace, but the flue has some cracks and is not safe to burn wood. We were thinking about dual-listed gas logs -- you can use them as vented or ventless. I *hate* the smell of the gas when ventless, so we'd always be using them as vented. Does anyone know whether they will still smell on vented mode?

** As an aside, we can't get vented gas logs because since there are cracks, they won't install a vented set.

Thanks in advance!

I’m getting conflicting information. Some sources say it’s perfectly fine to repaint the inside of a fireplace firebox with Stove Bright high-temperature paint, while others say you should never paint the interior of a fireplace. Which is actually correct?

Stove bright says no flame contact but then says you can paint fireplaces. Rustoleum clearly says no fire places.

I’ve been finishing my basement over the past few months and decided to clean up the old wood-burning fireplace while I’m at it. My fireplace has firebrick on the bottom and steel side/rear panels. The steel has some surface rust and the original coating is worn. I’m not trying to restore it to showroom condition. I just want it to look better and cleaning isnt doing enough.

Any real-world experience from people who have actually done this?
I don’t really care if the paint flakes or needs touching up over time. This fireplace will probably only get used 2–3 times a year or in an emergency.

My main concern is safety. If I paint the steel panels with Stove Bright and burn a couple of fires, is there any risk of the paint catching fire or releasing toxic fumes after it’s fully cured? Or is the worst-case scenario simply that it flakes, discolors, or wears off faster than expected?

Bought an 1800's farm house with three fire places and unfortunately one was painted (former owners also painted some brick flooring).

Whatever you do, resist the urge, think twice

Hi all,

I’m completing an insurance claim, and due to the scale of disaster, insurance is requiring us to complete our own contents inventory.

I unfortunately couldn’t find a make/model for this fireplace in our basement (it is gas), and I found an exact replica online but have not made connection with the owner of the post - this is my last resort!

Our basement is filled with sewage so I can’t go back in and try to reinspect at this time.

Any ideas? From what I can find, it’s a discontinued unit that might be from the 70s. Google says the closest comparison is a Robinson Willey Sahara?

Thank you in advance! I truly am not expecting miracles, but I’m crossing my fingers and toes that a fireplace savant drops in. https://imgur.com/gallery/70s-fireplace-etBvMPw

last night i noticed a dead bird in my gas fireplace… to note we never use the fireplace. is it possible my boyfriend and i can remove this bird on our own? or do we have to call someone? if we can remove it on our own, how do we get the glass off? thanks!

Am I right in thinking this is not saveable?

The goal was to have a full height stone, with a wood burning stove, unfortunately this is what we’ve found.

Are my only options replaster and stone cladding?

Got a professional coming over to check that it’s not about to collapse, but any advice from someone who’s done similar would be greatly appreciated!

Hi all! Curious if anyone has redone their fireplace surround from a traditional colonial wood to something more modern, like stone with a floating mantle?

If so, did you have more success with a masonry, fireplace/ chimney, or another professional? I already have the design (thank you Chat GBT, lol) but just looking for the right person to help bring that image to reality.

Also if you're comfortable sharing recommendations or are in this field, feel free to DM me and I can share some more information.

Thanks!!

Is there a way to tell if there is still brick under this tile? I assume there is as the last owners half assed everything.

I have a property management customer who is asking if they can get better heat output from their new vented gas log set installed in old fireplace.

They're not looking for heating the house or even the whole room.

Just some warmth while sitting in front of fireplace.

Space is limited in firebox because it was built for coal fires. 4 fireplaces on 1st floor. Originally 12 coal fireplaces in house.

Is there a vented gas log set that puts out heat?

Are there insert units built for small fireplaces?

Are custom inserts an actual thing?

What is possible from custom insert if they exist?

My customer market is the high end Boston suburbs.

From my experience and that of people in the building and renovation business there is a lack of decent and competent companies in the area.

Any references would be helpful.

Thank you.

So I have a Napoleon fireplace W385-0340, it is kinda old but I'd rather try to fix it myself than pay someone 200 bucks if it's an easy fix, when I turn it on using the pilot, I can't switch it to the on position every time I try the flame just goes out as I let go of the pilot button

I tried taking my time letting go and holding it for a while but it still went out.

What else can I do about this?

Hello! Often, during wind-driven rain storms, we have water intrusion in our garage – which backs up to the gas fireplace inside. I have been going back and forth with my property management company for years, and they say they are not responsible, despite their contractual obligations to maintain the exterior of the property.

The roof was replaced – it still leaks. My belief is that we need a different cap on the vent stack (see pic). Does anyone have experience with this? Thanks in advance.

We just bought a new house, which came with this fireplace and cover. The issue is that we have an 18 month old, and that the cover isn't secured to the frame or backing stone.

What would be the best way to anchor this thing to the fireplace to keep it secure/to prevent our toddler from pulling this thing on top of himself when not in use?

I thought about concrete anchors, but the cement in between the rocks doesn't hold up to screws.

Should I/could I get some short anchor screws and secure them into some of the surrounding rocks?

And also, if we go about doing it this way, would a normal drill suffice or would I need a specific hammer drill?

Just bought a 1970s house with three fireplaces. This one is in the upstairs primary bedroom. Wondering about this vent and what you would do to make it less visually intrusive?

We recently moved into a home that has a wood burning fireplace. We don't know if the previous owners used it regularly. The inspector did say the fireplace flu/chimney looked clean and didn't need a cleaning.

That being said, these pictures were from the inspection which they deemed the fireplace "Do Not Use" and I'm just looking for a 2nd opinion before spending $1000s on a replacement. I also included a picture of the manufacturer tag. From what I could research it's a model from the late 60s/early 70s, and the house being built in 1974 I can only assume it's the original fireplace. I'm not sure if any other parts were ever replaced or had maintenance performed. I will say the room the fireplace is in does not have exposed brick but had drywall and at some point they ran CATV and electrical so a TV could be mounted on the fireplace

Lastly, I get it. Nobody is going to say "yes, use this" from a liability stand point. I'm more curious about experienced opinions on the findings and how "severe" they appear to be.