Results 1 to 6 of 6
Thread: Fireplace back to back
-
05-05-2008, 01:21 PM #1
Fireplace back to back
Multiple fireplace question, back to back masonry fireplaces with a common smoke chamber and flue, for outdoor use with concrete porch slab above.
Each has gas log starter. It works well at the same time or independently with no complaints.
Is this a gas appliance and as such need separate flues?
Would removing the gas line be needed? Would it be ok to have 2 exterior wood burning FP's with a common flue?
First post- new member
Chrisgo
Similar Threads:
-
05-05-2008, 04:08 PM #2
Re: Fireplace back to back
Ok, trying to get a mental picture...you say these are both outside fireplaces? Gas appliance,,,no; Fireplace: yes, Is this a metal factory built, pre-cast, cast in place, masonry, masonry with listed metal chimney, most likely not Rumsford. Is it a round liner (1/12 of the fireplace opening 50 sq in min) Oval liner (1/10 of the fireplace opening with a min of 64 sq in), Lined w/Firebrick or unlined (1/8th of the opening, 100 squ in min). The throat ratio is 90 % of the required flue area. What do the burn patterns look like?
Two flues rarely works and causes spillage of dangerous gases into the living space. Where two flues serve one fireboxes one flue acts as an exhaust while the second flue acts as an intake. This causes a smoking condition.
I think I would approach it as one fireplace, one hearth (caculated across both sides), and one flue. Gas starters should be fine as long as the damper is permanently fixed in the open position. Guess I am still confused if these are both outside or if there is an opening from the interior to the exterior????.
I can guess I just added confusion to the equation for you. Sorry.
Michael
-
05-05-2008, 04:52 PM #3
Re: Fireplace back to back
Clarification of description, there are 2 fireboxes with firebrick and one smoke chamber that is common above the throat which leads to a clay flue pipe 13x13 inch.
There is a hearth either side and the porch which they sit on is screened in
Its actually more complicated than that as there is a second pair above the first on the next floor one is gas log and interior the other gas starter, wood burning and exterior, again a common flue. Alright i'm not making this up...
Appliance this time with gas logs?
Chrisgo
-
05-05-2008, 06:07 PM #4
Re: Fireplace back to back
Can you look into one and see right out the other side or is there a back to each firebox. And what is the diameter of the flue liner.
-
05-05-2008, 06:59 PM #5
Re: Fireplace back to back
Well, by the description, this fireplace may not be constructed to operate simultanously. You would have to take the opening of both hearths to calculate the flue opening size then you may well get a flue too large to operate a single fireplace. These are not decorative appliances, indicative by a direct vent and a glass front.
In your case, I don't think it absolutely necessary to try and identify everything on here for your client, probably too late. If you are not sure on fireplaces, explain this to your client, recommend an level II inspection by a CSIA chimney sweep or a F.I.R.E trained inspector. Incidentally the NFPA recommends a level II inspection at each transaction in residential real estate (minus the initial new occupancy) so this is easy enough to throw in your report without just saying "I don't have a clue".
Then I would recommend contacting Dale Feb, with the F.I.R.E. organization and find an inspector class you can get in to to help you understand some of the inspection issues you will undoubtedly face in your inspection career.
Best of luck
Michael
-
05-11-2008, 05:33 AM #6
Re: Fireplace back to back
Thanks MG, it appears that the 13x13 flue is fine for independent use but undersized for dual operation. We are working through the remedy, such as shrinking the openings,
possibly using glass doors.
Christopher
Bookmarks