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  1. #1
    Christopher Gorton's Avatar
    Christopher Gorton Guest

    Default 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

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  2. #2
    Michael Greenwalt's Avatar
    Michael Greenwalt Guest

    Default 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


  3. #3
    Christopher Gorton's Avatar
    Christopher Gorton Guest

    Default 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


  4. #4
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
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    Connecticut
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    Default 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.


  5. #5
    Michael Greenwalt's Avatar
    Michael Greenwalt Guest

    Default 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


  6. #6
    Christopher Gorton's Avatar
    Christopher Gorton Guest

    Default 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


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