DIY Network

Gas Fireplace Insert: Prepping for the Insert From "Weekend Handyman" episode WKH-305

	In this week's episode of Weekend Handyman, host Paul Ryan shows you how to transform your old wood-burning fireplace (seen here) into a clean, efficient ...
	gas fireplace using an insert kit.
	And our host tops off the fireplace with an oak shelf.

Time: 12 hours over two days.
Difficulty Rating: This project rates a 2 out of 5 on the Weekend Handyman difficulty scale.

Materials:

For Installing the Fireplace Insert --

Fireplace insert kit
Work gloves
Safety goggles
Mask
Ear protection
Flashlight
Pliers
Tape measure
Cordless drill
Reciprocating saw
Power nailer
Non-flammable fiberglass insulation
Silicone
Self-tapping screws
Extension ladder
Screwdriver
Metal cutters
Level
Wrench

For Running Gas and Electrical Lines --

Rotary hammer drill
Long carbide bits
Specialty, sectional drill bit for concrete

For Installing the New Mantel --

Mantel kit
Tape measure
Reciprocating saw
Power nailer
Prybar
Scraping tool
Level

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Figure A

Note: Here's an overview of a typical fireplace and chimney (figure A -- an illustration of a chimney and fireplace). The firebox is where the fire's created. The damper gets closed when the fireplace isn't in use. The smoke shelf collects small amounts of rain and other debris. The smoke chamber allows smoke to mix with air and rise into the chimney. The smoke and fumes then go up through the flue, which is a liner inside the chimney made with clay tiles -- and finally, at the top is a chimney cap to keep rain out.

Tip: When considering a new fireplace insert, you really want to get the largest insert that will fit into your existing fireplace. So you'll need to take some careful measurements. Before ordering the unit, measure the width, height and the depth of the firebox. Also measure the width at the back of the firebox, which can be narrower. Be sure to measure from brick to brick and not from the door frame.

More good advice when starting a fireplace-insert project like this is to have the f lue inspected and cleaned by a professional. In fact, some local codes require it.

Prepping the Chimney

1. Have a professional chimney sweep inspection performed. They will inspect the firebox and flue (figure B).

2. They go up onto the roof and attach a fan to the top of the chimney so that this will create an updraft and suck up debris and soot.

3. Then they use a roll brush (figure C) to clean out the flue.

4. Next a high powered vacuum is used to get out the remaining dust, etc.

Figure B

Figure C

Figure D