Replacing a Prefab Fireplace

Prevent creosote buildup, a lead causation of chimney fires, using ACS (anti-creo-soot): http://amzn.to/2HIFZs3 Follow along as we replace an outdated prefabricated fireplace with a newer model. Visit us at: http://askthechimneysweep.com or visit our Facebook page at: http://www.facebook.com/pages/American-Chimney-Masonry/178651735524638 To find a chimney sweep in your area, go to: Chimney Safety Institute of America http://www.csia.org/ National Chimney Sweep Guild http://www.ncsg.org First, we cut into the brick chimney chase directly behind the fireplace. We remove the bricks and construction material so we can get the fireplace out through the chase. Inside the living room, we put a dust shield on the fireplace to keep the dust out. Up on the roof, we remove the rusty chase pan cover and the old, damaged liner. Working both from the outside and inside, we remove the old fireplace. This involves a lot of pulling, pushing, wiggling, and kicking. After getting the fireplace out, we board up the opening in the chase overnight, to protect it from the predicted rain. The next day, we install the new fireplace unit. From the top of the chimney, we install the new liner, connecting it to the top of the fireplace. We install the new chase pan cover, storm collar, and chimney cap. We cover the chase pan cover with a product called RustOleum to protect it from the elements. From the inside, we secure the new unit in place. We connect the fireplace to an outside air source. We install the new wall studs, board up the opening, and add the new insulation. In order to interlay the new bricks with the old ones, we have to remove some more of the old bricks from the chase. Because this job was completed in February, the bricks were actually frozen together. Before we can put the bricks in the chase, we have to melt the frost. Once this is complete, we replace the bricks the chase, layering them with the old ones and carefully tucking the mortar in. After all the bricks are in the chase, we torch them again to make sure all the excess moisture is gone. We tool the mortar. Then we use a Saver Systems product called Safer Brick Cleaner to clean off the entire chase. We hose down the chase and brush it off, and the brick replacement is complete. Our client was pleasantly surprised to find that she couldn't tell a difference between the old bricks and the new ones! We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.