Could my fireplaces be wood-burning?
I understand that most late-19th century brownstones did not originally have wood-burning fireplaces. However, the four fireplaces in my house (built in 1889) all have fireboxes that are about 30†high x 30†wide x 20†deep, and the masonry flues start at 30†x 20†at the top of the firebox and then taper…
I understand that most late-19th century brownstones did not originally have wood-burning fireplaces. However, the four fireplaces in my house (built in 1889) all have fireboxes that are about 30†high x 30†wide x 20†deep, and the masonry flues start at 30†x 20†at the top of the firebox and then taper to about 9†by 9â€. Based on what I’ve read, those dimensions seem adequate for a wood-burning fireplace. Also, if I wanted to convert one or two of those fireplaces to gas-burning (e.g., with Peterson’s Real-Fyre logs or somlething similar, but not a simulated coal basket), would I have to have the flues lined (assuming they’re otherwise in good shape)? Thanks.
We converted our rear parlor fireplace, originally gas, to woodburning, with new terra cotta flue liners all the way up, and a new chimney from the roofline up. The new firebox is lined with firebrick, of course, but the heat that passes into the house next door when we have a little fire is intense enough that the woman next door said she burned her butt on her shower wall. (She’s also thankful for the free heat, so she’s actually not complaining). Our fires are burned at the very back of the firebox, otherwise it draws poorly.
These are party wall houses here, and the (3 out of 5) fireplaces in the house that burned coal had “outfits” in them (cast masonry firewalls and a cast iron damper, grate, and front). These kept the heat very contained, and the fire small and closer to the front. I suspect that the other two fireplaces, the ones that were gas, didn’t really make enough heat to be felt next door. If you’re not dealing with a party wall, you’ll have one less headache to consider.
I love spending time by the fire, but I never feel completely at ease, especially since another neighbor went ballistic at the doorbell, going on about woodsmoke. That was two years ago, but I’m still nervous about it every time.
Strongly recommend you call in a professional to look at your fireplaces. There are several who advertize and/or have been recommended by posters on the forum, incl Andre at A&A who we used.
Regarding the type of flue necessary for a gas-burning fireplace, I believe you might have a lower standard to meet (ie. installing a metal lining rather than a terracotta flue) but, again, consult a professional. Fireplaces in brownstones are tricky and you really need expert advice.