So my journey started last winter when I had a CSIA sweep inspect my two fireplaces as I started to consider an insert, plus I had no idea when the last time they were properly inspected since we bought the home 2 summers ago. At that time, they made it sounded easy (both flues were straight down), no problems (famous words).
So, I went out and purchased my insert and a lining kit. Planned on doing it myself throughout the summer, wasn't able to get to it, plus wanted to bring someone out to inspect again to determine what needed to be done, which happened today. Now I have some questions and the initial results are making me doubt whether I should do this at all and just sell the insert.
First, supposedly an OAK is required in Michigan. I had never heard that about MI and can't seem to find it online; I wasn't planning on this. Any others from Michigan have some insight on this, is this true? The fireplace/hearth was originally built with an OAK into the firebox (the other fireplace, however, doesn't have one), and I know codes are codes, but my fear is that it draws on the east side of the house (generally low pressure area due to westerly winds) and is underneath a deck (probably makes low pressure environment worse).
At the same time, I actually have a duct to the outside that feeds the utility room but is also connected to the bathroom adjacent to the hearth room. Not sure if that would suffice for outside air.
For the chimney, apparently there's no wythe wall between the two flues. It was suggested that a letter from the liner mfg stating it can be installed in a chimney with no wythe wall be available. How common is this and how common is it that a mfg will not allow it? Also found out that the flue I want to install in is not straight down and may require knocking some stuff out.
The only components I don't have that they were going to provide was the insulation kit and minor hardware (ie clamps and whatnot). Including the block off plate, notching bricks and damper to bring liner in, the proposal was $2500+. Does this seem reasonable? I'm not an expert but seemed high given others' experiences.
Any insight/thoughts welcomed. Thinking about reaching out to Rockford (they're in my town but not where my liner is from) to see if they had any local recommendations to get a second opinion.
So, I went out and purchased my insert and a lining kit. Planned on doing it myself throughout the summer, wasn't able to get to it, plus wanted to bring someone out to inspect again to determine what needed to be done, which happened today. Now I have some questions and the initial results are making me doubt whether I should do this at all and just sell the insert.
First, supposedly an OAK is required in Michigan. I had never heard that about MI and can't seem to find it online; I wasn't planning on this. Any others from Michigan have some insight on this, is this true? The fireplace/hearth was originally built with an OAK into the firebox (the other fireplace, however, doesn't have one), and I know codes are codes, but my fear is that it draws on the east side of the house (generally low pressure area due to westerly winds) and is underneath a deck (probably makes low pressure environment worse).
At the same time, I actually have a duct to the outside that feeds the utility room but is also connected to the bathroom adjacent to the hearth room. Not sure if that would suffice for outside air.
For the chimney, apparently there's no wythe wall between the two flues. It was suggested that a letter from the liner mfg stating it can be installed in a chimney with no wythe wall be available. How common is this and how common is it that a mfg will not allow it? Also found out that the flue I want to install in is not straight down and may require knocking some stuff out.
The only components I don't have that they were going to provide was the insulation kit and minor hardware (ie clamps and whatnot). Including the block off plate, notching bricks and damper to bring liner in, the proposal was $2500+. Does this seem reasonable? I'm not an expert but seemed high given others' experiences.
Any insight/thoughts welcomed. Thinking about reaching out to Rockford (they're in my town but not where my liner is from) to see if they had any local recommendations to get a second opinion.
