Fireplace Problems

[DAKSY]

Thanks. Is the sheetrock necessary? When we originally insulated part of this we did the following:

1. Removed vinyl siding and OSB.
2. Nailed wood braces (1x4" if I remember correctly( to the back side of the 2x6" framing (between the 2x6 framing and the firebox). These braces were nailed horizontally and spaced every 3 or 4'.
3. Placed styrene insulation in between the 2x6s.
4. Reinstalled OSB and vinyl siding.

So basically the styrene insulation is sandwiched between the bracing and the OSB.

You don't NEED it, but it is RECOMMENDED. It's another barrier & it can be sealed. You may be OK, tho...

 

[pmsmith2032]

Okay. I'll probably add it just to be safe. Any special kind or just plain old sheetrock?

 

[DAKSY]

Okay. I'll probably add it just to be safe. Any special kind or just plain old sheetrock?

Plain ole sheetrock... As long as you meet the clearances on the rating plate, you should be fine..

 

[pmsmith2032]

Thanks Daksy. I've learned a lot about fireplaces from you! While doing research yesterday I ran across the following article:

http://woodheat.org/the-outdoor-air-myth-exposed.html

According to this article, outdoor combustion air isn't beneficial. What's your opinion on this? If this is the case, I'll probably just seal mine off.

 

[DAKSY]

Thanks Daksy. I've learned a lot about fireplaces from you! While doing research yesterday I ran across the following article:

http://woodheat.org/the-outdoor-air-myth-exposed.html

According to this article, outdoor combustion air isn't beneficial. What's your opinion on this? If this is the case, I'll probably just seal mine off.

It depends upon the building that the wood burning appliance is in, & the type of appliance in question. I burned a pellet stove for 3 years & never once considered putting another hole in my house. In the summer of 2012, we removed an entire wall of the home & remodeled our kitchen. The table was moved from one side to the other, so that it faced a newly installed window. That moved it into the direct path of the combustion air being drawn to the unit (a Harman P61A). The weather stripping under the front door had failed & the combustion air was being drawn in thru the remaining gap. It came down the stairs (kitchen in walk-out basement) & blew past my chair as I sat at the table where I had put my new laptop & Holy Crap! I was COLD. Hadda go put a heavy robe over my PJs...This past summer I put an OAK on the P61A & there is now virtually NO draft. Bottom line? If you have an older, drafty home, combustion air movement going to the unit will be noticeable, unless you have an OAK. I guess it's your call. If your particular state calls for an OAK to be on the appliance, you have to do it - AT LEAST until the installation is inspected & approved by the AHJ (Authority Having Juridiction). What you do with it after approval is up to you.