Fireplace Makeover - quick visual review and Q on vents

[Yeamonn]

Hey all!

Love a good fire, and our new house there was a lot of questionable DIY work done were finding out so a pair of eyes on our fireplace would be super appreciated. The first fire was extremely smoky and we think the opening was too big, so we removed 2 layers of brick veneer.

We are thinking to frame the fireplace place in and then do stucco over cement board for a simple, clean look.

Three Questions :

1. These side vents don't seem to be doing much.
Can I improve their performance somehow? Is it OK to cover them up?
2. What's the stuff in the middle and why is stuffed in there?
3. Anything else stick out or any general advice while I have the walls opened up?



Thanks!!

 

[begreen]

Welcome. Fires at this time of year can be smoky due to the warm outside temperatures. Chimneys rely on the differential between indoor and outdoor temperatures to establish draft. Has the chimney been cleaned and inspected by a professional sweep? What is the ID of the chimney? Is it lined?

The convection vents have a purpose. The insulation in the center might have been for a center venting option instead of the side vents? That's just a guess. Pull it out and see.

This will never be an efficient or clean heater. It could be dramatically improved by putting a modern insert in it. Neighbors might appreciate the cleaner burning.