small gas log

[skimbro]

Anyone have a suggestion on where to source a gas log for one of the old small-sized coal fireplaces? We have gas to the house, but not to the fireplace. Not sure how to go about getting everything put into place.

[nvrenuf]

We want to do the same but also have not begun the journey.

[catcamp1644]

I got mine at Western Natural Gas.

[markusic]

I have had as much luck getting them from Lowe's or Home Depot as anywhere. Most companies make them in various sizes so it is a matter of going somewhere that can order the smaller sizes.

In addition, most of the old coal burning fireplaces are lined with a fire brick that can be removed without harming the integrity of the entire fireplace. This would add up to about 4 to 6 inches to the width of the fire box. The gas logs do not need this extra layer of brick.

For installation, I recommend Expert Gas Service, Bob's phone is 219-2968. Always seems the most qualified and the fairest, besides being an all around good guy.He has done a lot of both the rehabs and the new construction gas work here in Springfield for years.

[nvrenuf]

Markusic,
Do you know, does this require having the entire fireplace relined? Top cap or no cap?

[Gloria]

If you use a "ventless" gas fireplace, all you need to do is to close the chimney opening in the actual fireplace area. We have used sheet metal for this. You never see it and it closes it off just fine.

[markusic]

The old chimneys are normally OK for gas logs as they are. The removal of the layer of fire brick would keep you from ever using it as wood or coal burner again, but then, you shouldn't burn wood in these small boxes anyway. If you wanted to, you could certainly have the thing rebuilt for wood and the chimney would then have to be relined - they would use metal I would think. But I shudder at the cost of that.

Old fashioned vented gas logs would also be OK without the fire brick layer. I would at least have a sweep come out and check out the chimney. I would worry about it being cracked from settling or just having something flammable stuck in it, though the heat from the gas logs is a lot lower than coal or even a good wood fire.

The easiest is ventless gas logs. These are OK in the main public areas but not in bedrooms. You must use vented in bedrooms. Also, as mentioned by Gloria, you can either top cap it or close off the flue at the box. Capping it will keep water out of the chimney itself.

[Gloria]

Also, as mentioned by Gloria, you can either top cap it or close off the flue at the box. Capping it will keep water out of the chimney itself.

or you could do both.