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I can answer questions related to chimney and fireplace cleaning, construction and repair as well as questions related to the performance of chimneys and fireplaces. I can also answer questions related to clothes dryer vent cleaning and repair. Additionally, I can field questions related to masonry repair.
28 years experience in the chimney service/installation/repair field
President, Home Safe Hearth & Chimney, Inc. Wichita, Kansas
SWEEPING Magazine, The Journal of Chimney & Venting Technoloty, A Publication of the National Chimney Sweep Guild
SNEWS, The Chimney Sweep News
THE KANSAS SWEEP, The Voice of the KS Guild of Professional Chimney Sweeps
BA, Wichita State University
C.S.I.A. Certified Chimney Sweep
C.S.I.A. Certified Dryer Exhaust Technician
N.F.I. Woodburning Specialist
N.F.I. Gas Specialist
Chimney Diagnosis & Documentation Seminar
Ahren's Masonry Restoration School Graduate
Advanced Gas Certification
Master Gas Certification
Licensed Mechanical Contractor
Pellet Appliance Specialist
Venting Design Specialist
Dale Carnegie Course Graduate
Superior Dealer Award, Ventinox Chimney Lining Systems
| User | Date | K | C | T | P | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rich | 11/15/09 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | Thank you Bart for a clearly defined ..... |
| Art | 11/08/09 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | Thanks Bart. I actually poured the crown ..... |
| Bill | 11/02/09 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | Thanks for the quick clear response. I ..... |
| James Watczak | 10/19/09 | 10 | 9 | 10 | 10 | Bart - once again, I thank you ..... |
| David | 10/15/09 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | Thank you for a very speedy reply ..... |
Hi Paula, The same issues apply. There is no such thing as insulated glass doors for a fireplace. You'll have a huge heat loss from that room as well as an issue of cooling the room in the summertime
Hi Del, That home brew mortar mix should not be used with firebrick. Use a pre-mixed non-water soluble refractory mortar such as "Heat-Stop" brand. Thanks for using AllExperts.Com and good luck
Hi Mike, You need to make or purchase a cover for the firepit to protect it from moisture when it's not in use. There is no sealer that will withstand the heat produced by the firepit. Thanks
Hi Bruce, A factory-built fireplace that has been modified in ANY way must be replaced. It is not acceptable to make field repairs on these units. You MUST replace the unit and piping. A wood
Hi Art, Galvanized sheetmetal with roofing felt layed over the top of it, is acceptable for use as a bond break. You just need to keep the crown from bonding to the rest of the chimney. I recommend

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