Daughter's fireplace

I'm wondering if this will need a grate in order to have fires. Disclaimer: I have zero experience with fireplaces.
This will be for ambience fires only.
Previous owner stuffed some fiberglass insulation up in the damper area, which wasn't done well. Daughter noticed some "paper" stuffed up there, and asked if I'd look at it. She said the space was always chilly.
I discovered the damper was open, and the insulation wasn't filling the opening at each end.
I shut the damper and adjusted the insulation a bit, which helped a lot to keep cold air from dropping down the flue into the room. This is in the lower level of what I would call a tri-level home.

 

I'd use a grate, along with a full coverage screen. Good that you could tighten up the cold down drafting in the meantime, while she decides whether to use the fireplace...

 

Didn't even think about a screen. Duh.
I'd like to see them put in an insert (if that would be possible), but not sure they'll be in the house more than 3-4 more years. So, doubtful.
We're heading back down for Christmas, so I plan to take some nice dry firewood with me, and we'll see how well it drafts. VERY small fire to start, in case we smoke up the place.
If they don't want to continue using it (not really firewood types), I'll redo the insulation and make it gooder. Her fiance has absolutely ZERO handyman skills. I asked about whether he's capable of hanging a new shop light in their garage, and she immediately said he couldn't do it.

 

She may need to rethink this “man,” as he appears to lack the basic skills for survival!
Glad you were able to help with the damper and insulation. I second the motion for the grate and screen.

 

My thought too, but just found out he grew up w/o a father in his life. One of those "you don't know, what you don't know" things.
He's a real good guy. Has a good job, coaches girls and boys basketball and has for the last 12 years, and treats our daughter very well. They're happy.
I guess I'll have to overlook his lack of ability in hanging shop lights.......or fixing chimney flues.
I couldn't find a single screwdriver in the house this past week. Who doesn't have a screwdriver?

 

papadave
Sounds like a week in a cabin in "survival mode" may be in order.

(Call it a "bonding" exercise.)

Glad that the "kids" are happy together.

 

That would be a Holiday Inn, with room service......and a pool.

 

"The New Handyman" (or whatever it's called) book is being delivered to their place via Santa.

 

Close off that fireplace with a 65 inch TV

 

You’re right, you can never fault anyone for “you don’t know what you don’t know.” As long as he’s willing to learn, it’s a great opportunity to teach! Glad they’re happy, he treats her well, and he’s a productive taxpaying citizen- sounds like a winner.

 

Do you know if the fireplace is even safe to use? Has it been inspected?

 

Good question. Daughter said it was when he bought the house about 5 years ago.
The damper chain/cable looks recent. I didn't pull the insulation to even look for obstructions, but plan to when we go back down.
No idea what condition the liner might be in either, or if it has one. Brick inside the fireplace is in good condition.
I was just wondering that IF it's burnable, whether it needs a grate. I've usually seen grates in fireplaces, but have no idea.

 

I have no horse in this race but who says the “inspector” knows what they are doing? I have ran into a few professionals that I wouldn’t trust to inspect my toaster.

 

It does not need a grate but most people prefer to use one. Andirons are another option between a full grate and a fire on the hearth

 

You get references and find one that is trusted in the area. I generally like to have the customer there watching as I scan the chimney so they can see the problems. Then there is no question

 

Can burn without a grate but, IMO, I think a grate does a couple things. Provides air flow under the fire and helps to prevent a hot stray log from rolling forward. I like the single solid types vs the decorative old style 2 separate sections...

 

It depends what you want. A grate burns much faster and hotter. Burning on the hearth gives you a much longer burn with much better coal retention. Andirons are halfway between the two. They burn hot and fast untill the logs fall into the ash bed.

 

May not even be a wood fire place but a gas operated one