I need help with a fireplace remodel


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Old 01-05-13, 12:50 PM
W
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I need help with a fireplace remodel

This is the fireplace in my bedroom. It doesn't work. I don't know what they did. If the wind blows at all it fills our house with smoke!!!

Anyway, I would like ideas on how to remodel it from these old, dingy bricks and mantle. I would like to avoid tearing out the brick if at all possible and cost is definitely a factor. I can do just about any work DIY....within reason.

Thanks in advance!
 
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Old 01-05-13, 01:00 PM
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Have you closed the damper to see if that will stop the air from blowing into the room?
What exactly doesn't work? Have you built a fire and the smoke wouldn't draw up the chimney?
Has the flue ever been cleaned or inspected?
 
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Old 01-05-13, 01:27 PM
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There is no damper that works. I have to put insulation in it to keep the cold air from coming in. I built a fire in it last year and it worked great. I did again the next night with the wind blowing and it filled the house with smoke. It will draw up, but any wind reverses it. I have kinda given up on using it for now (I'm sure it wouldn't be an easy fix), but I would like it to look good.
 
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Old 01-05-13, 01:48 PM
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Sounds like maybe installing an insert and maybe a flue liner might be the best fix. I assume you are currently just concerned with the looks ??

I'm not that fond of it but you can paint the bricks. I've also seen a few homes where they applied polyurethane to the brick. I don't know if there would be any issues with the poly if you went back to using the fireplace. A wood mantel would also change the looks of the fireplace.
 
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Old 01-06-13, 01:23 PM
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How about putting some thin set over the bricks and cover with tile of your choice.
 
 

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