Gas Fireplace - Poor Installation?

Hi Folks,

Today I removed the cover from my gas fireplace and found this:
Fireplace - Album on Imgur

When I moved into the house there was a leak in the chimney chase cover so I was expecting to see a bit of rust. I definitely was not expecting to see a pile of ash sitting on top of my fireplace.

It would appear that whoever installed the fireplace did not take the time to seal the intake or exhaust joints - fortunately I have only used this fireplace once (for about half an hour just to check that it worked) since I bought this house about 18 months ago.

Is using some high temperature caulking to seal the joints going to be enough to allow me to safely use this fireplace? Alternatively I am considering ripping the whole insert out and just installing an electric one.

Any insights that you could provide would be much appreciated.

Thanks!

 

Welcome to the forums.

That is one load of rust..... or is that old soot from the chimney ?
Beyond sealing the connections.... what does it have for a roof cap ?

With that much rust I'd have to recommend the services of a chimney cleaner or sweep.

 

A properly burning gas fireplace should never produce anything like that. I'd agree with PJ it is probably from the chimney from prior use. I'd add the need to have a fire inspector take a look to be sure the installation meets their requirements. Probably someone at your local fire department can do that.

Bud

 

Hi Folks, thank you for responding.

That was a load of ash/soot. I was thinking about it and I wonder if it was dislodged when I installed the new chase cover/rain caps/B vent a few months ago.

Here is a photo of the top of the chimney:
Imgur: The most awesome images on the Internet

I am also going to look into getting the chimney swept.

Thanks again!