In this video, Ask This Old House host Kevin O’Connor works with a professional chimney expert to repair a clay chimney and reignite an old fireplace with a gas log.
Project details
Skill
Cost
Estimated Time
How to Install Gas Logs
- Sweep the chimney to remove any excess dirt or debris.
- Tie a winch to foam inset that fits your chimney.
- Pour mortar into the top of the chimney.
- Pull up foam inset using the winch to fill in the joints of the liner with mortar.
- Coat the smoke chamber with a spray-on, insulated mortar.
- To install damper, feed pull-chain wire down through chimney.
- Place damper on the top of the chimney and caulk the sides using a caulk gun.
- Attach screened cover to the top of the chimney.
- Attach damper latch to the fireplace.
- Spray fireplace with high-temperature paint and let it dry.
- Install the gas log kit. Connect burner plate to gas line with gas line connector. Tighten connection using an adjustable wrench.
- Place grate over burner plate.
- Arrange ceramic logs on top of grate.
- Place fire granules underneath the logs and on top of burner plate to help disperse flame.
Tools
Tools & Materials
- Chimney sweep brush
- Foam inset to match specific chimney
- Caulk gun
- Adjustable wrench
