 Fireplace coverup (by Jason [VA]) Jun 22, 2019 11:43 AM
 Fireplace coverup (by razorback_tim [AR]) Jun 22, 2019 12:52 PM
Fireplace coverup (by gevans [SC]) Jun 22, 2019 1:09 PM
Fireplace coverup (by Richard [MI]) Jun 22, 2019 2:02 PM
Fireplace coverup (by LindaJ [NY]) Jun 22, 2019 2:17 PM
Fireplace coverup (by Barb [MO]) Jun 22, 2019 2:27 PM
Fireplace coverup (by RB [MI]) Jun 22, 2019 2:32 PM
Fireplace coverup (by AllyM [NJ]) Jun 22, 2019 2:49 PM
Fireplace coverup (by Landlord ofthe Flies [TX]) Jun 22, 2019 3:02 PM
Fireplace coverup (by Robert J [CA]) Jun 22, 2019 5:22 PM
Fireplace coverup (by WMH [NC]) Jun 22, 2019 6:00 PM
Fireplace coverup (by RR78 [VA]) Jun 22, 2019 8:41 PM
Fireplace coverup (by Vee [OH]) Jun 23, 2019 8:38 PM
Fireplace coverup (by Jason [VA]) Posted on: Jun 22, 2019 11:43 AM
Message:
My newest acquisition has two wood burning fireplaces. Upon initial inspection, they both appear to be fully functional, but I want to prevent the tenants from being able to use them.
One of my other properties has a wood stove. I had a welder come weld a hasp on the front of the stove so that I was able to padlock it shut. However, I'm not sure how I can physically prevent a fireplace from being used.
I'm sure you all have ran into this situation before.
--73.177.xxx.xx |
Fireplace coverup (by razorback_tim [AR]) Posted on: Jun 22, 2019 12:52 PM
Message:
You can build something that covers the opening. I've seen them made into bookshelves or just covered with tile or other decorative items. Look on Pinterest for ideas. A friend of mine has been framing around them and installing electric fireplaces. --70.178.x.xx |
Fireplace coverup (by gevans [SC]) Posted on: Jun 22, 2019 1:09 PM
Message:
You likely have a metal damper above the fire box. You could weld a hasp on that to keep it closed.
I have one fireplace with ornamental logs inside. They don't light either, but they do prevent an actual fire being in the box. --69.80.xx.xxx |
Fireplace coverup (by Richard [MI]) Posted on: Jun 22, 2019 2:02 PM
Message:
Last one I had like that I simply took a hammer and chisel and took it down. Took about 4 hours. Patched the roof, then built a tv stand/bookcase in the spot. End of problem. Used the bricks for a planter outside. --71.10.xx.xxx |
Fireplace coverup (by LindaJ [NY]) Posted on: Jun 22, 2019 2:17 PM
Message:
Depending on the class of the property, (A - B) you could put a gas fireplace insert / logs into it. Safer to use and still give the ambiance. They do run off propane if Natural Gas is not available.
For a C or lower, just making the damper inoperable is chancy, someone idiot may still try to build a fire in the box. I would cover it with a board cut to fit the opening. Attach that as well as you can and don't let them know there is a real firebox behind it.
You may or may not want to mention in the lease that they are not to use the fireplace. Again, if they think it is a working one, they may try.
Keep in mind, in a real emergency a fireplace can be useful for some heat. I have a gas fireplace in my house. It takes the chill of the room without heating up the whole house, and it is nice to watch. So easy and clean too. --108.4.xxx.xx |
Fireplace coverup (by Barb [MO]) Posted on: Jun 22, 2019 2:27 PM
Message:
For class A home, I would install gas logs. It becomes a second furnace. I love mine.
For class C, I would likely remove and drywall over it, even if it looks there from the outside if drywalled over, they can’t get to it.
--64.251.xxx.xxx |
Fireplace coverup (by RB [MI]) Posted on: Jun 22, 2019 2:32 PM
Message:
Enclose with brick and mortar. --184.53.x.xxx |
Fireplace coverup (by AllyM [NJ]) Posted on: Jun 22, 2019 2:49 PM
Message:
Our fire inspectors don't allow them in rentals. Options were to brick it in or cover it with wood. I got a nice looking firescreen and had the handman screw it into the brick so it doesn't open and it looks nice. I would put them in working order and pay for a sturdy chimney liner but the companies want to put some kind of firebrick inside the hearth which looks awful. --173.61.xxx.xx |
Fireplace coverup (by Landlord ofthe Flies [TX]) Posted on: Jun 22, 2019 3:02 PM
Message:
Ignore the advice of locking the damper. That will not prevent them from lighting a fire. It just prevents them from venting the smoke out. Your house will smell like a campfire. Buy one of those antique iron fireplace covers and secure it. Still looks like a fireplace and it can be easily removed after they leave. --108.69.xxx.xxx |
Fireplace coverup (by Robert J [CA]) Posted on: Jun 22, 2019 5:22 PM
Message:
In one property that had earthquake damage, I do not allow any of my tenant to use the fireplace's even though I fixed them with permits. The lease states that and my tenants also signed an addendum.
One tenant went out of town and allowed a sibling to stay in their apartment. That evening they tried to have a romantic evening and used the fireplace. Never mind inside the fireplace I had a sign, DO NOT USE, NOT SAFE!. They lit a fire but forgot to open the flu and smoke backed up into the unit getting soot on all of the walls. What a disaster.
From then on I installed a LED fake log system in all of the fire places so there was no room to use a log.... --47.156.xx.xx |
Fireplace coverup (by WMH [NC]) Posted on: Jun 22, 2019 6:00 PM
Message:
We buy electric fireplaces and cover the hole with them. --50.82.xxx.xx |
Fireplace coverup (by RR78 [VA]) Posted on: Jun 22, 2019 8:41 PM
Message:
We liquid nail a stepping stone on top of chimney to make it air tight.
And verbally explain to tenants what will happen with smoke if they try to start a fire.
Then a cheap small laminated custom sign off ebay. About 8 bucks. Gets mounted inside the fireplace.
Then a lease clause.
Works well for us --73.152.xx.xxx |
Fireplace coverup (by Vee [OH]) Posted on: Jun 23, 2019 8:38 PM
Message:
I have 3 places with decorative logs in front the opening. --76.188.xxx.xx |
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