Flooded home (replace fireplace?)?

Question

My local fireplace dealer stated that I had to replace my fireplace because I had a 3 ft flood in my home. That it would rust from the inside out. It's a basic prefab fireplace and I can't find any information on the internet regarding rusting of the unit, not even at the manufacturers website.

Answer 1

Fiberglass, any synthetic materials do not rust. Unless any of the materials are made of commercial iron where there is a carbon content, there could not possibly be rust. Rust is a reddish brittle coating formed on iron when moisture oxidizes.

Call and have your fireplace checked by at least three reputable companies that know what they are talking about.

Answer 2

It would have helped if you had given us the manufacturer's name and model number but I have been in new home construction since 1983 and if you are talking about a fireplace insert or "Heatolator" then your dealer is right.

If the insert becomes corroded, then carbonic acid and creosote from your fires will eat through it and create two problems.
-Creasote will work its way up between the liner and chimney and quickly build up creating a fire hazzard.
-Many heatolators and inserts are sealed and a breach will allow the CO to vent into the house. If you continue to use the fireplace as it is then it's a pretty good idea to have CO detectors on every floor. Also, these inserts (if they're less than 20 years old) are designed to get their combustion air from outside. If they rust out then they will also pull air from the structure and this could result in low oxygen levels or "O2 starvation"....another unwanted effect.

I would have the local building inspector or a Representative from your Fire Department's fire prevention dep't take a look at it, just to be sure.

Good luck.

Answer 3

Why did you ask them this in the first place? why would it rust like this, where do they get they're information from ? I would get at least another opinion fast, I think they are taking you for a ride.