Keep chimney/fireplace or not? Have to decide today

[CJ M.]

Hey everyone,

I have to make a decision today on a rental property I'm working on.

There is a wood-burning fireplace in the living room (not sure if chimney is clean/clear). Anyway, the stack coming out of the roof if a big metal rusty mess that has been staining the shingles over the years. I have a new metal roof going on Monday.

My question, should I remove the stack and seal the flue and just make the fireplace decorative? Should I use some heat resistant paint and spray the stack so it doesn't drip rust on the new metal roof? I really don't want to replace the stack but will if needed...and barring my GC has time.

I'm leaning towards removing stack altogether. Thoughts? I'm thinking it might be better not to have a liability like a fireplace in a rental.

Thanks in advance.

[Bruce Woodruff]

I faced a similar issue with my last STR purchase. An old chimney that was even leaning a little. I decided to:

a) make it unusable as an actual fireplace (it can't burn anything) 

b) keep it looking like a fireplace with an electric insert that puts out heat and 'realistic looking' flames.

c) make the hearth/mantel really nice and put battery candles (Costco) all around.

It looks nice, and still provides a central focus for people to gather around.

Is it as nice as a 'real' fireplace? No way...but it checks all the boxes for me. My main concern was fires started by guests....cheaper insurance rates too...