New Wood Burning Guy - Insert Suggestions and Ideas

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oh man, everything about that article sets off alarms. Hate to say it but that would probably isn't actually "seasoned". Even looks green in the pics. Hickory and oak take a minimum of two years of being split and stacked outside in the sun and wind to truly season. Bring a axe and moisture meter, split a piece then take a measurement
 
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We'll see. It could be your friends may need some education on dry wood too. I'd buy a moisture meter and test the wood on a freshly split face. I wouldn't plan on burning the oak or hickory for a year or two.
 
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Not to pile on, but lots of red flags on that ad. You cannot dry wood in a heap like that. It has to be properly stacked and exposed to the breeze. Also, no way is it 5% mc. In Arizona you might get down to 10% after a while, but 20% is about the best you can expect normally. And oak can take two or even three years to get there.

Having said that, it may be a good supply for a couple of years down the road. This is why most folks suggest getting a few years supply ahead
 
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Methinks he needs a new moisture meter and a little help with how to use and read it.
 
Methinks he needs a new moisture meter and a little help with how to use and read it.
There was another recent CL ad with the seller sticking a meter into the end of a round to prove the wood was unrealistically dry.
 
There was another recent CL ad with the seller sticking a meter into the end of a round to prove the wood was unrealistically dry.

Yea i remember that one. funny.

Jeff-
Don't get discouraged.... We are just trying to help you avoid the mistakes most of us made at first :)
 
Ok.. couple snags, as reading this it ad’s to the singular issue below.

The chimney inspector I originally hired, quoted me $500 on installing my Liner, Insert, and block off plate.
I was now given a quote of $1230 for the installation which includes Liner, Installation, Insulation, and block off plate.

He also said according to NFPA211 that I need to insulate the liner? Is that accurate?

Message from Chimney Inspector:

Liner will be insulated using vermiculite.

All items have manufacturers lifetime warranty.

We will provide all necessary parts, equipment, supplies and manpower

needed to complete your project. (Excluding Wood Insert Stove)



Yea i remember that one. funny.

Jeff-
Don't get discouraged.... We are just trying to help you avoid the mistakes most of us made at first :)

not a problem, i greatly appreciate it.
 
$730 for just insulation seems a tad steep. It definitely should be done but this is a pretty easy process.
 
The chimney inspector I originally hired, quoted me $500 on installing my Liner, Insert, and block off plate. I was now given a quote of $1230 for the installation which includes Liner, Installation, Insulation, and block off plate.
I don't quite understand. What's the overall breakdown of material and installation?
 
Was the $500 estimate and the $1230 quote from the same company or different ones? $1230 for a full insulated liner is not out of line. The $500 estimate is what seems a bit low.
 
Pretty sure 1/2" batt insulation glued to the liner and covered with wire mesh is the preferred way to go. I'd want to know why the vermiculite over batt and if not batt then why not the commercial material Thermix poured in a slurry. Loose vermiculite does not sound good to me -- does it even meet code and give a UL rating. http://www.chimneys.com/articles/listed-chimney-liner-insulation-that-doesnt-work

Thought it was only required when the clay liner has cracks or is missing, but insulation is definitely recommended especially on an exterior chimney. In fact, if the insert mfr approves, I'd consider addl insulation around the back and sides of the insert in the fireplace cavity (leaving an airspace around the insert) since the FP is on an exterior wall.

And nothing in that estimate about a block off plate. Might want another estimate. Thought OP was buying the liner and parts himself.
 
It's an exterior, short chimney. Insulation is definitely recommended for this installation and required by code in many states. Check with the local inspecting authority if unsure.
 
If you can wrap the liner with foil backed insulation I'd always take that road whether it is an outside or inside liner... Reduces creosote and enhances draft..

Ray
 
After reading about vermiculite, it seems like a very good product.

My chimney wasn’t in 100% best shape, had 1-2 small cracks, towards the top of the crown, and the tiles in the middle had a small shift.
He insured me that this wouldn’t mess with an insert since I would be running a liner and insulating it since it’s needed by code.
 
Hey Guys, So i ran into a big issue today..

My chimney guy backed out of doing this install, for unknown reasons. I think it was that i questioned how his install price went from $375 to $1230.

That being said, my brother is a certified contractor, and knows chimneys very well, we are thinking of doing this ourselves, along with my father, and a regular laborer. Between the 4 of us, the insert, duraflex, and making the block off plate, we are set...

The only thing i need is, what type of insulation should i get for my liner? Roxul? What do i use? Thanks guys.
 
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Try www.dynamitebuys.com and ask for Sean. But if that doesn't work out, order the stove and liner kit + insulation separately. No biggie. You may get better service and choices for the liner from a company that specializes in that product.
 
They don't have the 2900 available :/
Who doesn't have the 2900? Try emailing or calling to see when it is expected in.. I agree with BG get the stove and liner from 2 places.. I assume you have a large enough chimney to fit an insulated liner...

Ray
 
For sure measure twice before ordering either the stove or the liner. Check the flue tile dimensions as well as the overall height and remember that it is better to be a few feet over in liner length than one inch short.
 
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Quick update – My family (Brother who’s a liscensed contractor, myself, and my father) will be doing the install since my very unprofessional chimney sweep has backed out of this project.

Here’s the breakdown so far:
  • Century CW2900: $1213.50 shipped
  • Top Heat Sheild - $110 Shipped (Gives me a minimum clearance of 10” to any combustible materials – Help my TV issue)
  • Stainless Steel Chimney Liner - $210 shipped
  • Insulation Kit - $170 shipped
Project Total to date: $1703.50.

3 Cords of dry “Seasoned” (to be tested) Wood to be delivered in 1 week - $ 350
  • I plan on stacking on free skids my work throws out (Dry – No Rot) and I plan to cover them with some extra durable tarps from Harbor Freight)

Maul/Splitting Equipment, fireplace tools, and interior wood rack to be purchased within next 2 weeks.

Block off Plate and Flue to be modified in 2 weeks install date.

Basic Goal for Entire first season including wood, all costs, and labor - $2500!
I will make sure to take pictures to keep you all in the loop! I couldn’t do it without all the help you guys have provided!
 
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