Installing Jotul Oslo in existing fireplace

Hi, new member here. I have been reading this forum for a bit now and have really gleaned a bunch of information. I have purchased a Jotul Oslo stove and can't wait to get it installed. However I have an obsticle that is bothering me. The house is a ski house with radiant heat that doesn't quite get the job done on cold nights due to the cathedral ceilings and glass. We have always used the fireplace to help out but the amount of wood required to get the heat needed is excessive. However my family just loves this fireplace. It definetely is part of the character of the house. It is in the center of the house living area.

Since I cut/split and stack the wood and pay the oil bill I have decided on the Oslo much to my adult sons chagrin.

In order to install the liner, 4 rows of firebrick need to be removed to get the liner down the last part of the chimney. I am uncomfortable with this as I want to leave the ability to go back to a fireplace if they want to when they are making the decisions... The damper is not the problem as it is at the top of the chimney with a cable and spring. This can be removed and put back if needed.

I have a mason coming out but would like to know ahead of time if it is possible to remove the firebrick and do something that would accommodate both going back to a fireplace and the room to get the liner down.

I don't have any good pics of the situation, sorry.

I have seen so many experienced folks here solving problems and proving food for thought. Any ideas or feedback would be much appreciated.

Thanks,

-Kevin

Boiler74 said:

You liner can be ovalized to make it through the narrow spot. How much room do you have at the narrowest now?

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The pic doesn't show it but there is some metal piece above that is 4 1/2" wide. The installers didn't like that option and wouldn't recommend it.

skinanbones said:

they are just bricks with motar, i would think it would only be about 12 bricks in all that would be effected to give room for the liner. If and when they want to go back to the fireplace, i would think it would take a mason about 2 hrs to replace those effected brick and you'd never know they had been removed.

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This seems the most obvious solution. However what is typically behind those bricks? I'm thinking cinder blocks? The house is 15 years old.

webby3650 said:

Those few bricks will come out with ease! And they can be put back with ease!
You didn't mention it, but I assume you will making a block off plate as well?

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Yes, a block off plate is being installed. Thanks for the replies. I feel better that it could be restored easy enough. I am looking forward to getting this installed and feeling the heat.