Blockoff plate or seal/insulate fireplace front??

Hello all,

I had my first insert installed this fall and after only two months of operation, I am swapping it out for a larger unit (I should have come to hearth.com first before selecting an insert based on the manufacturers size suggestion). Anyway, I paid for the initial install, but to save some $$ I plan on doing the swap out myself. The installer installed a double walled 6" sleeve and chimney cap/screen that insulated the top of the sleeve from the existing flu, but he did nothing in the firebox to prevent the removal of heat/air from the house. Per my new inserts manufacturers instructions for the Napoleon 1402, they suggest:

"Means must be provided to prevent room air passage to the
chimney cavity of the fireplace. This may be accomplished by
sealing the damper area around the chimney liner, or sealing
the fireplace front"

They describe how to cut a flanged blockoff plate out of sheet metal. I was curious how one would go about doing the other option for sealing the fireplace front. Could this be a simpler alternative for me to do? Does it simply mean running a strip of silicone insulation where the surround meets the firebox and where the surround meets the insert? Any and all help would be greatly appreciated.

I believe that part of the problem with my existing unit is that room air is being drawn by the unit. I've noticed turbulent airflow (soot blowing) in the small areas near the base of the surround above the hearth.

One other quick question, any additional installation equipment that I should ask for when picking up the stove beyond the actual stove, surround, door, firebrick, etc.?

Thanks,
Cedrus deodara

No 911? I tried a search but couldn't find any threads dealing with insulating the face of the fireplace/surround to negate the need for a blockoff plate.

Hi, My insert does come with a surround, but the decision I'm trying to determine is whether to install a blockoff plate or insulate where the surround meets the firebox/fireplace face and insert (to negate the need for a blockoff plate?? maybe??). I do have it sealed off at teh top of the chimney between the 6" ss insert and the flu, but no containment below as of yet.

Thanks