If the firebox floor of my existing fireplace is raised 2.5" from the hearth, is a flush insert install (Lopi Declaration, VC Montpelier) possible?
Flush Mount Question
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offroadaudio
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I had that problem and it looked like the stove was floating.
You will be better off adding cement board and tile - or brick - anything that fits your style to raise the hearth up.
If the hearth goes a little higher than the firebox, that's ok too - most inserts have "jacks" in the back to level them out.
You will be better off adding cement board and tile - or brick - anything that fits your style to raise the hearth up.
If the hearth goes a little higher than the firebox, that's ok too - most inserts have "jacks" in the back to level them out.
Will it meet code if it looks like it is floating? The pic below shows a 5" lip that encompasses the floor of the firebox. I would simply remove the top layer of brick in the front creating the 2.5" difference from floor of firebox to hearth. If not, looks like it will be time to rip that tile up and go with something else.
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offroadaudio
New Member
I'm not sure, but I don't think it is a code issue. The major code issues would be CTC & hearth protection plus R factor and hearth extension.
There are lots of flue code issues, but we're just talking hearth here.
There are lots of flue code issues, but we're just talking hearth here.
offroadaudio
New Member
Earlier Question: If the firebox floor of my existing fireplace is raised 2.5†from the hearth, is a flush insert install (Lopi Declaration, VC Montpelier) possible?
Answer: Assuming that you are using a surround with the Montpelier, the front levelling legs will be about 1 inch out of the firebox, onto the hearth. The front of the fan housing extends 2.5 inches onto the hearth and the ash lip will 4 inches out over the hearth. This will be a problem given the hearth in your case is 2.5 inches lower than the firebox. There would definitely be a "floating" effect and the leveling legs won't reach the hearth, to support the stove.
You could get past the problem by pushing the insert back into the firebox and building a custom surround out of sheet metal that covers the gap between the stove and bricks (top and sides). I am also assuming that you are bricking in 2 of the 3 open sides.
I would have your planned setup reviewed by a Wett certified technician before proceeding. Proximity to combustibles in this setup may be a concern.
Answer: Assuming that you are using a surround with the Montpelier, the front levelling legs will be about 1 inch out of the firebox, onto the hearth. The front of the fan housing extends 2.5 inches onto the hearth and the ash lip will 4 inches out over the hearth. This will be a problem given the hearth in your case is 2.5 inches lower than the firebox. There would definitely be a "floating" effect and the leveling legs won't reach the hearth, to support the stove.
You could get past the problem by pushing the insert back into the firebox and building a custom surround out of sheet metal that covers the gap between the stove and bricks (top and sides). I am also assuming that you are bricking in 2 of the 3 open sides.
I would have your planned setup reviewed by a Wett certified technician before proceeding. Proximity to combustibles in this setup may be a concern.
Canboy, thanks for the advice. Any advice on the Declaration? I'm new to this, so I haven't heard of a Wett Tech. I will check that out.
Rcrozier, I have never seen a Declaration in person, so my research is based solely on the web, so I suggest you verify the accuracy of my thoughts:
- It is definitely a flush fit, which is great. But if you need one of the extension surrounds, it will require that the stove be pulled onto the hearth an inch and a half...which is a problem because of your dropped hearth. A custom surround discussed previously would still be a solution that would look great;
- The bypass damper is a great feature to have on stove's with a baffle - I wish I had it. It's not clear that this insert is one of the Lopi inserts that has one;
- It is a good sized firebox, so if you need lots of heat and long burns, this would be great.
Personally, I think the Montpelier is a better looking stove, but really the Declaration probably suits your situation better.
Good luck
- It is definitely a flush fit, which is great. But if you need one of the extension surrounds, it will require that the stove be pulled onto the hearth an inch and a half...which is a problem because of your dropped hearth. A custom surround discussed previously would still be a solution that would look great;
- The bypass damper is a great feature to have on stove's with a baffle - I wish I had it. It's not clear that this insert is one of the Lopi inserts that has one;
- It is a good sized firebox, so if you need lots of heat and long burns, this would be great.
Personally, I think the Montpelier is a better looking stove, but really the Declaration probably suits your situation better.
Good luck
Canboy:
Sorry for the delay in responding. The Declaration is a beauty in person. Lopi is going to a single door for the 11-12 season. I still want the double doors. In april, we'll be modifying the the right wall, front lip and floor of the firebox to sit flush with the hearth. With such modications, I shoudn't encounter any obstancles with a flush mount, but will still sit naturally low as previous Declaration owners have stated. This model does have a bypass damper. It is recognized in the middle of the top grate on the faceplate.
I've looked at the Montpelier and have researched it, but I'm not thrilled with it. Thanks for your thoughts.
Sorry for the delay in responding. The Declaration is a beauty in person. Lopi is going to a single door for the 11-12 season. I still want the double doors. In april, we'll be modifying the the right wall, front lip and floor of the firebox to sit flush with the hearth. With such modications, I shoudn't encounter any obstancles with a flush mount, but will still sit naturally low as previous Declaration owners have stated. This model does have a bypass damper. It is recognized in the middle of the top grate on the faceplate.
I've looked at the Montpelier and have researched it, but I'm not thrilled with it. Thanks for your thoughts.
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