To Block or Not to Block, that is the question

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bainbridgematt

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Nov 18, 2010
43
North East Ohio
So I had an install done a couple months back and installer didn't install a block off place. They did seal the top of the chimney though. I paid the extra to have the flue liner insulated, so I am insulated all the way to the top at least.

My question for you all is, should I build and install a block off plate or should I say forget it? The chimney is parting inside partially outside (see attached picture). If I should install the block off plate, can anyone recommend a place to get the insulation for behind the plate and how much insulation should I install?

Thanks much!

BTW, I have a Clydesdale insert and am loving it!!!
 

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Did they at least stuff the damper area with Roxul or kaowool?
 
If they didn't, I would stuff as much Roxul up into the smoke shelf and damper as you can. Roxul will hold it's shape so you can cut it to fit the top of you firebox and just hold it up there with insulation hangers. A better option is to put a top plate up there after you stuff the insulation up there.
 
I will have to do that. Suggestions on where to buy roxul?

Im getting 7-8 hour burns. Well there are hot coals left after 8 hours and the blower fan is stillrunning. Hopefully after adding the insulation I can get even more heat into the room and extend my born times.

stejus said:
If they didn't, I would stuff as much Roxul up into the smoke shelf and damper as you can. Roxul will hold it's shape so you can cut it to fit the top of you firebox and just hold it up there with insulation hangers. A better option is to put a top plate up there after you stuff the insulation up there.
Click to expand...
 
bainbridgematt said:
I will have to do that. Suggestions on where to buy roxul?

Im getting 7-8 hour burns. Well there are hot coals left after 8 hours and the blower fan is stillrunning. Hopefully after adding the insulation I can get even more heat into the room and extend my born times.

stejus said:
If they didn't, I would stuff as much Roxul up into the smoke shelf and damper as you can. Roxul will hold it's shape so you can cut it to fit the top of you firebox and just hold it up there with insulation hangers. A better option is to put a top plate up there after you stuff the insulation up there.
Click to expand...
Click to expand...

Once you install the Roxul, you will notice a big diffence in heat from the stove and hearth area.
 
Thanks guys. I just ordered some Roxul (not sure how my search for it didn't turn up when I checked Lowes earlier). I probably won't have time to fabricate a block off plate anytime soon (trying tackle redoing the attic insulation), but I can take the 30 minutes to shove some Roxul up in the fireplace if it'll help me keep the house even warmer.
 
I also purchaced mine from Lowe's. Went with blue labeled R-16 rather than the green labled R-23 for future use of left over insulation.
My install consists of an insert so a steel block off plate is less of an issue than with a wood stove/hearth mount.
What I am planning on doing after stuffing the smoke chamber with Roxul around the liner is to use black high temp spray paint on the tightly packed insulation, I figure the amount of Roxul is more than adequate for the insulation value and the paint will bind the fibers to each other enough to keep any from floating or flaking in the future and since it's an insert, all of this is going to be behind an surround trim panel anyways.
Hope this info helps with your project.
 
bainbridgematt said:
Thanks guys. I just ordered some Roxul (not sure how my search for it didn't turn up when I checked Lowes earlier). I probably won't have time to fabricate a block off plate anytime soon (trying tackle redoing the attic insulation), but I can take the 30 minutes to shove some Roxul up in the fireplace if it'll help me keep the house even warmer.
Click to expand...

Check this thread out. It will show you what to look for and now to stuff Roxul up there. I didn't put up the sheet metal, I just used insulation hangers to hold up the flat peices so it doesn't fall. This insulation is nice to work with because you can oversize the peice and jamb it in place and it will hold on its own.

https://www.hearth.com/econtent/index.php/forums/viewthread/80548/
 
stejus said:
bainbridgematt said:
Thanks guys. I just ordered some Roxul (not sure how my search for it didn't turn up when I checked Lowes earlier). I probably won't have time to fabricate a block off plate anytime soon (trying tackle redoing the attic insulation), but I can take the 30 minutes to shove some Roxul up in the fireplace if it'll help me keep the house even warmer.
Click to expand...

Check this thread out. It will show you what to look for and now to stuff Roxul up there. I didn't put up the sheet metal, I just used insulation hangers to hold up the flat peices so it doesn't fall. This insulation is nice to work with because you can oversize the peice and jamb it in place and it will hold on its own.

https://www.hearth.com/econtent/index.php/forums/viewthread/80548/
Click to expand...

Thanks. That helped. I might just try it that way and see how it goes. Can always fabricate a plate over the winter. Will be tough to get a plate in since the stove is in place, but I think I might be able to swing it.
 
stejus said:
I didn't put up the sheet metal, I just used insulation hangers to hold up the flat peices so it doesn't fall.
Click to expand...

I think using those spring steel insulation hangers is the way to go if installing an insert. They're cheap and effective and what's left over can be used in the crawl space.
 
Benchwrench said:
stejus said:
I didn't put up the sheet metal, I just used insulation hangers to hold up the flat peices so it doesn't fall.
Click to expand...

I think using those spring steel insulation hangers is the way to go if installing an insert. They're cheap and effective and what's left over can be used in the crawl space.
Click to expand...

That's going to my plan. Of course using the left overs in the crawls space is up for debate as I may spray foam that :)
 
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