I got a used hearth mount "insert" which basically sits completely outside of the firebox on the hearth.
I'm doing the install myself, and the inspector gave me some directions for removing the damper to make some clearance for the liner that will attach to the insert. While i was removing the damper some of the fire box bricks were a bit lose, once i got the damper out i reached in and i could literally just pick up a quarter of the firebox and took it apart the mortar between the bricks had just turned to sand.
Is a firebox required for a hearth mount fireplace insert? The insert is a bit old so i'm not sure if i can get specs on it beyond what's on the back plate. The only part of the insert that enters the fireplace is the vent off the back of the insert. I'm not opposed to rebuilding the lose parts of the firebox, but i also don't want to create more work for myself if there's no real point since the insert is there for good and it will never be an open fireplace again.
I'm doing the install myself, and the inspector gave me some directions for removing the damper to make some clearance for the liner that will attach to the insert. While i was removing the damper some of the fire box bricks were a bit lose, once i got the damper out i reached in and i could literally just pick up a quarter of the firebox and took it apart the mortar between the bricks had just turned to sand.
Is a firebox required for a hearth mount fireplace insert? The insert is a bit old so i'm not sure if i can get specs on it beyond what's on the back plate. The only part of the insert that enters the fireplace is the vent off the back of the insert. I'm not opposed to rebuilding the lose parts of the firebox, but i also don't want to create more work for myself if there's no real point since the insert is there for good and it will never be an open fireplace again.