So the old VC large WW insert is finally out fireplace. It is listed as weighing 475 pounds. After partial disaassembly, it took me and two helpers to move it to a dolly, and then a handtruck, and it was cranked up the cellar steps with a come along and some planks. (That could be next years project to convert it from a catalytic converter to a secondary combustion system.) I now need to make a register shelf, as none is present in the chimney, and I will insulate it with rockwool. As I have never installed a stove before, I have some questions. The chimney liner was installed about ten years ago after a crack was found in the chimney. That may have been from age, i.e., ice wedging action over time. The house is about 55 years old. I am wondering if perhaps too much heat was being absorbed by the masonry, causing expansion and contraction issues.
1. Should I have someone inspect the chimney and liner first?
After removing the old stove, it had an obvious crack on the top that the last guy obviously missed. There is a little bit of soot in the chimney liner, but I don't think it's much of a problem. I could get a brush and clean the bottom myself.
2. What is the benefit of insulating the hearth?
I am thinking of using aluminum as a heat shield on the bottom and back of hearth. Has anyone tried this? In theory aluminum should reflect 95% of radiant heat back to the source. The replacement stove is shorter than the old one. I am planning on rasing it up on bricks to also keep it off the masonry.
3. Caulking/Sealants: I got high temp silicone RTV rated for up to 500 F, and stove and gasket cement rated at 2000 F. I was planning on using the RTV for sealing the register shelf and the cement around the pipe connections. I had to get an increaser since the stove outlet is smaller than the chimney liner by an inch.
Comments and advise are appreciated!
1. Should I have someone inspect the chimney and liner first?
After removing the old stove, it had an obvious crack on the top that the last guy obviously missed. There is a little bit of soot in the chimney liner, but I don't think it's much of a problem. I could get a brush and clean the bottom myself.
2. What is the benefit of insulating the hearth?
I am thinking of using aluminum as a heat shield on the bottom and back of hearth. Has anyone tried this? In theory aluminum should reflect 95% of radiant heat back to the source. The replacement stove is shorter than the old one. I am planning on rasing it up on bricks to also keep it off the masonry.
3. Caulking/Sealants: I got high temp silicone RTV rated for up to 500 F, and stove and gasket cement rated at 2000 F. I was planning on using the RTV for sealing the register shelf and the cement around the pipe connections. I had to get an increaser since the stove outlet is smaller than the chimney liner by an inch.
Comments and advise are appreciated!
