Installing stoves and inserts into existing masonry fireplaces - the potential dangers, etc.

[webbie]

In addition to the articles at our info area:
https://www.hearth.com/what/specific.php

I have posted the following new Wiki entry discussing the potential problems of proper clearances when installing stoves and inserts into masonry fireplaces. Furthermore, the entry discusses the danger of most Masonry fireplaces themselves....when used heavily (in event of power failure, etc.)

https://www.hearth.com/econtent/index.php/wiki/Masonry_Firepaces_-Not_up_to_Code/

 

[begreen]

Good article Craig.There is a huge difference in the temperature of the masonry in a fireplace used occasionally and one that is run 24/7. The picture says it all. We had a recent poster that was convinced that his wood against the masonry was ok because the inspectors approved it. But unfortunately that just shows that the inspectors were only concerned about current usage (with an insert) and not what might happen 10 years from now if at some point the insert was removed and the fireplace operation was restored.

It reminds me of back when I helped build a couple ocean going boats. Most of what is on the market are no more than a floating RVs. The builders don't seem to think much about the fact that people's lives are at stake.

 

[woodgeek]

Nice article. I got this was 'new' construction. How long was the fireplace run before the problem was 'evident'?

 

[webbie]

That unit had been in service for a couple years - maybe 2. But it was the power failure that made them run it very hot.....with the fire occurring after about a full 24+ hours of using it to try and keep the house above freezing.

This particular fireplace had another problem - the two rooms were on slightly different levels, so the floor joist band of the room behind (which caught fire) was higher up on the masonry structure than normal.

 

[elmoleaf]

Excellent information.
Quite often, we assume that because something is new, that it was built properly to code. Your example clearly shows this is not always the case.

It's also important to remember that the building code is a minimum standard. When someone says something is "built to code", that is NOT equal saying it's excellent or superior. The code is just the least standard required by officials, but that does not always mean it's the best or safest way to build something.