Hello seasoned hearthers!
I'm looking to install a wood insert into the fireplace of my 1950s un-insulated 800sf cottage in southern Ontario Canada. We like to spend time there not just June-Sept, but also into the cooler shoulder seasons.
I got quote from a local installer for four different inserts. They didn't really answer my questions, which brings me here, to hearth.com, so that I can really understand the issues when I'm getting a quote from someone else
The fireplace is in the middle of our open living/dining dining room with high ceilings. It's a stone shell, with an old steel firebox. (see attached photos)
I want a simple modern insert (like a Morso 5660b or a STUV 16) that sits flush with the stone. (See attached collage for an idea)
I know it's not as thermally efficient to have it flush, but my goal is to add a bit of heat to make the chilly visits more comfortable, and to dry out the damp—I'm not expecting that this insert will provide full heating to the cottage. Also don't want a blower - there's no electrical near the fireplace and I want simplicity.
The quotes for all four inserts included several hundred dollars for a hearth rug and when I asked about that, they said that the existing hearth wasn't deep enough.
That's when I took my own measurements and drew it up, and compared it to the inserts I wanted, and realized that none of them, installed inside the existing steel firebox, would have been flush with the stone, they would be sticking out 4-6" and that's why the existing 19" hearth isn't enough.
I asked about modifying the firebox at the back corners (to square it up a bit) - like cutting into the sides and welding new steel, so that the firebox is big enough to fit the inserts. They said no way.
Which I don't understand.
Why can't I have a welder modify the firebox to make it a bit wider at the back corners?
I also don't want to have a hearth rug, and think that enlarging the existing hearth would be tricky (or maybe not?)
I would also be willing to look at installing a small stove in the fireplace if it's way more thermally efficient and easier to install.
Thanks in advance for your input and advice!
Anne
I'm looking to install a wood insert into the fireplace of my 1950s un-insulated 800sf cottage in southern Ontario Canada. We like to spend time there not just June-Sept, but also into the cooler shoulder seasons.
I got quote from a local installer for four different inserts. They didn't really answer my questions, which brings me here, to hearth.com, so that I can really understand the issues when I'm getting a quote from someone else
The fireplace is in the middle of our open living/dining dining room with high ceilings. It's a stone shell, with an old steel firebox. (see attached photos)
I want a simple modern insert (like a Morso 5660b or a STUV 16) that sits flush with the stone. (See attached collage for an idea)
I know it's not as thermally efficient to have it flush, but my goal is to add a bit of heat to make the chilly visits more comfortable, and to dry out the damp—I'm not expecting that this insert will provide full heating to the cottage. Also don't want a blower - there's no electrical near the fireplace and I want simplicity.
The quotes for all four inserts included several hundred dollars for a hearth rug and when I asked about that, they said that the existing hearth wasn't deep enough.
That's when I took my own measurements and drew it up, and compared it to the inserts I wanted, and realized that none of them, installed inside the existing steel firebox, would have been flush with the stone, they would be sticking out 4-6" and that's why the existing 19" hearth isn't enough.
I asked about modifying the firebox at the back corners (to square it up a bit) - like cutting into the sides and welding new steel, so that the firebox is big enough to fit the inserts. They said no way.
Which I don't understand.
Why can't I have a welder modify the firebox to make it a bit wider at the back corners?
I also don't want to have a hearth rug, and think that enlarging the existing hearth would be tricky (or maybe not?)
I would also be willing to look at installing a small stove in the fireplace if it's way more thermally efficient and easier to install.
Thanks in advance for your input and advice!
Anne