I’ve searched and searched and searched… is it necessary to have an airtight sealed surround on our Buck 91 insert? (Photos for reference. )
I understand following Manufacturer’s guidelines, and we do have the manual for the stove; but I’m confused as to the requirement, and/or benefit(s), of an airtight surround. As far as I can tell, the surround is an aesthetic option. The manual describes how to seal the surround when the stove is installed as an insert in an existing masonry fireplace. The manual also describes installation as a free-standing stove. If the stove will also operate free-standing, what is the benefit of an airtight surround?
A little background… the Buck 91 was in our home when we purchased it 8 yrs ago, installed as an insert. The surround was installed, but has never been sealed airtight. I’ve removed the surround and installed a block-off plate, but I did not seal the surround when I replaced it. We have a full length 8” insulated liner from the stove to the top of the chimney (approx 35’). The stove ran really well our first 2 years, or so we thought. Upon realizing the catalyst had been removed at some point in its life, I added a new cat housing, cat, lower shield, and all of the required gaskets. I replaced the windows and door gaskets also. Since then, our Buck runs fantastic!
I’ve read some posts here about insulating fireplaces when using an insert, which got me to thinking about possibly removing our surround, especially if it may put more heat in the house. The stonework on our actual fireplace is hot/warm to the touch when the stove is cruising. I’ve also noticed we have some type of clean out (for an ash dump I assume) on the exterior of the chimney - visible just below the tailgate in the photo. I didn’t find an ash dump in the floor of the fireplace when I did the block-off plate, but I didn’t look that hard thinking it would be obvious. I am going to stuff some mineral wool insulation into the clean out cavity this fall and see if we notice any difference - which we may if somehow the stove is pulling air through it.
There is an incredible wealth of knowledge here; again, I appreciate your willingness to share some with me!
![[Hearth.com] Buck 91 Surround necessary?](https://www.hearth.com/talk/attachments/img_1732-webp.349189/ "[Hearth.com] Buck 91 Surround necessary?")
![[Hearth.com] Buck 91 Surround necessary?](https://www.hearth.com/talk/attachments/img_0360-webp.349188/ "[Hearth.com] Buck 91 Surround necessary?")
I understand following Manufacturer’s guidelines, and we do have the manual for the stove; but I’m confused as to the requirement, and/or benefit(s), of an airtight surround. As far as I can tell, the surround is an aesthetic option. The manual describes how to seal the surround when the stove is installed as an insert in an existing masonry fireplace. The manual also describes installation as a free-standing stove. If the stove will also operate free-standing, what is the benefit of an airtight surround?
A little background… the Buck 91 was in our home when we purchased it 8 yrs ago, installed as an insert. The surround was installed, but has never been sealed airtight. I’ve removed the surround and installed a block-off plate, but I did not seal the surround when I replaced it. We have a full length 8” insulated liner from the stove to the top of the chimney (approx 35’). The stove ran really well our first 2 years, or so we thought. Upon realizing the catalyst had been removed at some point in its life, I added a new cat housing, cat, lower shield, and all of the required gaskets. I replaced the windows and door gaskets also. Since then, our Buck runs fantastic!
I’ve read some posts here about insulating fireplaces when using an insert, which got me to thinking about possibly removing our surround, especially if it may put more heat in the house. The stonework on our actual fireplace is hot/warm to the touch when the stove is cruising. I’ve also noticed we have some type of clean out (for an ash dump I assume) on the exterior of the chimney - visible just below the tailgate in the photo. I didn’t find an ash dump in the floor of the fireplace when I did the block-off plate, but I didn’t look that hard thinking it would be obvious. I am going to stuff some mineral wool insulation into the clean out cavity this fall and see if we notice any difference - which we may if somehow the stove is pulling air through it.
There is an incredible wealth of knowledge here; again, I appreciate your willingness to share some with me!
