Compromised heatilator ok?

[PhoKingNoodleCat]

Trying to install a stove insert into my fire place. I have removed the damper door, but I also had to cut into the back of the fire box and the smoke shelf, so the "back side of the heatilator is exposed to the inside of the fire box? Is that acceptable or do I need to box that all in with sheet metal?

I am beyond frustrated with this project and outside of my normal skill sets in trying to do this sheet metal fab. I dont want to burn the place down, but also I am ready to burn this place down, lol.

 

[bholler]

Trying to install a stove insert into my fire place. I have removed the damper door, but I also had to cut into the back of the fire box and the smoke shelf, so the "back side of the heatilator is exposed to the inside of the fire box? Is that acceptable or do I need to box that all in with sheet metal?

I am beyond frustrated with this project and outside of my normal skill sets in trying to do this sheet metal fab. I dont want to burn the place down, but also I am ready to burn this place down, lol.

It is fine but you will want to seal it all off with a block off plate. And block off the vents

 

[PhoKingNoodleCat]

It is fine but you will want to seal it all off with a block off plate. And block off the vents

When you say to seal it all off, are you referring to vertically or where I have cut into the back section of the heatilator?

 

[bholler]

When you say to seal it all off, are you referring to vertically or where I have cut into the back section of the heatilator?

I am talking about sealing off the whole area around your new liner so no other air can go up around it

 

[KpR]

I had to do the same thing with my setup, and it worked out fine. But as bholler recommended, a block off plate is a must.
Just search for block off plate on the forum and you’ll find plenty of resources on how to do it. Post some pics as you progress if you can.

 

[KpR]

Here you go: https://www.hearth.com/talk/threads...ock-off-plate-for-a-masonry-fireplace.147679/