Converting a gas Fireplace to Wood Burning Stove HELP.

[mike.cal]

Hello Everyone,

I need some help. I want to make sure that I do the right job and that whatever I do is safe. I recently bought a home, with a gas fireplace. The inspector said that the fireplace in its current condition is dangerous and that it used to be a wood fireplace and was covered to gas. I asked if I could slide in a wood stove insert and he said that would work. So I bought a Lennox Country wood stove insert yesterday from someone that is in excellent condition.

What I know:

-The fireplace flue is metal from the current insert to the top and extends 3+ feet from the roof.
-Have to Cap the gas line of course.

Problems:

-Behind the gas insert there is no brick! so the brick is just for show apparently.
- Looks like the insert was slid in and bricked in. I guess Ill have to break the brick to take it out.


What do I need to know to do this job safely. Do I need to install brick inside the entire opening? or does the current metal insert stay and the hardware comes out?

What about piping from the stove insert? does it connect airtight to the other piping and the damper comes out or does a smaller pipe go up?

Any input would be appreciated.

See picture

http://s44.photobucket.com/user/mikecal89/library/?sort=3&evt=email_share_media&page=1


Mike

 

[mike.cal]

http://s44.photobucket.com/user/mikecal89/library/?sort=3&evt=email_share_media&page=1

 

[bholler]

What model is your fireplace? Regardless you cannot put that insert in there. And most zeroclearance fireplaces like yours dont allow any inserts to be installed in them. But without knowing what fireplace you have we have no way to know. But i will repeat you cannot put that insert in that fireplace.

 

[mike.cal]

What model is your fireplace? Regardless you cannot put that insert in there. And most zeroclearance fireplaces like yours dont allow any inserts to be installed in them. But without knowing what fireplace you have we have no way to know. But i will repeat you cannot put that insert in that fireplace.

Idk what fireplace brand. Came with the house, inspection can back, not to use. As I said it was converter once before from wood to gas. The stove is in the pictures Lennox country. Don't know the model either. Regardless of if it should or shouldn't. How can it be converted to work? Do i have to rip it all out and redo the entire thing? There is about 2 1/2 + of clearance behind and around the current setup.

 

[bholler]

Idk what fireplace brand. Came with the house, inspection can back, not to use. As I said it was converter once before from wood to gas. The stove is in the pictures Lennox country. Don't know the model either. Regardless of if it should or shouldn't. How can it be converted to work? Do i have to rip it all out and redo the entire thing? There is about 2 1/2 + of clearance behind and around the current setup.

To put that insert in that space you would need to tear everything out and build a masonry fireplace and chimney complete with the foundation to support it. Or you could tear out that fireplace and chimney build an alcove and put a freestanding stove there. Or replace the fireplace with a new zero clearance unit.

 

[webby3650]

I'll start first by saying most home inspectors don't know their ass from a hole in the ground when it comes to fireplaces, or stoves. Reputable inspectors will have you get an opinion from a fireplace specialist.

You cannot use that insert no matter what... there are some inserts that are approved for fireplaces like yours, although that comes with a bit of controversy though. I'm sure that's gonna come up right about now...
There should be an ID tag somewhere in the fireplace, near the front. Look on each side behind the folded up screens. If you can find the manufacturer, you can order a replacement side firebrick panel.

I'm not following when you said there's no brick behind the fireplace? This is a Zero Clearance fireplace, it's designed to be installed into a wood framed wall, that's also the reason the insert won't work.

 

[mike.cal]

To put that insert in that space you would need to tear everything out and build a masonry fireplace and chimney complete with the foundation to support it. Or you could tear out that fireplace and chimney build an alcove and put a freestanding stove there. Or replace the fireplace with a new zero clearance unit.

I see, even now for me to replace the zero clearance unit i have to take out the brick on front. Because whenever they made it,they bricked in the insert. So it literally won't slide out without breaking one or the other. If I am going to have to do that I might as well redo the entire thing. Wood burning stoves and inserts have used metal flues. At least the ones ive seen.Why would I have to do an entire brick chimney with inserted tube and not use the existing metal one?

 

[mike.cal]

I'll start first by saying most home inspectors don't know their ass from a hole in the ground when it comes to fireplaces, or stoves. Reputable inspectors will have you get an opinion from a fireplace specialist.

You cannot use that insert no matter what... there are some inserts that are approved for fireplaces like yours, although that comes with a bit of controversy though. I'm sure that's gonna come up right about now...
There should be an ID tag somewhere in the fireplace, near the front. Look on each side behind the folded up screens. If you can find the manufacturer, you can order a replacement side firebrick panel.

I'm not following when you said there's no brick behind the fireplace? This is a Zero Clearance fireplace, it's designed to be installed into a wood framed wall, that's also the reason the insert won't work.

Yea he clearly didn't know a rats ass. He's like yea it'll slide right in. So my dumb ass went picked it up without tearing into the old one. i have the side brick panel for it. the entire gas mechanisim is shot tho. It won't shut and has to be manually lit. So it had to be capped. It's a pretty good hazard. According to county records, the fireplace was a wood fireplace. It was remodeled and converted to this for a rental property. What I was expecting was a brick surround with an insert in it. Turns out the brick was just for looks and no brick box was made. So it brings me to the factor if I want to just have a real brick fireplace done to place an insert like such then it all has to go. And if so then i don't know if they would have to lay brick all the way up, reuse the chimney or install a new one.

 

[webby3650]

I see, even now for me to replace the zero clearance unit is have to take out the brick. Because whenever made it, bricked in the insert. So it literally won't slide out without breaking one or the other. If I am going to have to do that I might as well redo the entire thing. Wood burning stoves and inserts have used metal flues. Wht would I have to do an entire brick chimney with inserted tube and not use the existing metal one?

I think we have a terminology issue here. What you have is not an insert. The stove you are intending to "insert" is in fact an insert. An insert must have a fireplace to be inserted into. You have zero clearance fireplace. It uses a metal pipe, but it's built to minimums, it's not designed to handle the heat that a stove will send up the flue. It cannot handle it.

It appears to be installed correctly, your inspector is just uneducated in the matter..

 

[mike.cal]

I think we have a terminology issue here. What you have is not an insert. The stove you are intending to "insert" is in fact an insert. An insert must have a fireplace to be inserted into. You have zero clearance fireplace. It uses a metal pipe, but it's built to minimums, it's not designed to handle the heat that a stove will send up the flue. It cannot handle it.

It appears to be installed correctly, your inspector is just uneducated in the matter..

I Understood now. Thank you

 

[webby3650]

The chimney is not reusable. Rather than build a masonry fireplace, look into Zero Clearance high efficiency fireplaces. It will function similarly to a woodstove, but can be built in like your current fireplace. Only a fraction of the cost of a masonry and an insert.

 

[mike.cal]

The chimney is not reusable. Rather than build a masonry fireplace, look into Zero Clearance high efficiency fireplaces. It will function similarly to a woodstove, but can be built in like your current fireplace. Only a fraction of the cost of a masonry and an insert.[/QUOTE
]
Thank you!

 

[webby3650]

We often replace old inefficient units like yours with this one. It's usually an easy fit. http://www.kozyheat.com/product/z42...fdom=adwords&gclid=CJ-S34XbstYCFYuKfgodZeYOZw

 

[mike.cal]

We often replace old inefficient units like yours with this one. It's usually an easy fit. http://www.kozyheat.com/product/z42...fdom=adwords&gclid=CJ-S34XbstYCFYuKfgodZeYOZw

This is actually pretty nice. Assuming this still will require a little work and won't be a simple slide in correct ? Lol

 

[bholler]

Yes i totally agree with webby. I was not seriously sugesting it made any sense to build a fireplace to put that insert in. But you asked what it would take to install that insert. Obviously my second 2 suggestions are much more reasonable options.

 

[webby3650]

This is actually pretty nice. Assuming this still will require a little work and won't be a simple slide in correct ? Lol

Not simple at all... just a possibility. You will be limited in your options, but this a good performer and usually a good fit.

 

[mike.cal]

Yes i totally agree with webby. I was not seriously sugesting it made any sense to build a fireplace to put that insert in. But you asked what it would take to install that insert. Obviously my second 2 suggestions are much more reasonable options.

Yea I'm sorry, i know little about fireplaces. I did construction mostly on warmer climates. No need for it. Here I need one for my self! Lol

 

[bholler]

This is actually pretty nice. Assuming this still will require a little work and won't be a simple slide in correct ? Lol

No it is allot more than a simple slide in. The chimney will still need replaced. Framing may need altered. As far as switching the unit out it is usually easier to open up from behind and switch the units that way.

 

[mike.cal]

Not simple at all... just a possibility. You will be limited in your options, but this a good performer and usually a good fit.

I figured. Guess it's time to call it and hire someone.. i appreciate your input !

 

[bholler]

Yea I'm sorry, i know little about fireplaces. I did construction mostly on warmer climates. No need for it. Here I need one for my self! Lol

No reason to apologize at all.

 

[webby3650]

No reason to apologize at all.

I agree. Hopefully we saved you lot of money and time by getting you on the right track.