Custom Lopi Declaration Install

[rfalk]

Hi,
We finally finished a custom install of a Lopi Declaration in our 1927 English Tudor home and I thought I would share some pictures. As you can see from the first picture (before install), we had an existing inefficient fireplace and a hearth that was in need of cleaning after 80 years of use. I wanted to get more heat out of the fireplace but wanted to preserve the arch in the hearth. So, I wasn't interested in using a stock Lopi stove front and rectangular surround that would have covered the arched stone. I also wanted the stove to be as unobtrusive as possible, but still provide some heat. After much research, I determined that the Declaration was the best stove for our situation.

I cleaned the stone (TSP and elbow grease) and repointed all the mortar. I tore out the existing floor stone, cut out some hardwood flooring and reinforced the floor. Next, I found a local tile artist who made by hand and installed custom tile that are a random pattern of individual tile tree leaves (see photo). I then installed the insert (blockoff plate and 35' of pipe up our massive stone chimney) and insulated the whole cavity around the pipe with perlite (I have posted messages on this in the past). Finally, I found a very talented local blacksmith who made the custom surround with hand hammered steel plate and a oak leaf and acorn motif (to match the tile). The hammered black iron matches other original ironwork in the house (railing, light fixtures).

I am a woodworker, so I turned some ebony acorns on my lathe to serve as a knob for the upper bypass and as handles for the doors. Finally, I wanted to hide the fan wiring, so routed it under the mortar between the stones to a wall mounted control behind the mantle so it wouldn't show.

The stove heats well and we have cut our heating bills in half.

My few complaints (relatively minor):
1) The fan is a little noisy (but admittedly, much better than most inserts).
2) The stove whistles (I have changed the door gaskets and that didn't solve problem). I'm wondering if with my 35' of pipe (maximum allowed by Lopi) the draft is so great that the firebox air intake is overtaxed and whistles as the air rushes by it, but I don't know where the intake is so haven't gone any further in trying to solve the problem....its really not that big a deal as after the fire settles down from initial burn, it stops whistling.
3) Burn time (heat output ) not as long as advertised (though I do have small hot coals after 10-12 hours). I usually get about 6-8 hours of heat output.

Cheers, Bob

 

[wolfkiller]

Very nice job. I would guess that your tall stack is pulling so hard it is making the wistling soud sucking air through your air dampner. I dont know a fix though.

 

[Pagey]

That's a beautiful installation! Kudos to taking your time and putting in the extra effort. I have a Lopi Endeavor (free standing stove), and on a windy enough day I get a whistle from time to time as well. Enjoy that beautiful, efficient fireplace!

 

[eba1225]

rf,

Nice job on that Lopi.

Regarding the whistle I have recently been experiencing when I have a really full flaming fire going when I close the doors. After about 2 mins of the doors close the whistle stops. (My liner is 20' ft long).

My burn times are very similiar to yours, not as good as they advertise.

Erik

 

[TKeller]

I have a lopi freedom insert in a interior 20 ft. riverrock stone fireplace. No whistle and no hum from the blower. I am also disappointed in the burntimes. But the main comment I wanted to say was congratulations on a BEAUTIFUL fireplace. And I like woodworking also! Tony

 

[rfalk]

Thanks for the kind comments....its been a fun, if tiring, project. Cheers, Bob

 

[Max Headroom]

My few complaints (relatively minor):
1) The fan is a little noisy (but admittedly, much better than most inserts).
2) The stove whistles (I have changed the door gaskets and that didn’t solve problem). I’m wondering if with my 35’ of pipe (maximum allowed by Lopi) the draft is so great that the firebox air intake is overtaxed and whistles as the air rushes by it, but I don’t know where the intake is so haven’t gone any further in trying to solve the problem....its really not that big a deal as after the fire settles down from initial burn, it stops whistling.
3) Burn time (heat output ) not as long as advertised (though I do have small hot coals after 10-12 hours). I usually get about 6-8 hours of heat output.

This is my first year with the Declaration and my experience is very similar. I have a 30+ foot flue (external masonry) and get the same whistle early on. Burn times map pretty closely as well. It sure does throw a lot of heat. Nice job on the install!

 

[cgeiger]

Bob - that is a beautiful installation. The quality of workmanship is outstanding and imaginitive. Without seeing pics of the rest of your home architecture and decor style I'll bet that hearth and stove fit right in. Kudos for the excellent work and enjoy that fire!

 

[bren582]

Wow, That's a beautiful fireplace coupled with a class A custom install. Eye candy all the way.. Kind of reminds me of a Tolkien novel..

 

[RonB]

A beautiful custom installation..looks like a magazine ad!

 

[rfalk]

Wow, That's a beautiful fireplace coupled with a class A custom install. Eye candy all the way.. Kind of reminds me of a Tolkien novel..

Tolkien.......Even as big a fan as I am of the Lord of the Rings series, it was never on my mind as we were designing this......in any case, that's high praise. Thanks!

I forgot to mention that I also installed a couple clay chimney pots during the chimney install that I had salvaged from a house demo.....pictures attached. You can also just barely see my Holz Hauzen in the far right corner of the picture....I also post a picture of the series of HH I constructed this year....they are disappearing fast....its 0 degrees in Madison today. Bob

 

[brogsie]

Nice job Bob. Thats a great looking install.

 

[Pagey]

Ummm, yeah, that's a big arse tree in that bottom pic! What is that?

 

[rfalk]

Red Oaks.....have an even bigger Black Walnut in the backyard (about 4' DBH (diameter breast high....common tree measuring term)....bob

 

[AbeAinPa]

Hey, great install, very attractive.

I'm currently finishing up a recessed install of a Declaration as well. Not quite as ambitious as yours, but the recess, hidden cord, etc. does make it challenging. Hope to finish this weekend. Can't wait!

 

[jbroich]

That is absolutely beautiful. Good job on planning and executing a very high-quality, high class job.
I, too, have the Declaration. I, too, have a chimney run as tall as yours. I, too, have the whistle.
I am still learning how to operate this thing at maximum efficiency under all conditions. It's been fun. I really, really like mine.

 

[johnn]

rfalk: SUPER Hats off to all the tradesmen, having a hand in that install! Wasn`t surprised to see your covers for your wood piles,,,natural blend camo,,,nice again.