Does this replacement sound good? Opinions please

[joel95ex]

First of all, if re-lining a factory chimney is not possible/safe, forget this whole idea. BUT

I am cosidering replacing the factory-built fireplace with either an Osburn Stratford or a Napoleon NZ26. for the chimney---the current setup is an unknown metal pipe---that is probably double-walled and the ID is 10". I am thinking about installing a Flex-King or Homesaver 6" liner with the insulation blanket. Is this acceptable? I am primarily concerned with safety. I am also considering DIY. as far as the zero clearance units, there is clearance behind the existing unit, I just feel more comfortable with them.... we don't need a huge fireplace, but would like to supplement the home's heat with wood. thanks

 

[southbalto]

In most cases you can't just drop a insulated stainless liner inside a metal flu servicing a zero clearance fireplace.

To do it right, you are probably going to have to take out the existing metal chimney (probably not all that difficult) and replace it with class A pipe (which can be placed as close as 2" to combustibles).

Tell me more about your setup. It's a zc fireplace that vents where? interior or exterior chimney?

 

[joel95ex]

the current disaster---er i mean fireplace is a superior factory built fireplace that is in a "corner" the wall in which it sits is diagonal in the room and the chimney is behind the wall....the ceiling is a high 9 to 10 ft ceiling.....the chimney goes directly through the attic and roof and is surrounded by a wood/siding exterior .... I haven't used it at all and won't use it. I was thinking that since the existing chimney is suitable for burning wood (fireplace specifies wood fuel only) that a stainless liner would improve it's safety since I am not sure of the current interior metal.

 

[joel95ex]

I originally thought I would replace the whole chimney, but the homesaver website has a "cap" for adapting and supporting a liner inside a factory chimney:

(broken link removed to http://www.hartshearth.com/productcart/pc/viewPrd.asp?idproduct=3501&idcategory=477)

 

[weezer4117]

you are going to be way to close to combustibles all the way around. (stove and chimney) i had the same idea, even bought a liner, but after weeks of chat on here it was in my best intrest to take out the zc and install class a chimney and build a hearth acceptible with my stove. VERY easy to do, i think it took me 2 hours to remove the majestic fireplace (zc). im sure that it has been done but all of the resistance that i got on here i just dont think i could sleep at night knowing ONE person suggested not to do if for safety reasons....

 

[southbalto]

you are going to be way to close to combustibles all the way around. (stove and chimney) i had the same idea, even bought a liner, but after weeks of chat on here it was in my best intrest to take out the zc and install class a chimney and build a hearth acceptible with my stove. VERY easy to do, i think it took me 2 hours to remove the majestic fireplace (zc). im sure that it has been done but all of the resistance that i got on here i just dont think i could sleep at night knowing ONE person suggested not to do if for safety reasons....

Yea, I ended up doing the same thing. It would of been really nice to just drop a 6 inch liner down my existing prefab fireplace but ended up going with new class a and hearth. I had a superior FP as well.

here's the link to my tearout/rebuild....I"m putting bluestone up on the wall protection this weekend.

https://www.hearth.com/talk/threads/50028/

 

[Fsappo]

Doesnt cost much more in time or labor to just toss a class A chimney in after tearing out the old junk.

 

[joel95ex]

The area behind the wall is open so I think the real issue is the chimney. And I think I am going to just put a full stainless class A in there and eliminate all doubt of whether or not it is ok. Anyone have recommendations regarding chimney brands? There are so many choices and any tips on what to look for would be appreciated.

 

[southbalto]

My FIL did a bunch of hvac work in the past and had access/the ability to buy direct from a warehouse. I think I paid about 1300 for a 23' out the wall system and that was before the 30% tax credit.

The product I uses was metal-fab TempGuard
http://www.mtlfab.com/allfuel.php

It was easy enough to put up and it's held up nicely.

 

[heatxchanger]

Joel95,

I believe both Osburn & Napoleon to be good brands. However I would definitely pick the Osburn Stratford zero clearance EPA fireplace over the Napoleon NZ26 zero clearance EPA fireplace. The main reason is the size of the fire box. The Osburn Stratford has a 2.5 cubic foot fire box where as the Napoleon NZ26 only has a 1.7 cubic foot fire box. A 1.7 cubic foot firebox is kinda small which means that you will have to add wood more frequently. Given the choice, I expect just about everybody on this forum would pick the 2.5 firebox over the 1.7. Lastly, I bet the Stratford costs less than the NZ26. Figure about $2200 for the Stratford with 2 built-in fans, and basic (black painted) doors and louvers. The optional gold plated door always adds quite a bit more to any stove/fireplace.