Fireplace to Wood Insert Mason question--

[Pantucci]

Hello forum!

I want to switch my fireplace to a wood-burning insert. (See pics below). The local Hearth co. was concerned about the wood framing (4x4 between the 1 layer of brick and the FP) and were pretty useless otherwise for answers. They suggested I have a mason take a look at it. Before I do, any warning signs, tips, etc from masons out there that can take a look and give some advice on my situation? thx



Before I do, can anyone with a masonry background take a look and shed any light? thx

 

[begreen]

What is the make and model of the fireplace?

If this is a wood zc fireplace, then the option to install an insert will require looking at the fireplace documents to see if this is even allowed.

 

[yooper08]

Given the way it looks on the surface, it looks like the brick is just a facade and there's probably little masonry in there. Plus the way the actual fireplace looks. Hence begreen's question about whether it's a zero clearance unit, and if so, need to check the documentation.

The biggest giveaway that this is a zero clearance unit though is the wood framing.

If you have someone inspect it, don't have it be a mason - the person should be a certified sweep. A mason may have a general concept of fire codes at best.

 

[kennyp2339]

Also chimney, what kind of chimney do you have? full brick masonry with clay tiles (inside guts) would lead me to believe its possibly a masonry fireplace, all metal chimney surrounded by a wood chase would make me believe its a zero clearance unit.

 

[bholler]

It clearly is a zero clearance fireplace. And most of them do not allow wood around the opening like that. But without a make and model we cant be sure of that. I am positive you cant put an insert in it like that and i am doubtfull it is safe to use as is.

 

[yooper08]

It clearly is a zero clearance fireplace. And most of them do not allow wood around the opening like that. But without a make and model we cant be sure of that. I am positive you cant put an insert in it like that and i am doubtfull it is safe to use as is.

I've wondered this since zc units come up a lot, but can you rip out a zc unit and replace it with one of the EPA fireplaces that kind of are inserts? Obviously provided the new one is also zc. Is that a viable option?

 

[bholler]

I've wondered this since zc units come up a lot, but can you rip out a zc unit and replace it with one of the EPA fireplaces that kind of are inserts? Obviously provided the new one is also zc. Is that a viable option?

Yes you ca n replace the whole unit but not with an insert. You need to replace it with a fireplace

 

[yooper08]

Got it, so Pantucci, instead of an insert, something like this would work (not saying this particular one, but something like it).
(broken link removed to http://www.woodlanddirect.com/Osburn-Stratford-Zero-Clearance-Wood-Stove-Fireplace-Large?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI47qkprC82QIVRrbACh034Q3zEAQYAiABEgJyC_D_BwE)