Fireplace too narrow

[Jarbear]

Hello, we are newcomers to this site. So far, I have found it very helpful, however, I was not able to find information relating to my specific problem. We shopped around a little for a wood burning insert last season and found out that our fireplace was too narrow at the back to accept most (if not all) inserts. At least, they would not install flush, which we want. I then saw one of those home makeover shows on TV where they installed an insert and knocked out some brick in the opening to accommodate it. So, now we are thinking that we could do the same to our fireplace. The fireplace opening is wider at the front than at the back. We are thinking that knocking out a couple of inches on each side in the back will do the trick and not affect the integrity of the structure. Has anyone ever had to do something like this, or heard of anyone having to do it? Or, does anyone know of a wood burning insert for very small fireplaces that can heat around 1200 sf? Any information or advice is much appreciated. Thanks.

 

[MountainStoveGuy]

The fireplace has to have the same integrity for handeling wood burning temps after modification. If removing bricks makes it impossible to burn wood, then it would not work for a insert. As for small inserts, here is one of many small inserts (broken link removed to http://www.quadrafire.com/products/inserts/woodInsertDetail.asp?f=2700i) Pull a permit, get more then one installer out for a opinion, ohh and get a permit.

 

[elkimmeg]

Do not believe every thing seen of TV. The Bricks you need to remover are fire bricks they are needed for proper solid masonry units for clearances to combustiables You are correct they should not be part of the structure of the chimney. A fire box is required either 12 " of solid masonry or 8" with the use of fire brick That is code. Remove the fire brick and you have just rendered the fireplace useless non code compliant

 

[kd460]

How about posting some dimensions so we can give you a hand trying to suggest a few units. Also, you get more heat from a unit that does protrude from the fireplace a little.

You are doing a good thing looking for an insert now, if you wait till the first cold snap, then you will probably get it in march. Good luck, KD

 

[Jarbear]

Hi again, thanks so much for the information.

The dimensions are as follows:

Opening width = 34 3/8"
Width at back = 13 1/2 " (this seems to be the problem)
Depth at top = 14 5/8 "
Depth at floor = 18 3/4 "
Height at front = 29"
Height at back = 29"
Hearth projects 20 1/2" into the room and is flush with the floor

As long as it does not come into the room too much, we will be happy. I want to avoid having to extend the hearth too much, if possible - we have a small house and can use all the room we can get.

 

[webbie]

Hello, we are newcomers to this site. So far, I have found it very helpful, however, I was not able to find information relating to my specific problem. We shopped around a little for a wood burning insert last season and found out that our fireplace was too narrow at the back to accept most (if not all) inserts. At least, they would not install flush, which we want. I then saw one of those home makeover shows on TV where they installed an insert and knocked out some brick in the opening to accommodate it. So, now we are thinking that we could do the same to our fireplace. The fireplace opening is wider at the front than at the back. We are thinking that knocking out a couple of inches on each side in the back will do the trick and not affect the integrity of the structure. Has anyone ever had to do something like this, or heard of anyone having to do it? Or, does anyone know of a wood burning insert for very small fireplaces that can heat around 1200 sf? Any information or advice is much appreciated. Thanks.

Contact Karen Duke or one of the other folks at the Victorian Fireplace.

They know more about small fireplaces than anyone....it is their specialty. Although they seem to be leaning toward mostly gas now, they should be able to at least head you in the right direction.

If it were me, I would forget the "flush" idea because that will mean it takes a very small log and probably not as much heat!

 

[elkimmeg]

I was thinking yo had a Runfor design but reviewed your dementions. Hot Flame you have a stove / insert that can be a free standing or insert and can be brought forward what kind was it and can you supply dementions?

 

[velvetfoot]

We put the Quadrafire 2700i, (broken link removed to http://quadrafire.com/downloads/installManuals/man_2700i.pdf) , into our prefabbed fireplace, but this is even smaller than that!

 

[begreen]

Hi again, thanks so much for the information.

The dimensions are as follows:

Opening width = 34 3/8"
Width at back = 13 1/2 " (this seems to be the problem)
Depth at top = 14 5/8 "
Depth at floor = 18 3/4 "
Height at front = 29"
Height at back = 29"
Hearth projects 20 1/2" into the room and is flush with the floor

As long as it does not come into the room too much, we will be happy. I want to avoid having to extend the hearth too much, if possible - we have a small house and can use all the room we can get.

Looks like the Lopi Answer might fit in there. I get the minimum fireplace dimension of 20 3/4" H x 23 5/8" W x 13.5" D - Hearth depth 19".

(broken link removed to http://www.lopistoves.com/product.asp?dept_id=5&sku=32)

 

[Todd]

Hello, we are newcomers to this site. So far, I have found it very helpful, however, I was not able to find information relating to my specific problem. We shopped around a little for a wood burning insert last season and found out that our fireplace was too narrow at the back to accept most (if not all) inserts. At least, they would not install flush, which we want. I then saw one of those home makeover shows on TV where they installed an insert and knocked out some brick in the opening to accommodate it. So, now we are thinking that we could do the same to our fireplace. The fireplace opening is wider at the front than at the back. We are thinking that knocking out a couple of inches on each side in the back will do the trick and not affect the integrity of the structure. Has anyone ever had to do something like this, or heard of anyone having to do it? Or, does anyone know of a wood burning insert for very small fireplaces that can heat around 1200 sf? Any information or advice is much appreciated. Thanks.

What about an hearth extention and a freestanding stove? You don't always need an insert for fireplaces. If your chimney is in good shape and the right size, you may not even have to reline it. You could use a block off plate and vent right up the chimney.

 

[Shane]

I made a 3d model of your firebox and I cannot find a wood insert that will fit. If anyone else finds some small ones let me know & I'll see if it works. Looking like a hearth stove is going to be your best bet.

 

[DonCT]

Do you think a Homestead would work for this? Half insert, half stove. Vented into the chimney.

(broken link removed to http://www.hearthstonestoves.com/wood_stoves/homestead/)

 

[Sundeep Arole]

I was thinking yo had a Runfor design but reviewed your dementions. Hot Flame you have a stove / insert that can be a free standing or insert and can be brought forward what kind was it and can you supply dementions?

I have a Lopi answer. The dimensions are 23.5" wide x 21" high X 14" deep. The stove sticks out 4" from the opening.
Lopi has the Revere which is wider and shorter, but it sticks out of the opening almost 10".

 

[Sundeep Arole]

Hi again, thanks so much for the information.

The dimensions are as follows:

Opening width = 34 3/8"
Width at back = 13 1/2 " (this seems to be the problem)
Depth at top = 14 5/8 "
Depth at floor = 18 3/4 "
Height at front = 29"
Height at back = 29"
Hearth projects 20 1/2" into the room and is flush with the floor

As long as it does not come into the room too much, we will be happy. I want to avoid having to extend the hearth too much, if possible - we have a small house and can use all the room we can get.

Have you considered something like the hearthstone homestead hearth mount option? Might just work for you if you can make the hearth a little bigger.
One thing about the Lopi answer is that it has a convection jacket around it, and so clearances to combustibles are less than other stoves. But you will need
to hammer bricks out for it to fit, which could be a dealbreaker.

 

[Todd]

Jarbear,
I agree with Hot Flame and DonCT. The Homestead just might work for you. Where are you located? It just so happens I have a 4 year old Homestead for sale ($800), if your interested PM me.

 

[Jarbear]

Thank you all so much for your input thus far. I am pretty sure we have decided to go with the Lopi Answer. It will stick out a little bit, and we might not even have to extend the hearth. We are shopping for it this week, so, you might hear from us again if we decide it won't work.

 

[begreen]

We'd love to hear from you again, even if it does work Jarbear. Send pictures too!