Fix fireplace, not use an insert

[RusticLion]

We love our wood burning fireplace. It’s got a rusted out hole above the firebox (metal) so we can’t use it. The estimates we’ve received mainly say to cut out the heater tubes, top of the firebox and then run a chimney liner and slap in an insert.

We don’t want an insert and would love to somehow fix this instead to continue using it.
We don’t use it for our main heat source and just love the ambience of the fireplace crackling.

Not sure our options. Can we completely cut out the firebox and rebuild it with masonry? I’ve researched a bit on the HeatShield PriorFire Retrofit system as well but not sure if that would work.

Any and all ideas welcome. Some pics attached.

 

[bholler]

We love our wood burning fireplace. It’s got a rusted out hole above the firebox (metal) so we can’t use it. The estimates we’ve received mainly say to cut out the heater tubes, top of the firebox and then run a chimney liner and slap in an insert.

We don’t want an insert and would love to somehow fix this instead to continue using it.
We don’t use it for our main heat source and just love the ambience of the fireplace crackling.

Not sure our options. Can we completely cut out the firebox and rebuild it with masonry? I’ve researched a bit on the HeatShield PriorFire Retrofit system as well but not sure if that would work.

Any and all ideas welcome. Some pics attached.

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Yes it can be cut out and replaced with masonry. It isn't cheap. Definitely more than an insert

 

[RusticLion]

Yes it can be cut out and replaced with masonry. It isn't cheap. Definitely more than an insert

Thanks!
Ballpark on repair?
We got a few bids around $4,500 for the insert and liner.

 

[bholler]

Thanks!
Ballpark on repair?
We got a few bids around $4,500 for the insert and liner.

It depends whether the existing clay liners are in good condition and built to code. Minimum $5000 but probably more like $6000 just for a new box. Very possibly $10000 for the box and a liner

 

[RusticLion]

It depends whether the existing clay liners are in good condition and built to code. Minimum $5000 but probably more like $6000 just for a new box. Very possibly $10000 for the box and a liner

Appreciate it!

 

[bholler]

Appreciate it!

It is also a bit concerning that who ever added the stone veneer covered the vent coming from those tubes. You really can't do that. And if they messed that up is the rest done properly?

 

[RusticLion]

It is also a bit concerning that who ever added the stone veneer covered the vent coming from those tubes. You really can't do that. And if they messed that up is the rest done properly?

It’s tough to see in the pics but there are vent openings in the stonework for the tubes.

 

[bholler]

It’s tough to see in the pics but there are vent openings in the stonework for the tubes.

Ok cool