Insert in older heatilator-type firebox?

[cawebdude]

Hi- I need advice. I have a 1960s cabin with an old heatilator-type metal firebox. I would like to get a wood burning insert. I think it might be OK because the firebox is metal but it's surrounded by concrete and brick on the outside- see photos. The mantle is a little low but it's metal underneath. What type of wood burning insert could I get? The cabin is 1800 square feet with another source of heat. I don't want to rip out any of that old stone work around the fireplace. Any advice would be appreciated!

 

[begreen]

The wood wall mantel clearance could be an issue. I'm not sure if the metal shelf offers much protection because there is no air gap between it and the wood. What is the distance from the hearth to the bottom of the wood wall on top?

The firebox is generous so figuring out the top clearance will be the priority.

 

[cawebdude]

That wood mantel is part of the "heatilator-type" system-- it's a hollow metal box with wood slats attached to the front. It's got vents on the side where the warm air trickles out during normal use. So the only combustable material is the external slats. That said, it's about 10 inches from the top of the opening to the metal mantel.

 

[bholler]

That wood mantel is part of the "heatilator-type" system-- it's a hollow metal box with wood slats attached to the front. It's got vents on the side where the warm air trickles out during normal use. So the only combustable material is the external slats. That said, it's about 10 inches from the top of the opening to the metal mantel.

It is not psrt of the system it was a site built modification and on that should have never been made. Every part of that vent system needed to be non-combustible. And regardless the insert needs to be installed honoring all manufacturers clearance requirements i doubt that will meet them.

 

[begreen]

FWIW, I haven't seen a setup like this in the past 20 yrs. here.

 

[stovelark]

Never saw a wood wall like that right above a fireplace- too bad too, the stonework behind it is nice looking...

 

[EbS-P]

It doesn’t meet code now and didn’t when it was installed. Do you have any other locations where a free standing wood stove would work?