Insert vs. Stove and a Hearth Pad Question

[jazzbiker]

I'm looking at upgrading from my zero clearance Majestic to an Insert or a stove venting up the fireplace.
(my fireplace is approved for inserts...)
My options are the Quadra Fire 2700i ACC insert, a Buck 8 insert, or a Hearthstone Heritage Stove.
Question 1, on the hearth pad for the stove, I already have an 8-10 inch 1/2 in thick surround on the floor in front of fireplace. Would that have to come up or can I add a floor pad to raise the carpet even so the hearthpad sits even?

Question 2 Any overall opinions on any of the above? I've read posts on the Heritiage and am impressed with it's capabilities if the overall price isn't too bad.

Thanks!
Dave

 

[KaptJaq]

I'm looking at upgrading from my zero clearance Majestic to an Insert or a stove venting up the fireplace.
(my fireplace is approved for inserts...)
My options are the Quadra Fire 2700i ACC insert, a Buck 8 insert, or a Hearthstone Heritage Stove.
Question 1, on the hearth pad for the stove, I already have an 8-10 inch 1/2 in thick surround on the floor in front of fireplace. Would that have to come up or can I add a floor pad to raise the carpet even so the hearthpad sits even?

Question 2 Any overall opinions on any of the above? I've read posts on the Heritiage and am impressed with it's capabilities if the overall price isn't too bad.

Thanks!
Dave

Not exactly sure what your first question means. Pictures might help.

Some more information might make it easier to answer the second question. What are your goals for the stove/insert? Primary heat? Help offset heating bill? What is the layout of the house? etc

KaptJaq

 

[Sprinter]

I'm looking at upgrading from my zero clearance Majestic to an Insert or a stove venting up the fireplace.
(my fireplace is approved for inserts...)
My options are the Quadra Fire 2700i ACC insert, a Buck 8 insert, or a Hearthstone Heritage Stove.
Question 1, on the hearth pad for the stove, I already have an 8-10 inch 1/2 in thick surround on the floor in front of fireplace. Would that have to come up or can I add a floor pad to raise the carpet even so the hearthpad sits even?

Question 2 Any overall opinions on any of the above? I've read posts on the Heritiage and am impressed with it's capabilities if the overall price isn't too bad.

Thanks!
Dave

Welcome to the forum, jazzbiker.

Why are those three your only options?

Normally, you would need to decide between an insert or stove based on their respective merits. There are many good options for either that you can choose from once that is settled. If at all possible, it would be best if you could open up to more options.

We will need to know more about the fireplace and it's dimensions, type of chimney, etc. Is it on an outside wall with the masonry exposed to the outside or is it all indoors? An insert may be a good choice, but in some situations, a free standing stove may be more efficient in heating the house.

Pictures would help a lot.

If you go the stove route, it sounds like you want the hearth pad to be flush with the carpet. I just built mine that way with 1/4" HardiBacker board and porcelain tile after cutting out the carpet for it. The resulting thickness was just right for the carpet and it's all nicely flush.

 

[madison]

Another option, rather than shoehorning an insert into a zero clearance FP. The existing ZC FP can be removed, with opens up many other options.

 

[jazzbiker]

Thanks. here's the additional info.
the purpose of the insert/stove is emergency backup and suppliment to my geo thermal electric heat.
I don't expect it to warm the whole house or even the whole 1st floor.
The options are based on what local dealers have that will fit in the fireplace and my budget.
Replacing the fireplace would be cost prohibitive.
So I was really looking for feedback on these specific units and on the hearth pad question.

thanks,
Dave

 

[madison]

Understood. Removing a ZC insert could possibly not be a big deal - especially if it then reduces the costs of extending/modifying the existing hearth.

 

[jazzbiker]

Well the boss has stepped in and completely changed the question. She loves the Heritage stove but she wants it on an open wall connecting to the garage.
I like this setup too but I know it will add around $1200 in pipe cost. What I don't know is, how much more in labor? The pipe would go up, T into/through the wall into the garage and up through the garage roof.
Anyone care to hazzard a guess at the cost of labor for such an install? I have a pretty good feel for the materials at this point.

 

[Sprinter]

Well the boss has stepped in and completely changed the question. She loves the Heritage stove but she wants it on an open wall connecting to the garage.
I like this setup too but I know it will add around $1200 in pipe cost. What I don't know is, how much more in labor? The pipe would go up, T into/through the wall into the garage and up through the garage roof.
Anyone care to hazzard a guess at the cost of labor for such an install? I have a pretty good feel for the materials at this point.

Well the boss has stepped in and completely changed the question. She loves the Heritage stove but she wants it on an open wall connecting to the garage.
I like this setup too but I know it will add around $1200 in pipe cost. What I don't know is, how much more in labor? The pipe would go up, T into/through the wall into the garage and up through the garage roof.
Anyone care to hazzard a guess at the cost of labor for such an install? I have a pretty good feel for the materials at this point.

Not me. My labor cost was $400 but that was for a pretty straight-forward single story install. Need to know more about the house and what construction the the chimney has to go through, and roof details.

The dealer should be glad to come out and estimate the whole thing for you, tax and all. They may also be able to suggest alternatives for you with an on-site inspection.

 

[jazzbiker]

I am scheduling onsite estimates but it's the weekend so we're waiting and wondering...
Anyway I dont know if these pics are at all instructive, but here they are anyway..

Not me. My labor cost was $400 but that was for a pretty straight-forward single story install. Need to know more about the house and what construction the the chimney has to go through, and roof details.

The dealer should be glad to come out and estimate the whole thing for you, tax and all. They may also be able to suggest alternatives for you with an on-site inspection.

 

[jazzbiker]

my bubble just got busted on the pipe. since the pipe would be within 10ft of the 2nd story section J understand the chimney must be 3ft taller than the 2nd story roof. any idea on how much a chase costs?

thx

 

[madison]

Lost me with the chase aspect...

To transition the first wall, you will need Class A , then from that point to termination outside must remain all Class A.

Plus the thimbles and supports etc. I would guess that the $1200 is about right. In my signature link is somewhat similar install, but thru another living area, ceiling, then roof.

Clearances for Class A is 2".

If it does not go thru a living area where someone could reach and come in contact with the Class A, you do not need a chase, unless local codes or neighborhood housing association has rules.

Outside, same deal 2" clearance to structure.

Call your local building inspector to see if they have building codes that trump the standards And if you need a building permit.

 

[jazzbiker]

Thanks Madison. to clarify on the outside, are you saying the Chimney can terminate lower than the nearby main section of the house assuming class A?
Top diagram?




Thanks!

Lost me with the chase aspect...

To transition the first wall, you will need Class A , then from that point to termination outside must remain all Class A.

Plus the thimbles and supports etc. I would guess that the $1200 is about right. In my signature link is somewhat similar install, but thru another living area, ceiling, then roof.

Clearances for Class A is 2".

If it does not go thru a living area where someone could reach and come in contact with the Class A, you do not need a chase, unless local codes or neighborhood housing association has rules.

Outside, same deal 2" clearance to structure.

Call your local building inspector to see if they have building codes that trump the standards And if you need a building permit.

 

[madison]

The top drawing is a no.

The bottom drawing would depend on the pitch of the roof. Unless you mean the peak of the roof

 

[jazzbiker]

It looks like I'll pursue running out a the back of the house, and up through the eve of the main roof. roof pitch shouldnt be an issue as I can get 10 ft horizontal clearance. Remaining question will be the cost of building a chase to appease the hoa. thanks again