Insulating wood burning insert .

[Dmitry]

First of all, thanks to

Grisu. Just got an insert based on his advice. It was $ 1000 over budget but unit well worth it, I think. Got large flush hybrid insert from Travis ind.,

Now the question : Majority of the insert is in fireplace enclosure , Does it make sense to insulate the insert with some kind of insulation, Like Roxul or the kind that used for the liner. The chimney is inside of the house , but there is a lot of brick around it, It's another chimneys from downstairs furnace and downstairs fireplace.
Wondering if I can put insulation on fireplace surrounding walls to retain all the heat. I'm planning to insulate liner and make sure no heat escapes trough it as well.

 

[bholler]

You could put some insulation in lining the fire box i dont think it is a good idea to pack it full around the insert. But being that it is an interior fireplace i would not I would let the insert heat up that masonry

 

[mark cline]

I can't really answer your question out right , but it seems that I have read a thread about the same problem on this forum last year. Do a search on this forum and you should find it.

 

[bholler]

I would say absolutely do it if it was and exterior fireplace but not in your case

 

[Dmitry]

If I'm gonna insulate the firebox , can I put Roxul insul or may be kind that used for liner?
Did the search befor posting , found nothing on forums.

 

[bholler]

Yes that is what you would do but i would let some room around the insert a few on here have packed the space completely full and i don't think that is a good idea. But on exterior chimney installs we always line the fire box with foil faced insulation before sliding the insert in

 

[Dmitry]

Is this some special insulation?

 

[tigger]

I just lined mine with roxul based on the recommendation from my inspector. Melting point of roxul is 2100 degrees. I've got bigger problems if it gets that hot back there.

 

[begreen]

This is a new insert. We don't have a lot of history on it. I would not insulate unless Travis gives you their blessings.

 

[Grisu]

Thanks a lot for the flowers; it was not really anything special what I did. I hope you will enjoy the insert.

I don't quite understand why you want to insulate around it when you have an interior chimney. Any heat that will be "stuck" inside the fireplace cavity will warm up the bricks which will release it over many, many hours into the house. You are getting the effect of a masonry heater for a fraction of the cost. It truly works; I have the same setup. I can step in the stairwell behind our fireplace hours after the fire has died down and feel the glow of the radiant heat coming from the bricks. Just make sure to have a block-off plate in place with some Roxul on top at best. That way you don't lose unnecessary heat up the chimney. The rest will find its way into the house sooner or later.

 

[Funk Brother]

Howdy - I don't have much time, but here is a link to an old thread. My take on this question starts at the end of the first page. https://www.hearth.com/talk/threads/kaowool-behind-the-insert.11684/ Latest and greatest thoughts, years later: applying ceramic insulation directly to a stove is probably a bad idea cause it could lead to overheating and warping or cracks in the stove. That being said, I contend that the masonry at the back and sides of a fireplace firebox is indeed a major heat sink and that it's a very good idea to insulate that area. Also, I canned the "surround" part of my insert setup early on have never regretted it. The fan in the insert helps but radiant heat still rules.
This I believe.
Buena suerte.